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Science News for April 7, 2023


Birch reduction simplified to a one-minute mechanochemical process

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a simplified Birch reduction method that avoids liquid ammonia and can be carried out in ambient air, making it faster and more eco-friendly. The mechanochemical approach uses a ball mill to break through the surface layer on lithium metal, enabling the Birch reduction to proceed.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 7, 2023

New research: Policies that aim to increase the supply of teachers may also lower teacher pay, thereby perpetuating the cycle of teacher shortages

New research reveals that expanded alternative licensure pathways can lead to attenuated pay for new elementary school teachers. The study found that districts hiring more than 50% of their new teachers through alternative routes experienced stagnating teacher pay after policy implementation.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalAmerican Educational Research Journal·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 7, 2023

Two-organ chip to answer fatty liver questions

Researchers created the integrated-gut-liver-on-a-chip platform to examine how gut and liver cells interact, particularly in relation to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The study showed significant changes in gene expression and DNA damage when free fatty acids were introduced, leading to cell death similar to severe cases of NAFLD.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 7, 2023

nTIDE March 2023 jobs report: people with disabilities maintain record labor force participation rate, outperforming people without disabilities

The labor force participation rate for people with disabilities increased to a record 40.2% in March 2023, surpassing the rate for those without disabilities (77.6%). This growth reflects an ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and may be driven by factors such as increased job opportunities and family needs.

Researchers find comprehensive sex education reduces homophobia, transphobia

A randomized controlled trial of High School FLASH, an LGBTQIA+ inclusive evidence-based sex education curriculum, found that the program reduced homophobic and transphobic beliefs among both LGBTQ and straight/cisgender students. The study also showed improved feelings of safety and connection to peers among LGBTQ students.

SourceDfusion (United States)·JournalPrevention Science·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 7, 2023

“We were dancing around the lab” – cellular identity discovery has potential to impact cancer treatments

Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have discovered a new process that explains why cells have unique identities. By studying Polycomb protein complexes, the team found that different forms of these proteins recruit distinct complexes to DNA, shedding light on cellular identity and its potential impact on cancer treatments.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalMolecular Cell·DateApr 7, 2023

Internet access must become human right or we risk ever-widening inequality

A new study calls for internet access to be declared a basic human right to address socio-economic disparities. In developing countries, internet access can determine education, healthcare, housing, and employment outcomes. The study advocates for free internet access and digital skills training to ensure equal opportunities.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalPolitics Philosophy & Economics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 7, 2023

Spike in major league home runs tied to climate change

A Dartmouth College study found that more than 500 home runs since 2010 can be attributed to higher-than-average temperatures due to climate change. Rising temperatures could account for 10% or more of home runs by 2100, with some stadiums experiencing significant spikes in home run totals.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 7, 2023

Long-COVID a greater burden for migrant groups than the native population

Research from Amsterdam UMC reveals that all prominent migrant groups are suffering more from long-covid than the native Dutch population, with rates ranging from 26-50% higher. The study highlights the need for awareness and accessible healthcare services in ethnic minority and migrant communities.

SourceAmsterdam University Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 7, 2023

High blood pressure in your 30s is associated with worse brain health in your 70s

A new UC Davis study found that high blood pressure in young adulthood is associated with lower regional brain volumes and worse white matter integrity, both factors linked to dementia. The research also showed sex differences in the negative brain changes, with men exhibiting stronger effects than women.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 7, 2023

HonorHealth Research Institute joins City of Hope and TGen in creating method for scoring pancreatic cancer patients for surgery

A new equation and 3D imaging technology have been developed to score pancreatic cancer patients for surgical removal of their tumor. The method provides a precise way to determine which patients are eligible for surgery, with the potential to improve treatment outcomes.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalFrontiers in Imaging·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 7, 2023

The social framework

A team at the University of Pittsburgh has created a framework to analyze the influence of online conspiratorial content on individuals and communities. The project aims to identify sociodemographic and psychometric factors that contribute to the spread of such messages.

Four different autism subtypes identified in brain study

A new study from Weill Cornell Medicine has identified four clinically distinct groups of people with autism spectrum disorder, each with unique brain connection patterns and behavioral traits. The findings highlight the potential for personalized therapies tailored to individual subgroups, which may lead to more effective treatments.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 7, 2023