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Science News for January 18, 2023


Aspirin as effective as blood thinner injections to prevent deadly complications in patients hospitalized with bone fractures

A new clinical trial of over 12,000 patients found that inexpensive aspirin is just as effective as injectable blood thinners in preventing life-threatening blood clots and other complications. The study suggests that surgeons may change their practice to administer aspirin to patients hospitalized with bone fractures.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 18, 2023

Heavy drinking in young adults tied to endocannabinoid pathway

A new study explores the relationship between fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) levels and heavy drinking patterns in young adults. Lower FAAH activity was associated with more severe drinking, increased cravings, and reduced sensitivity to alcohol's negative effects.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2023

Study: U.S. cannabis advertising policies suffer from a lack of consistency

A new study by University at Buffalo researchers found that US cannabis advertising policies are inconsistent and often lack guidance, leaving vulnerable populations open to exposure. Most states do not address prohibited advertising tactics like glamorization and testimonials, unlike Canada's strict federal Cannabis Act.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalCannabis and Cannabinoid Research·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 18, 2023

Exploring the features of music that people fall asleep to

A new study has identified several commonalities and diversity in sleep music, including quieter and slower tempos, more acoustic instruments, and a range of energetic levels. Despite these trends, popular sleep playlists on Spotify include faster and louder tracks that may aid relaxation for some people.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJan 18, 2023

Study: Gender-affirming hormones improve mental health in transgender and nonbinary youth

A two-year study found that transgender and nonbinary youth experienced improved appearance congruence, reduced depression and anxiety, and increased life satisfaction after starting gender-affirming hormone treatment. The study included 315 participants aged 12-20 and had the longest follow-up reported to date.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 18, 2023

Investigational drug may combat brain tumors by targeting cancer cells' fat production

A new study led by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers reveals that an investigational drug called YTX-7739 can delay the growth of brain tumors and increase their sensitivity to conventional chemotherapy. The drug works by inhibiting de novo lipid synthesis, a process used by cancer cells for energy production.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 18, 2023

Can Iceland feed Europe?

A new study reveals Iceland's potential to become a protein self-sufficient nation, producing hundreds of thousands of tonnes of biomass while mitigating over 700 million tons of CO2 emissions. This could significantly reduce Europe's reliance on imported protein-rich feed crops and enhance food security.

SourceReichman University·JournalFoods·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 18, 2023

Harnessing the healing power within our cells

Researchers have discovered a pathway in cells that could be used to reprogram the body's immune system to fight chronic inflammatory and infectious diseases. A molecule derived from glucose, ribulose-5-phosphate, has been found to stop bacteria from growing and dampen inflammatory responses.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 18, 2023

Finding the right doctor: can online rating platforms direct patients to higher-quality physicians?

A new study finds that online physician rating platforms can help disseminate important quality information to patients and direct them to higher-quality physicians. The research examines the impact of user-generated online ratings on healthcare choices and highlights their positive association with conventional measurements of physici...

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJan 18, 2023

New research reveals shifting identities of global fishing fleet to help bolster fisheries management

A new study used satellite data and public registry information to track the changing identities of commercial fishing vessels, revealing that nearly 20% of high seas fishing is carried out by unregulated or unauthorized vessels. The study found hotspots of potential IUU fishing in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean and western Indian Ocean.

SourceGlobal Fishing Watch·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 18, 2023

A changing flood recipe for Las Vegas

Researchers from DRI and partners find that urbanization and climate change are changing the timing and intensity of flood risk in Las Vegas. Flood intensity has increased since the mid-20th century, with an abrupt shift occurring in the mid-1990s.

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalJournal of Hydrometeorology·TypeNews article·DateJan 18, 2023

Gene expression study reveals new molecular associations with obesity

A recent gene expression study has discovered 45 novel genes associated with body mass index (BMI), shedding light on the biology of obesity and potential treatments. The research, conducted in a diverse multiethnic cohort, highlights the importance of genetic factors in obesity and opens doors to new biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 18, 2023

The dark cost of being toxic

Research reveals that monarch butterflies storing plant toxins experience reduced warning signal conspicuousness due to oxidative stress. The study found a positive correlation between toxin levels and oxidative damage in the butterflies' bodies.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2023

COVID-19 patients retain elevated risk of death for at least 18 months after infection

A recent study published in Cardiovascular Research found that COVID-19 patients experienced higher risks of cardiovascular disease and death in the short- and long-term. The study analyzed data from nearly 160,000 participants and revealed that the risk of death remained elevated for at least 18 months after infection.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalCardiovascular Research·TypeObservational study·DateJan 18, 2023

US college attendance appears to politicize students, per analysis of surveys since 1974, with female students in particular becoming more liberal through attending college

Analysis of surveys since 1974 shows US college attendance influences students' political orientation, particularly among females who tend to become more liberal. The study used a propensity score weighting approach to examine the effect of college on political orientation over four decades.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 18, 2023

Novel protective layer for catalysts developed by GIST scientists improves life and performance

A team of researchers from GIST created a protection layer for nickel-iron catalysts using tetraphenylporphyrin, increasing their life and performance. This innovation reduces the dissolution of iron atoms during oxygen evolution reactions, resulting in prolonged hydrogen production.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2023

Inner ear has a need for speed

Researchers have discovered a unique, fast synapse in the inner ear that processes signals faster than any other in the human body. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatments for vertigo and balance disorders affecting millions of Americans over 40.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 18, 2023

Commonly used antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV and hepatitis B reduce immune cells’ energy production

Research reveals that commonly used antiretroviral drugs TAF and TDF directly impact mitochondria's energy production in immune cells. The study suggests a larger energy reduction when combined with other antiretrovirals, sparking concerns about potential long-term effects on human cells.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalMetabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2023

New ‘chain mail’ material of interlocking molecules is tough, flexible and easy to make

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, have created a new type of 'chain mail' material called an infinite catenane, which can be synthesized in a single step. This material is flexible, strong, and resilient like chain mail, and has potential applications in airplanes, armor, and robotics.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Synthesis·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2023

Special drone collects environmental DNA from trees

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a special drone that can autonomously collect environmental DNA (eDNA) from tree branches, allowing for tracking of biodiversity. The drone's adhesive strips pick up material from the branch, which is then extracted and analyzed to identify genetic matches of various organisms.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Robotics·DateJan 18, 2023

Early tastings shorten breastfeeding

A new study from Uppsala University found that early introduction of solid foods to infants leads to an earlier end to breastfeeding and a shorter duration of breastfeeding. The research involved 1,251 infants and their mothers, with nearly half receiving tastings as early as four months.

SourceUppsala University·JournalInternational Breastfeeding Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2023

Scientists re-writes an equation in FDA guidance to improve the accuracy of the drug interaction prediction​

Researchers from KAIST and Chungnam National University have developed a new equation to predict drug interactions, improving accuracy by 80% compared to the existing FDA formula. The new equation takes into account factors such as gut bioavailability and enzyme concentration.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalClinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 18, 2023

How tumors transform blood vessels

Researchers discover that tumour tracks, formed by transformed blood vessels, trap immune cells and promote healing processes. The tension of extracellular matrix fibers plays a key role in tumour development, allowing cancer cells to grow undisturbed.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalMatrix Biology·DateJan 18, 2023

Nearly half of Medicare patients with non-small cell lung cancer not staged according to national guidelines: lack of adherence linked to greater mortality rates

A study found that nearly half of Medicare patients with non-small cell lung cancer do not receive the recommended FDG PET/CT imaging prior to radiation therapy, leading to decreased overall and cancer-specific survival rates. This lack of adherence is linked to greater mortality rates.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJan 18, 2023

Genetic diagnosis helps guide care of childhood hearing loss

A recent study found that genomic testing can identify genetic causes of childhood hearing loss and provide critical information on its clinical characteristics. The researchers detected variants responsible for hearing loss in 43 different genes, and the severity of hearing loss varied by gene.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·TypeObservational study·DateJan 18, 2023

University of Cincinnati research shows health benefits from Jewish tradition

A study published in PLOS ONE found that wearing tefillin, a traditional Jewish practice, can induce preconditioning associated changes in heart rate variability, leading to lower metabolism and potential protection against heart attacks. The research suggests this low-intensity method of protection could be a game changer for cardiova...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2023

Satellites can be used to detect waste sites on Earth

A new computational system detects 966 waste sites in Southeast Asia, nearly three times the number of publicly recorded sites, highlighting the need for better waste management policies. The system also reveals that 20% of detected sites are found near waterways, spilling into rivers and eventually reaching oceans.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJan 18, 2023

New precision therapy for bile duct cancer extends patients’ lives

A new personalized treatment for bile duct cancer has shown remarkable results, with patients surviving for up to two years when treated with the drug futibatinib. The Phase II clinical trial found that the drug was more effective at reducing tumor size and producing modest side effects compared to chemotherapy.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 18, 2023

Aging | Genetic deficiency and pharmacological modulation of RORα regulate laser-induced choroidal neovascularization

In a mouse model of laser-induced CNV, RORα expression was highly increased in the choroidal/RPE complex post-laser, while loss or inhibition of RORα worsened CNV with increased lesion size and vascular leakage. RORα negatively regulates pathological CNV development by modulating angiogenic response and inflammatory environment.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study·DateJan 18, 2023

Blast chiller for the quantum world

Physicists at the University of Innsbruck have demonstrated a new nonlinear cooling method, allowing massive objects to be cooled to nearly absolute zero. This breakthrough enables the observation of quantum effects on macroscopic objects, paving the way for highly sensitive quantum sensors.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2023

New University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center study demonstrates the critical importance of social determinants of health when evaluating the association of race and cancer outcomes

A new study by University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center demonstrates that social determinants of health, not just race, significantly influence prostate cancer outcomes. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, found that accounting for social determinants reduced racial disparities in mortality rates.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalJAMA·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 18, 2023

What the heck are pulses? European unawareness stands in the way of this “green” superfood

Pulses are a nutritious and climate-friendly superfood that Europeans are not fully aware of or utilizing. A study by Katharina Henn reveals low consumption in Europe, with Denmark at the bottom and Spain leading the way. The solution lies in building European traditions around pulses rather than relying on meat-like substitutes.

Nanoparticles make it easier to turn light into solvated electrons

Scientists at Rice University, Stanford University, and UT Austin have developed a mechanism to generate solvated electrons through plasmon resonance, making it easier to turn light into these clean, zero-byproduct chemicals. This breakthrough could lead to new ways of driving chemical reactions and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2023

An examination of federal personnel changes in the Trump era

The analysis found that aggregate federal employment remained relatively stable during the Trump presidency, but some agencies grew significantly, while others downsized or experienced major turnovers. This reflects the Trump administration's priorities, with trends aligning with its focus on immigration and federal affairs.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJan 18, 2023

What can we learn from the Impacts of rapid climate change on past societies?

A comprehensive new study led by Professor Gwen Robbins Schug at UNC Greensboro traces the impact of rapid climate change events on humans over the past 5,000 years. The study found that small, interconnected rural communities with diverse dietary sources were more resilient to environmental challenges.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Greensboro·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 18, 2023

Pusan National University researchers identify therapeutic targets to overcome radioresistance of brain cancer cells

A team of researchers from Korea and USA identified the importance of lipid homeostasis in overcoming brain cancer radioresistance. They found that regulating diacylglycerol kinase B and diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 could potentially sensitize brain cancer cells to radiotherapy, offering a new treatment strategy.

SourcePusan National University·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2023

Solved: The secret to long lived leaves

A study published in Science Advances reveals that the lifespan of a tree leaf is determined by environmental factors such as climate and soil conditions. The researchers found that evergreen conifers make longer-lived leaves in colder climates, while deciduous trees produce shorter-lived leaves in warmer environments.

SourceMacquarie University·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateJan 18, 2023

New paper offers best practices for LGBTQ+ field scientists and mentors

A new paper provides evidence-based strategies to create safer experiences for marginalized gender and sexual identities in ecological field research. The authors recommend comprehensive protocols, safety plans, inclusive housing policies, and affirming healthcare to attract and retain a diverse workforce.

New study showed how people interacted with chatbots during COVID-19 pandemic

A new study analyzed nearly 20,000 conversations between online users and a chatbot called SimSimi to understand user interactions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers found that daily chats with the chatbot mostly led to positive emotions and reduced negative moods during lockdowns.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 18, 2023

Mummified crocodiles provide insights into mummy-making over time

A study of 10 mummified crocodile remains discovered in an undisturbed tomb at Qubbat al-Hawā offers new insights into pre-Ptolemaic mummification practices. The unique preservation style suggests a different approach to carcass evisceration and resin use compared to other archaeological sites.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJan 18, 2023

Premature birth linked to poorer school grades in adolescence

A large Danish population study found that premature birth before 34 weeks is linked to lower scores in maths and language tests as a teenager. However, the researchers noted that cognitive outcomes are not predetermined at birth but are heavily influenced by social circumstances.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateJan 18, 2023

Reducing total calories may be more effective for weight loss than intermittent fasting

A six-year study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that reducing overall calorie intake was a stronger determinant of weight change than meal timing. The research suggests that limiting total eating window during the day may not be as effective for controlling weight as previously thought.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJan 18, 2023

Increase in marine heatwaves expected to affect organisms at bottom of food chain, study suggests

Researchers found that larvae of the Atlantic mangrove fiddler crab survived less in warmer water and underwent physiological changes due to higher acidity. Marine heatwaves will be harmful to species and those that feed on them, with potential economic losses to fisheries. Further research is needed to understand the effects.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEstuarine Coastal and Shelf Science·DateJan 18, 2023