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Science News for June 28, 2023


First misinformation susceptibility test finds ‘very online’ Gen Z and millennials are most vulnerable to fake news

Researchers developed a validated test to measure misinformation susceptibility, finding younger adults and those spending more time online are worse at identifying false headlines. The study used AI-generated fake headlines and found that social media and political affiliation were significant factors in susceptibility.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBehavior Research Methods·DateJun 28, 2023

Shattering the myth of men as hunters and women as gatherers

A recent study analyzing data from 63 foraging societies worldwide reveals that women hunt in at least 79 percent of these societies, targeting game of all sizes. Women's involvement in teaching hunting practices and employing diverse weapon choices also challenges the long-held perception of men as primary hunters.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 28, 2023

Menopausal hormone therapy linked to increased rate of dementia

A large Danish study found that use of menopausal hormone therapy is associated with an increased rate of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The study revealed a significant increase in dementia risk among women who received treatment at the age of 55 years or younger, even for short-term users.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateJun 28, 2023

New drug application doubles rates of remission in patients with Ulcerative Colitis

A new drug, mirikizumab, has demonstrated a doubling in remission rates for ulcerative colitis patients, with up to 50% achieving clinical remission. The treatment showed little to no side effects and was found to be safe, offering a promising option for those with moderately severe and severe forms of the disease.

SourceAmsterdam University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 28, 2023

Intranasal insulin treatment might boost cognition in people with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's Disease, according to meta-analysis of 29 studies across multiple disorders

A recent meta-analysis of 29 studies found that intranasal insulin treatment can boost cognition in individuals with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's Disease. The analysis suggests potential benefits for this treatment approach, which may be worth further investigation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 28, 2023

How urea may have been the gateway to life

Scientists at ETH Zurich and University of Geneva investigate how concentrated urea solutions react to ionizing radiation, revealing fast proton transfer that may have led to emergence of RNA and DNA. The new method allows for high temporal resolution observations of chemical reactions in liquids, relevant to understanding life's origins.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2023

New methods for ancient texts

MagEIA, a new Centre for Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences, will research magical text traditions of the ancient Near East, Egypt, and neighbouring regions. The project aims to develop new methods of textual analysis and models of cross-cultural comparison.

Antibody treatment prevents graft versus host disease, a major bone marrow transplant complication, in advanced preclinical tests

Researchers have developed an experimental antibody treatment that largely prevented graft versus host disease in the intestines, without causing broad immune suppression. The treatment blocked donor T-cell attack and increased survival rates in preclinical models.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 28, 2023

HKUMed establishes the first platform to slash time engineering and selecting the best precise genome editors for applications

A research team from HKUMed has developed a new platform to rapidly engineer and select the best precise genome editors for therapeutic applications. The platform allows for parallel testing of hundreds of base editor variants, enabling the selection of the most suitable ones with maximal efficiency and minimal undesired edits.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalCell Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2023

Scientists find evidence for slow-rolling sea of gravitational waves

The NANOGrav team has detected a collective hum of gravitational waves from merging supermassive black holes, providing evidence for a background undulation in spacetime. The signal is thought to be generated by huge black holes at galaxy centers, producing low-frequency gravitational waves that oscillate slowly over years and decades.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 28, 2023

NANOGRAV’s 15-year journey reveals a cosmic hum

The NANOGrav team has detected evidence of gravitational waves at very low frequencies, which they believe may be caused by the merger of supermassive black holes. The signal is thought to be a result of the gravitational wave background produced by these binary systems.

SourceSETI Institute·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 28, 2023

What controls the pathways of the Labrador Current?

Researchers from McGill University found that stronger winds shift the Labrador Current eastward, leading to sudden warmings or drops in oxygen levels. This has dire consequences for marine ecosystems and fisheries, including smaller species like cod and halibut, which struggle to survive in low-oxygen conditions.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 28, 2023

Decrypting integrins by mixed-solvent molecular dynamics simulation

A team of researchers developed a novel computational approach to identify allosteric sites in integrins, revealing previously inaccessible druggable pockets. This breakthrough has the potential to overcome limitations in integrin-targeting medication and open new avenues for drug discovery.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalJournal of Chemical Information and Modeling·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 28, 2023

Study revealed rainforest releases oxidized organic molecules that form aerosol particles in tropical free troposphere

A study by the University of Helsinki found that oxidized organic molecules from Amazon rainforests contribute to the formation of aerosol particles in the tropical free troposphere. These molecules, primarily composed of isoprene, can nucleate or condense on nanoparticles, impacting cloud formation and global climate.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNational Science Review·DateJun 28, 2023

AACR journal highlights industry and regulatory perspectives on improving diversity in clinical trials

The AACR journal article explores steps to improve diversity in clinical trials, following a new law requiring trial sponsors to submit Diversity Action Plans to the FDA. Experts discuss key areas for consideration, including dedicating funding and staff, embedding DEI strategy, and engaging with community organizations.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJun 28, 2023

Test animals, hold your breath!

Researchers from Kyoto University developed a microchip using human iPS cells to measure transport capacity of membrane proteins, potentially giving test animals respite. The model simulates glucose reabsorption and drug excretion in renal proximal tubules, enabling patient-specific disease modeling and personalized medicine studies.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2023

Researchers identify needs of rural-based physicians to optimize cancer survivorship care

Cancer survivors rely on primary care clinicians for follow-up treatments, especially in rural areas. Researchers found that clinicians lack access to information and online trainings, making treatment and outreach more difficult. The study suggests equipping primary care physicians with tools and using technology to expand reach.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Cancer Education·TypeSurvey·DateJun 28, 2023

Scientists use exotic stars to tune into hum from cosmic symphony

Researchers have found evidence for gravitational waves oscillating with periods of years to decades, consistent with slowly undulating waves passing through the Galaxy. The signal was observed using a collection of cosmic clocks called pulsars, which are ultra-dense remnants of massive stars' cores.

SourceNorth American Nanohertz Observatory for Gravitational Waves·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 28, 2023

NeuWS camera answers ‘holy grail problem’ in optical imaging

Engineers at Rice University and the University of Maryland developed NeuWS, a technology that can undo light scattering effects, enabling full-motion video through various media. The technology measures wavefronts to rapidly decipher phase information, overcoming the 'holy grail problem' in optical imaging.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2023

HKUMed invents a novel microneedle array embedded with ultrasound-triggered antibacterial nanoparticles enabling a breakthrough treatment for skin infection

Researchers at HKUMed have developed a novel microneedle patch that uses ultrasound-responsive antibacterial nanoparticles to effectively treat skin infections caused by P. acnes bacteria. The treatment promotes pain-free delivery and facilitates skin repair, offering a non-antibiotic approach for acne and other skin conditions.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2023

GPT-3 informs and disinforms us better

A recent study found that GPT-3 can generate accurate information, but also produces highly persuasive disinformation. Participants struggled to distinguish between tweets created by the AI model and those written by real users.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateJun 28, 2023

University hospitals and Case Western Reserve University research teams receive Collaborative Science Pilot Awards

Three University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve University research teams received $50,000 Collaborative Science Pilot Awards to explore innovative research projects. The awards aim to increase competitiveness and capacity for major external funding opportunities in key areas such as cancer, brain health and genetics.

Research reveals novel insights into transplant rejection and new drug development targets

Researchers have identified specific cellular signatures for kidney transplant rejection, which could lead to the development of more effective anti-rejection therapies. The study's findings suggest that treatments often do not thoroughly eliminate T cells responsible for rejection, and new drug targets may be able to address this issue.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2023

New approach in cancer therapy with innovative mechanism-of-action for ferroptosis induction

Researchers discovered icFSP1, a novel anti-cancer drug that sensitizes cancer cells to ferroptosis by triggering phase separation of FSP1. This mechanism-of-action has great promise for combating tumors and offers a new concept in cancer therapy.

Scientists unveil the mechanism behind intracellular connection: mitofusin 2 is the lock and key

Researchers discovered distinct variants of the mitochondrial protein Mitofusin 2, ERMIT2 and ERMIN2, located on the endoplasmic reticulum, forming a bridge between mitochondria and this organelle. These variants play a crucial role in maintaining optimal cellular functionality and regulating lipid metabolism.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2023

High-speed proton transaction

Researchers at DESY reveal the rapid proton transaction process between urea molecules, which could have led to RNA molecule formation billions of years ago. The experiment demonstrates the importance of studying molecular processes in aqueous environments for understanding biological phenomena.

That essential morning coffee may be a placebo

Scientists found that drinking coffee increases connectivity in higher visual networks and executive control regions of the brain, leading to improved alertness and cognitive performance. In contrast, taking only caffeine did not replicate these effects, suggesting that the experience of drinking coffee plays a crucial role.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2023

Brain scans reveal that lonely people process the world in unique ways

A recent study published in Psychological Science discovered that lonely people exhibit dissimilar brain processing patterns compared to those who are not lonely. The researchers found that lonelier individuals show more unique and idiosyncratic brain responses, making it harder for them to establish social connections.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPsychological Science·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 28, 2023

Plants pollinated by honey bees produce lower-quality offspring

Research from University of California San Diego scientists found that honey bee pollination results in inferior quality plant offspring compared to native bees. The study revealed that honey bees visit twice as many flowers per plant before moving to the next, leading to higher levels of self-pollination and lower-quality offspring.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2023

Vehicle color recognition based on smooth modulation neural network with multi-scale feature fusion

Researchers propose a novel vehicle color recognition method based on Smooth Modulation Neural Network with Multi-Scale Feature Fusion, achieving high accuracy and overcoming class imbalance issues. The proposed method outperforms state-of-the-art VCR methods and meets the requirements for fine classification of vehicle colors.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Computer Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2023

HKU Dentistry team uses artificial intelligence for early detection of gum inflammation

A study published in the International Dental Journal demonstrates the use of artificial intelligence to detect signs of gum inflammation, such as redness, swelling, and bleeding, from intraoral photographs with high accuracy. The technology enables population-wide monitoring of gum health and personalized dental care.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalInternational Dental Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2023

Boom! Detecting gregarious goliath groupers using their low-frequency pulse sounds

The study used a battery-powered acoustic array to record Goliath grouper sounds at an artificial reef, assessing their presence by measuring acoustic activity and habitat distribution. The results showed that the model can be used to automatically process large amounts of acoustic data and provide detailed movements of marine organisms.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·TypeObservational study·DateJun 28, 2023

Don’t know what you got (‘til it’s measured)

A lack of measurement of plant traits across the Global South poses a threat to understanding and protecting tropical forests from climate change. By integrating regional and global data, researchers aim to fill the knowledge gap and create open-source resources for documenting biodiversity.

SourceScience in Public·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 28, 2023

Researchers explore ChatGPT’s application in global public health including ethical use

The study discusses the application of ChatGPT in global health research, revealing its ability to efficiently process vast amounts of data and identify disease risk factors. However, it also highlights several ethical considerations, including biases in data and discriminatory implications, which must be mitigated for responsible use.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalGlobal Transitions·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 28, 2023

Breakthrough Research shows potential for generative AI to accelerate development of new antivirals and drug discovery

A new study demonstrates the potential of generative AI to accelerate the development of new antivirals and drug discovery. Researchers from IBM, Oxford University, and Diamond Light Source have developed an AI model that can generate antiviral molecules for multiple target virus proteins, including SARS-CoV-2.

SourceDiamond Light Source·JournalScience Advances·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 28, 2023

The complex role of pyroptosis in lung cancer: a Chinese Medical Journal Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Review

Researchers explore pyroptosis as a potential therapeutic approach for lung cancer treatment. The review highlights the dual role of pyroptosis in tumor progression and negative impact on normal cells. It suggests balancing the contradictory effects of pyroptosis to optimize clinical applications.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal - Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 28, 2023

Innovative stem cell research takes aim at origins of human cancers

A collaborative study by researchers at the University of Ottawa and McMaster University has made a groundbreaking discovery linking different types of cancers to their embryonic origins. The team found that drugs targeting specific embryonic pathways can effectively treat various tumors, including brain, colon, and leukemia cancers.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalCell Chemical Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 28, 2023

Australian astronomers find possible ‘fingerprints’ of gravitational waves

Researchers using CSIRO's Parkes radio telescope have found strongest evidence yet for low-frequency gravitational waves, providing further insight into Einstein's general theory of relativity. The discovery, published in several journal papers, has also sparked collaboration among international teams searching for similar signals.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of Australia·TypeObservational study·DateJun 28, 2023

Gene editing: New study reveals shifting public sentiment

A new study reveals a consistent difference in favorability ratings between gene editing and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in social and traditional media. Gene editing consistently receives higher favorability ratings, with close to 100% achieved in numerous monthly values, indicating a positive shift in public sentiment.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalGM Crops & Food·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 28, 2023

The dynamics of innovation efficiency and firm competition: implications for product design and market diversity

A study found that leading firms adopt predatory strategies to move toward competitors, intensifying price competition and increasing profits despite counter-intuitive price reductions. This approach can lead to reduced product diversity and technology gaps in the market.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalJournal of Economy and Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 28, 2023

Turning old maps into 3D digital models of lost neighborhoods

A team of researchers has developed a machine learning technique that can extract details from historic Sanborn maps, allowing for the creation of 3D digital models of lost neighborhoods. The models can be used to study the economic loss caused by urban renewal and other factors, providing a new approach to urban historical research.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 28, 2023

BMI cutoffs for total shoulder arthroplasty increase health disparities by preventing those in need from undergoing surgery

Researchers at MUSC suggest re-evaluating patients as a whole, considering factors beyond BMI when determining eligibility for total shoulder arthroplasty. This approach could help address health disparities and ensure that those in greatest need receive life-changing procedures.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery·DateJun 28, 2023

Controversy in Facebook posts linked to speed of spread among users

A new study analyzing 57 million Facebook posts found that the amount of controversy generated by a post is strongly linked to its speed of spread. The study suggests that posts reaching a wide audience quickly are more likely to be associated with negative or controversial reactions, regardless of topic.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJun 28, 2023

Developing a nano-antenna that forms a near field of circularly polarized light: Promising applications in highly sensitive sensing and asymmetric photochemical reactions for molecular chirality

Researchers developed a nano-antenna that forms a near field of circularly polarized light, enhancing optical chirality and preserving helicity. This technology has promising applications in highly sensitive sensing and asymmetric photochemical reactions for molecular chirality.

SourceKobe University·JournalNano Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 28, 2023

Consumers tend to overuse shared products, such as hand sanitizer, study finds

A study by the University of California - Riverside found that consumers tend to overuse shared products like hand sanitizer when they think others will use them. To reduce waste, the study suggests making consumers believe they're sharing with family or friends, and increasing their identification with the product.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 28, 2023