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Science News for February 2, 2023


CDI researcher might have found key to why COVID-19 kills more men than women

A new study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences suggests that COVID-19 targets female fat tissue for replication, sparring the lungs and preventing pulmonary damage. This theory may explain why men are more susceptible to severe infections and higher death rates during the pandemic.

SourceHackensack Meridian Health·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2023

Playtime is purr-fect for your cat’s welfare

A new study by the University of Adelaide found that cats that engage in more play have better quality of life and stronger relationships with their guardians. The survey, which collected responses from 591 cat guardians worldwide, also highlighted the importance of indoor play for improving both cat welfare and human relationships.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalAnimal Welfare·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 2, 2023

How do you create buildings that can withstand the most extreme stress loads?

PhD candidate Benjamin Stavnar Elveli's research investigates how different types of steel plates behave under combined ballistic impacts. His work aims to establish guidelines for lightweight, resistant structures. The study shows that simplified approaches can have weaknesses, highlighting the need for accurate computer simulations.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalEngineering Failure Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2023

Remapping the superhighways travelled by the first Australians reveals a 10,000-year journey through the continent

Researchers used sophisticated models to estimate the peopling of Sahul, revealing a 10,000-year journey across the continent. The ancestors of Aboriginal people first entered the continent 75,000-50,000 years ago from Timor, expanding southward and northward to settle all parts of New Guinea and Australia.

SourceFlinders University·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 2, 2023

Tuberculosis vaccine does not protect elderly against COVID-19

A large Dutch study found that the BCG vaccine does not protect elderly people with co-morbidities against COVID-19 symptoms. The study analyzed 6,112 participants and showed no difference in disease manifestations or hospitalizations between those who received the vaccine and those who received a placebo.

SourceUniversity Medical Center Utrecht·JournalClinical Microbiology and Infection·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 2, 2023

Researchers use lead recycled from car batteries to make photodetectors

A team of researchers developed an efficient strategy to recycle lead from discarded car batteries, creating a new market for recycled lead in high-tech equipment. The resulting photodetectors show excellent stability and fast response speeds, with potential applications in optical communication, chemical analysis, and imaging.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateFeb 2, 2023

New ice is like a snapshot of liquid water

A team of researchers at Cambridge and UCL created a novel amorphous form of ice called medium-density amorphous ice (MDA), which resembles liquid water in its solid state. MDA has a density similar to that of liquid water and displays unique properties not found in other forms of ice.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·DateFeb 2, 2023

Entangled atoms across the Innsbruck quantum network

Researchers at the University of Innsbruck have successfully entangled two trapped ions separated by 230 meters, using photons transmitted through an optical fiber cable. This breakthrough demonstrates the potential of trapped ions as a platform for building future quantum networks and distributed computing systems.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2023

Decades-old crustaceans coaxed from lake mud give up genetic secrets revealing evolution in action

Researchers at University of Oklahoma sequenced the genomes of decades-old Daphnia resting eggs from a polluted lake, revealing natural selection signs and genetic changes underlying rapid evolution. This study provides molecular evidence for adaptation to salinization in a keystone aquatic species.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 2, 2023

Tree rows in modern agriculture reduce damage to environment

A new study by the University of Göttingen found that alley-cropping agroforestry significantly improves ecosystem functions, including carbon sequestration, habitat creation, and soil protection. In contrast, open grassland systems did not show significant changes in ecosystem function after conversion to agroforestry.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2023

Researchers develop elastic material that is impervious to gases and liquids

Researchers developed an elastic material using liquid metal that resists both gases and liquids, offering a trade-off between elasticity and gas resistance. The material, created with gallium-indium alloy, has been tested to prevent the escape of oxygen and liquids, showing promising potential for use in high-value tech packaging

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2023

HKUMed discovers a new tumour suppressive gene which boosts personalised treatment response in breast cancer

Researchers from HKUMed discovered that somatic deletion of AKTIP promotes luminal breast cancer development and resistance to endocrine therapy. Blocking the alternative escape pathway with a JAK2/STAT3 inhibitor can overcome this resistance, offering new therapeutic possibilities for patients with AKTIP gene deletion.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2023

New GSA Bulletin articles published online ahead of print

Researchers studied the nature and dynamics of China and Tibet, identified a possible sea-level fall trigger for youngest rejuvenated volcanism in Hawaiʻi, and explored porphyry copper mineralization. New data from El Kef Coring Project in Tunisia reveals unexpected differences in stratigraphic successions, challenging previous assumpt...

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateFeb 2, 2023

Robots and A.I. team up to discover highly selective catalysts

Researchers developed a machine learning model using advanced 2D chemical descriptors to predict highly selective asymmetric catalysts without quantum chemical computations. The model demonstrated high accuracy in predicting catalyst structures and selectivity, outperforming existing methods.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2023

Label-free imaging of red blood cells and oxygenation with color TSFG microscopy

Researchers have developed a novel approach for imaging red blood cells and oxygenation using color TSFG microscopy, enabling label-free visualization of RBCs. The technique provides chemically specific contrast and can measure oxygenation dynamics in vivo, with potential applications in medical technology and biological studies.

New study explores the challenges and suggests opportunities to improve retention for underrepresented in medicine (URiM) medical faculty

A study found that URiM faculty identified supports such as leadership, professional development, and a collegial environment as key to their work. Challenges to advancement included a lack of transparency and trust, high workloads, and reported experiences of racism.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalSouthern Medical Journal·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 2, 2023

New form of “medium-density” amorphous ice discovered, formed through ball milling

Researchers have created a previously unrecognized amorphous form of ice with a density close to liquid water by using ball milling on ordinary ice at nearly -200 degrees Celsius. This discovery opens new questions about the structural nature of medium-density amorphous ice and its implications for our understanding of water.

St. Jude scientists create more efficient CAR immunotherapies using a molecular anchor

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital developed a new design for chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) by adding a molecular anchor, increasing the anti-cancer activity of cellular immunotherapies in cancer models. The anchored CARs improved cancer killing and survival rates in animal models of multiple tumor types.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2023

Uncertainty about breast cancer risk and screening choices and perceived risk heighten with breast density awareness following mammography

Awareness of breast density increases perceived risk and uncertainties about screening choices in Spanish-speaking women. However, these effects are short-term and do not persist over time, suggesting that educational outreach may help clarify implications for personal risk and screening decisions.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalBreast Cancer Research·DateFeb 2, 2023

Two proteins join forces to make flowers

A recent study has solved a 25-year-old enigma by revealing the role of UFO protein in flower formation. The protein aids LEAFY protein in activating genes responsible for bud formation and petal development when combined. This discovery was made using plant genetic experiments, bioinformatics analyses, and protein imaging.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Plants·DateFeb 2, 2023

Study links adoption of electric vehicles with less air pollution and improved health

Researchers found that electric car adoption in California was associated with real-world reductions in air pollution and asthma-related emergency room visits. The study also highlighted an 'adoption gap' between low-resource zip codes, pointing to opportunities for environmental justice.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 2, 2023

Efficient calibration of wavelength-dependent transmission through optical multimode fiber

The study demonstrates a parametric dispersion model and computational methods to efficiently calibrate the fiber's multispectral transmission matrix, reducing the need for dense spectral measurements. This enables precise control over wavelength-dependent light transmission in multimode fibers.

Statistics remove bias from debate about how well mouse models mimic human disease

A team of biostatisticians created a framework to evaluate the congruence and discordance of laboratory animals with specific human diseases. The tool removes bias from scientific interpretation of animal data for human conditions, revealing that some models mimic biological mechanisms well while others poorly.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 2, 2023

Neanderthals hunted elephants: Earliest evidence found of humans killing elephants for food

Neanderthals deliberately hunted down and slaughtered European straight-tusked elephants over 125,000 years ago, providing a significant source of nutrition. The study reveals that Neanderthals came together in larger social groups than previously assumed, with adult male individuals being overrepresented in the assemblage.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 2, 2023

Sparse, small, but diverse neural connections help make perception reliable, efficient

Researchers mapped every thalamic synapse on 15 neurons in layer 2/3 of the visual cortex in mice and found that despite being weak and sparse, they are reliable and efficient representatives of information. The diversity of thalamic inputs underlies these advantages, allowing a small population of neurons to assemble the overall picture.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2023

Nematodes can help us detect indoor air impurities

Researchers developed a new method for measuring indoor air quality using transgenic nematode strains that produce fluorescence when exposed to harmful pollutants. The amount of fluorescence can be measured and used to detect various impurities in the air, including fungal samples, surfactants, and volatile compounds.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalPathogens·DateFeb 2, 2023

Reducing their natural signals: How sneaky germs hide from ants

A study by Sylvia Cremer and her team reveals that pathogens reduce their chemical detection signals in response to ant's social care intervention. This adaptation allows the fungi to counteract spore removal and escape the ant's immune system, demonstrating the impact of collective hygiene measures on pathogens.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2023

Improving CAR-T cell therapy for solid tumours through inhibition of conventional signalling pathway

Researchers have discovered that inhibiting conventional signalling pathway by disrupting LCK allows more efficient tumour cell killing, using FYN protein instead. This approach enhances T-cell function and reduces graft-versus-host disease, making CAR-T therapy more accessible to patients.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 2, 2023

Genes decide the willow warbler’s migration routes

Researchers at Lund University identified two areas in the genome that decide whether a willow warbler migrates across the Iberian Peninsula or the Balkans. This discovery sheds light on the genetics behind songbirds' migratory behaviour and has implications for understanding how species adapt to climate change.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 2, 2023

Massage therapy improves symptom management for youth receiving hematology and oncology care

A new study found that massage therapy significantly reduces pain, stress, and anxiety in children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer or sickle cell disease. The study published in Pediatric Blood & Cancer reports clinically significant benefits from massage therapy, highlighting its potential as a non-pharmacologic treatment o...

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalPediatric Blood & Cancer·DateFeb 2, 2023

Blood pressure drug may prevent immunotherapy-induced brain swelling in patients with glioblastoma

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that losartan can reduce the expression of inflammatory enzymes responsible for immunotherapy-related edema. The study suggests that losartan may allow patients to continue receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors without developing adverse effects in the brain.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2023

Harmful bacteria can elude predators when in mixed colonies

A study by Dartmouth College researchers found that bacteria can form protective clusters with rival species, making it harder to kill harmful bacteria. This discovery highlights the importance of studying multispecies biofilm structures and may impact the development of bacteriophages and predatory bacteria as antimicrobial alternatives.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2023

Near-zero-dispersion soliton and broadband modulational instability Kerr microcombs in anomalous dispersion

Scientists have experimentally obtained a 2/3-octave-spanning microcomb in the broadband modulational instability state, featuring a spectrum from 1240 nm to 1950 nm and a mode spacing of 10 GHz. They also observed a novel soliton structure in near-zero anomalous-dispersion regime, dubbed 'anomalous-dispersion based near-zero-dispersio...

Illinois Tech assistant professor publishes paper in Science on novel chemistry behind ultra-high power density batteries

Assistant Professor Mohammad Asadi has published a paper in Science describing the chemistry behind his novel lithium-air battery design, which could store one kilowatt-hour per kilogram or higher. This breakthrough technology has the potential to revolutionize heavy-duty vehicles such as airplanes, trains, and submarines.

SourceIllinois Institute of Technology·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2023

Financial coaching for parents in clinic leads to higher attendance at well-child health care visits for their young children

A new study found that financial coaching for parents of infants in a pediatric primary care setting reduced missed well-child care visit rates by half and improved vaccination receipt. The intervention, which connected parents to public benefits and cost-saving services, also increased monthly household income.

February issues of American Psychiatric Association journals cover risk factors for mental illness, substance use in psychiatric care, emergency psychiatry and more

The February issues of the American Psychiatric Association's journals address risk factors for mental illness and substance use in psychiatric care. The research highlights the importance of understanding these factors to improve treatment outcomes and reduce disparities in mental health care.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateFeb 2, 2023

State abortion bans based on sex, disability or race aren’t remedies against eugenics

A study by George Washington University professor Sonia M. Suter finds that reason-based abortion bans harm minority groups and restrict reproductive rights. The research challenges the notion that such bans are a remedy against eugenics, revealing instead a performative effort to justify discriminatory policies.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalJournal of Law and the Biosciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 2, 2023

Metalloradical catalysis guides new cobalt-based system that exploits unique features of homolytic radical reaction

Researchers at Boston College have developed a new catalytic approach that enables concurrent control of multiple convergences and selectivities in intermolecular amination of allylic carbon-hydrogen bonds in alkenes. The cobalt-based system exploits unique features of homolytic radical reaction to form desired amine products in a high...

SourceBoston College·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2023

Black youth aren’t isolated in segregated neighborhoods

A study published in the American Journal of Sociology found that urban Black youth living in segregated neighborhoods spent a substantial amount of time in areas with mostly white residents. They often traveled to predominantly white neighborhoods to access better-resourced schools, stores, and organizations.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Sociology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 2, 2023

Astronomers observe light bending around an isolated white dwarf

A team of astronomers has directly measured the mass of a dead star using gravitational microlensing, a phenomenon predicted by Einstein's General Theory of Relativity. The measurement, made for an isolated white dwarf called LAWD 37, provides new insights into star evolution and testing current theories of how white dwarfs evolve.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateFeb 2, 2023