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Science News for June 26, 2023


SciOpen signs new food science journal

Food Science of Animal Products, a new journal published by Tsinghua University Press on SciOpen, offers authoritative platform for animal-origin foods research. The journal features innovative technological breakthroughs and provides an outlet for scholars to publish scientific theories.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalFood Science of Animal Products·DateJun 26, 2023

Research Spotlight: health surveillance in a Down syndrome specialty clinic: implementation of electronic health record integrations during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic

A study found improved adherence to AAP guidelines for children with Down syndrome after implementing electronic health record integrations, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic reopening. The intervention resulted in higher follow-up visit adherence (69%) and improvements in audiology and sleep study components.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJun 26, 2023

DNA discovery may assist in fight against aggressive cancer

Researchers have discovered abnormalities in the DNA instruction code that lead to the aggressive spread of colorectal cancer. By studying DNA methylation levels, they identified unique gene regions associated with liver metastasis and found a link between these changes and cancer cell aggression.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournaliScience·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 26, 2023

American Dental Association releases new tooth decay treatment guideline

The American Dental Association's new clinical practice guideline recommends conservative carious tissue removal (CTR) as an effective treatment option for moderate and advanced tooth decay. CTR involves removing most, but not all, of the decayed tissue before sealing the tooth with a filling or cap, which stops tooth decay.

SourceAmerican Dental Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 26, 2023

Lean body mass, age linked with alcohol elimination rates in women

A new study found that women's lean body mass and age significantly impact their ability to eliminate alcohol from the bloodstream. Women with obesity and those who are older have a faster rate of alcohol elimination compared to healthy-weight women and younger individuals.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAlcoholism Clinical and Experimental Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2023

Tuning T cell traits and functions with biomechanical materials

A research team at the Wyss Institute engineered a 3D model of extracellular matrix to study the impact of tissue mechanics on T cells. They found that viscoelasticity played a crucial role in shaping T cell traits and functions, enabling the creation of functionally distinct T cell populations for adoptive therapies.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2023

Study finds human impact on wildlife even in protected areas

A large-scale camera-trap survey reveals that tropical mammals living inside protected areas are not spared the effects of human activity, with specialist species thriving near low-density habitats and generalist species benefiting from diverse environments. The study informs biodiversity policy and highlights the importance of conside...

SourceRice University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 26, 2023

New geochemistry research confirms megalodon shark was warm-blooded

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences confirms that the Megalodon shark was warm-blooded, with a body temperature estimated at around 27°C. This discovery provides empirical evidence for the extinct species' internal heat production, shedding light on its biology and ecological role.

SourceWilliam Paterson University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2023

Are more babies born if embryos are cultured for three or five days in the lab? Largest randomised clinical trial to date suggests that age matters

A large randomized clinical trial found that culturing embryos for three days versus five days in the lab has no significant impact on live birth rates. Women's age affects outcomes, with younger women aged under 36 experiencing better results from cleavage-stage transfers.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 26, 2023

Changing the therapeutic landscape for patients with refractory metastatic colorectal cancer: FRESCO-2 supports fruquintinib as a global treatment option

The FRESCO-2 phase III study demonstrated statistically significant improvements in overall survival and progression-free survival in patients with refractory metastatic colorectal cancer treated with fruquintinib. Fruquintinib showed a favorable safety profile, with patients staying on treatment almost twice as long as those on placebo.

SourceVall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 26, 2023

Cheap and safe hormone treatment shows promise for couples with unexplained infertility

A small study suggests that vaginal progesterone treatment can increase the chances of conception in couples with unexplained infertility. The treatment, which is safe and low-cost, showed more than double the birth rate among treated women, but further research is needed to confirm these results.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 26, 2023

Don’t wait, desalinate: a new approach to water purification

Researchers at the Beckman Institute developed a new purification system that uses an electrified version of dialysis to separate salt and other unnecessary particles from wastewater. The method saves money and saps 90% less energy than its counterparts, making it a promising solution for global water scarcity.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2023

RIPE researchers determine chloroplast size unlikely option for improving photosynthetic efficiency

Researchers at the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology found that manipulating chloroplast size is unlikely to improve photosynthetic efficiency in crops. They created tobacco lines with enlarged and reduced chloroplasts, but field tests showed minimal effects on productivity.

Towards efficient lithium–air batteries with solution plasma-based synthesis of perovskite hydroxide catalysts

Researchers at Shibaura Institute of Technology have developed a faster way to synthesize CoSn(OH)6, a powerful catalyst required for high-energy lithium–air batteries. The new method uses solution plasma-based synthesis and achieves highly crystalline CSO crystals with improved catalytic properties.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalSustainable Energy & Fuels·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2023

Number of autistic people in England may be twice as high as previously thought

A new study by University College London researchers estimates that between 150,000 and 500,000 adults aged 20-49 and 250,000 to 600,000 adults over 50 may be undiagnosed with autism. This brings the total autistic population in England to over 1.2 million, approaching double the government's cited figure.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 26, 2023

Breakthrough boosts quantum AI

A new theoretical proof shows that overparametrization enhances performance in quantum machine learning, allowing for enhanced learning and classification tasks. The Los Alamos team developed a framework to predict the critical number of parameters at which a quantum machine learning model becomes overparametrized.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature Computational Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2023

“Anchoring bias” can delay testing and diagnosis by physicians for deadly conditions like blood clots in the lung

Researchers found that when a patient's congestive heart failure is mentioned during the initial check-in process, emergency room physicians are less likely to test for pulmonary embolism, potentially leading to delays in diagnosis. This anchoring bias can delay crucial testing and diagnosis of deadly medical conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 26, 2023

Research Brief: Investing in nature improves equity, boosts economy

A new study finds that investing in nature can turn economic losses into gains, especially for the world's poorest countries. The research combines a global economic model with ecosystem service models to capture interactions between humans and the environment, highlighting the importance of public goods and services provided by nature.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 2023

Study shows unsafe storage of firearms continues to put guns in the hands of children

A new study from Nationwide Children's Hospital analyzed 10 years of data on unintentional firearm fatalities among children to investigate cases where children younger than 15 unintentionally killed themselves or another child with a firearm. The majority of victims were male, and most incidents occurred at the victim's residence.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalInjury Epidemiology·DateJun 26, 2023

New research clarifies connection between autism and the microbiome

A recent study published in Nature Neuroscience clarifies the connection between autism and the microbiome, identifying autism-specific metabolic pathways associated with particular human gut microbes. The analysis, which harmonized dozens of previously published datasets, reveals a common microbial signature distinguishing autistic fr...

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 26, 2023

It’s a small world after all

A recent study by Bar-Ilan University researchers proves that six degrees of separation exist in social networks due to human behavior and cost-benefit analysis. Social networks tend to favor this pattern as individuals seek strategic connections to gain prominence, balancing drive for prominence with limited budget for new friendships.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalPhysical Review X·DateJun 26, 2023

Prolonged inflammation associated with long COVID restored to healthy levels within two years post-infection: Singapore study

Researchers found that patients with persistent symptoms of long COVID experienced sustained inflammation and abnormal immune responses. However, after receiving a vaccine dose 12-16 months post-infection, these markers recovered to levels comparable to healthy vaccinated individuals.

Opting to freeze eggs can help women have babies when they are older, but many do not use their frozen eggs

A study found that more than 40% of women who froze their eggs in their 30s were able to have babies when they returned to the fertility clinic. However, many didn't return or used other fertility treatments. Women who used frozen eggs had a lower miscarriage rate compared to those using fresh eggs.

Genomics- and image-guided subtyping refines characterization of Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers developed a computational technique combining genomic and tau PET imaging data to identify four subtypes of Alzheimer's disease. The integrated approach also revealed top genes associated with each subtype. This personalized diagnostic technique has potential for broad utility across various diseases.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 26, 2023

Zhurong rover detects extremely weak magnetic fields on surface of Mars’ Utopia Basin

The Zhurong rover's first 1-km traverse revealed extremely weak magnetic fields on the Martian surface, contradicting previous orbital measurements. This finding suggests that either the crust remained unmagnetized or was demagnetized by a massive impact, providing new insights into early Mars' magnetic, climatic, and interior history.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJun 26, 2023

Worse than diesel and gasoline? Bioenergy as bad as fossils if there is no pricing of CO2 emissions from land-use change

A new study finds that bioenergy may not be a climate-neutral alternative to fossil fuels without effective pricing of CO2 emissions from land-use change, leading researchers to call for comprehensive carbon pricing schemes and international agreements to protect natural lands.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJun 26, 2023

Synthesis of peripherally annulated phenanthroporphyrins

New synthesis approach yields arylbenzoporphyrins and phenanthroporphyrins via retro Diels–Alder reaction and intramolecular Scholl reaction. The optical and electronic properties of the unusual porphyrins are analyzed using magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopy and time-dependent density functional theory calculations.

SourceEhime University·JournalOrganic Letters·DateJun 26, 2023

IUPUI Geology professor researches groundbreaking bacterial discovery

A team of researchers led by Dr. William Gilhooly III found that viruses are infecting sulfur bacteria, altering their genetic code and influencing their behavior in oxygen-deficient lakes. This discovery opens up new avenues for understanding the impact of viral infections on bacterial ecosystems.

UNF professor & Bureau of Land Management team discover ancient marine reptile fossil, publish ground-breaking evolutionary insight

A research team led by the Bureau of Land Management and University of North Florida faculty member Dr. Barry Albright has discovered a 94-million-year-old mosasaur fossil in southern Utah. The discovery sheds new light on the evolution of ancient marine reptiles, including their unique cranial blood supply.

SourceUniversity of North Florida·JournalCretaceous Research·DateJun 26, 2023

New research finds that more than 90% of global aquaculture faces substantial risk from environmental change

A landmark study reveals that more than 90% of global aquaculture and capture fisheries face substantial risks from environmental change. The study highlights the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the need for transboundary collaboration, diversification, and stakeholder engagement to adapt to climate change.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJun 26, 2023

Scientists develop a high-energy-density and ultralong-life aqueous zinc-ion battery

Researchers at Hefei Institutes of Physical Science developed a high-performance aqueous zinc-ion battery with an ultralong cycle lifespan in a weak magnetic field. The team created a VS2 material with rich defects that reduced electrostatic interaction between zinc ions and improved rate capability.

New study reveals brain's potential to regulate fentanyl consumption, offering hope in the fight against opioid addiction

A recent study by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has unveiled crucial insights into the brain's ability to regulate fentanyl consumption. The research discovered that claustral neurons can modulate fentanyl intake, suggesting a potential target for intervention in fentanyl addiction.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2023

Recent progress of Ni-based catalysts for methanol electrooxidation reaction in alkaline media

Ni-based catalysts have shown promising performance in the electrooxidation of methanol in alkaline media due to their anti-poisoning ability and high oxidation kinetics. The development of new Ni-based catalysts with varied structures has improved catalytic performance, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional noble meta...

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalAdvanced Sensor and Energy Materials·DateJun 26, 2023

Act now to prevent uncontrolled rise in carbon footprint of computational science, say Cambridge scientists

Researchers propose GREENER framework to promote sustainable research practices, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and maximizing benefits to humanity and environment. Key considerations include estimating energy consumption of algorithms, tackling embodied impacts through new collaborations, and relocating computations to low-carbon s...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Computational Science·DateJun 26, 2023

How coral reefs can survive climate change

The Tara Pacific expedition's dataset reveals that global microbial biodiversity is ten times higher than previously thought, and environmental impacts on evolutionary adaptation are species-specific. Duplication of important genes in corals may be the key to their long lifespan.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 26, 2023

Progesterone decreases night sweats & improves sleep in perimenopausal women

A new study has found that Progesterone (micronized, oral) is effective in decreasing night sweats and improving sleep in perimenopausal women. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of British Columbia, involved 93% of participants completing the three-month trial with no serious adverse events.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScientific Reports·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 26, 2023

Arsenic levels decline for most highly exposed U.S. communities served by public water systems following final arsenic ruling

A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that the Final Arsenic Rule successfully reduced water arsenic exposure for many US communities, particularly those with high initial exposure levels and marginalized populations. The rule, implemented in 2006, reduced the maximum contaminant level to 10 μg/L.

Collect race, Indigenous identity on health card renewal to address health inequities

Collecting self-reported racial and Indigenous identity data on health card applications and renewals could facilitate the measurement of racial inequities in healthcare. This approach could aid in tracking progress and ensuring accountability, particularly for Indigenous and Black patients who face significant barriers to care.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 26, 2023

New understanding of why kidney cancers become metastatic discovered by MD Anderson researchers

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have engineered a new model of aggressive renal cell carcinoma, highlighting molecular targets and genomic events that trigger chromosomal instability. The loss of interferon receptor genes plays a pivotal role in allowing cancer cells to become tolerant of chromosomal instability.

People in power who are guilt-prone are less likely to be corrupt

A study by UC Santa Barbara psychology professor Hongbo Yu found that individuals prone to guilt in their everyday lives are less likely to take bribes. The research suggests that anticipatory guilt may make people think twice before engaging in corrupt behavior, particularly when they can see the potential harm to others.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJun 26, 2023

Advanced detection technology developed for aerosol single scattering albedo vertical profile

A new custom optical system and high-precision controllers enabled the detection of aerosol single scattering albedo (SSA) vertical profiles for the first time. This innovation provides accurate observation data for understanding aerosol radiation interaction and atmospheric boundary layer feedbacks.

New research describes troubling abortion infodemic

A team of UConn researchers finds that misinformation about abortion has proliferated on social media, including false claims about fetal pain and maternal health. The study warns that this infodemic could exacerbate a public health crisis and restrict access to accurate information.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeObservational study·DateJun 26, 2023

Hyenas inherit power from mothers, but it’s a privilege they pay dearly for

A study found that every member of a hyena clan, except the highest-ranking queen, suffers downward mobility across their lifetime due to demographic processes. Hyenas can move up and down in the hierarchy over time, but they slide down more often than jumping up.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 26, 2023

A jaw-dropping conundrum: Why do mammals have a stiff lower jaw?

Researchers found that mammals' stiff lower jawbones provide a unique advantage in terms of stiffness, but restrict options for evolution. Despite this limitation, mammals have adapted to eat various foods, rivaling the dietary diversity of vertebrates with multiple bones in their jaws.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2023

Researchers urge caution in gene editing early human embryos following findings that it could have unexpected and dangerous consequences Further research to refine gene editing technology is needed

Researchers have discovered that gene editing technologies may introduce unintended mutations and damage to DNA in early human embryos. The study found that most cells repair breaks in the DNA using non-homologous end joining, which can lead to additional genetic abnormalities.

An unexpected antenna for nanoscale light sources

Researchers at ETH Zurich have found a novel mechanism to produce nanoscale light sources by exploiting the antenna-like behavior of semiconductor materials. By varying the voltage and measuring the current through a tunnel junction, they discovered an exciton resonance that acts as an effective antenna, enabling efficient light emission.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2023

A new technique for cooling membranes with lasers

Scientists have developed a new technique to cool membranes with lasers, achieving temperatures close to absolute zero without measurement. The method uses a coherent feedback loop, where laser light acts as both sensor and damper, to dampen thermal vibrations and reach extremely low temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalPhysical Review X·DateJun 26, 2023

Mediation’s role in parental disputes about child’s medical treatment may have been oversold

An analysis of court cases suggests that mediation might not have resolved conflicts about children's medical treatment, with only around half of cases potentially avoidable. The study highlights the limitations of mediation in resolving complex disputes, particularly when personal values are deeply involved.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 26, 2023

Fertility may decline early in women treated for Hodgkin lymphoma in childhood, but most who try for babies when they are young are successful

Research found that women treated for childhood Hodgkin lymphoma may experience declining fertility and longer wait times to become pregnant, but overall success rates are high. The majority of women in the study who had tried to become pregnant were successful, with some being able to conceive at a younger age.

Poop and prey help researchers estimate that gray whales off Oregon Coast consume millions of microparticles per day

Researchers estimate that gray whales off the Oregon Coast consume millions of microparticles per day, primarily from zooplankton and fish. The study suggests that these high loads of microfibers may be affecting the health and behavior of the whales, with potential consequences for their populations.

SourceOregon State University·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 26, 2023

No simple answer for why people believe in conspiracy theories

Research published by the American Psychological Association found that people believe in conspiracy theories due to a need to understand and feel safe in their environment. Additionally, certain personality traits such as a sense of antagonism toward others and high levels of paranoia are more prone to believing conspiracy theories.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychological Bulletin·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 26, 2023