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Science News for June 29, 2023


Transport, domestic activities and agriculture are the main contributors to air pollution related mortality in European cities

A study by ISGlobal found that transport is the main contributor to NO2-related mortality, while residential and agricultural sectors contribute significantly to PM2.5 mortality. The research suggests that strategies to improve air quality should be adapted to each local context.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 29, 2023

Study suggests need for iron tests in teen girls & young women

A new study reveals that nearly 40% of teen girls and young women have low iron levels, with higher rates among Black, Latina, low-income, or low-BMI individuals. The study recommends considering routine screening for iron levels in adolescents and young women to prevent life-limiting symptoms associated with iron-deficiency anemia.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 29, 2023

State-of-the-art climate models provide new insights into the relationship between Asia–Pacific upper-tropospheric temperatures and precipitation

A study using state-of-the-art climate models found that two-thirds of the selected CMIP6 models showed positive correlations between Asian-Pacific Oscillation (APO) and Southeast China precipitation, consistent with observations. The best-performing model ensemble (BMME) simulated the APO-associated precipitation and atmospheric anoma...

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateJun 29, 2023

Researchers create edible, transparent composite packaging with biocellulose

Scientists at The Chinese University of Hong Kong have developed an edible, transparent, and biodegradable material for food packaging using bacterial cellulose. The material has high tensile strength, versatility, and can be produced through microbial fermentation, making it a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2023

New study reveals strategic investments in 5 countries hold the key to tackling climate challenges in livestock production

A new study highlights five countries—India, China, Brazil, Pakistan, and Sudan—as key locations for strategic investments in sustainable livestock practices. These countries have high greenhouse gas emissions and large numbers of people and animals exposed to climate stress.

SourceInternational Livestock Research Institute·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeObservational study·DateJun 29, 2023

New laser-based method could help scientists discover new puncture-resistant materials

Researchers at NIST have developed a laser-based method that bridges the gap between material's microscopic properties and its real-world behavior. The LIPIT test uses high-intensity lasers to launch microprojectiles into small samples, analyzing energy exchange and predicting puncture resistance.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 29, 2023

Scientists edge toward scalable quantum simulations on a photonic chip

Researchers from the University of Rochester have made an important step toward developing computers advanced enough to simulate complex natural phenomena at the quantum level. They developed a new chip-scale optical quantum simulation system that could help make such a system feasible, using photonics-based synthetic dimensions.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Photonics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 29, 2023

Polymyalgia Rheumatica could be safely, effectively treated with tofacitinib, avoiding the need for steroids, per new proof-of-concept Randomized Controlled Trial

A new proof-of-concept Randomized Controlled Trial found tofacitinib effective and safe for Polymyalgia Rheumatica treatment, potentially avoiding steroid use. The study's results suggest a promising alternative treatment option for patients with this condition.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 29, 2023

HIV patients in DC reported intense distress during pandemic

A new study reveals that HIV patients in Washington D.C. were particularly vulnerable to psychosocial challenges like depression, anxiety, and loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Older patients were found to be more resilient compared to younger ones, highlighting the importance of social security in weathering intense stressors.

SourceMid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group·JournalAIDS Research and Therapy·TypeSurvey·DateJun 29, 2023

The first neutrino image of our galaxy

IceCube researchers have produced an image of the Milky Way using neutrinos for the first time, suggesting that cosmic ray interactions are more intense in the galaxy's center than previously thought. This achievement is made possible by advancements in Machine Learning, enabling deeper analysis of the data.

SourceStockholm University·JournalScience·DateJun 29, 2023

Anti-LGBTQ+ policies linked to depression in Black and Latinx youth

A new study from Yale School of Public Health researchers found that Black and Latinx LGBTQ+ youth living in U.S. states with discriminatory policies are more likely to experience symptoms of depression. The study controlled for individual experiences of bullying based on race and ethnicity or sexual orientation, finding a 32% increase...

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science·DateJun 29, 2023

Historical Redlining May Be Linked to Current Kidney Failure

A new study finds that long-term disinvestment in health and wealth resources in historically redlined neighborhoods contributes to a disproportionate rate of kidney failure among Black adults. Redlining, the discriminatory federal housing policy from the 1930s, has been associated with current racial inequities in poor health outcomes.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2023

Energy insecurity is an underappreciated social and environmental determinant of health

Research highlights energy insecurity as a determinant of poor health, with disproportionately affected groups including low-income households and mobile home occupants. Energy insecurity encompasses physical, economic, and coping dimensions, reflecting financial hardship, housing quality issues, and adaptive strategies.

Q & A with Dr. Juan Del Toro, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and Dr. Ming-Te Wang, University of Chicago, authors of “Vicarious Severe School Discipline Predicts Racial Disparities among Non-Disciplined Black and White American Adolescents"

A new study examines the effects of minor infraction suspensions on non-disciplined Black and White American adolescents. The research found that witnessing same-race peers' suspensions can lead to more defiant behaviors among non-suspended Black American youth, while White American youth may become more cynical when witnessing racial ...

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·TypeObservational study·DateJun 29, 2023

A new species of mosquitoes found in Finland – official count of species now at 44

A new species of mosquito, Culex modestus, has been discovered in Finland, adding to the country's mosquito species count. The discovery is an important addition to the understanding of mosquitoes and their potential pathogens, with no reported cases of West Nile virus transmission in humans or horses.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalJournal of the European Mosquito Control Association·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2023

Virus-like transposons wage war on the species barrier

Researchers from IMBA identify a family of virus-like transposons called Mavericks that facilitate horizontal gene transfer (HGT) between reproductively isolated worm species. The study reveals the role of Mavericks in overcoming the species barrier, with potential applications in pathogen control and genomic innovation.

Rising monkey and pig populations pose human disease risk

Researchers warn that exploding wild pig and macaque populations in Southeast Asia pose significant zoonotic disease risks to humans. The study, led by the University of Queensland, found that these animals can carry diseases that can be transmitted to people, highlighting the need for urgent management solutions.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalBiological Reviews·TypeObservational study·DateJun 29, 2023

For job applicants with a criminal record, showcasing the right credentials can make a difference

A new study found that certain credentials, such as more education, references, and experience, can offset the negative impact of a criminal record on job prospects. Applicants with a criminal record were less likely to be hired without these credentials, but more likely to be hired if they had relevant experience or a college degree.

SourceAmerican Society of Criminology·JournalCriminology·DateJun 29, 2023

CHEST releases clinical practice guideline on antithrombotic therapy in arterial thrombosis and thromboembolism in COVID-19

The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) has released a new clinical guideline for managing antithrombotic therapy in patients with COVID-19-related arterial thrombosis and thromboembolism. The guideline provides evidence-based recommendations to improve risk-evaluation and treatment course.

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·Journalthe journal CHEST·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 29, 2023

Researchers discover new opportunities for preventing kidney injury following cardiac surgery

A study published in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery found that lower oxygen delivery thresholds are associated with reduced risk of kidney injury. Researchers recommend reevaluating current guidelines for oxygen delivery during cardiopulmonary bypass to minimize unnecessary blood transfusions and improve patient outcomes.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Annals of Thoracic Surgery·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 29, 2023

Transferring data with many colors of light simultaneously

Researchers at Columbia University develop an energy-efficient method for transferring larger quantities of data over fiber-optic cables by using wavelength-division multiplexing and Kerr frequency combs. The new technology improves on previous attempts to transmit multiple signals simultaneously, enabling systems to transfer exponenti...

TGI-led research finds climate change, increasing population put Kenya at risk of famine

A recent study by Saint Louis University researchers found that Kenya's population has more than tripled since 1980, while climate-suitable areas for primary crops have decreased by 28% over the same period. This shift is due to increased dryness and higher temperatures reducing agricultural productivity.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalOutlook on Agriculture·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 29, 2023

New study reveals a potential big leap for gene therapy

A new study from Aarhus University has found that applying AI predictions of protein structures enhances the CRISPR technology, making the cuts in a patient's DNA more precise. This discovery may lead to better treatments for patients with genetic disorders and potentially develop cures for various genetic diseases.

SourceAarhus University·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2023

New review finds the benefits of a widely-used treatment for gambling problems may be overstated

A new meta-analysis of 29 randomized controlled trials on cognitive-behavioral techniques for treating gambling problems found mixed results, including potential overstatements of treatment benefits. The analysis highlighted publication bias and limited funding as contributing factors to the shortcomings of existing research.

SourceSociety for the Study of Addiction·JournalAddiction·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 29, 2023

WVU faculty, students contribute to cosmic breakthrough uncovering evidence of low-frequency gravitational waves

Researchers from West Virginia University have made a groundbreaking discovery by detecting evidence of low-frequency gravitational waves, which can only be perceived with a detector much larger than the Earth. The signal was detected using pulsar timing arrays and has significant implications for understanding spacetime dynamics.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 29, 2023

Expanding large-scale agriculture is escalating flooding in the largest South American breadbasket

Large-scale agriculture is escalating flooding in the Argentinean Pampas by disrupting groundwater reserves, increasing flood coverage, and making precipitation-sensitive lands more vulnerable. This transformation has resulted in floods doubling their coverage and becoming more sensitive to changes in precipitation.

SourceLancaster University·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 29, 2023

New study: Mental illness obstructs cancer screening

A new study from Aarhus University found that people with mental health issues are less likely to accept offers of colorectal cancer screening. The research showed that those with severe mental disorders had a 13.8 percentage point lower participation rate compared to those without mental illness.

SourceAarhus University·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 29, 2023

Gullies on Mars could have been formed by recent periods of liquid meltwater, study suggests

A new study led by Brown University researchers reveals that Martian gullies could have been formed by on-and-off periods of meltwater from ice on and beneath the planet's surface. The study found that when Mars tilts on its axis to 35 degrees, conditions become dense enough for brief episodes of melting to occur.

SourceBrown University·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 29, 2023

Lessons learned from first genetically-modified pig heart into human patient

Researchers analyzed data from the first genetically-modified pig heart transplant into a human patient and found that several overlapping factors contributed to heart failure, including poor pre-transplant health, immunocompromised state, and use of intravenous immunoglobulin. The study provides crucial insight into how these factors ...

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·TypeCase study·DateJun 29, 2023

Honey bees more faithful to their flower patches than bumble bees

A study by US Department of Agriculture scientists found that honey bees are more faithful to their flower patches than bumble bees. Honey bees returned to 76% of the same alfalfa flowers, while bumble bees visited only 47%. The difference may be due to honey bees' communication system and risk aversion.

SourceUS Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service·JournalEcosphere·TypeObservational study·DateJun 29, 2023

Exclusion of Black and Hispanic women from health studies masked racial disparities on menopausal aging

Researchers found that Black and Hispanic women experienced an earlier onset of menopause than white women when weathering biases were accounted for. This study highlights the importance of considering selection bias in future health studies to better understand and address racial disparities in women's health.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateJun 29, 2023

Staging pancreatic cancer early with minimally invasive surgery shows positive results in patient prognosis, Mayo Clinic study finds

A Mayo Clinic study reveals that minimally invasive surgical procedure staging laparoscopy can identify cancer spread early and determine the stage of pancreatic cancer. The research found a higher risk of cancer spread in patients with certain factors, such as age and tumor markers.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJun 29, 2023

Which state is the best in the world?

The Stateness Index, developed by Theresa Paola Stawski, assesses a country's functionality based on factors like law enforcement, administration, and provision of essential services. According to the index, Germany ranks as one of the world's best-performing states, with Singapore taking the top spot.

Unveiling the origins of merging black holes in galaxies like our own

A team of scientists from UNIGE, Northwestern University, and the University of Florida used POSYDON code to simulate binary-star populations, predicting the existence of massive 30 solar mass black hole binaries in Milky Way-like galaxies. This challenges previous theories and provides new insights into the astrophysical origins of me...

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeNews article·DateJun 29, 2023

How the cat nose knows what it’s smelling

Researchers created a detailed analysis of the domestic cat's nasal airway, revealing two distinct regions of air flow during inhalation. The study suggests that the cat nose functions as an efficient dual-purposed gas chromatograph, capable of detecting and separating chemicals quickly and efficiently.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 29, 2023

CityU awarded invention: Soft, ultrathin photonic material cools down wearable electronic devices

A research team at CityU developed a multifunctional composite polymer coating with both radiative and non-radiative cooling capacity, enhancing heat dissipation in wearable electronics. The cooling interface achieved temperature drops of over 56°C, improving the performance of skin electronic devices.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2023

Progressively declining immune functions in individuals with chronic lymphocytic leukemia revealed by prospective study of immune responses to COVID vaccines between December 2020 and June 2021

A prospective study of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines found progressively declining immune functions in individuals with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The study, published in PLOS Medicine, showed that CLL patients experienced reduced antibody responses to the vaccines.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 29, 2023

Higher levels of lean muscle might protect against Alzheimer’s disease

A large study suggests that higher levels of lean muscle mass may be associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease. The researchers used Mendelian randomisation to analyze the relationship between genetically proxied lean muscle mass and Alzheimer's disease risk, finding a modest but statistically robust association.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 29, 2023

Disorder lends robustness to the embryonic development of a tiny shrimp

Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in the developmental biology of Parhyale hawaiensis, a tiny crustacean with unique appendages. By tracking the development of an embryo, they found that cells divide and reorient themselves to maintain alignment with the head-tail axis, resulting in a robust and coordinated body structure.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 29, 2023

Adverse childhood experiences are ‘strong predictor’ for adolescent cannabis use

A new study found that young people exposed to adverse childhood experiences between ages 0-12 are at high risk of developing problematic adolescent cannabis use. The research, led by Dr Lindsey Hines, analyzed outcomes for over 5,000 participants and found a strong correlation between ACEs and regular cannabis use in teenage years.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateJun 29, 2023