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Science News for December 18, 2023


Giant bacterium uses unique processes to power itself

The giant bacterium Epulopiscium viviparus has modified its metabolism to make the most of its environment, using a rare method to produce energy and harvest nutrients from its host's gut. This unique approach allows it to thrive in extreme conditions, with similarities to how mitochondria function in more complex organisms.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 18, 2023

NIH researchers create genetic atlas detailing early stages of zebrafish development

A new genetic atlas details the gene expression programs that drive zebrafish development, revealing insights into human embryonic growth and the origins of diseases such as gastrointestinal disorders. The atlas provides a comprehensive resource for studying cell development and differentiation in vertebrates.

Exoplanets’climate – it takes nothing to switch from habitable to hell

Scientists simulated the runaway greenhouse effect, transforming habitable climates into hostile environments, with significant changes in atmospheric structure and cloud coverage. The study provides key insights for the search of life elsewhere, as it demonstrates a critical water vapor threshold beyond which a planet cannot cool down.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·TypeNews article·DateDec 18, 2023

Understanding the relationship between the performance of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells and hydrogen partial pressure

Researchers have made significant strides in understanding the relationship between hydrogen partial pressure and PEMFC performance, revealing a pronounced decline in performance as hydrogen partial pressure decreased. The study aims to simplify fuel cell quality testing, cost reduction, and reduced safety requirements.

SourceIndustrial Chemistry & Materials·JournalIndustrial Chemistry and Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2023

Barbie should expand her range of medical and scientific professions

A study published in The BMJ analyzed Barbie's medical and scientist dolls and found they largely depicted white, adult, female doctors with limited specialties. The research highlights the need for more diverse and accurate representations of medical professionals and scientists in toys to inspire young girls.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 18, 2023

New method could help estimate wildlife disease spread

A new method can help estimate the prevalence of disease in free-ranging wildlife by accounting for animal clustering. This approach may reduce the number of samples needed to detect a disease. The researchers focused on Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in deer, which tends to cluster in family groups, making this method particularly useful.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Agricultural Biological and Environmental Statistics·DateDec 18, 2023

ASU research reveals regions in U.S. where heat adaptation and mitigation efforts can most benefit future populations

New ASU research models the benefits of combining heat adaptation strategies with mitigation efforts to lessen extreme heat exposure in major US cities. The study finds that Northeast and Midwest regions can expect greater benefits, while Sun Belt cities face limited reductions.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Cities·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 18, 2023

Pancreatic replacement therapy improves maladaptive behavior in preschool children with autism, according to research

Researchers found that pancreatic enzymatic replacement improved behavioral function in preschoolers with ASD, including reduced irritability, hyperactivity, and lethargy. The treatment had minimal side effects and demonstrated potential for addressing co-occurring maladaptive behaviors.

Few patients receive opioid agonist therapy after opioid overdose, despite benefits

Only 4.1% of hospital encounters for opioid overdoses led to opioid agonist therapy (OAT) initiation within a week of discharge from hospital, highlighting missed opportunities to prevent future mortality and morbidity related to opioid use disorder. Studies show that prompt OAT initiation in the emergency department is crucial to redu...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateDec 18, 2023

International recognition played a crucial role in giving Libyan political actors sovereignty, study shows

A new study reveals that international recognition played a crucial role in shaping Libya's conflict, with contact and support from other countries affecting political actors' identity, resources, and legitimacy. The study argues that non-recognition can create change and is geopolitically inevitable.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalInternational Studies Review·TypeSurvey·DateDec 18, 2023

Lexical simplification via single-word generation

A novel lexical simplification (LS) method, PaGeLS, is proposed to simplify sentences by generating substitute words without altering meaning. The method achieves state-of-the-art results, surpassing previous LS methods in candidate ranking and word substitution accuracy.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Computer Science·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2023

Using AI-related technologies can significantly enhance human cognition, finds new study

A new study published in Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence found that training in Interlingual Respeaking, a new practice combining human collaboration with speech recognition software, can improve language professionals' cognitive abilities. The research, conducted by the University of Surrey, showed significant enhancements in wor...

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalFrontiers in Artificial Intelligence·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2023

New possibilities for a healing toxin

PSI researchers develop antibody-like proteins that accelerate Botox's effects on nerve signals, suggesting faster pain relief. The discovery opens new options for therapeutic use of botulinum toxin A1 in treating conditions like cramping muscles and faulty nerve signals.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2023

Researchers from NTU Singapore and National Centre for Infectious Diseases locate two compounds in blood that could identify patients at risk of severe dengue

Researchers have identified sST2 and suPAR in the blood of dengue patients, which could accurately predict patients at risk of severe dengue. The test kits would improve patient outcomes by distinguishing between non-life-threatening cases and severe dengue, requiring hospitalization.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2023

Doctor Who festive specials linked to lower death rates

A new Doctor Who episode aired during the festive period is associated with lower death rates in the subsequent year across the UK. The study highlights the positive effect doctors can have when working during the holiday season, suggesting that watching a doctor care for people may encourage health-seeking behavior.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 18, 2023

Toothbrushing tied to lower rates of pneumonia among hospitalized patients

A new study found that daily toothbrushing among hospitalized patients is associated with lower rates of hospital-acquired pneumonia and ICU mortality. The study, which analyzed data from over 2,700 patients, also showed that toothbrushing was linked to shorter durations of mechanical ventilation and ICU length of stay.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 18, 2023

First systematic analysis of NIH finds funding gaps for TB risk factors

A systematic analysis by researchers at Boston University School of Medicine finds that funding for key TB risk factors, such as undernutrition and alcohol use, is significantly lacking. The study highlights the need for increased NIH funding to address these comorbidities and realize global TB elimination goals.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalOpen Forum Infectious Diseases·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 18, 2023

"U.S. physical inactivity pandemic is a crisis within a crisis," experts say

A new study in The American Journal of Medicine highlights the correlation between social vulnerability and physical inactivity in the US, revealing geographic variance and disparities. Researchers stress the need for tailored health promotion campaigns and individual counseling approaches to address these disparities.

SourceElsevier·JournalThe American Journal of Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 18, 2023

Disadvantaged children’s struggles at school have “little to do” with character, attitude or a lack of ‘growth mindset’

A global study of 240,000 students challenges the widespread policy conviction that bridging the academic gap hinges on improving socio-emotional skills. Despite high levels of socio-emotional skills among disadvantaged children, their relative underperformance at school remains largely unchanged.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalSociology of Education·DateDec 18, 2023

New strategy reveals ‘full chemical complexity’ of quantum decoherence

Researchers have developed a method to quantify the spectral density of molecules in solvent, allowing for the design of molecules with specific quantum coherence properties. This breakthrough enables the mapping of decoherence pathways in molecules, connecting chemical structure to quantum decoherence.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2023

Scientists spread festive cheer as research reveals Christmas dinner can be healthy

Researchers found that steaming Brussels sprouts retains glucosinolates, which may aid in fighting chronic conditions such as diabetes and cancer. Carrots also showed a significant reduction in developing all types of cancer with regular consumption. Potatoes are recommended for roasting as they are rich in fibre.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalCritical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 18, 2023

Hospital coffee machines get a clean bill of health

A recent study suggests that hospital coffee machines are not a breeding ground for bacteria and do not pose a risk to patients. Despite being touched by multiple people, the machines were found to harbor only a few medically relevant pathogens, with most being harmless commensals.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 18, 2023

Heart vest could help predict sudden cardiac death risk

A new study by UCL researchers suggests that a vest mapping the heart's electrical activity could help identify people at high risk of sudden cardiac death. The electrocardiographic imaging (ECGI) vest combines signals with MRI images to generate 3D models, potentially predicting risk factors for life-threatening heart rhythms.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 18, 2023

Harnessing nanotechnology to understand tumor behavior

Researchers used SERS spectroscopy to explore metabolites secreted by cancer cells, discovering a unique paracrine crosstalk that reprograms the tumor environment. This study demonstrates the potential of SERS technology for cancer metabolism research and may lead to new therapeutic strategies.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2023

Coral atoll islands may outpace sea-level rise with local ecological restoration, scientists say

A team of scientists suggests that coral atoll islands can adapt to sea level rise through local ecological restoration. Restoring the natural process of island growth could significantly improve the health of surrounding coral reef habitats. Funding for restoration work could empower communities to take back ownership of their futures.

SourceUniversity of Auckland·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 18, 2023

B cell deficient patients gain protective T cell immunity following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and infection, study finds

Researchers found that vaccinated B cell-deficient individuals have a robust T cell response to SARS-CoV-2, despite lack of anti-spike antibodies, resulting in markedly reduced rates of hospitalization and severe COVID-19. This study provides reassuring evidence for immunocompromised patients to get vaccinated.

SourceRagon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 18, 2023

Move over dolphins. Chimps and bonobos can recognize long-lost friends and family — for decades

Researchers found that great apes and chimpanzees can recognize groupmates they haven't seen in over two decades, suggesting a shared common ancestor and potentially the longest-lasting nonhuman memory. The study uses infrared eye-tracking cameras to record participants' gazes at images of familiar and stranger bonobos or chimps.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateDec 18, 2023

“Teleporting” images across a network securely using only light

Scientists have successfully teleported the highest dimensionality of information across a network securely using only light. The research uses a nonlinear optical detector that circumvents the need for additional photons, allowing for the secure transmission of complex systems like fingerprints or faces without physical transport.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 18, 2023

Exercise-induced Pgc-1α expression inhibits fat accumulation in aged skeletal muscles

A new study found that exercise-induced Pgc-1α expression inhibits fat accumulation in aged skeletal muscles. The researchers identified Pgc-1α as a key player in FAP regulation and suggested that its upregulation leads to increased mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation, inhibiting FAP fat accumulation.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 18, 2023

Lung nodule program provides benefits patients ineligible for lung cancer screening

A study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that adopting a lung nodule program can increase early lung cancer detection for patients not eligible for traditional screening. The study revealed significant differences in stage at diagnosis and overall survival rates between young, elderly, and screened cohorts.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 18, 2023

High-temperature superconductors, with a twist?

A Harvard University research team has demonstrated a new strategy for making and manipulating cuprate superconductors, clearing a path to engineering new forms of superconductivity. The team created a high-temperature, superconducting diode made out of thin cuprate crystals using a low-temperature device fabrication method.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2023

Multi-site study reveals addressable socioeconomic barriers to prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart defects

A recent multi-center study found that nearly 80% of patients with congenital heart disease experienced at least one socioeconomic barrier to prenatal diagnosis. The most common barriers were difficulty with appointment scheduling, transportation access, and childcare. Improving paid sick leave policies may help alleviate these barriers.

How effective are opioid medications for cancer pain?

A recent review of opioid medicines for cancer pain found surprisingly large gaps in evidence regarding their true benefits. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be at least as effective as some opioids for background cancer pain, offering potential alternatives to reduce dependence and waning analgesia over time.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalCA A Cancer Journal for Clinicians·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 18, 2023

Study assesses GPT-4’s potential to perpetuate racial, gender biases in clinical decision making

A team of researchers analyzed GPT-4's performance in four clinical decision support scenarios, finding that the model exaggerated known demographic prevalence differences in 89% of diseases. GPT-4 also produced significantly different responses by gender or race/ethnicity for 23% of cases, reflecting known biases in medical literature.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·TypeObservational study·DateDec 18, 2023

Patients’ creative ideas can inform a healthcare organization’s learning and innovation

A new study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that patients generate more actionable and creative ideas when explicitly invited to share them. The research offers a rigorously tested methodology for eliciting creative ideas from patients, which can be used to improve healthcare delivery and quality improvement.

Single-celled protists in the guts of animals thrive without the ‘powerhouse of the cell’

A new study found that multiple members of the oxymonad lineage have lost their mitochondria, a crucial energy-producing organelle, approximately 100 million years ago. This discovery suggests that it's possible for eukaryotic organisms to thrive without mitochondria, paving the way for further research on their evolution and adaptations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2023

New guidelines released for practitioners treating anaphylaxis and atopic dermatitis

The new guidelines offer evidence-based recommendations for diagnosing and managing anaphylaxis and atopic dermatitis in pediatric and adult patients. The guidelines emphasize the importance of patient values and preferences in arriving at optimal recommendations, reflecting advancements in diversity, equity, and inclusion.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 18, 2023

Spike in dermatology visits for skin problems seen during summer of wildfires

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital observed a surge in atopic dermatitis and eczema cases during the summer of 2023, coinciding with peak carbon monoxide levels from wildfire air pollution. This correlation suggests that exposure to pollutants from wildfires may contribute to the development or worsening of skin conditions.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalDermatology and Therapy·DateDec 18, 2023

Quantifying barriers to establishing sequestration wells

A recent study from Carnegie Mellon University estimates the time required to develop, approve, and implement a geologic sequestration site in the US, identifying six clearance points that must be passed for a site to become operational. The findings suggest that on average, there is a 90% probability that the time required for a site ...

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 18, 2023

Do genes that code athletic heart enlargement carry a risk of future heart problems?

A new study found that one in six elite athletes have reduced heart function and an enrichment of genes associated with heart muscle disease. The research highlights the need for closer monitoring of these athletes' heart health, as their genetic makeup may be 'stressed' by exercise to cause profound heart changes.

SourceVictor Chang Cardiac Research Institute·JournalCirculation·TypeObservational study·DateDec 18, 2023

Air conditioning has reduced mortality due to high temperatures in Spain by one third

A study published in Environment International found that air conditioning reduced heat-related mortality in Spain by up to 31.5%, while heating systems contributed to a decrease of 50.8% in extreme cold-related fatalities. However, the effect may be attenuated by an ageing population.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 18, 2023