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Science News for January 25, 2023


Gillings study shows updated bivalent boosters are more effective at preventing hospitalization and death from Omicron

A peer-reviewed study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that updated bivalent mRNA vaccines are more effective than original monovalent boosters at preventing COVID-19 hospitalization and death. Booster effectiveness peaked at four weeks after receipt and waned afterward, with average effectiveness against severe i...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 25, 2023

Risk of SIDS among siblings of children who died of SIDS

A higher rate of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) was observed among siblings of children who died of SIDS compared to the general population. Shared genetic and/or environmental factors may contribute to this clustering of SIDS, warranting consideration of family history in clinical assessments.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 25, 2023

Comparing airfares instead of seat size fairer indicator of passenger carbon emissions

Researchers found that allocating emissions based on ticket prices rather than travel class provides a more accurate representation of individual contributions. This approach encourages people from all budgets to seek alternative modes of transport and increases estimates of corporate emissions.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 25, 2023

The Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior updates Nutrition Educator Competencies for Promoting Healthy Individuals, Communities, and Food Systems

The Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior (SNEB) has updated its nutrition educator competencies to ensure professionals can facilitate lasting change in health. The new competencies cover content and processes for delivering effective nutrition education, including the role of physical activity and technology.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeContent analysis·DateJan 25, 2023

Unraveling the protein map of the cell's powerhouse

A study has provided systematic insight into the organization of proteins in mitochondria, a crucial cell compartment responsible for energy production. The researchers created a high-resolution image of the organization of mitochondrial proteins using complexome profiling, revealing protein complexes that enable cellular processes.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalNature·DateJan 25, 2023

New study suggests that when forecasting trends, reading a bar chart versus a line graph biases our judgement.

A new study suggests that the format in which graphs are presented may be biasing people into being too optimistic or pessimistic about the trends the graphs display. Researchers found that participants made lower judgements when presented with bar charts instead of line graphs, even when the data was left unshaded.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalInternational Journal of Forecasting·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2023

Fraudulent microchip use and compliance issues found on controversial lion farms in the Free State, South Africa

A joint team of researchers uncovered serious management and compliance issues on lion farms in the Free State, including potentially fraudulent activities with microchip reuse and incomplete record keeping. The study highlights concerns that lion farm owners may be laundering wild-caught lions through microchip reuse.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalNature Conservation·DateJan 25, 2023

New research evaluates the safety of transplants from organ donors who recently testing positive for SARS-CoV-2

Researchers found that non-lung transplant recipients from positive donors have excellent 30-day graft and patient survival rates, similar to those using donors negative for SARS-CoV-2. The study also showed zero transmissions of COVID-19 to lung transplant recipients after implementing lower respiratory track testing.

SourceProvidence Health & Services·JournalTransplant Infectious Disease·TypeObservational study·DateJan 25, 2023

Association of rurality with risk of heart failure

A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that rurality is associated with a higher risk of heart failure among predominantly low-income individuals in the southeastern United States. The inequity highlights the need for targeted primary prevention efforts for rural populations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateJan 25, 2023

Pre-eclampsia linked with four-fold higher risk of heart attack in decade after delivery

A recent study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that pre-eclampsia is associated with a four-fold higher risk of heart attack and stroke within a decade after delivery. Women who had pre-eclampsia, especially those aged 30-39 or over 50, were at significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 25, 2023

Analyzing the blueprints of redlining in Ohio

Researchers examined factors that led to discriminatory lending decisions in Ohio's 1930s loan applications, finding neighborhoods with Black families were 40 times more likely to be redlined. The study highlights ongoing consequences of racist policies, including poverty and life-expectancy disparities.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalDu Bois Review Social Science Research on Race·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 25, 2023

Artificial intelligence interpretations of pain drawings may predict response to headache surgery

A machine learning algorithm developed using artificial intelligence can accurately predict patients' responses to nerve compression headaches and headache surgery. The AI-aided predictions are most accurate for identifying patients with poor outcomes, with an accuracy rate of 94% compared to 79% for human evaluators.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateJan 25, 2023

Do certain jobs increase a woman’s risk of pregnancy loss?

A study published in the Journal of Occupational Health found that certain occupations in South Korea are associated with a higher risk of pregnancy loss. Women in health and social work, manufacturing, and education had increased risks of no live births and early abortive outcomes.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Occupational Health·DateJan 25, 2023

Spinning food processing waste into ‘gold’

Researchers analyzed 46 waste samples and proposed production opportunities for sustainable fuels, biogas, electricity, chemicals, and organic fertilizer. The study aims to reduce food waste and its environmental impact by finding alternative uses for industrial waste products.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateJan 25, 2023

Genomic screening can help detect thyroid cancer, Geisinger study finds

A Geisinger study found that genomic screening can help detect medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) in patients with RET gene variants. The research evaluated 75 patients who had the genetic results, and 12 were found to have cancer after undergoing surgery. Genomic screening provides opportunities for early detection and treatment of MTC.

SourceGeisinger Health System·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·DateJan 25, 2023

Small study shows promise for antimalarial monoclonal antibody to prevent malaria

Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine found that monoclonal antibody CIS43LS provided high levels of protection against controlled human malaria infection. The study's findings suggest that this treatment could be a potential game changer for deploying monoclonal antibody therapies in African countries.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 25, 2023

Watch this person-shaped robot liquify and escape jail, all with the power of magnets

Engineers design miniature robots that can rapidly shift between liquid and solid states, with magnetic properties, to overcome traditional robot limitations. The new material is used to remove foreign objects, deliver drugs, and assemble parts in hard-to-reach spaces, opening up new possibilities for medical and engineering applications.

SourceCell Press·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2023

Cancer cells shrink or super-size to survive

Scientists have discovered that cancer cells can manipulate their size to resist treatment, with smaller cells potentially more vulnerable to DNA-damaging agents and larger cells responding better to immunotherapy. This study provides new insight into how cell size affects disease and may lead to new treatment strategies.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2023

Helpful disturbance: How non-linear dynamics can augment edge sensor time series

Engineers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a technique to support the classification performance of neural networks operating on sensor time series by feeding recorded signals into elementary non-linear dynamical systems. This approach increases the classification performance by augmenting the data through additional tim...

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalChaos Solitons & Fractals·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2023

Medical College of Wisconsin scientists find new marker that predicts early recurrence of breast cancer

Medical College of Wisconsin scientists have identified PD-L2 as a therapy-relevant marker for predicting early recurrence of breast cancer. High levels of PD-L2 protein in cancer cells are associated with an elevated risk of progression and may indicate patients who can benefit from immunotherapies such as PD-1 inhibitors.

SourceMedical College of Wisconsin·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJan 25, 2023

Gambling advertising restrictions could reduce harm

A systematic review of 70 research papers found that exposure to gambling advertising increases intentions to gamble and gambling activity, leading to greater risk of harm. The study also showed that restrictions could particularly benefit children and young people, as well as adults already vulnerable to gambling-related harms.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalPublic Health·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 25, 2023

Shark and ray populations rebounding in Northwestern Atlantic: SFU study

A new study by SFU researchers found that shark and ray populations in the northwest Atlantic are recovering after implementation of a U.S. fishery management plan in 1993. The study shows that declines have been halted in three species and six species are clearly rebuilding, thanks to regulation, enforcement, and monitoring.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 25, 2023

How do e-cigarettes affect the lungs?

A new study found that prolonged inhalation of e-cigarette aerosols by mice caused changes in pulmonary immune cell composition and altered gene and protein levels in the lungs. Even low exposure to JUUL aerosols had significant impacts on the animals' lung health.

SourceWiley·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJan 25, 2023

Gut microbiome and its products promote endometriosis in animal model

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that an altered gut microbiome drives endometriosis disease progression in an animal model. The study found that mice lacking a gut microbiome had smaller endometriotic lesions, and treatment with certain metabolites significantly enhanced cellular proliferation and lesion growth.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell Death Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2023

Probe can measure both cell stiffness and traction, researchers report

Researchers developed a magnetic microrobot that can quantify both cell stiffness and traction, revealing new insights into cellular processes. The study found that malignant tumors do not alter their tractions regardless of surrounding tissue stiffness, challenging common perceptions about cancer progression.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2023

What crocodile DNA reveals about the Ice Age

Researchers from McGill University found that changes in sea levels during the Ice Age affected crocodile gene flow, isolating Caribbean and Pacific populations with distinct genetic mutations. The study reveals the resilience of American crocodiles to climate swings and highlights the need for targeted conservation efforts in Panama.

SourceMcGill University·JournalEvolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 25, 2023

Tracking online hate speech that follows real-world events

A machine-learning analysis of 59 million online posts reveals associations between real-world events and various types of hate speech, including anti-immigration and LGBTQ-related slurs. The study suggests a complex relationship between triggering events and online hate speech, with potential implications for mitigating such speech.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJan 25, 2023

Mechanical forces in the nervous system play a corrective role

In a breakthrough study, researchers at Münster University revealed that mechanical tearing is the primary mechanism behind neurite pruning in sensory nerve cells of fruit flies. This process, which occurs during development, involves strong body contractions causing stress on fragile neurites, leading to their severance and removal.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2023

The last mysteries of mica

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have explained the distribution of potassium ions on mica surfaces using an atomic force microscope in ultra-high vacuum. The study reveals tiny patterns of ion arrangement, which could improve electronic circuit performance and make mica a suitable insulator for 2D materials.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2023

No cap removal, no fertilization

Researchers from Osaka University have identified a protein called FER1L5 that is crucial for the acrosome reaction, allowing sperm to fertilize eggs. The study found that mice lacking FER1L5 were unable to undergo the acrosome reaction, highlighting the importance of this protein in male fertility.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2023

More steps, moderate physical activity cuts dementia, cognitive impairment risk

A new study led by the University of California San Diego found that daily walking and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity significantly reduced the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment or dementia in senior women. With each additional 1,865 steps per day, the risk was lowered by 33%, while moderate-to-vigorous physical acti...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeObservational study·DateJan 25, 2023

Can online civic education strengthen democratic values?

An online randomized trial found that exposure to civic education via social media increased support for democracy, political efficacy, and voter registration among young adults in Tunisia. The study suggests that online civic education can be an effective tool in strengthening democratic values and rejecting authoritarian rule.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Political Science·DateJan 25, 2023

Body phenotypes say a lot, but not everything, about a person’s health, according to new Concordia research

Concordia researchers analyzed muscle and fat mass data from a large US sample population to find that high levels of fat mass are linked to poorer overall health. While BMI was surprisingly effective in predicting some cardiometabolic outcomes, the study suggests new body-composition phenotypes may be a better predictor.

SourceConcordia University·JournalPreventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 25, 2023

Using running to escape everyday stresses may lead to exercise dependence instead of mental wellbeing

A recent study published in Frontiers found that recreational runners who use running as a means of escapism, particularly self-suppression, are more likely to develop exercise dependence. In contrast, those who prioritize self-expansion and positive experiences through running tend to have better wellbeing outcomes.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 25, 2023

How salmon feed flowers & flourishing ecosystems: Study

Researchers found that salmon carcasses can cause wildflowers to grow bigger and produce more seeds, shedding light on the impact of climate change on rivers and streams. The study, published in Royal Society Open Science, extends previous knowledge about nitrogen isotopes and their connection to plant growth.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2023

Heart failure risk higher in rural areas

A large observational study found that heart failure risk is 19% higher for adults living in rural areas of the US compared to urban areas, with a significant disparity in Black men. The study highlights race- and sex-based inequities in heart failure risk, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to prevent heart failure.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateJan 25, 2023