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Science News for February 3, 2023


Living in a violent setting can result in a shorter, but also a more unpredictable lifespan, according to new research from NYU Abu Dhabi social scientists

A study published in Science Advances found a direct link between violence and lifetime uncertainty, which is measured as the spread in age at death. The researchers analyzed mortality data for 162 countries and found that the most violent countries have the lowest life expectancy and highest lifetime uncertainty.

SourceNew York University·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 3, 2023

Neighborhood walkability linked to risk of gestational diabetes

A study published in Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology found that pregnant individuals living in more walkable neighborhoods have a lower risk of gestational diabetes. The researchers analyzed data from over 109,000 births in New York City and found a significant association between neighborhood walkability and reduced risk of GD.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalPaediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 3, 2023

Harnessing an innate protection against Ebola

School of Veterinary Medicine researchers have identified a cellular pathway that hampers the Ebola virus' ability to exit human cells. By targeting the protein VP40, host cells activate autophagy, a process that digests and recycles proteins, reducing viral particle release into the bloodstream.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2023

Black South Africans report higher life satisfaction and are at less risk for depression post-migration, MU study finds

A new study found Black South Africans who migrated to find work reported better emotional well-being and were at lower risk for depression after the move. The research may help policymakers tailor mental health resources to underprivileged migrants and those seeking economic mobility.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalSSM - Mental Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 3, 2023

Dramatic improvement in the prevalence of disabilities among older Americans since 2008

The prevalence of disabilities among American adults aged 65 and older declined substantially between 2008 and 2017. In 2008, 12.1% reported limitations in daily living, while in 2017, this percentage dropped to 9.6%, saving an additional 1.27 million Americans from ADL limitations. Furthermore, the percentage of functional limitations...

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 3, 2023

Life in a violent country can be years shorter and much less predictable – even for those not involved in conflict

A new study reveals that violent countries have significantly shorter life expectancies and more unpredictable lives, affecting both young people and women. The study finds a direct link between violence and lifetime uncertainty, highlighting the need to consider indirect effects of violence on mortality patterns.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 3, 2023

PRESS RELEASE: Elevated plasma methylmalonic acid is related to increased cardiovascular events

A recent study from the University of Bergen found that elevated plasma methylmalonic acid is associated with an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction and mortality in patients with suspected or verified coronary heart disease. Higher plasma MMA levels were linked to reduced renal function and low vitamin B12 status, but also p...

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 3, 2023

The nutrient that cancer cells crave

Researchers found that arginine levels are limited in human cancers, prompting cancer cells to manipulate proteins to take up the amino acid. Starving cancer cells of arginine may lead to mutations that make them more recognizable to the immune system.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 3, 2023

Breakthrough COVID-19 cases occur in 7.5% of vaccinated Texas participants, according to UTHealth Houston survey; subgroups at higher odds identified

According to a UTHealth Houston survey, breakthrough COVID-19 infections occurred in 7.5% of vaccinated Texans, with higher odds associated with Hispanic ethnicity, larger household size, and multiple comorbidities. The study also found that healthcare workers had higher reports of breakthrough infections.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 3, 2023

Mnemo Therapeutics and Institut Curie announce two key publications in Science Immunology highlighting novel approach to identify unknown, therapeutically relevant cancer-specific targets

Two studies published in Science Immunology reveal that TE-exon splicing junctions can differentiate tumors from healthy tissue, offering a potential solution to the field of immuno-oncology. The research identifies novel recurrent, cancer-specific targets and validates Mnemo's antigen discovery platform.

SourceInstitut Curie·JournalScience Immunology·DateFeb 3, 2023

Low-grade inflammation may cause arterial stiffness and preclinical atherosclerosis in otherwise healthy adolescents

Researchers found that low-grade inflammation in adolescents can lead to higher blood pressure, insulin resistance, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The study also suggests that dietary factors, such as consumption of fruits, vegetables, and fibre-rich foods, can help prevent premature vascular damage.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateFeb 3, 2023

Sussex researchers use Artificial Intelligence to personalise cancer patient treatments

A new method of analyzing cancer cells using Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been developed, enabling oncologists to tailor treatments to individual patients. By identifying key genes essential for a cancer cell's survival, researchers can target specific proteins to kill cancer cells while leaving normal cells intact.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalBioinformatics Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 3, 2023

Researchers: Energy-efficient construction materials work better in colder climates

The study reveals that phase change materials (PCMs) can store and release large amounts of energy, providing a cooling effect in winter and a warming effect in summer. In colder climates, the energy payback period of using PCMs is the shortest, with annual energy savings ranging from 0.24 to 29.84 kWh/m2a.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalConstruction and Building Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 3, 2023

Accepting anxiety for peace of mind

A mindfulness-based intervention program significantly decreased subjective anxiety and improved emotional regulation in AN patients. The study found changes in brain regions involved in anxiety, emotion arousal, and self-referential processing.

SourceKyoto University·JournalBJPsych Open·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2023

Commonly used police diversity training unlikely to change officers’ behavior, study finds

A study from Washington University in St. Louis found that day-long implicit bias-oriented training programs for US police departments are unlikely to reduce racial inequity in policing. Despite increased knowledge and motivation among officers, actual policing behaviors showed little change just one month after the training session.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPsychological Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2023

Voiceless frog discovered in Tanzania

Researchers found a unique, silent frog species in Tanzania's Ukaguru Mountains, highlighting the importance of conservation and understanding diverse ecosystems. The discovery provides critical information for protecting this critically endangered species and its habitat.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 3, 2023

Stereotactic body radiotherapy is an effective treatment for patients with lung neuroendocrine tumors

A new study published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics found that stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is an effective treatment for early stage lung neuroendocrine tumors. The three-, six- and nine-year local control rates with SBRT were 97%, 91% and 91%, respectively.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalInternational Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 3, 2023

How species partnerships evolve

Biologists from the University of Pennsylvania explored how symbiotic relationships between species evolve to become specific or general, cooperative or antagonistic. They found that cooperative partnering strategies could persist in populations with one specialized host and a corresponding specialized symbiont.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalEvolution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 3, 2023

Spanish scientists identify a new therapeutic target in macrophages for the treatment of obesity-related diseases

Macrophages adapt their metabolism according to the organ they reside in, reveals Spanish scientists. This discovery highlights a vulnerability of macrophages that contributes to chronic inflammatory diseases and could be exploited therapeutically for conditions like cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

Solving the structure of a functional amyloid protein provides new clues to the origin of a rare disease

Researchers at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona solved the structure of a functional amyloid protein, hnRNPDL-2, which forms stable and non-toxic fibres in humans. The discovery changes the concept of disease origin and treatment, suggesting that molecules stabilising or facilitating fibre formation could be the key to therapy.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2023

A new understanding of reptile coloration

Researchers at McGill University have identified a crucial gene (tfec) controlling reptile pigmentation and specifically the classic piebald trait. By combining whole-genome sequencing, gene-editing, and electron microscopy, they found that this mutation affects color-producing cells in reptiles.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 3, 2023

Researchers at Purdue University uncover a new method for generating spinning thermal radiation

Researchers at Purdue University have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of thermal radiation, uncovering a new method for generating spinning thermal radiation in a controlled and efficient manner. The team's findings, published in Science Advances, demonstrate the ability to generate predominantly left-handed circularly pol...

SourcePurdue University·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 3, 2023