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Science News for July 20, 2023


Team from Korea University medicine explores ways to overcome cisplatin resistance and alleviate pain in cancer treatment

Researchers from Korea University Medicine have discovered a potential therapeutic target for overcoming cisplatin resistance and neuropathic pain in cervical cancer. By inhibiting TRPV1, they found that resistant tumors became vulnerable to cisplatin, improving the outlook for patients.

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023

Global GPS measurements indicate observable phase of fault slip two hours before large earthquakes

Researchers found evidence of a precursory phase of fault slip occurring two hours before large earthquakes, using global GPS time-series data from nearly 100 major quakes worldwide. The study suggests that many large earthquakes start with a precursory phase of slip or represent the tail end of a longer process.

Ultra-processed foods largely missing from US food policy

A new study finds that only a small number of US policies consider ultra-processed foods, which have been linked to weight gain, diabetes, and certain cancers. The US lacks national dietary guidelines for these foods, despite international countries like Belgium, Brazil, and Israel having incorporated them.

SourceNew York University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJul 20, 2023

Crafting molecular puzzles: A strategic approach to developing robust porous molecular crystals

Researchers developed a stable, porous molecular crystal using triptycene as a building block, leveraging noncovalent interactions to create a flexible material with high solubility and self-healing capabilities. The synthesized PMC exhibits excellent thermal and chemical resistance, making it suitable for various applications.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023

Climate science is catching up to climate change with predictions that could improve proactive response

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara's Climate Hazards Center have made significant advancements in predicting droughts and food shortages in the Eastern Horn of Africa, enabling agencies to take effective actions and provide humanitarian assistance. These early warnings have helped prevent devastating famines and saved millions of people f...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEarth s Future·DateJul 20, 2023

Engineering plants for a changing climate

The PLOS Biology special issue explores plant engineering to combat climate change, from ancient breeding techniques to genome engineering. The collection highlights strategies for enhancing climate-resilience in crops, including microbiome manipulation and synthetic biology.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 20, 2023

Palm oil plantations and deforestation in Guatemala: Certifying products as 'sustainable' is no panacea

A University of Michigan-led study found that transnational conglomerates' palm oil supply chains contribute to deforestation in Guatemala. Seven Key Biodiversity Areas and 23 protected areas are impacted by oil palm expansion. Environmental certification programs like RSPO do not effectively mitigate deforestation risk.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateJul 20, 2023

Fathers’ psychiatric diagnosis increases risk of preterm birth

A new analysis of Swedish birth records found that fathers' psychiatric diagnoses increase the risk of preterm birth, with risks higher for infants whose parents have both diagnoses. The study suggests that additional social support and prenatal care may help mitigate this risk.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 20, 2023

Could early induction of labor reduce inequities in pregnancy outcomes?

A new study found that inducing labor at 39 weeks can reduce adverse perinatal outcomes for women from socioeconomically deprived areas. The analysis of over half a million births in England showed a small benefit from induction, with increased uptake associated with reduced inequities in pregnancy outcomes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 20, 2023

New findings show private equity investments in healthcare may not lower costs or improve quality of care

A systematic review found that private equity investments in healthcare are generally associated with higher costs to patients and payers. The study also suggests that private equity ownership has mixed effects on healthcare quality, while its impact on health outcomes and operator costs is inconclusive.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalBMJ·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 20, 2023

Hobbies and healthy habits surged during the pandemic

A Rutgers study found that people turned to hobbies and health-conscious activities to cope with pandemic-related stresses, increasing physical activity, exercise, and social connections. The study suggests that individuals adapted to negative impacts by adjusting behavioral lifestyle habits.

SourceRutgers University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 20, 2023

Purdue Innovates Startup Foundry awards $200,000 in equity investment to Aerovy Mobility and Uniform Sierra Aerospace

Aerovy Mobility, a cloud solutions provider for electric aviation, received $140,000 from the Startup Foundry investment. The company plans to use the funds to launch its live operations tool, VEMS, at vertiports and airports worldwide. Uniform Sierra Aerospace, a drone manufacturer for public safety departments, also benefited from th...

Artificial rocks from macroplastics threaten ocean health

A new study reveals that artificial rocks from macroplastics, known as plastiglomerates, pose a significant environmental risk to coastal ecosystems. These 'rocks' are made up of plastic waste held together by coral fragments and can release toxic pollutants into the environment.

SourceKiel University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023

#BodyPositivity: More diversity in body shapes

Exposure to body-positive content on social media broadens women's concept of ideal body weight, increasing the number of body shapes considered ideal. Body-positive content also leads to increased sense of well-being in one's body and reduces weight perception.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023

The largest study of its kind shows a need for improvement in esophageal cancer screenings

A large international database analysis found nearly a quarter of esophageal adenocarcinoma patients had normal endoscopies but were still diagnosed within a year. The study suggests using high-quality equipment, rigorous sampling protocols, and future research on biomarker panels to improve screening effectiveness.

Surveying public tolerance of lethal wildlife management in Japan

A survey of 1,000 Japanese respondents found that people's attitudes towards lethal wildlife management (LWM) were more species-specific than previously thought. Largemouth basses, crows, and wild boars were deemed most acceptable for LWM, while carp, parrots, and monkeys were considered the least acceptable. The study also revealed no...

SourceTohoku University·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateJul 20, 2023

Scientific breakthrough harnesses mRNA technology to develop powerful malaria vaccine

A breakthrough mRNA vaccine has been developed to target and stimulate protective immune cell responses against malaria. The vaccine combines an RNA-based approach with a liver-specific adjuvant, generating resident memory cells that halt malaria infection in the liver, providing a broader and more protective immune response.

SourceThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023

Male killer whales protected by post-menopause mothers

New research shows that post-menopause female killer whales protect their sons from fights with other whales, reducing the incidence of socially inflicted injuries. This unique behavior suggests that females prioritize helping their male offspring, who have more genetic potential for passing on their mother's genes.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 20, 2023

Bats struggle during organic farming transition

Research shows bat activity decreases when farms switch to organic agriculture, with a potential time-lag before benefits for the environment emerge. The findings suggest that organic farming can have detrimental effects during the transition period, highlighting the need for careful management.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJul 20, 2023

Cause of sleep disturbance in cardiac disease identified: Ganglia play previously unrecognized role

A study published in Science reveals that ganglia in the neck region are responsible for disrupting melatonin production and causing sleep disturbances in people with heart conditions. Researchers found that macrophages accumulate in the ganglion, leading to inflammation and scarring, which can be treated with drugs.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023

Draining 401(k) accounts when changing jobs: the hidden time bomb undermining retirement savings

New research reveals that 41.4% of departing employees withdraw their 401(k) savings, resulting in a significant loss of retirement savings. The study found that psychology and administrative factors contribute to this phenomenon, with employers often unaware of the issue.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·TypeObservational study·DateJul 20, 2023

Hitting reset to start a new embryo

Researchers identified OBOX genes as master regulators of zygote genome activation, enabling the newly formed embryo to develop according to its own genetic program. The study found that these genes facilitate Pol II locating to the correct genes, allowing for the activation of transcription factors and subsequent development.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023

The power of flowers: New Zealand researchers discover that dahlia flowers have antidiabetic properties by targeting the brain as a key regulator of blood sugar

Researchers at the University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand discovered a dahlia extract that improves blood sugar regulation without reported side effects in humans. The extract targets the brain's function required for blood sugar regulation by enhancing insulin function.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLife Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023

Sending the shoes back? How about this lovely gift card? Cross-selling can help retailers avoid lost revenue from returns

Researchers found that customers tend to consider money spent as already lost, making it easier for retailers to cross-sell products. However, customers are less likely to buy an item outside their original category when expecting to return it.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023

Amplification of extreme El Niño events predicted despite CO2 reductions: A call to refine climate policy

Research predicts increased frequency and intensity of extreme El Niño events due to high atmospheric carbon dioxide, even after CO2 reduction. Simulations suggest potential climate regime shifts in affected regions, with some areas experiencing desertification while others face increased flooding.

Device makes hydrogen from sunlight with record efficiency

Rice University engineers have created a device that converts sunlight into hydrogen with unprecedented efficiency, opening up new possibilities for clean energy and sustainable fuel production. The innovative technology uses halide perovskite semiconductors and electrocatalysts in a single, durable device.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023

From chaos to light

A team of researchers from EPFL has found a way to harness the unique features of chaotic frequency combs to implement unambiguous and interference-immune massively parallel laser ranging. This innovative approach offers significant advantages over conventional methods, enabling hundreds of multicolor independent optical carriers.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023

Paleontologists identify two new species of sabertooth cat

Researchers discover two new sabertooth species, Dinofelis werdelini and Lokotunjailurus chimsamyae, in a global analysis of Langebaanweg fossils. The study reveals a diverse range of environments in Africa, with Machairodonti cats suggesting open grasslands and Metailurini cats indicating forested areas.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·TypeObservational study·DateJul 20, 2023

Majority of older adults with cognitive impairment still drive

A Michigan Medicine study in Texas found that 61.4% of older adults with cognitive impairment are still driving, but one-third of caregivers have concerns about their care recipient's ability to drive safely. Researchers emphasize the need for open discussions between caregivers and healthcare professionals to ensure safety.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 20, 2023

(How) cells talk to each other

Researchers from ISTA and NUS developed a new theoretical model to understand long-range cell-cell communication. The model reveals the interplay between mechanical forces and biochemical signals in cells, shedding light on complex biological phenomena. It has potential applications in wound healing and understanding tissue behavior.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 20, 2023

New research sheds light on factors influencing trust and bias in societies

Researchers found that people with positive perceptions of their nation's institutions show more favoritism toward fellow citizens. Conversely, a strong identification with one's own nation aligns with previous studies. The study suggests support for national institutions can pose challenges to establishing trust across borders.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023

CHOP researchers develop tool for helping predict Alzheimer’s risk in various ethnic populations

Researchers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have developed an algorithm to help predict Alzheimer's disease risk based on genetic information in patients with various ethnic backgrounds. The tool, called genomic informed risk assessment (GIRA), was tested in different ethnic populations and performed better than existing methods.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 20, 2023

New study reveals reptiles’ spontaneous association between vision and hearing

A new study reveals that reptiles demonstrate spontaneous associations between visual and auditory information, including tortoises associating low sounds with large shapes and high pitch sounds with small shapes. This discovery shows how brains are prepared to predict visuo-acoustic correspondences likely to occur in the natural world.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalBiology Letters·DateJul 20, 2023

Malnutrition during pregnancy increases diabetes incidence

Researchers at the Complexity Science Hub found a significant link between malnutrition during pregnancy and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The study analyzed data from over 3.5 million people in Austria and found that men born during severe famine periods had a 78% higher incidence rate of new diabetes cases.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalHeliyon·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 20, 2023

New study expands the scope of aza-friedel−crafts reactions

Researchers developed a general para-selective aza-Friedel-Crafts type reaction of phenols with imines, opening up new possibilities for the rapid and safe synthesis of medicines and advanced materials. The bulky PyBidine-Ni(OAc)2 catalyst facilitated highly para-selective reactions with up to 99:1 selectivity.

SourceChiba University·JournalACS Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023

A novel drug screen identifies potential new therapy to lower bad cholesterol levels

Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina have identified a novel class of compounds that effectively lower cholesterol, triglycerides and apoB in human liver-like cells. These molecules work independently of the LDLR pathway and offer a new treatment regimen for patients with familial hypercholesterolemia.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023

Analysis shows rise and fall of angry, fearful tweets with passage and implementation of Philadelphia beverage tax

Researchers analyzed Twitter posts about the Philadelphia beverage tax before and after its implementation, finding a shift from anger to acceptance. The study's findings highlight the potential of social media data to influence public opinion and provide valuable insights for health policy makers.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Public Health Management and Practice·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 20, 2023