Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for February 15, 2023


Stevia based sweeteners offer a sweeter, more environmentally friendly alternative to sugar

Researchers found that stevia-based sweeteners cause significantly less environmental impact than sugar, with reduced land use and water consumption. The study provides promising news for the planet's health, but highlights the need for further research on the health impacts of these natural sweeteners.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalThe International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment·DateFeb 15, 2023

Canada’s first zero-carbon, net-positive energy building is on track to propel Ontario’s energy transition

Researchers at the University of Waterloo analyzed a zero-carbon building in Canada and found that data-driven improvements helped reduce energy consumption by 15% without compromising comfort. The building is now on track to achieve its target, producing five percent more clean energy than it consumes and adding it to the Ontario grid.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalEnergy and Buildings·DateFeb 15, 2023

Cancer symptom algorithm presented in JNCCN can aid doctors in predicting patients at risk for unplanned emergency visits

A new algorithm uses patient-reported outcomes to identify patients with cancer who are at increased odds of having unplanned emergency department visits. The algorithm, which calculates a symptom complexity score, has shown that patients with high complexity scores are three times more likely to use the ED.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateFeb 15, 2023

1st observational evidence linking black holes to dark energy

A team of researchers has discovered evidence of 'cosmological coupling' between black holes and the universe's expanding energy. By studying supermassive black holes in ancient galaxies, they found that these black holes gain mass over billions of years, matching predictions for black holes that cosmologically couple with vacuum energy.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 15, 2023

New insights into how blood pressure drug may benefit patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer

Researchers found that combining losartan with chemotherapy and chemoradiation improves blood vessel normalization, immune cell maturation, and reduces immunosuppression in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer. This combination therapy may potentiate the benefits of other anti-cancer treatments.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateFeb 15, 2023

The Access to Advanced Health Institute announces $3M award to develop an intranasal pan-viral countermeasure against respiratory viruses

AAHI will develop a prototype nasal spray using its novel adjuvant formulation platform, promising to shorten timelines for emergency response to and mitigate impacts from biological threats. The project aims to create a temperature-stable and broadly protective nasal spray against multiple respiratory viruses.

Chinese Medical Journal study highlights epilepsy trends in China between 1990 and 2019

A Chinese Medical Journal study analyzed the temporal and spatial distribution of epilepsy across China, finding significant increases in incidence and prevalence rates between 1990 and 2019. The study also showed a general decrease in age-standardized DALY rates with increasing socio-demographic index.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 15, 2023

Food coloring nanoparticles may affect human gut

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered that metal oxide nanoparticles commonly used as food coloring and anti-caking agents can damage parts of the human intestine. The study, led by Elad Tako, found negative effects on key digestive proteins in chickens injected with the nanoparticles.

SourceCornell University·JournalAntioxidants·DateFeb 15, 2023

Fear of judgment is keeping consumers indebted – study shows peer groups can help turn that around

A study by Ivey Business School found that joining a peer-supported debt counselling group improves financial well-being, particularly for those who fear stigma. Participants repaid more debt and experienced increased motivation when interacting with others who shared similar financial struggles.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario, Ivey Business School·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2023

Novel optical and fMRI platform identifies brain regions that control large-scale brain network

Researchers have developed a novel experimental platform that combines optical and fMRI techniques to study large-scale brain networks. The platform identified the anterior insular cortex as a key player in controlling the Default Mode Brain Network, which is active during daydreaming, memory retrieval, and envisioning the future.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2023

Why selfishness can lead to fairness

Researchers at the University of Konstanz found that selfish behavior can lead to a fair distribution of risk within groups of animals. By positioning themselves optimally to minimize distance from others, individuals reduce their own predation risk and create a safer environment for all members.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalJournal of Theoretical Biology·DateFeb 15, 2023

Singapore-led collaboration develops novel method to accurately measure key marker of biological ageing

Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have devised a way to rapidly and precisely measure the length of a single telomere, opening doors to developing lifestyle interventions that slow ageing and prevent disease. The novel approach uses DNA sequences called 'telobaits' to latch onto the ends of telomeres in large pools of DNA fragments.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2023

Late Cenozoic climate cooling biogeographically shifted marine plankton communities

A recent study using planktonic foraminifera fossils found a global clade-wide shift in marine latitudinal zones towards the Equator. The researchers discovered that this shift was not tied to species diversity or functional traits, but rather ecological and morphological characteristics of the organisms.

Strengthening ecology and conservation in the Global South

An international research team from the Global South emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in tropical ecology and conservation. They suggest ten actions for researchers living in the Global South to improve their inclusivity and participation in international research collaborations.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalPerspectives in Ecology and Conservation·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 15, 2023

Psychological stress impedes performance, even for Olympic athletes

A study by Yunfeng Lu and Songfa Zhong found that high contactless real-time heart rates are associated with poor performance in elite archers. Athletes' age and gender did not significantly influence the relationship between stress and performance, but factors like competition ranking and score influenced the results.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2023

Beating the odds: Research examines how leaders use underdog stories to motivate their teams

A recent study published in the Academy of Management Review explores the impact of underdog narratives on team behavior and motivation. The research suggests that adopting an underdog identity can lead to increased risk-taking and a greater sense of well-being, but also highlights potential drawbacks such as sabotaging competition.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalAcademy of Management Review·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 15, 2023

Addition of antioxidants to cell cultures can enhance the production of monoclonal antibodies, promising therapeutics for a range of health conditions

The addition of antioxidants to cell cultures can improve the production of monoclonal antibodies by reducing oxidative stress and increasing cell viability. This has potential benefits for therapies targeting cancer and autoimmune diseases.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2023

Ozone depletion leads to Antarctic upper-stratospheric warming in winter

Recent research reveals that ozone depletion leads to Antarctic upper-stratospheric warming during winter months, with temperatures rising significantly since the 1970s. The study highlights the importance of understanding the coupling between atmospheric chemistry and climate in the southern upper stratosphere.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateFeb 15, 2023

When alcohol becomes cheaper, abortions and adverse birth outcomes increase, new research shows

A Finnish study found that lowering alcohol prices led to a short-term increase in abortions and adverse birth outcomes, particularly among low-income women. Both factors returned to normal levels after several months. The research suggests that cheaper alcohol may lead to increased drinking and prenatal exposure to alcohol.

SourceSociety for the Study of Addiction·JournalAddiction·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 15, 2023

Reduced energetic disorder enables over 14% efficiency in organic solar cells based on completely non-fused-ring donors and acceptors

Researchers developed a new organic solar cell material with reduced energetic disorder, leading to improved performance and lower material costs. The non-fused-ring design enables more uniform surface electrostatic potential distribution and smaller intermolecular interactions, reducing non-radiative energy loss.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Chemistry·DateFeb 15, 2023

Researchers evidence new characteristics of the extinct American cheetah ‘Miracinonyx’

The study, conducted by the University of Malaga and others, analyzed the skeleton and brain architecture of Miracinonyx trumani, finding that it had retractable claws and was able to grapple with its prey like cougars. Its brain surface also showed differences from cheetahs, suggesting an intermediate form between the two species.

SourceUniversity of Malaga·JournalBiology Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2023

Close encounters of the furry kind: managing alien squirrel invasion in Japan

Researchers from Japan highlight the decline of native squirrel species due to introduced non-native sciurine species. The study emphasizes the importance of early action in addressing ecological concerns and conserving rare endemic species, with successful eradication efforts reported in four locations.

SourceForestry and Forest Products Research Institute·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 15, 2023

Community co-design model targets Indigenous diet and diabetes

A community co-design model targeting Indigenous diet and diabetes uses a ketogenic eating plan, which aligns with pre-colonisation eating patterns for Australian Indigenous people. The project aims to explore how Indigenous peoples are advantaged by adopting a keto diet and monitor physiological, social, and economic outcomes.

SourceFlinders University·JournalNature Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 15, 2023

Government’s role in promoting wood burning stove emissions unveiled in new study

A new study published in the British Journal of Criminology found that the number of stoves exempt from UK smoke control regulations has increased ten-fold since 2010. The Deregulation Act 2015 removed obstacles to manufacturers certifying their appliances as 'exempt', contributing to nationwide air pollution problems.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalThe British Journal of Criminology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 15, 2023

Working timelines for Swedish employees revealed over 15 years

A new analysis of Swedish workers' employment timelines highlights varying patterns of active work and work interruptions over 15 years. Women were found to be more likely to have longer periods of interruption due to parental leave and sickness-absence benefits, independent of socioeconomic factors.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 15, 2023

Amazon mammals threatened by climate change

A study by the University of California, Davis, finds that most Amazon land mammals are threatened by climate change and projected savannization. Camera trap surveys revealed that only a few species preferred savanna habitat, while most species, including those using both habitats, chose forest habitats.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalAnimal Conservation·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 15, 2023

Story tips from the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, February 2023

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have discovered that hydrogen atoms play a crucial role in twisting iron, enabling more efficient chemical reactions. Additionally, the lab has developed technology to reuse old electric vehicle batteries as energy storage systems for the grid, reducing pollution and carbon emissions.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalChemical Science·DateFeb 15, 2023

Social media use linked to symptoms of muscle dysmorphia among Canadian boys and young men

A recent study from the University of Toronto found that greater screen time is associated with more symptoms of muscle dysmorphia among Canadian young people. The researchers analyzed data from over 2,500 adolescents and young adults and found that social media use, texting, TV watching, and video chatting were linked to muscle dysmor...

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalEating and Weight Disorders - Studies on Anorexia Bulimia and Obesity·DateFeb 15, 2023

UCalgary researchers develop new imaging technique for clearer picture of “brain in the gut”

Researchers have designed a novel imaging and experimental preparation system to record the activity of the enteric nervous system in mice, providing new insights into the complex processes of digestion and waste elimination. The findings suggest that physical distention of the gut controls how the entire neural network is coordinated.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2023

Mothers’ alcohol consumption before and during pregnancy is linked to changes in children’s face shapes

A recent study published in Human Reproduction found a significant association between prenatal alcohol exposure and changes in children's facial features. The research used AI to analyze three-dimensional images of children's faces at ages nine and thirteen, revealing that mothers' alcohol consumption before and during pregnancy can h...

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 15, 2023

Early-stage lung disease could be detected with advanced imaging tech

A new study reveals that phase-contrast X-ray imaging can visualize smallest airways and their obstructions, potentially detecting early-stage lung disease. This technique could provide better resolution and contrast than conventional radiography, enabling subtle pathological changes to be seen.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 15, 2023

Mining at key hydrothermal vents could endanger species at distant sites

Researchers warn that deep-sea mining near hydrothermal vents in the Okinawa Trough could harm species hundreds of kilometers away due to interconnected ecosystems. Key vents should be protected for conservation, with some vent sites identified as crucial hubs for maintaining connectivity.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalEcology and Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 15, 2023

For god’s sake: Baylor researchers develop a new model to predict smartphone use during church services

A new model developed by Baylor researchers can help church leaders understand the factors associated with decisions to use smartphones during church services. The study found that individual behavior is more important than what others think, and demonstrated how smartphones can be an easy and useful tool enhancing the worship experience.

SourceBaylor University·JournalInternational Journal of Human-Computer Interaction·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 15, 2023

Music beats beeps: Researchers find redesigned medical alarms can better alert staff and improve patient experience

A new study by McMaster University researchers found that redesigned medical alarms with musical tones can improve speech recognition and reduce annoyance. The study suggests that changing the sounds of medical devices can make alarms less disruptive, allowing for better staff communication and reducing recovery times.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalBritish Journal of Anaesthesia·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2023

Targeted prenatal therapy for mothers and their babies addresses longstanding gap in health equity

Targeted RNA therapy aims to treat pre-eclampsia by delivering mRNA to placental cells, reducing maternal blood pressure and restoring fetal circulation. The treatment has shown promising results in mice, paving the way for potential treatments for human patients.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 15, 2023

Novel technique distinguishes between types of oral bone lesion based on MRI scan image texture

Researchers used MRI scans and texture analysis to differentiate between two types of benign oral bone lesions, ameloblastomas and odontogenic keratocysts. The study found that certain pixel and voxel organizational parameters in the MRI images were statistically significant, enabling more accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Purple vegetables and tubers have antidiabetic properties

Acylated anthocyanins found in purple potatoes, sweet potatoes, and carrots have been shown to reduce type 2 diabetes risk by affecting glucose transporters and enzymes involved in metabolism. These compounds also maintain gut microbiota homeostasis and suppress pro-inflammatory pathways.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 15, 2023

The faster El Niño decays, the fewer typhoons occur the following summer

A recent study found that faster El Niño decays are associated with lower typhoon frequencies in the following summer. Researchers discovered a stronger anticyclonic anomaly over the western North Pacific, driven by tropical Indo-Pacific sea surface temperature anomalies, as a key mechanism behind this phenomenon.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateFeb 15, 2023