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Science News for August 28, 2023


New audio technique used for census of California Spotted Owls in the Sierra Nevada

Researchers from Cornell University and University of Wisconsin-Madison developed a new audio technique to estimate the Spotted Owl population across the entire Sierra Nevada ecosystem. The analysis yielded an estimated 2,218 to 2,328 adult owls on federally managed lands, providing critical conservation baseline.

SourceCornell University·JournalEcological Indicators·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 28, 2023

New guidance on take-home naloxone for community overdose responders

The Canadian Medical Association Journal published new guidance on take-home naloxone distribution and use by community overdose responders in Canada. The guidance prioritizes preserving life and mitigating harms, and is the result of a collaborative process involving diverse stakeholders from across the country.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 28, 2023

Gender disparities limit chances for women PhD students training to be new inventors

Female STEM doctoral students are less likely to become new inventors compared to their male counterparts during PhD training. Faculty advisors play a critical role in training new inventors, with top inventor faculty members increasing the probability of filing the first patent by 23%. The research highlights a 'leaky pipeline' of fem...

SourceMIT Sloan School of Management·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 28, 2023

The long-term course of severe long COVID

Patients with severe long COVID often struggle with fatigue and exertion intolerance, with recovery rates varying depending on the initial infection's severity. A recent study found that those with ME/CFS experience little to no improvement in symptoms, while some patients in a second group show gradual improvement over time.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 28, 2023

New URI study finds extensive microplastics in Narragansett Bay

A new study published by the University of Rhode Island's Graduate School of Oceanography reveals extensive microplastic storage in Narragansett Bay, with an estimated 1,000 tons stored in the top 5 cm of its floor. The buildup has occurred over the last 10-20 years, primarily due to littering and runoff of single-use plastic items.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateAug 28, 2023

Scientists use quantum device to slow down simulated chemical reaction 100 billion times

Researchers at the University of Sydney have successfully slowed down a simulated chemical reaction by a factor of 100 billion times using a quantum computer. This achievement allows for direct observation of previously inaccessible processes, enabling breakthroughs in fields like materials science and drug design.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 28, 2023

New study highlights potential barriers to health equity in pediatric asthma

A new study by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute found that residence in neighborhoods with higher opportunity or lower vulnerability is associated with a decreased risk of pediatric asthma. The study used a geographically diverse cohort of over 10,000 children and examined associations between neighborhood attributes and asthma in...

SourceHarvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 28, 2023

An all-in-one surface design of copper nanowire assemblies to achieve ~100% defrosting efficiency

Scientists create a design that enables simultaneous presentation of photothermal, thermal conductive, and superhydrophobic properties, achieving record-high defrosting efficacy. The innovative assembly enhances de-icing and defrosting efficiency, reducing overall defrosting durations by 2-3 times.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateAug 28, 2023

New grasp of key COVID-19 protein may lead to a live-attenuated vaccine effective against more variants for longer

Researchers have identified a key protein in SARS-CoV-2 that, when targeted, elicits a robust immune response. A live-attenuated vaccine based on this protein shows promise in preventing disease and offering long-lasting immunity. The approach could target areas of the genome less likely to change with variants.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 28, 2023

Two studies demonstrate the benefits and limitations of artificial intelligence in colonoscopy

Two studies demonstrate that artificial intelligence in colonoscopy can increase adenoma detection rates and reduce miss rates, but also lead to increased removal of non-neoplastic polyps. The findings suggest the need for additional research on more defined detection parameters before AI can be integrated into routine clinical care.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateAug 28, 2023

New review in Energy Reviews discusses progress in the design of porous volumetric solar receivers

The study provides a condensed overview of recent advances and challenges in atmospheric and pressurized PVSRs, highlighting potential for improving performance through geometrical parameter optimization and spectrally selective absorption. Standardized evaluation methods remain essential to unlock the full potential of PVSRs.

SourceEnergy Reviews·JournalEnergy Reviews·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 28, 2023

Sleep can be most restful for older adults when nighttime temperature range is between 68 to 77 °F, study finds

Research finds that a nighttime ambient temperature range of 68-77°F enhances restful sleep for older adults. The study also highlights substantial individual differences in optimal temperatures and the potential impact of climate change on sleep quality.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeObservational study·DateAug 28, 2023

Only severe COVID cases disrupted oral microbiomes

Researchers found significant reductions in microbiome diversity among people with severe symptoms soon after infection. The oral microbiomes of people with shorter cases changed in consistent ways during infection, while those with long cases changed in many different ways.

SourceRutgers University·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 28, 2023

NIH-funded study supports use of ECMO for critically ill patients with obesity

A National Institutes of Health-supported study suggests that adults with obesity may benefit from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) when in intensive care for respiratory failure. The study found lower mortality rates among patients with obesity who received ECMO compared to those without, contradicting previous concerns.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 28, 2023

Indigenous females face disparities in health care in Canada

A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found significant disparities in healthcare access and use among Indigenous female populations living 'off reserve' in Canada. The research highlights higher morbidity rates and longer wait times for appointments, particularly in rural areas.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateAug 28, 2023

Rare disease shares mechanism with cystic fibrosis

Researchers discovered that a rare disease called cystinosis shares the same cellular mechanism as cystic fibrosis, involving the lysosome's recycling center. The study found that a specific protein degradation pathway was responsible for the disease's effects, and a small chemical chaperone could help stabilize the protein.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 28, 2023

Researchers at UC Irvine issue a warning that GLP-1RA’s may be dangerous for children

Researchers at UC Irvine issue a warning that GLP-1RA's may be dangerous for children due to the risk of nutrient imbalance and abuse. The team notes that children need energy and sufficient calories for growth and development, and any change in their diet and exercise balance can have long-term health consequences.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalClinical and Translational Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 28, 2023

Stevens researchers take aim at weather forecasters’ biggest blindspot

Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology have developed more accurate nowcasting algorithms to predict short-term weather forecasts. The study found that probabilistic models are highly accurate in predicting both long- and short-term rainfall events, while deterministic models are better suited for extremely short-term projections.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalEnvironmental Modelling & Software·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 28, 2023

A team of researchers from the Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science revealed a multifaceted regulatory mechanism for the LhWRKY44-mediated enhancement by the environmental signal pathway of anthocyanin accumulation

A team of researchers from the Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science revealed a multifaceted regulatory mechanism for the LhWRKY44-mediated enhancement by the environmental signal pathway of anthocyanin accumulation in Asiatic hybrid lilies. LhWRKY44 physically interacts with other proteins to reg...

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 28, 2023

How plants pass down genetic memories

Researchers have discovered how plants pass along chemical markers that instruct cells on using DNA codes, a process known as epigenetic inheritance. The study reveals the role of protein DDM1 in making way for enzymes that add regulatory marks to new DNA strands, preserving genetic controls across generations.

Microplastics infiltrate all systems of body, cause behavioral changes

A new study by University of Rhode Island Professor Jaime Ross found microplastics infiltrate all systems of the body, causing behavioral changes and potentially leading to serious health consequences, including Alzheimer's disease. The researchers discovered microplastics accumulate in every organ, including the brain, and alter immun...

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateAug 28, 2023

Estimated lifetime gained with cancer screening tests

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 18 clinical trials involving 2.1 million individuals found no significant lifetime gain from common cancer screening tests. However, colorectal cancer screening with sigmoidoscopy may have a potential benefit, according to the study.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateAug 28, 2023

BU CTE Center publishes largest CTE case series ever in youth, high school and college athletes who died young

A new study published in JAMA Neurology found that over 40% of young contact and collision sport athletes have CTE, a degenerative brain disease caused by repetitive head impacts. The study also highlighted the importance of assessing symptoms and clinical presentation of CTE in living athletes.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeCase study·DateAug 28, 2023

The first telomere-to-telomere haplotype-resolved reference genome of triploid banana

The study presents a telomere-to-telomere haplotype-resolved reference genome of 'Baxijiao' triploid Cavendish banana. The genome consists of three haploid assemblies with varying sizes and repetitive regions, including expansions of gene families related to fruit quality, aroma, and anther/pollen development. Additionally, the genome ...

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 28, 2023

Due to sea-ice retreat, zooplankton could remain in the deep longer

A new study reveals that the decline of Arctic sea ice is altering zooplankton behavior, leading to more frequent food shortages and potential negative effects on larger species. The changing light conditions are affecting the daily vertical migration of zooplankton in the Arctic.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeObservational study·DateAug 28, 2023

Historic red tide event of 2020 fueled by plankton super swimmers

A historic red tide event in 2020 was caused by an exceptionally dense bloom of Lingulodinium polyedra, a plankton species that can swim and outgrow its competitors, leading to harmful algal blooms. The study validated a 50-year-old hypothesis and highlighted the exceptional swimming ability of dinoflagellates.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateAug 28, 2023

Researchers at Mainz University and Evonik have developed an innovative method to cleave and oxidize double- and triple-bonds in hydrocarbons

Mainz University and Evonik researchers have created an environmentally friendly process to generate dicarboxylic acids, a crucial chemical building block for polyamides. The new technique uses only oxygen, electricity, and hydrocarbon compounds, eliminating heavy metals and strong acids, and resulting in no nitrogen oxide emissions.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 28, 2023

MU researchers study barriers and facilitators to accessing health care in rural Missouri

A recent MU study found that health and healthcare organizations are increasingly offering basic social services, such as transportation, housing, food, and mental health support, to address disparities in health outcomes. The research team explored innovative solutions implemented by care coordinators and social services to help overc...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalProfessional Case Management·TypeSurvey·DateAug 28, 2023

NIH study shows association between better neighborhood conditions and lower childhood asthma rates

A new NIH study found that living in a well-resourced neighborhood with access to healthy food, parks, and clean air reduces the risk of childhood asthma. Children born in high-opportunity neighborhoods had significantly lower asthma incidence rates compared to those from low-opportunity areas.

SourceDuke Clinical Research Institute·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 28, 2023

5mC DNA methylation modification-mediated regulation in tissue functional differentiation and important flavor substance synthesis of tea plant (Camellia sinensis L.)

This study reveals that 5mC DNA methylation modification regulates tissue functional differentiation and important flavor substance synthesis in tea plants. The researchers found that hypomethylation of specific genes is responsible for the production of theanine in roots.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 28, 2023

Past abrupt changes in North Atlantic Overturning have impacted the climate system across the globe

Research reveals that Dansgaard-Oeschger events triggered drastic global changes in atmospheric circulation and precipitation, impacting tropical monsoon domains severely. The study's findings support improved models to represent abrupt climate changes, shedding light on the potential impacts of future human-made global warming scenarios.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 28, 2023

‘Thermometer’ molecule confirmed on exoplanet WASP-31b

Researchers have confirmed the presence of chromium hydride in the atmosphere of hot Jupiter exoplanet WASP-31b using high-resolution spectral observations. This detection opens the possibility of using chromium hydride as a 'thermometer' to determine the temperature and other characteristics of exoplanets.

SourceCornell University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateAug 28, 2023

KMOU researchers develop a novel algorithm for mitigating COVID-19 spread in ships

Researchers at National Korea Maritime and Ocean University developed a close contact identification algorithm that outperforms conventional clustering algorithms. The algorithm enables accurate tracking and physical isolation of individuals in ship environments, contributing to the health and safety of passengers.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalJournal of King Saud University - Computer and Information Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 28, 2023

Once rhabdomyosarcoma, now muscle

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have made a significant breakthrough in transforming rhabdomyosarcoma cells into regularly functioning muscle cells using differentiation therapy. This innovative approach has the potential to spare patients and their families from pain and suffering by offering a new treatment option.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 28, 2023

New type of visible-light responsive photocatalyst is efficient, stable and very economical

Researchers developed a new type of photocatalyst harnessing the visible portion of sunlight spectrum. The photocatalyst achieved high photo-to-chemical conversation efficiency and was found to be extremely stable under various conditions, including high temperatures and different pH levels.

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalJournal of Science Advanced Materials and Devices·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 28, 2023

Brain cancer linked to nuclear pore alterations

Researchers at Kanazawa University found a link between nuclear pore complex alterations and glioblastoma. They demonstrated that NUP107 proteins overexpression degrades the function of p53, a crucial cancer-preventing protein. Further studies are needed to uncover the molecular pathways at play.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 28, 2023

Australian woman found with parasitic roundworm in her brain caught from carpet python

A 64-year-old Australian woman was infected with Ophidascaris robertsi, a parasitic roundworm common to carpet pythons, after handling native grass contaminated with the parasite's eggs. The case highlights the risk of zoonotic diseases and the importance of food safety when foraging in areas where wildlife is present.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateAug 28, 2023