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Science News for June 1, 2023


Accelerating nanoscale x-ray imaging of integrated circuits with machine learning

Researchers developed a machine learning technique called APT that significantly reduces data acquisition and computation time for imaging integrated circuits. This enables detailed images to be captured in just a few minutes, compared to hours or days using traditional methods.

New class of antibiotics to fight resistant bacteria

Researchers at the University of Zurich have developed a new class of antibiotics that target novel targets in bacterial metabolism, effectively fighting resistant bacteria. The peptides are highly effective, safe, and immune to resistance, offering hope for treating bacterial infections in patients.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience Advances·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 1, 2023

MU researcher finds similarities in COVID-19 mortality rates between Canadian provinces and American states before vaccines were available

A study by University of Missouri researchers found similarities in COVID-19 mortality rates between certain US states and Canadian provinces, highlighting the importance of localized public health strategies. The findings suggest that factors such as population density, age, and socioeconomic conditions may have contributed to these s...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalCanadian Studies in Population·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 1, 2023

Reading between the cracks: artificial intelligence can identify patterns in surface cracking to assess damage in reinforced concrete structures

Researchers develop AI-based method to quantify cracking patterns in reinforced concrete structures, enabling more accurate and efficient assessments of structural damage. The approach uses graph theory and machine learning algorithms to create a unique 'fingerprint' for each set of cracks, allowing for quick and consistent evaluations.

SourceDrexel University·JournalComputer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 1, 2023

Warming climate could turn ocean plankton microbes into carbon emitters

Researchers found that warming conditions can shift mixotrophic microbes from carbon sinks to carbon emitters, potentially accelerating warming and creating a positive feedback loop. These tiny microbes, abundant in freshwater and marine environments, could act as early warning signals for climate change tipping points.

SourceBritish Ecological Society·JournalFunctional Ecology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 1, 2023

The North American Menopause Society releases its 2023 Nonhormone Therapy Position Statement

The North American Menopause Society has issued its 2023 Nonhormone Therapy Position Statement, providing women with the most up-to-date, scientifically based recommendations for proven nonhormone therapies to treat hot flashes and other bothersome menopause symptoms. The statement recommends several nonhormone options, including cogni...

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 1, 2023

Study affirms use of robotic approach in challenging gastric GIST resections

A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital confirms the use of robotic-assisted resection of gastric GISTs in hard-to-reach locations, ensuring complete tumor removal while preserving organ function. The procedure offers superior visibility and steadier arms, reducing error and damage to surrounding tissue.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of Surgical Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2023

Flat fullerene fragments attractive to electrons

Researchers at Kyoto University created flat fullerene fragments that can accept up to an equal number of electrons as the five-membered rings in their structure without decomposition. These molecules display enhanced absorbance of UV, visible, and near-infrared light, making them suitable for photochemistry applications.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 1, 2023

Parkinson’s disease drug ropinirole safely slowed the progression of ALS for over 6 months in a clinical trial

Researchers found that ropinirole is safe and effective in slowing ALS progression, with patients showing improved physical activity and muscle strength after treatment. The study suggests that the method of growing motor neurons from patient-derived stem cells could be used to predict a patient's response to the drug.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2023

Producing large, clean 2D materials made easy: just KISS

Researchers have developed a simple method to produce large and very clean 2D samples from a range of materials using three different substrates. The kinetic in situ single-layer synthesis (KISS) technique allows for the production of air-sensitive 2D materials, overcoming the drawbacks of previous methods.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2023

Fungus has a host of issues

Researchers identified four fungal proteins responsible for suppressing host plant immunity in infectious diseases, leading to distinct host specificity in over 70% of plant diseases. Understanding the mechanism of this specificity may lead to new crop protection technologies.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2023

Ultrafast terahertz emission from emerging symmetry-broken materials

Researchers utilized terahertz emission spectroscopy to explore properties and dynamics of quantum materials, such as superconductors and magnets, as well as graphene and metal nanostructures. The method revealed hidden material behaviors, enabling the discovery of exotic properties and phenomena in emerging materials.

St. Jude finds NLRP12 as a new drug target for infection, inflammation and hemolytic diseases

Researchers from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered NLRP12 to be the key molecule responsible for inducing inflammatory cell death and pathology in response to heme combined with other cellular damage or infection. This finding provides a new potential drug target to prevent morbidity in certain illnesses.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2023

International scientific collaboration helps reduce regional disparities in tackling climate change

Experts at the Global Research Council's annual meeting emphasize the need for equal opportunities and local context-specific challenges to address climate change impacts. The assessment highlights the importance of global research collaboration, tailored solutions, and partnerships between countries to mitigate and adapt to climate ch...

High resolution X-ray microscopy with exceptionally low X-ray dose

The team created a new technique using Compton scattering to generate high-resolution images of biological structures at very low X-ray doses. This method allows imaging to be performed at less than 1% of the X-ray damage threshold of the specimen, enabling images with a resolution of 70 nanometres.

Increasing effectiveness of home healthcare in Japan

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that home healthcare clinics, especially enhanced ones, provide better emergency and end-of-life care than general clinics. This research suggests a shift towards more effective home care support for an aging population in Japan.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJun 1, 2023

Ultrasound breaks new ground for forearm fractures in children

A randomized trial found that ultrasound diagnosis of forearm fractures in children resulted in similar recoveries and reduced the need for follow-up x-rays. The study suggests using bedside ultrasounds could alleviate hospital waiting times and costs, benefiting rural areas with limited access to healthcare.

SourceGriffith University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 1, 2023

Adolescents are aware of and invested in the potential impacts of abortion restrictions, study says

A recent study found that adolescents across various ages, genders, and geographies are aware of and concerned about the potential impacts of abortion restrictions. The study, led by Dr. Bianca A. Allison, used a nationwide text message poll to gather responses from over 800 adolescents between 14-24 years old.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateJun 1, 2023

Petit-spot volcanoes involve the deepest known submarine hydrothermal activity, possibly release CO2 and methane

Scientists discover hydrothermal deposits at a 5.7 km depth in the Japan Trench, indicating low-temperature hydrothermal activity and elevated CO2 and methane levels. The findings highlight the need for further studies on petit-spot volcanoes and their potential impact on global biogeochemical cycles.

SourceWaseda University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2023

Smallest agri-SMEs in Africa owner-managed by women bore the brunt of COVID-19, new CABI study reveals

The study found that smaller agri-SMEs owner-managed by women were more likely to experience disruptions in marketing and maintaining their labour supply. Larger agri-SMEs made changes to comply with government guidelines and sustained their business operations. Multi-faceted support packages are recommended to cushion these enterprises.

SourceCABI·JournalCABI Agriculture and Bioscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2023

Ancient viruses discovered in coral symbionts’ DNA

Researchers discovered fragments of RNA viruses embedded in coral partners' genomes, dating back 160 million years. The discovery provides insights into how corals fight off viral infections and may hold the key to understanding the ecological impact of viruses on reef health.

SourceRice University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2023

Tweets showed increasing loneliness among emergency medicine doctors during COVID-19

A study analyzed tweets from nearly 500 emergency medicine physicians, finding a significant increase in expressions of loneliness, anger, and anxiety during the pandemic. Positive themes took a dive, while negative emotions dominated, with loneliness increasing by up to 17% compared to pre-pandemic years.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 1, 2023

Study shows that activity in the subthalamic nucleus reflects action outcomes and consequent adaptation in humans; this can be modified through bursts of electrical stimulation, with potential to restore healthy brain function in people with neurological

Research shows that bursts of electrical stimulation can modify activity in the subthalamic nucleus, influencing human behavior and potentially treating neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease. The study suggests a new approach to restore healthy brain function in people with these conditions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 1, 2023

Alcohol dependency in adolescence, but not consumption, linked with later depression risk

A study published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that adolescents with signs of alcohol dependence are more likely to develop depression by their mid-20s. This association remained after adjusting for potential confounding factors, suggesting a causal relationship between alcohol dependence and subsequent depression.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateJun 1, 2023

New research may explain why, despite “the munchies”, frequent cannabis users are leaner than non-users

Researchers have uncovered a possible explanation for why frequent cannabis users are leaner and less prone to diabetes than non-users. The study found that adolescent exposure to low-dose THC disrupts energy balance and adipose organ homeostasis in adulthood, leading to reduced fat mass and increased lean mass.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 1, 2023

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers improve the solubility of redox molecules for enhanced energy storage systems

Researchers from GIST have developed a hydrotropic-supporting electrolyte to enhance the solubility of organic redox molecules in aqueous systems. This improvement enables the creation of high-energy-density electrochemical capacitors with potential applications in redox flow batteries.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2023

Eye drops slow nearsightedness progression in kids, study finds

A new clinical trial found that low-dose atropine eye drops are effective in slowing the progression of nearsightedness in children. The treatment showed significant improvements in limiting eyeglass prescription changes and inhibiting elongation of the eye, with a daily drop in each eye being enough to make a difference.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 1, 2023

UCLA Health Tip Sheet: Test results impact lung cancer screening adherence; Axillary ultrasound may be unnecessary in diagnostic screening for breast cancer; Using AI to checking endotracheal tube placement

Researchers at UCLA Health highlight the impact of test results on lung cancer screening adherence and the potential unnecessary use of axillary ultrasound in breast cancer diagnostics. Meanwhile, a new AI system helps check endotracheal tube placement with high accuracy and user satisfaction.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateJun 1, 2023

Lundquist Institute investigators co-author paper in JAMA on coronary heart disease (CHD) risk prediction

A new study published in JAMA finds that adding a coronary artery calcium score to traditional risk factor models improves CHD risk discrimination for middle-aged adults. The researchers suggest this non-invasive imaging technique could be a reliable predictor of heart disease, particularly in older adults.

SourceThe Lundquist Institute·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateJun 1, 2023

Family resemblance: How T cells could fight many coronaviruses at once

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have found that T cells can recognize shared viral targets between multiple coronaviruses, including common cold coronaviruses and SARS-CoV-2. This cross-reactivity could be harnessed to develop vaccines that protect against multiple types of coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2023

BU researchers identify several new genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease unique to Ashkenazi Jews

Researchers from Boston University identified several new genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's disease in a study of approximately 3,500 individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. The study found strong associations with previously known variants and novel genes, including RAB3, SMAP2, and ZNF890P.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 1, 2023

ComboMATCH investigators are translating robust pre-clinical evidence for new anti-cancer drug combinations into a series of early-phase clinical trials

ComboMATCH initiates patient enrollment to test new cancer drug combinations guided by tumor biology, exploring precision medicine and targeting proteins that control cancer growth. The project aims to identify beneficial therapies for patients with rare malignancies and/or rare molecular abnormalities.

Thorium-229: A new approach to investigation opens up a wide range of possibilities

An international team of researchers has developed a new method to study the thorium-229 isotope using lasers in the visible wavelength range. This approach could lead to precise measurements of the isomeric state's energy level, enabling tests of fundamental physics questions and potentially paving the way for a nuclear clock.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalPhysical Review Research·TypeCase study·DateJun 1, 2023

Honey bee colony aggression linked to gene regulatory networks

A new study explores the genetic mechanisms underlying honey bee colony defense and aggression, revealing that gene regulation influences collective behavior and division of labor. Researchers found that brain gene regulatory networks differ between soldiers and foragers, particularly in more aggressive colonies.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2023

Discovery of neurons that recognize others

Researchers at the Institute for Basic Science have identified specific neurons in the hippocampus that allow us to recognize individual social counterparts and update their value through interactions. The dorsal CA1 region plays a crucial role in this process, enabling long-term memories of individuals to be formed.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2023

New UNC study quantifies disparity among minority communities exposed to traffic-related air pollution across the U.S.

A new UNC study estimates that minority communities within 100 meters of major roadways face up to 15% higher PM2.5 and 35% higher NO2 exposure than white communities. The study reveals significant exposure inequities across the US, with vulnerable populations facing a greater burden of pollutants.

Technology advance lays groundwork for OCT eye imaging at home

Researchers have developed a custom OCT setup that incorporates a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) diode, which could increase access to OCT imaging and help catch eye problems early. The system performed well in imaging the eye of a healthy volunteer and showed potential for use in biometric eye scanner systems.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateJun 1, 2023

First aid: drones make a difference

A Eurac Research-led team tested drones' effectiveness in locating and providing first aid to injured people in difficult-to-access terrain. The study found that drone-assisted rescue operations reduced treatment time by 30% and saved critical minutes in cases of traumatic injuries and cardiac arrest.

SourceEurac Research·JournalThe American Journal of Emergency Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2023

Medical College of Wisconsin cancer researcher & key investigator on study of Pirtobrutinib, now FDA approved for patients previously treated for Mantle Cell Lymphoma

In a multicenter trial, pirtobrutinib demonstrated reversible and effective inhibition of defective B-cells in patients with poor survival prognosis. Over half of patients responded to the drug, with a median duration of response of 21.6 months.

SourceMedical College of Wisconsin·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 1, 2023

UMD-led study finds forest protection successfully leads to reduced emissions at global scale

Researchers found worldwide protected forests have an additional 9.65 billion metric tons of carbon stored in their aboveground biomass compared to ecologically similar unprotected areas. Protected areas' efficacy in avoiding emissions was found to be significantly higher than non-protected areas.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 1, 2023

Autonomous realignment and self-healing in multilayer soft electronic devices

Researchers have developed a new method for achieving autonomous realignment and self-healing in multilayered soft electronic devices. The approach enables functional recovery of damaged devices to 96% of their initial capacitance after mechanical damage, with potential applications in soft robots and underwater circuits.

Below the surface: Researchers uncover reasons to rethink how mountains are built

Researchers at Colorado State University have made a groundbreaking discovery in understanding how mountains form, revealing that deep Earth processes are the primary drivers of mountain building in subduction zones. By combining novel data sets and techniques with traditional geomorphology measurements, the team generated a long-term ...

SourceColorado State University·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 1, 2023

Ticks prove resilient to extreme temperatures

Researchers found that blacklegged tick larvae are vulnerable to heat and dry conditions, while nymph and adult ticks can survive extreme temperatures with little effect. The study's findings suggest targeting interventions during the larval stage to reduce tick populations and mitigate disease transmission.

SourceWashington State University·JournalEcological Monographs·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2023

Little-known microbes could help predict climate tipping points

Researchers at Duke University have identified a climate feedback loop that could accelerate climate change. Monitoring mixotrophs, tiny organisms with dual metabolism modes, may allow us to anticipate the tipping point before it gets there. However, nutrient pollution poses a challenge to detecting early warning signals.

SourceDuke University·JournalFunctional Ecology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 1, 2023

Salton Sea environment detrimental to respiratory health of local children

A UC Riverside-led study reveals the Salton Sea environment is toxic, causing sulfuric smells, dust storms, chemicals, and fires that contribute to chronic health conditions like asthma and respiratory illnesses. The study's findings have important public health implications for vulnerable child populations.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateJun 1, 2023

CHOP researchers use “deep sequencing” to identify several previously undescribed genetic variants in vascular anomalies

CHOP researchers used deep sequencing to discover several previously undescribed genetic variants in vascular anomalies, capturing low-frequency mutations that were missed by conventional methods. The study found significant improvements in symptoms for over 63% of patients, enabling targeted therapies and improved quality of life.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalNature Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2023

Cutting boards can produce microparticles when chopping veggies, study shows

A recent study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that cutting boards made of plastic and wood can release tens of millions of microparticles when chopped, which may have negative health impacts if ingested. The researchers estimated that polyethylene microplastics could produce 14 to 71 million particles per year.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJun 1, 2023

Forest birds with short, round wings more sensitive to habitat fragmentation, OSU study shows

A study by OSU researchers found that tropical forest birds with shorter, round wings are more susceptible to habitat fragmentation due to their limited dispersal abilities. This is in contrast to temperate forest birds with longer, narrower wings, which are better equipped for long-distance flight.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 1, 2023