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Science News for February 23, 2023


New study finds offering paid sick leave is good for U.S. business

A recent study by Florida Atlantic University and Cleveland State University researchers found that offering paid sick leave to US workers leads to fewer occupational injuries, less presenteeism and better employee health and safety. The study also shows positive impacts on business outcomes such as improved morale, retention, profitab...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalAmerican Journal of Industrial Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 23, 2023

Dynamic expression of brain serotonin receptors across the menstrual cycle provides clues about premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Researchers discovered a significant increase in serotonin transporter density in the midbrain of patients with PMDD during the periovulatory phase, which was associated with increased depressed mood. The study suggests that taking SSRIs at specific times during the menstrual cycle may help target these changes and alleviate symptoms.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 2023

Where do toxins from tobacco attack DNA?

Researchers at ETH Zurich have localized changes to DNA building blocks altered by tobacco smoke's toxic compounds. These findings suggest a potential method to predict cancer risk and study genetic predispositions.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalACS Central Science·DateFeb 23, 2023

Normal gastrointestinal biopsy not protective against later IBD, study finds

A new study found that individuals with a normal gastrointestinal biopsy still have a higher risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the years following the biopsy. The study of over 450,000 individuals in Sweden showed that symptoms of IBD may start significantly before the disease shows up on biopsy.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 2023

Scientists develop new targeted therapeutic strategies against liver metastasis

Researchers have discovered a new mechanism of immune surveillance by liver-resident macrophages called Kupffer cells that prevent liver metastasis from escaping. They successfully cleared tumors in various animal models using a new method for in situ targeted expression and remodels of KCs' anti-tumor function.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 23, 2023

TraffikGene gets €2.5M from the European Innovation Council to bring its technology to market

TrafikGene, led by Prof. Javier Montenegro, develops a peptide-based technology for efficient delivery of nucleic acids with potential therapeutic application. The project aims to create vehicles that facilitate selective and non-toxic delivery of nucleic acids for applications in cancer immunotherapy.

Heterostructures developed at Purdue support predictions of counterpropagating charged edge modes at the v=2/3 fractional quantum Hall state

Researchers at Purdue University have developed heterostructures that support the prediction of counterpropagating charged edge modes at the v=2/3 fractional quantum Hall state. The team's experiment measured an electrical conductance equal to half the fundamental value of e^2/h, consistent with theoretical predictions.

SourcePurdue University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 23, 2023

Exercise more effective than medicines to manage mental health

A new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine reveals that physical activity is 1.5 times more effective than counselling or medications in managing depression. The review of 97 reviews and 1039 trials shows that exercise interventions, especially those lasting 12 weeks or less, can significantly reduce mental health ...

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 23, 2023

Understanding the value of a physician’s intuition when assessing risk factors for surgery

A new study found that preoperative surgeon intuition is an independent predictor of 30-day postoperative complications, but its predictive power is not as strong as a standardized risk calculator. The study suggests that the information gathered by the calculator is better at predicting outcomes than surgeons' gut feelings.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateFeb 23, 2023

How does a person’s ethnicity impact their risk of death?

A new UK Biobank study analyzes data on nearly half a million participants and finds that Asian and Black groups have lower all-cause mortality rates compared to White groups. The study also identifies specific risk factors associated with each ethnic group, such as mental health diagnoses for Asians and parasitic diseases for Blacks.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 2023

Genes reveal kidney cancer’s risk of recurrence

A new study links genetic changes in kidney cancer to patient outcomes, identifying four groups of patients based on mutation presence. This research may lead to more effective prediction of recurrence risk and personalized treatment for thousands of patients annually.

SourceMcGill University·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 23, 2023

New insights into chordate body plan development answer long-standing questions on evolution

A recent study in Developmental Biology reveals the evolution of the chordate body plan from an echinoderm common ancestor. The research identifies key gene expression patterns and transcription factors that led to the development of the chordate nervous system, lateral mesoderm, and Spemann's organizer.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalDevelopmental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2023

Vanillin from Kraft Lignin

Scientists have successfully developed a novel method to recover vanillin from Kraft lignin, a previously waste material, without using harmful chemicals. This process utilizes recycled materials and electric power, making it an environmentally friendly approach to meet the high demand for vanillin in various industries.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2023

Children’s lung capacity improved in cleaner air

A new study published in the European Respiratory Journal reports that children's lung capacity has improved in areas with decreased air pollution in Stockholm. The researchers found a 20% lower risk of significantly impaired lung function in participants living in areas with better air quality.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 2023

New study takes close look at energy storage

Researchers analyze current state of solid-state battery technology, identifying key challenges such as developing solid electrolytes and anode materials. The study concludes that new approaches in material research are necessary to overcome these hurdles and achieve commercialization.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Energy·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 23, 2023

Theory can sort order from chaos in complex quantum systems

A new mathematical theory developed by scientists at Rice University and Oxford University can predict the nature of motions in complex quantum systems. The theory applies to any sufficiently complex quantum system and may give insights into building better quantum computers, designing solar cells, or improving battery performance.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 23, 2023

Ultrafast synthesis of cobalt/carbon nanocomposites by magnetic induction heating for oxygen evolution reaction

Researchers developed a method for creating cobalt/carbon nanocomposites using magnetic induction heating, which significantly enhances the oxygen evolution reaction performance. The new synthesis method produces high-performance electrocatalysts with low overpotentials and high current densities.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalAdvanced Sensor and Energy Materials·DateFeb 23, 2023

How digital twins could protect manufacturers from cyberattacks

A new cybersecurity framework uses digital twin technology, machine learning, and human expertise to detect cyberattacks in manufacturing processes. The framework analyzes continuous data streams from physical machines and their digital twins to identify irregularities and flag potential threats.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Automation Science and Engineering·DateFeb 23, 2023

National Jewish Health researchers discover biomarkers that could predict future allergic conditions

Researchers at National Jewish Health have discovered biomarkers on the surface of infant skin that can predict the development of atopic dermatitis and other allergic conditions. The study's findings suggest that targeted therapies such as emollients or biologics may be effective in preventing eczema.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 2023

Examining heat transfer in granular materials

Researchers have discovered that thermal conductivity in granular materials is heavily influenced by particle sizes and surface roughness. For smaller particles, heat transfer occurs mainly through water capillary bridges, while larger particles rely on air transmission.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateFeb 23, 2023

3D printing with bacteria-loaded ink produces bone-like composites

EPFL researchers have created a 3D printing ink containing calcium carbonate-producing bacteria that produces bone-like composites. The resulting bio-composite is exceptionally strong, light, and environmentally friendly. This innovation has potential applications in art restoration, coral reef regeneration, and biomedical fields.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalMaterials Today·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2023

Patients with high blood pressure who partnered with community health workers more likely to achieve blood pressure control

Researchers found that community health worker partnerships led to significant improvements in blood pressure control among South Asian patients, who face unique social and cultural barriers to healthcare. After six months, 68% of treatment group participants had controlled blood pressure, compared to 42% of the control group.

Electrodes grown in the brain – paving the way for future therapies for neurological disorders

Researchers have successfully grown electrodes in living tissue using the body's molecules as triggers, paving the way for fully integrated electronic circuits in living organisms. This breakthrough method allows for substrate-free organic bioelectronics and targets specific biological substructures for nerve stimulation.

SourceLinköping University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2023

Mystical and insightful psychedelic experience may improve mental health

Researchers found that individuals who scored high on questionnaires assessing mystical and insightful nature of their psychedelic experiences reported improvements in anxiety and depression symptoms. A challenging experience while on these substances was also beneficial, especially in the context of mystical and insightful experiences.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 23, 2023

Scientists identify new mechanism of corrosion

Researchers identify a new mechanism of corrosion morphology using electron tomography and theoretical calculations, finding a one-dimensional wormhole structure in metal alloys. The study could lead to the development of more advanced materials with improved resistance to localized corrosion.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2023

New study finds millions in US missed cancer screening during second year of COVID-19 pandemic

A nationwide study by the American Cancer Society found that millions of people in the US missed critical cancer screening tests during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of women who reported having cervical cancer screening dropped by 4.4 million, and men had 700,000 fewer prostate cancer screenings.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateFeb 23, 2023

Researchers discover the mechanism by which tumor cells become resistant to chemotherapy in colorectal cancer

A study published in Nature Communications reveals that platinum accumulates in healthy cells surrounding cancer cells, particularly fibroblasts, and induces gene activation associated with poor response to chemotherapy. Periostin levels serve as a marker of TGF-β activity in fibroblasts and predict treatment benefit.

Healing the brain: Hydrogels enable neuronal tissue growth

Researchers at Hokkaido University used hydrogel materials in combination with neural stem cells to grow new brain tissue in areas of brain damage. The study showed that immune cells and blood vessels grew within the hydrogels, leading to some degree of integration between the hydrogel and host brain tissue.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2023

Scientist proposed an intelligent feedback estimation method to achieve the satellite attitude identification and prediction

A new algorithm was proposed to predict a satellite's attitude without sensor data, crucial for debris tracking and damage reduction. The method uses quaternions and an extended Kalman filter to estimate the satellite's state, followed by a neural network to extract unmodeled environmental torque.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace: Science & Technology·DateFeb 23, 2023

Single gene causes stinging cell to lose its sting

A single gene controls a switch between two alternative cell fates in a species of sea anemone, enabling the transition from a piercing cell to a sticky cell. This finding suggests that the nematocyte cell may have evolved from a spirocyte thanks to the development of the NvSox2 gene.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 23, 2023

How birds got their wings

Researchers at the University of Tokyo found that a specialized wing structure called the propatagium evolved in non-avian dinosaurs, paving the way for modern birds to fly. The discovery, based on statistical analyses of arm joints, helps fill gaps in knowledge about bird flight origins.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalZoological Letters·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 23, 2023

2D Janus materials could harvest abundant hydrogen fuel

Researchers have discovered four new 2D Janus materials that can catalyse the splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen with excellent stability and light absorption. These materials, which are well-suited for redox reactions, could be a key element in the global effort to eliminate carbon emissions.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateFeb 23, 2023

Decades-long suffering from obstetric injuries

A study of over 11,000 women with obstetric anal sphincter injuries found that the severity of problems increases with the number of injuries, affecting everyday life and quality of life. Women with two injuries reported high-frequency anal incontinence and a greater impact on their lives.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 23, 2023

Tracking how magnetism affects animal behavior

Researchers have long observed that animals respond to magnetic fields, but the exact nature of this 'magnetic sense' remains unclear. A new review provides an overview of the field, including methods used to study magnetoreception, such as GPS tracking and tissue manipulation.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Special Topics·DateFeb 23, 2023

Racial stereotypes vary in digital interactions

A recent study found that Black bots were perceived as more competent and human than their White and Asian counterparts in digital interactions. This challenges past research on human-to-human interactions and highlights the importance of understanding how racial stereotypes interact with artificial intelligence.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateFeb 23, 2023

Psyllium fiber protects against colitis by activating bile acid sensor, biomedical sciences researchers find

Researchers at Georgia State University found that psyllium fiber protects against ulcerative colitis by activating the bile acid nuclear receptor FXR, which suppresses inflammation. The study suggests that pharmacologic activation of FXR might be useful in managing inflammatory bowel disease.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2023

New promising targeted drug for a rare leukemia

Researchers at the University of Helsinki identified a new targeted drug, BCL-XL protein inhibitors, effective against erythroid and megakaryoblastic leukemias. However, venetoclax is unlikely to function optimally in these subtypes. The finding contributes to making targeted drug selection more precise.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalBlood·DateFeb 23, 2023

CAMH study first to examine contextual factors associated with higher rates of suicide in the Americas

A CAMH-led study examines national suicide rates in 33 countries over 20 years, identifying eight population-level factors associated with suicide rates. The study highlights the importance of considering gender differences when developing suicide risk reduction initiatives.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Americas·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 23, 2023

Genes reveal kidney cancer’s risk of recurrence

A decade-long international study has linked genetic changes in kidney cancer to patient outcomes, identifying four groups of patients based on specific genes. The findings suggest that tumour DNA sequencing may provide a more effective way to predict patient risk of kidney cancer recurrence.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateFeb 23, 2023

UCLA-led study explains how one of Saturn’s moons ejects particles from oceans beneath its surface

A new UCLA-led study explains that tidal heating in Enceladus' rocky core creates currents that transport silica particles to the surface. The research suggests that these flows can pick up materials from the seafloor and bring them to the ice shell, providing evidence for hydrothermal activity at the ocean floor.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateFeb 23, 2023

Malaria infection harms wild African apes

New research on malaria-infected bonobos shows that the infection harms them, too, with symptoms including fever and increased mortality risk. The study also finds that bonobos have a protective variant of an immune gene similar to one found in humans, suggesting a selective advantage for those individuals.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2023

The benefits of olive oil for health and wellbeing

Research suggests that oleic acid in olive oil has antioxidant properties, inhibiting the expression of proteins associated with cholesterol transport, and reducing atherosclerosis. Additionally, oleic acid is recognized as an anti-cancer molecule, which also displays hypocholesterolaemic effects and may influence epigenetic mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalNutrients·DateFeb 23, 2023

Oncotarget | Oncogenic driver FGFR3-TACC3 requires 5 coiled-coil heptads for activation and disulfide bonds for stability

Researchers identify the minimum contribution of TACC3 for FGFR3-TACC3 fusion protein activation, revealing a novel target for treating FGFR translocation-driven cancers. The study shows that clinically identified FGFR3-TACC3 fusion proteins differ in biological activity depending on specific breakpoints.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2023

Leptin helps hungry mice choose sex over food

Researchers found that leptin receptor neurons prioritize social interaction over eating and drinking in moderately hungry mice. This system can only regulate moderate hunger, but not strong hunger, which may contribute to why diets don't work.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2023

New study demonstrates inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are safe and effective way to treat venous thromboembolism (VTE)

Researchers found that IVC filters were effective in preventing pulmonary embolisms (PE) in patients with deep vein blood clots, even when used prophylactically. Approximately half of the patients had their filters removed without complication or recurrence of DVT or PE.

SourceSociety of Interventional Radiology·JournalJournal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 23, 2023

New treatment regimen may decrease mortality in patients with cardiotoxicity from immune checkpoint inhibitors

A new treatment regimen combining high-dose abatacept and ruxolitinib has shown to significantly improve survival rates among cancer patients with cardiotoxicity from immune checkpoint inhibitors. The experimental treatment reduced myotoxicity-related mortality by 90% compared to standard-of-care corticosteroids.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Discovery·DateFeb 23, 2023