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Science News for February 9, 2023


Metabolites better reflect consumption of the Mediterranean diet during pregnancy compared to self-reported dietary measures, study finds

Researchers found that metabolites associated with the Mediterranean diet may serve as an objective measure to assess adherence among pregnant individuals. The study identified several key metabolites linked to maternal physiology and outcomes, including gestational diabetes and chronic diseases.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalClinical Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 9, 2023

Self-fulfilling prophecy: When physicians associate race and culture with poor health outcomes

A novel study found a direct relationship between belief in race as a cultural phenomenon driving health disparities and the use of race in care among family physicians. The study suggests that using race without recognizing social, political, and economic factors can stigmatize racially minoritized people and worsen health disparities.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 9, 2023

The coastal cod population is not extinct

A study by University of Gothenburg researchers identifies two distinct types of cod, 'offshore cod' and 'coastal cod', genetically adapted to different environments. The coastal cod remain in the fjords, but their adult stage is uncertain, with possible spawning locations still unknown.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalICES Journal of Marine Science·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 9, 2023

Researchers discover potential way to prevent life-threatening allergic reactions for those with peanut allergies

Scientists at Indiana University School of Medicine have developed a new treatment that blocks anaphylaxis caused by peanut allergies, potentially saving lives. The covalent heterobivalent inhibitor (cHBI) was tested in animal models and showed promise in preventing allergic reactions for over two weeks.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 9, 2023

Geography, language dictate social media and popular website usage, study finds

Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign found that people's use of popular websites and social media platforms differs significantly based on their location and language. The study analyzed data from 124 countries and found that YouTube and Twitter are used in distinct ways across regions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 9, 2023

Fossil discovery reveals complex ecosystems existed on Earth much earlier than previously thought

A 250.8 million-year-old fossil find reveals complex marine ecosystems on Earth just one million years after the Permian-Triassic mass extinction, contradicting long-held theories. The discovery provides insights into life's rapid recovery from extreme crises and necessitates a re-evaluation of early Triassic ocean conditions.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 9, 2023

Scientists discover receptor that blocks COVID-19 infection

Researchers identified a protein in lung cells that blocks SARS-CoV-2 infection and forms a natural protective barrier. The discovery opens up an entirely new area of immunology research around LRRC15 and offers promising prospects for developing new drugs to prevent viral infection or treat fibrosis in the lungs.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023

New research finds salary transparency with low monitoring costs helps close the gender pay gap

Research published in Strategic Management Journal found that salary transparency reduces gender pay inequality by placing pressure on high-profile organizations to reduce gaps. However, the study did not find women using salary information to negotiate higher pay, highlighting the need for organizational-level changes.

SourceStrategic Management Society·JournalStrategic Management Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 9, 2023

Single dose of common antibiotic reduces mothers’ risk of death during childbirth, study finds

A single dose of azithromycin has been shown to decrease sepsis and death by half in women in labor, making it an important tool for keeping mothers safe before, during, and after delivery. The antibiotic was found to be beneficial for vaginal childbirth as well, reducing mortality rates and the risk of developing sepsis.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 9, 2023

New research finds single dose of popular antibiotic given during labor significantly reduced risk of maternal death or sepsis in developing countries

A new study found that a single dose of azithromycin given during labor significantly reduced the risk of maternal death or sepsis in women in low- and middle-income countries. The antibiotic was administered to over 29,000 participants in eight sites across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Researchers find substantial portion of U.S. public potentially interested in using genetic technologies to enhance offspring education

A survey found that a substantial portion of Americans are willing to use polygenic embryo screening and gene editing to increase the chances of having a baby admitted to a top-100 ranked college. The study suggests growing interest in using genetic technologies to influence offspring traits, including educational attainment.

SourceGeisinger Health System·JournalScience·DateFeb 9, 2023

Incoming CEO's political views may drive director departure in a firm, new study shows

A new study published in Strategic Management Journal reveals that the political ideology of an incoming CEO influences whether directors choose to continue or leave their positions. Directors tend to depart when a new CEO with opposing political views joins the company, while they stay if the CEO shares similar views.

SourceStrategic Management Society·JournalStrategic Management Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 9, 2023

MU researcher studies childhood obesity prevention programs in rural schools

A recent study by Crystal Lim found that obesity prevention programs combining nutrition and exercise components over an extended period had the most success in changing students' daily behaviors. Successful programs also included evidence-based strategies like goal setting, problem solving, and self-regulation techniques.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJBI Evidence Synthesis·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 9, 2023

How could we evolve such a huge brain?

A new study found that children in a modern forager society developed specialized foraging skills from an early age, which may have enabled the human species to afford larger brains. The research also showed gender-specific differences in foraging skills, with girls collecting tubers and boys climbing trees to collect fruits.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 9, 2023

Study identifies human microRNAs linked to type 2 diabetes

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has identified 14 pancreatic islet miRNAs associated with human type 2 diabetes. The study used a large sample size of nearly 65 human pancreatic islets to uncover these miRNAs, revealing potential mechanisms for disease development and novel therapeutic targets.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 9, 2023

Tobacco and e-cigs may put healthy young people at risk of severe COVID illness, new UCLA research suggests

New UCLA research finds that tobacco smoking and vaping can predispose healthy young people to increased inflammation and severe COVID-19. The study, published in Journal of Molecular Medicine, found higher levels of key proteins in plasma from smokers and vapers compared to non-smokers.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Molecular Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023

Study finds association of genetic disease and infant mortality higher than previously recognized: 41% of infant deaths associated with genetic diseases

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that single-locus genetic diseases were the most common cause of infant mortality, accounting for 41% of deaths. The research suggests that diagnostic whole genome sequencing may have prevented some deaths and that treatments for these conditions are available for 30% of cases.

SourceRady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 9, 2023

New AI technology could change game prep for Super Bowl teams

Researchers at Brigham Young University have developed an AI algorithm that can accurately locate players and determine formations in football game footage. The system has achieved over 90% accuracy on player detection and 85% accuracy on formation identification, potentially eliminating the need for manual annotation and analysis.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalElectronics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 9, 2023

Successive, extreme cold events in the Northern Hemisphere this winter may be linked

Research found that abnormally weak meridional potential vorticity gradients in the Northern Hemisphere atmosphere facilitated the development of stationary blocking weather patterns, leading to extreme cold weather and snowstorm events in East Asia and North America. The team predicts improved forecasting with more accurate PV modeling.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateFeb 9, 2023

New compound inhibits influenza virus replication

Researchers have identified a compound that inhibits the body's own methyltransferase MTr1, thereby limiting influenza virus replication. The compound proved effective in lung tissue preparations and mouse studies, showing synergistic effects with already approved influenza drugs.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023

Veterinary: Non-processed meat-based early diet reduces risk of dog digestive issues later in life

Research published in Scientific Reports found that dogs fed non-processed meat-based diets and human leftovers during puppyhood and adolescence were less likely to experience gastrointestinal disorders later in life. This suggests that providing puppies with a variety of whole foods early on may reduce the risk of future digestive iss...

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 9, 2023

How hepatitis E viruses enter cells

A study published in Hepatology reveals that the EGFR protein plays a crucial role in the entry mechanism of hepatitis E virus into human hepatocytes. The researchers found that suppressing the activity of the EGFR protein significantly reduced cell infections, suggesting potential therapeutic applications for approved cancer drugs.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalHepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023

USC Dornsife study shows California counties overseen by a coroner who is also sheriff underreport officer-involved deaths

A new USC Dornsife study comparing national law enforcement databases with the Fatal Encounters open-source database found significant discrepancies in reporting of officer-involved deaths. In California counties where sheriffs also serve as coroners, these incidents are underreported more often than in separate agencies.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalAcademic Forensic Pathology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 9, 2023

'To save our pets, we need to know our neighbors' Lessons from an urban firestorm

A CU Boulder study estimates that 1,182 animals were affected by the Marshall Fire, with most being fatally injured due to rapid-onset disasters and poor emergency notification systems. Researchers emphasize the need for pet owners to create evacuation plans and designate trusted contacts to help rescue pets in case of an emergency.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalAnimals·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 9, 2023

Bite this! Mosquito feeding chamber uses fake skin, real blood

Rice University researchers have developed an innovative system to study mosquito feeding behavior using fake skin made with a 3D printer, eliminating the need for live volunteers. The system was tested on various mosquito repellents and showed promising results, suggesting it could be scaled up for future studies.

SourceRice University·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023

Gene cluster reshuffling drives natural sunscreen evolution in lichens

Lichen-forming fungi have evolved unique gene clusters to produce orange 'sunscreen' pigments, allowing them to thrive in sunny environments. The discovery of a critical ABC transporter gene within the pigment gene cluster provides a potential hypothesis for toxicity avoidance in these organisms.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023

Possible genetic basis and mouse model found for severe nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

A mutant SRSF1 gene may cause severe nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NASH), researchers have found. Mice lacking the gene develop all three hallmarks of NASH: excess fat, inflammation, and scarring in the liver. The study suggests that DNA damage in liver cells triggers this pathology, highlighting the need to protect the genome.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023

How giants became dwarfs

The cichlid fish species Lamprologous callipterus has a unique reproductive system where males are 12 times bigger than females, but also has a smaller male morph that is 60 times smaller. A new study found that the genetic mechanism underlying this size-determining sex chromosome is linked to the growth hormone regulator gene GHRHR.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateFeb 9, 2023

Can clay capture carbon dioxide?

Researchers are exploring how a kind of clay can soak up carbon dioxide and store it, potentially reducing the impact of climate change. The study found that carbon dioxide is more stable in wet clay nanopores than in plain water.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 9, 2023

ChatGPT can (almost) pass the US Medical Licensing Exam

A study published in PLOS Digital Health found that ChatGPT scored between 52.4% and 75.0% on the USMLE exams, exceeding the passing threshold of approximately 60%. The model demonstrated high concordance rates and produced significant insights for most responses.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Digital Health·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023

Mission to beat rare cancers

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf developed a new strategy to increase target molecules for radionuclide therapy in pheochromocytoma tumors, delaying tumor growth. The combination of valproic acid and decitabine prior to therapy doubled the radiation dose absorbed by the tumor.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalTheranostics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023

How to really reach students with online teaching

A recent study at Ruhr-University Bochum found that interactive online teaching can increase students' physiological state of arousal compared to passive online or face-to-face teaching. Students in interactive online classes reported feeling more involved and attentive but also experienced increased anxiety.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAnnals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger·DateFeb 9, 2023

WVU researchers estimate cost of ‘injury deaths of despair,’ including suicide, exceeds $1 trillion annually in the U.S.

The study found that estimated national costs of self-injury mortality rose by 143% from $0.46 trillion to $1.12 trillion over a 20-year period, primarily driven by increases in opioid and alcohol-related deaths. West Virginia has the highest per capita cost at $6,534, with total suicide costs increasing 58% to $502.7 billion.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalBMC Public Health·DateFeb 9, 2023

Mushrooms magnify memory by boosting nerve growth

Researchers from The University of Queensland have identified new active compounds in Hericium erinaceus that promote neuron projections, extending and connecting to other neurons. This discovery could lead to treatments and protection against neurodegenerative cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalJournal of Neurochemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023

New synthetic skin may unlock blood-sucking secrets of mosquitoes

Researchers have developed a new synthetic skin, made of hydrogels, to study how mosquitoes transmit deadly diseases. The hydrogel system can mimic different blood vessel patterns, allowing for more consistent testing and analysis. This breakthrough may help identify ways to prevent the spread of disease.

SourceTulane University·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023

New research finds that people who use cannabis early in pregnancy are at increased risk of poor pregnancy outcomes

Research suggests that using cannabis in the first six to 14 weeks of pregnancy is associated with poor fetal growth and an increased risk of developing high blood pressure during pregnancy. The study analyzed urine samples from over 9,200 participants and found a significant link between cannabis use and adverse placental function.

Well-preserved fossil assemblage suggests marine ecosystem recovery after the “great dying” happened rapidly

A well-preserved fossil assemblage from China reveals a rapid recovery of the marine ecosystem after the Permian-Triassic mass extinction. The Guiyang Biota provides an unprecedented snapshot of a highly diversified marine ecosystem only one million years after the extinction event, forcing scientists to rethink their interpretations.

Packaged DNA: MLU researchers develop new method to promote bone growth

Researchers at MLU and partners developed a new process coating implant materials with a gene-activated biomaterial that induces stem cells to produce bone tissue. This method, published in Advanced Healthcare Materials, stimulates bone healing in a targeted manner with fewer side effects than existing methods.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023

Researchers link 27 genetic variants to ADHD

A large international study has identified 27 genetic variants that increase the risk of ADHD, more than twice as many as previous studies. The study found that these variants affect genes involved in brain development and dopamine regulation.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023

Care for those who have a miscarriage may be compromised in states that restrict abortion, study finds

A study led by University at Buffalo physician Elana Tal found that people in states with restrictive abortion policies are less likely to receive optimal care after a miscarriage. The researchers found disparities in the management of early pregnancy loss, including lower rates of uterine aspiration and mifepristone prescription.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalWomen s Health Issues·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 9, 2023

Remote symptom reporting systems for patients may reduce outpatient waiting lists

A new review suggests that remote symptom reporting systems can significantly reduce outpatient waiting lists by enabling patients to monitor and report their symptoms digitally. This allows clinicians to make informed decisions in near real-time, reducing the need for unnecessary clinic appointments.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 9, 2023

Salt cuts off the energy supply to immune regulators

A new study found that excessive salt intake disrupts the energy metabolism of regulatory T cells, leading to dysfunction. This may have implications for autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases. The research suggests that sodium can alter gene expression and trigger malfunctions in mitochondrial energy generation.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023

Doubling protected lands for biodiversity could require tradeoffs with other land uses, study finds

A recent study suggests that doubling protected lands for biodiversity could lead to substantial regional shifts in land use and potentially fail to protect world's most biodiverse hotspots. The research also found that the land used for growing crops for biofuels could be significantly impacted by the doubling of current protected areas.

Single-dose antibiotic prevents maternal sepsis and death

A single oral dose of azithromycin can reduce postpartum sepsis and death among women who deliver vaginally by one-third, according to a large clinical trial. The study enrolled over 29,000 women in seven low- and middle-income countries and found that only 1.6% developed sepsis or died within six weeks after delivery.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 9, 2023

New damselfly sharing habitat with UK natives

A new study by the University of Exeter found that a small red-eyed damselfly from Europe has established itself in the UK without harming native species. Most native dragonflies and damselflies were either found more often or unchanged in areas colonized by the newcomer.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 9, 2023

Oncolytic virus treatment produces promising results in patients with triple-negative breast cancer

A phase 2 trial found that talimogene laherparepvec combined with chemotherapy provided strong responses and immune cell activation in 45.9% of patients with early stage triple-negative breast cancer. Tumor samples showed high levels of tumor-fighting T cells, indicating a potential for improved outcomes.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 9, 2023

HETDEX reveals galaxy gold mine in first large survey

Astronomers have cataloged over 51,863 Lyman-alpha-emitting galaxies, 123,891 star-forming galaxies, and 4,976 active galactic nuclei using HETDEX's spectroscopic data. The survey is a non-targeted, moon-sized survey that collects spectra from 35,000 fiber optic cables, providing a unique dataset for future galaxy mapping.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023