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Science News for June 15, 2023


Two-thirds of physicians and biomedical scientists report harassment on social media since start of the COVID-19 pandemic

A new study found that two-thirds of physicians and biomedical scientists reported harassment on social media, with women and minority groups facing higher rates. The survey highlighted the need for these individuals to be represented in combatting misinformation on social media, as their loss could exacerbate health inequities.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA·DateJun 15, 2023

Adaptive spatio-temporal attention neural network for cross-database micro-expression recognition

The Adaptive Spatio-Temporal Attention Neural Network (ASTANN) is proposed for cross-database micro-expression recognition. It extracts optical flow information and combines it with facial images to generate new representations, which are then processed by a deep neural network with spatiotemporal attention mechanisms.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalVirtual Reality & Intelligent Hardware·DateJun 15, 2023

The Air Pollution Complex: improved air pollution understanding in China

Researchers in China have developed a new theoretical framework to understand and predict air pollution, highlighting the complexity of coal combustion and vehicle exhaust interactions. The Air Pollution Complex is a holistic approach that considers multiple emission sources and chemical processes.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJun 15, 2023

A newly identified protein confers drought tolerance to plants

Researchers at CRAG have discovered a key role for AtMC3, a metacaspase protein located exclusively in phloem tissue, in drought stress response. Increasing AtMC3 levels improves plant survival and photosynthetic capacity under water scarcity conditions, offering a potential tool to fine-tune early drought responses.

SourceCenter for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG)·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2023

Shock to the crop system

A new study by University of Delaware researchers assesses the effects of climate variability on crop production in the US. The study reveals that fluctuations in planted and harvested areas contribute significantly to crop production shocks, which can have severe impacts on food stability.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJun 15, 2023

‘Concerning’ CT scans may cause unnecessary hospitalization for some pulmonary embolism patients

Researchers found that 'concerning' CT imaging results were associated with lower clinical outcomes and shorter hospital stays in low-risk patients with acute pulmonary embolism. This suggests that emergency physicians may be managing these patients differently, leading to unnecessary hospitalizations.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 15, 2023

City of Hope scientists develop universal donor stem cell therapy to treat degenerative brain diseases in a preclinical study

Researchers at City of Hope have developed a universal donor stem cell therapy that can treat degenerative brain diseases such as Canavan disease and Alzheimer's. The therapy, which uses an 'off-the-shelf' approach, has shown promising results in preclinical studies, reducing toxic accumulation of metabolites and improving motor function.

SourceCity of Hope·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2023

Rising rates of benzodiazepine toxicity among young people spark concern

A new study found a 67% increase in hospital encounters for benzodiazepine-related toxicity among young adults and a 44% rise in youth aged 18 or below in Ontario between 2013 and 2020. The increased risk is attributed to the growing presence of non-pharmaceutical benzodiazepines in the unregulated opioid supply.

SourceInstitute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences·JournalCanadian Journal of Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateJun 15, 2023

Echovirus 11 in newly born twins: case in Italy shows close genetic relation to strains found in France among neonates

A case of echovirus 11-induced hepatitis in Italian male twins has been reported, showing a close genetic relation to strains found in France among neonates. The study highlights the importance of rapid recognition and timely treatment to ensure survival, and suggests potential host genetic predisposition in male and twin categories.

Advanced universal control system may revolutionize lower limb exoskeleton control and optimize user experience

Researchers developed a new method for controlling lower limb exoskeletons using deep reinforcement learning, enabling more robust and natural walking control. The system has the potential to benefit users with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and other neurological conditions.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalJournal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 15, 2023

Study finds that a small number of teachers effectively double the racial gaps among students referred for disciplinary action

A new study published in Educational Researcher found that the top 5% of teachers who refer students to principals' offices for disciplinary action effectively double the racial gaps in such referrals. The study analyzed data from over 2,900 teachers and 79,000 students across 101 schools in a large urban district in California.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Researcher·DateJun 15, 2023

Previously overlooked algae toxin widespread in southern Indian River Lagoon

A study by Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute found domoic acid toxin in 87% of samples from the southern Indian River Lagoon, which can harm shellfish, finfish, birds, and humans. The toxin is more prevalent in cool temperatures and high salinity waters, suggesting it may be a resident population.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalHarmful Algae·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2023

New discovery can help detect brain tumors

Researchers have made a significant finding in detecting brain tumors by exploiting folate receptors. Folate receptor expression is significantly higher in glioma tissue compared to adjacent healthy brain tissue, presenting a promising target for future treatments.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateJun 15, 2023

Carbon mitigation payments can make bioenergy crops more appealing for farmers

A new study from the University of Illinois shows that carbon mitigation payments can increase net returns and reduce income risk for farmers growing bioenergy crops. The researchers found that higher biomass prices and targeted carbon credits can make these crops more appealing to farmers, regardless of their risk preference.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 15, 2023

New, precise, and efficient DNA sequencing method may lead to easier testing and earlier cancer detection

Researchers have developed a new DNA sequencing method that allows for precise mapping of 5-methylcytosine, a key regulator of gene expression. This technique, called Direct Methylation Sequencing (DM-Seq), enables scientists to profile DNA using small samples and without damaging the sample, making it suitable for liquid biopsies and ...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJun 15, 2023

Chronic wound healing using glass

Bioactive glasses with ionic silver show improved antimicrobial activity and can retain effectiveness against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The study demonstrates the potential for this combination to deliver more effective wound protection than conventional alternatives.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalBiofilm·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2023

Wildfire smoke threatens already endangered orangutans

A new study led by Cornell University's Wendy Erb found that orangutan vocal changes can be used to assess their health, as they alter their frequency and quality of sounds in response to wildfire smoke. This innovative method could help monitor the endangered species' well-being without putting them at risk.

SourceCornell University·JournaliScience·TypeObservational study·DateJun 15, 2023

University of Cincinnati research finds potential therapy for rare but devastating lung disease

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have discovered two existing drugs that show signs of being effective in treating lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), a rare and devastating lung disease. The study found that these drugs target a novel pathway dysregulated in LAM, which could lead to the development of a cure.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2023

New data from global TAME study supports current management of CO2 levels in cardiac arrest patients

A global study of 1,700 cardiac arrest patients found that maintaining slightly elevated CO2 levels did not improve neurological or functional outcomes. The study suggests that doctors can continue standard practice without worrying about missing out on improved results.

SourceUCD Research & Innovation·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 15, 2023

Navigating underground with cosmic-ray muons

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a new navigation system using cosmic-ray muons, which can accurately determine position in underground environments. The MuWNS system uses time synchronization to achieve accuracy comparable to single-point GPS positioning aboveground.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2023

Wearable activity trackers accelerate hospital patient recovery

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that wearable activity trackers improve patient activity, reduce sedentary behavior, and enhance physical function, supporting faster recovery in hospitalized adults. The study examined 15 studies with a combined total of 1911 patients and found significant improvements in clinical outcomes.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 15, 2023

Illusions are in the eye, not the mind

A new study suggests that simple limitations in neural responses explain visual illusions, rather than deeper psychological processes. Researchers developed a model that combines information on neural firing speeds, pattern perception, and natural scene assumptions to predict how animals see colour and understand visual illusions.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 15, 2023

Architecture of the ESCPE-1 membrane coat

A multidisciplinary team has revealed the atomic-level organization of ESCPE-1, a key player in tubular-based cargo sorting. The study provides insights into membrane interactions, cargo recognition, and coat formation, enhancing understanding of membrane protein recycling and its role in cellular processes.

SourceCIC bioGUNE·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJun 15, 2023

Sickle cell disease is 11 times more deadly than previously recorded

A new study reveals sickle cell disease is far deadlier than its textbook description, with a total mortality burden of 373,000 deaths in 2021. The condition disproportionately affects children, adolescents, and young adults worldwide, highlighting the need for universal newborn screening and early intervention.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalThe Lancet Haematology·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 15, 2023

Addition of EBRT to brachytherapy did not improve outcomes for men with intermediate-risk prostate cancer, brachytherapy alone remains standard of care

The study found no improvement in freedom from progression rates for patients receiving combined EBRT and brachytherapy (COMBO) compared to those receiving brachytherapy alone (BT). Late adverse events were significantly increased in the COMBO arm, favoring BT as a standard of care for intermediate-risk prostate cancer patients.

SourceNRG Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 15, 2023

Indirect effects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict revealed: global food supply at risk

A recent study by the Complexity Science Hub reveals interdependencies in the global food supply chain, uncovering profound indirect effects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on product availability worldwide. The study found that indirect effects often exceeded direct effects, with losses up to 85% in maize and 89% in edible oils.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalNature Food·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 15, 2023

The Situation of the Uyghurs

The EU project Remote XUAR uses remote research methods to analyze the situation in Xinjiang. Researchers use internet-based document analyses, discourse analysis on social media, and satellite-based remote sensing to study everyday changes in the region.

Intriguing correlation between earthquakes and cosmic radiation

Researchers have found a surprising correlation between global seismic activity and changes in cosmic radiation intensity, potentially aiding in earthquake prediction. The periodicity of this phenomenon has been identified as every 10-11 years, but its exact cause remains unknown.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics·DateJun 15, 2023

Contact lenses shed microplastics

Researchers developed an automated method to detect and count microplastics in contact lenses, finding that lenses with shorter lifetimes shed more microplastics when exposed to sunlight. The study estimates that over 90,000 microplastic particles per year could be shed from some lenses if worn for 10 hours a day.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJun 15, 2023

Healthy sex life during pandemic tied to an array of sexual coping strategies

Research reveals people who maintained healthy sex lives during the pandemic used various coping mechanisms, such as goal-setting, expanding their sexual repertoire, and fostering intimacy. These strategies were rated more useful by those who tried them, with relational and educational approaches yielding greater satisfaction.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalSexuality Research and Social Policy·TypeSurvey·DateJun 15, 2023

Malaria: New molecule with therapeutic potential

CNRS scientists have identified a molecule that prevents parasites of Plasmodium from invading blood cells, paving the way for a new class of antimalarials. The discovery is based on the key role of myosin A in malaria infection and its inhibition by KNX-002.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 15, 2023

Massive underwater plateau near Solomon Islands is younger and its eruption was more protracted than previously thought, research suggests

New research by Oregon State University suggests the Ontong Java Plateau is younger and its eruption was more protracted than previously believed. The findings contradict long-held assumptions about the formation of the plateau being linked to a global oxygen-depletion event that formed black shale deposits worldwide.

SourceOregon State University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2023

Only 30% of show horse owners surveyed in Australia agreed with facial hair trimming ban, new study reveals

A recent study published in the CABI journal Human-Animal Interactions found that only 30% of show horse owners in Australia agreed with a ban on facial hair trimming prior to its implementation in July 2022. The study also revealed that most disciplines broadly agreed on banning facial hair trimming, except for showing, where only 22....

SourceCABI·JournalHuman-Animal Interactions·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2023

New dinosaur named for Natural History Museum Professor

A new armoured dinosaur, Vectipelta barretti, has been described from the Isle of Wight, revealing differences in neck and back vertebrae and a unique spiky armour. The discovery provides new insights into ankylosaur diversity in the Wessex formation during the Early Cretaceous period.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Systematic Palaeontology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 15, 2023

Winners of World Cultural Council awards announced – Award Ceremony to be held at the University of Helsinki, Finland on November 2023

The World Cultural Council has announced its 2023 award winners, including Professor Christoph Gerber and Larry V. Hedges, who received the Albert Einstein and José Vasconcelos awards respectively. Their groundbreaking work in science and education has contributed significantly to promoting tolerance, peace, and humanity.

Hip fracture burden to nearly double worldwide by 2050

A global study found that hip fracture incidence rates decreased in most regions between 2005 and 2018, but the number of fractures is expected to nearly double by 2050. The study also revealed significant treatment gaps, particularly among men, with only a fraction receiving therapy to prevent future fractures.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateJun 15, 2023

Ultrafast and tunable

A study by the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf team demonstrates efficient conversion of high-frequency signals into visible light using graphene-based materials. The mechanism involves a thermal radiation process, and the conversion is ultrafast and tunable.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2023