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Science News for December 1, 2023


Study identifies peptide as key mediator in heavy alcohol drinking

A study from Boston University School of Medicine identifies pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) as a critical player in heavy alcohol consumption. PACAP's action in the brain's bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) region is found to be linked to increased stress responses and excessive drinking behavior.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournaleNeuro·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2023

Aging societies more vulnerable to collapse

Pre-modern states faced a steeply increasing risk of collapse within two centuries after formation, driven by environmental degradation, economic inequality, and other internal mechanisms. The research highlights the need to understand these internal processes that contribute to state demise.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 1, 2023

Eminent scientists say a child-centric approach is the blueprint to improve communities

Researchers at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute present comprehensive findings from the Abecedarian Project on early childhood education and development. The study, spanning five decades, shows that coordinated education, healthcare, and social services can improve community quality of life and attract businesses.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalMedical Research Archives·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 1, 2023

ADA Forsyth scientists work to bring tissue regeneration to replace root canal treatment

Researchers at ADA Forsyth have discovered the regenerative properties of Resolvins, specifically RvE1, which promotes pulp regeneration and reduces bacterial invasion in dental pulp. The technology has far-reaching potential for regenerative medicine beyond oral health, including growing bones in other parts of the body.

SourceForsyth Institute·JournalJournal of Dental Research·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2023

Can preeclampsia be prevented?

A study published in Science Advances found that abnormal cell stress in the placenta's syncytiotrophoblast layer may lead to preeclampsia. Researchers also developed a mouse model to demonstrate the effects of this stress, showing similar signs of high blood pressure and kidney damage.

SourceMedical College of Wisconsin·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2023

CHOP researchers discover deep structural biology connections that help improve CAR therapy

Researchers have identified 'backbones' in HLA complexes that link to peptide-centric CARs, allowing for targeted therapies across different variants and tumor types. This breakthrough enables the design of more efficient CAR therapies for a broader range of patients with complex and difficult-to-treat cancers.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2023

When physics meets biology: prion protein orchestrates liquid-liquid phase separation with copper

Researchers discovered that prion protein and copper form sticky droplets under oxidative stress, leading to abnormal solid formation. The study highlights the biological significance of liquid-liquid phase separation in regulating copper homeostasis by PrP.

Antiviral therapy favors a lower risk of liver cirrhosis in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B with normal alanine transaminase and HBV DNA positivity

A comprehensive study finds that continuous antiviral therapy significantly reduces the risk of liver nodules and cirrhosis in HBeAg-negative CHB patients. Patients with high HBV DNA levels also show a significant decrease in liver cirrhosis risk with ongoing treatment.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateDec 1, 2023

Pathogens use force to breach immune defenses, study finds

Researchers at Indiana University discovered that pathogens can apply physical forces during entry into host cells, evading degradation and surviving intracellularly. This finding suggests targeting pathogen movement may be a new way to combat infection inside cells.

SourceIndiana University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2023

UAB researchers demonstrate how genetics play a role in the development of hypertension

A recent study published in Circulation: Genomic and Precision Medicine reveals that genetics significantly contribute to the sex differences in hypertension development. The research found that females with high genetic risk scores had a higher risk of hypertension compared to males, while low-risk females had a lower risk than males.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalCirculation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 1, 2023

A new possible explanation for the Hubble tension

Researchers from Universities of Bonn and St. Andrews propose an alternative theory of gravity as the cause of the discrepancy in measured values of the Hubble-Lemaitre constant. This 'modified Newtonian dynamics' (MOND) theory predicts the existence of regions with lower matter density, which would explain the observed deviations.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 1, 2023

Disability, Politecnico di Milano experiments with AI to make historic city centers accessible

Researchers used machine learning and mobile mapping systems to analyze the town of Sabbioneta's streets and pavements, identifying accessible trajectories and paths for citizens with motor disabilities. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of AI in assessing physical accessibility in historic urban contexts.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalInternational Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 1, 2023

Researchers caution diabetes patients’ use of fitness video games

A new study by Staffordshire University warns people with type-1 diabetes to use fitness video games with caution, as they may change perceptions of fatigue levels. The researchers recommend updating measurement tools for virtual game platforms to ensure safe and accurate exercise tracking.

SourceStaffordshire University·JournalJournal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 1, 2023

Flexible parental leave among immigrant mothers can promote integration

A new study finds that part-time parental leave fosters better labor market and educational pursuits among newly arrived migrant women in Sweden. The research challenges existing perceptions of parental leave among immigrant mothers, suggesting it can provide a support system during their initial transition period.

SourceStockholm University·JournalJournal of European Social Policy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 1, 2023

SFU researchers sound out Canadian military’s plan to combat ocean noise pollution

A new study from Simon Fraser University examines the Canadian military's efforts to reduce underwater noise pollution impacts on species during training exercises. However, researchers highlight limitations in the current plan, including a narrow focus on marine mammals and lack of consideration for fish and invertebrates.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalMarine Policy·TypeObservational study·DateDec 1, 2023

A bombcrater pond network demonstrates the importance of connectivity for aquatic biodiversity

A Hungarian study reveals that pond networks rely on spatial position for species diversity, with central connections hosting higher microorganism and plankton diversity. This research highlights the importance of connectivity in maintaining biodiversity in fragmented ecosystems like bomb crater ponds.

SourceHun-Ren Ökológiai Kutatóközpont·JournalEcography·TypeObservational study·DateDec 1, 2023

New understanding of oobleck-like fluids contributes to smart material design

Scientists investigate fundamental physics of non-Newtonian fluids, discovering that friction between particles plays a critical role in their behavior. This new understanding contributes to smart material design and could lead to applications such as clump-free paint, wearable protective gear, and customized materials with controlled ...

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 1, 2023

Clinical smart watch finds success at identifying atrial fibrillation

A novel prescription wristwatch uses photoplethysmography to detect atrial fibrillation with high accuracy, even in participants with darker skin tones. The Verily Study Watch bridges the gap between long-term monitoring and consumer devices, enabling clinicians to effectively use wearable data for Afib management.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeObservational study·DateDec 1, 2023

Ten years on, Lung-MAP success demonstrates potential of public-private partnerships in clinical research

The Lung-MAP trial has demonstrated the potential of public-private partnerships in clinical research, increasing access to new treatment options for patients with lung cancer. The unique partnership between academia, advocacy, federal agencies, and industry has led to a more representative patient group being enrolled in clinical trials.

SourceSWOG Cancer Research Network·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 1, 2023

Public gardens contribute to invasives problem

A recent study found that public gardens and arboretums are inadvertently spreading nonnative, invasive plants to wild areas, threatening native ecosystems. Many examples were cited from Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati, Ohio, including the spread of exotic trees and shrubs with seeds dispersed by wind or birds.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalEcological Restoration·TypeObservational study·DateDec 1, 2023

Novel screening tool and recovery program may help reduce mental health problems after trauma

A novel mental health risk screen for hospitalized patients accurately predicts mental health outcomes, with 10 items correctly identifying 75% of those who later developed mental health issues. A tailored recovery program can also be effective in reducing mental health problems after trauma, increasing health equity among historically...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateDec 1, 2023

Brace for a potentially record-breaking winter after sweltering summer and autumn

The Institute of Atmospheric Physics predicts a potentially record-breaking winter due to the convergence of global warming and the El Niño phenomenon. Regions in mid-low latitudes of Eurasia and Americas are likely to experience an exceptionally warm winter, with a 95% chance of setting a new historical record.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateDec 1, 2023

Satellite remote sensing model for wide-area prediction of transpiration rates in Japanese cypress plantations

A new model developed by researchers at the University of Tsukuba can accurately predict transpiration rates in Japanese cypress plantations. The model uses satellite-based surface temperature data, multispectral imaging, and comprehensive forest inventory data to yield impressive results.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing·DateDec 1, 2023

PicoRuler: molecular rulers for high-resolution microscopy

Researchers have developed PicoRulers, biocompatible molecular rulers for high-resolution microscopy. Using genetic code expansion and click chemistry, the team constructed customized molecular rulers based on the protein PCNA, enabling precise testing of super-resolution microscopy methods on cellular biomolecules.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2023

Brainstorming with a bot

A researcher has developed a chatbot with expertise in nanomaterials, leveraging document-retrieval method to provide accurate context. The bot uses embedding to categorize and link information quickly, generating factual responses sourced from trusted documents.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalDigital Discovery·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 1, 2023

Adverse childhood experiences linked to muscle dysmorphia

A new study found that adverse childhood experiences are associated with greater muscle dysmorphia symptoms in Canadian adolescents and young adults. Adverse childhood experiences, such as domestic violence and emotional abuse, may lead to body dissatisfaction and the pursuit of muscularity as a coping mechanism.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalClinical Social Work Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 1, 2023

Replicating the structure of bird feathers

Researchers at ETH Zurich replicate the structural design of bluebird feathers using a new method. The material exhibits nanonetworks similar to those found in natural feathers and offers potential for technical and sustainable applications, including battery improvements and water filtration.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2023

Botany must feature more prominently on the school curriculum to promote awareness of climate change, study warns

A recent study warns that children should be taught more about the importance of plants in promoting awareness of climate change and sustainability. The study argues that botany should be a greater focus of educational policy, with teachers receiving support and training to challenge their existing assumptions about plants.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Biological Education·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 1, 2023

Trends in adult smoking prevalence

A study of 353,000 US adults found a decline in smoking prevalence from 2011 to 2022, except for those 65 and older. The greatest gains in reducing smoking-attributable morbidity and mortality can be achieved by targeting individuals with low socioeconomic status.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateDec 1, 2023

Coverage of Bruce Willis’ frontotemporal degeneration shows media misconstrues the disease

A new paper reveals that media coverage of Bruce Willis' condition was inaccurate, with journalists misrepresenting the relationship between aphasia and frontotemporal degeneration. The disease was often described as if it were a separate disorder from aphasia, when in fact aphasia is a symptom of frontotemporal degeneration.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalInnovation in Aging·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 1, 2023

Mass General-developed brain care score (BCS) is a scientifically validated way to assess current health habits and risk to future brain health

The Brain Care Score (BCS) is a scientifically validated way to assess current health habits and risk to future brain health. A higher BCS score indicates better brain care and is associated with a lower risk of developing dementia and stroke. The study found that each five-point positive difference in the BCS was associated with a 59%...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalFrontiers in Neurology·DateDec 1, 2023

Social media influencers may affect more than voter opinions

Researchers found that social media influencers with distorted messages cause political parties to moderate their policies to win over independent voters. However, this leads to traditional media outlets becoming more extreme in their editorial positions, and citizens swayed by influencers growing more polarized.

SourcePenn State·JournalMIS Quarterly·DateDec 1, 2023