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Science News for June 5, 2023


Human factors affect bees’ communication, researchers find

Researchers at the University of Bristol found that human influences can reduce bee communication effectiveness, adding stress to struggling colonies. The study analyzed habitat differences, social lifestyle, and nesting habits to explain variation in communication strategies among bees.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 5, 2023

Children with attention, behavior problems earn less money, have less education, poorer health as adults

Research in the US and UK replicates a New Zealand study finding that childhood attention and behavior problems are linked to lower educational attainment, financial struggles, and poor mental and physical health. The studies also found that impulsivity problems predicted greater involvement in the criminal justice system.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateJun 5, 2023

Do chatbot avatars prompt bias in health care?

A team of University of Colorado School of Medicine researchers explores the impact of chatbot avatars on patient experience, trust, and compassion in healthcare. They found that chatbots may reinforce social stereotypes and biases, but also have potential to increase trust among underserved patient groups if designed with respect for ...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeContent analysis·DateJun 5, 2023

The look of your eyebrows is in your genes; A new study uncovers genes that define the appearance of eyebrows

A recent study has uncovered three previously unreported genetic loci associated with eyebrow thickness in Europeans, as well as rediscovering two of the four genetic loci previously found in non-Europeans. The research expands genetic knowledge on human eyebrow variation, with implications for dermatology and other fields.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 5, 2023

Officially reported temperatures underestimate Miami’s heat burden, new study finds

A new study published by scientists at the University of Miami found that Miami residents may experience temperatures 6 degrees Fahrenheit higher on average than NOAA's official reported values, which can feel 11°F higher with humidity. The research team analyzed temperature and humidity data from low-cost sensors set up in outdoor loc...

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalJournal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 5, 2023

From functional to intelligent: laser powder bed fusion additive manufactured NiTi shape memory alloys

Researchers at Huazhong University of Science and Technology have developed a systematic review of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF)-fabricated NiTi alloys. The study highlights the effect of process parameters on printability, mechanical properties, and functional behaviors of NiTi shape memory alloys. These findings provide evidence for...

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateJun 5, 2023

Zap Energy charts roadmap for measuring fusion gain

Zap Energy has developed a method to measure and calculate Q, the net energy gain, in its sheared-flow-stabilized Z-pinch fusion plasmas. The company measures temperature, density, and flow velocity to determine plasma confinement duration.

SourceZap Energy·JournalFusion Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2023

Webb Space Telescope detects universe’s most distant complex organic molecules

Researchers have detected complex organic molecules in a galaxy more than 12 billion light-years away from Earth. The study used the James Webb Space Telescope and gravitational lensing to observe the galaxy's atomic and molecular composition, revealing insights into the formation of galaxies, their lifecycle, and how they evolve.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateJun 5, 2023

New study reveals the resilience patterns of human mobility in response to extreme urban floods

Researchers analyzed mobile phone signaling records to understand how people moved in response to the 2021 Zhengzhou flood. The study found that female, adolescent, and older adults were more vulnerable to flooding due to lower mobility resilience. It also identified four abnormal patterns of human mobility, which accounted for 50% of ...

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJun 5, 2023

BRIDGEcereal: Self-teaching web app improves speed, accuracy of classifying DNA variations among cereal varieties

Researchers have developed a self-teaching web app called BRIDGEcereal that quickly and accurately analyzes genomic data for cereal crops, identifying patterns of DNA variations. This breakthrough tool is expected to revolutionize crop improvement by efficiently mining publicly accessible cereal pan-genomes.

SourceUS Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service·JournalMolecular Plant·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 5, 2023

The digital dark matter clouding AI

Scientists using popular computational tools to interpret AI predictions are picking up too much 'noise' when analyzing DNA. Researchers have found a way to fix this by applying a new line of code, leading to more reliable explanations and potentially unlocking the next breakthrough in health and medicine.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Biology·DateJun 5, 2023

Simultaneous multi-material embedded printing for 3D heterogeneous structures

Researchers developed a novel printing method that controls the precise deposition of bioink in embedding medium, achieving accurate and homogeneous structures. The method enables the creation of complex three-dimensional structures with multiple materials, which has potential applications in manufacturing heterogeneous tissue models.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateJun 5, 2023

American Indian and Alaska native men less likely to receive prostate cancer screening

A recent study found that American Indian and Alaska Native men are significantly less likely to receive prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing and digital rectal exams from primary care providers compared to White men. This disparity results in poorer prostate cancer outcomes, particularly for men between 50-59 years old.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalCancer Causes & Control·DateJun 5, 2023

Sanctions on Russia’s businesses haven’t worked

New research on Russia's sanctions reveals that targeted firms temporarily suffered modest losses but eventually adapted by reorganizing subsidiaries, altering supply chains, or seeking government support. This suggests that economic sanctions are unlikely to deter or reverse aggressive actions by other countries.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Management Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 5, 2023

Lessons from ‘The Blob’ will help us manage fisheries during future marine heatwaves

A new study examines the impact of marine heatwaves on fisheries and ecosystems, providing insights for managing these disruptions. The research highlights both winners and losers in the face of warming waters, emphasizing the need for adaptable management strategies to mitigate losses and capitalize on unexpected gains.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalFish and Fisheries·DateJun 5, 2023

An immersive tactile book for blind children

A team from UNIGE created a book with tactile illustrations that associate sounds with objects, enabling visually impaired children to identify them more easily. The combination of gestures, shapes, and sounds helps bridge the gap between visual and tactile experiences.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalBritish Journal of Visual Impairment·TypeNews article·DateJun 5, 2023

Slow electrons for more efficient reactions

Researchers at ETH Zurich discovered a new method to produce slow electrons through optical excitation, allowing for more efficient chemical reactions. The slow electrons, created by dissolving sodium in ammonia and exposing it to UV light, can be controlled and used to initiate reactions.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2023

Study sends strong signal not to sequence immune checkpoint inhibitors in advanced kidney cancer

Patients with advanced kidney cancer who receive second-line treatment with a combination of atezolizumab and cabozantinib do not experience improved progression-free survival or overall survival compared to those treated with cabozantinib alone. The study also finds higher toxicity levels in patients receiving the combination therapy.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 5, 2023

Patchwork of mutations contributing to bipolar disorder

Researchers found a link between bipolar disorder and potentially pathogenic mosaic mutations in genes associated with developmental disorders and autism spectrum disorder. Mosaic variants were also discovered in mitochondrial tRNA genes of patients with BD, suggesting a compromised contribution to the disease's molecular mechanisms.

SourceJuntendo University Research Promotion Center·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2023

ASCO: HER2-targeted antibody drug conjugate shows strong anti-tumor activity and durable responses across multiple tumor types

The study found an objective response rate of 61.3% with a median duration of response of 22.1 months in patients with high HER2 expression. The treatment showed promise in a significant unmet area of clinical need, providing a new option for patients with hard-to-treat HER2-positive cancers.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 5, 2023

Availability of LGBTQ mental health services for youth

The study found that only 28% of US youth-serving mental health facilities offered LGBTQ-specific services, highlighting the need for expansion of these services, particularly in underserved areas. Public mental health facilities were less likely to provide such services due to cost concerns.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJun 5, 2023

Climate justice: Global North owes $170 trillion for excessive CO2 emissions, says study

A new study suggests that industrialized countries in the Global North could be liable to pay a total of $170 trillion in compensation or reparations by 2050. This amount would be distributed as compensation to low-emitting countries that must decarbonize their economies faster than required, aiming to meet climate change targets.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 5, 2023

Air quality stations have collected vast stores of DNA by accident, a potentially “game-changing” discovery for tracking global biodiversity

Researchers found an astonishing record of biodiversity trapped on air quality filter samples in the UK, including over 180 plant and animal species. The study suggests that existing air quality monitoring networks could be used to track terrestrial biodiversity on a continental scale.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2023

Coaxing hair growth in aging hair follicle stem cells

Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered a way to soften stiff hair follicle stem cells, enabling them to grow hair again. By boosting the production of microRNA-205, they promote hair growth in both young and old mice, offering potential for human hair regrowth.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2023

Healthy vascular fat during menopause may stave off dementia later in life

Researchers found that women with higher-quality cardiovascular fat during midlife had stronger long-term memory and lower inflammation, while those with lower-quality fat had worsening working memory. The study suggests that taking care of heart health during menopause may protect brain health and reduce dementia risk.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeObservational study·DateJun 5, 2023

Microbes key to sequestering carbon in soil

A recent study has found that microbes play a crucial role in storing carbon in the soil, with a four-fold greater importance than other processes. This breakthrough could lead to improved soil health and increased food security through targeted farm management practices.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateJun 5, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Mount Sinai experts present research at SLEEP 2023

Researchers from Mount Sinai Health System presented new findings on the impact of customized lighting on inpatient sleep, a machine-learned combination of ventilatory, hypoxic, and arousal burdens, and the effects of obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia on cognitive impairment. The studies aim to improve sleep timing and duration, dia...

Quantum computers are better at guessing, new study demonstrates

Researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering achieved a quantum speedup advantage in a bitstring guessing game, managing strings up to 26 bits long by suppressing errors. The study demonstrates that with proper error control, quantum computers can execute complete algorithms with better scaling, even in the NISQ era.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2023

Childhood maltreatment predicts adult emotional difficulties

A new meta-analysis suggests a strong link between childhood maltreatment and adult alexithymia, with three types of child maltreatment - emotional neglect, physical neglect, and sexual abuse - being particularly predictive. This can lead to difficulties in identifying and describing emotions, harming social and intimate relationships.

SourceStanford University·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateJun 5, 2023

Previously unknown antibiotic resistance widespread among bacteria

A new study reveals that previously unknown antibiotic resistance genes are widespread in bacteria across various environments, including the human microbiome. The findings suggest that these genes can pose a significant threat to human health, highlighting the need for enhanced understanding of their development and spread.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalMicrobiome·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 5, 2023

ASCO: Axi-cel significantly improves survival in patients with early relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma

A Phase III trial found that axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) significantly improved overall survival and progression-free survival in patients with early relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma, compared to standard therapy. The estimated four-year survival rate was 54.6% with axi-cel.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 5, 2023

Moving towards a more inclusive approach to medicine

A new human pangenome reference has been released, representing the genetic diversity of 47 individuals from around the world. This development may lead to breakthroughs in targeted medical treatments and a better understanding of disease responses, as regions previously missed are now being explored.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·DateJun 5, 2023

Amid volumes of mobile location data, new framework reduces consumers’ privacy risk, preserves advertisers’ utility

A new framework developed by Carnegie Mellon University researchers significantly reduces consumers' privacy risk while preserving advertisers' utility in mobile location data analysis. The framework uses machine learning to quantify personalized privacy risks and performs personalized data obfuscation.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalInformation Systems Research·DateJun 5, 2023

Newly discovered brain mechanism linked to anxiety, OCD

Researchers at the University of Utah Health have made a groundbreaking discovery about the role of microglia in controlling anxiety-related behaviors. The study found that specific microglia populations activate anxiety behaviors while others dampen them, and these cells communicate with neurons to invoke behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2023

Disadvantaged neighbourhoods and depression symptoms associated with premature aging

A new study found that living in urban environments with material and social inequities is associated with premature biological aging. Depressive symptoms also accelerate epigenetic age acceleration, regardless of neighborhood deprivation. The researchers used DNA methylation-based estimators to examine aging at the cellular level and ...

SourceMcMaster University·JournalThe Journals of Gerontology Series A·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 5, 2023

Pre-training in medical data: A survey

Pre-training in medical data tackles challenges such as data scarcity and privacy concerns using AI techniques like transfer learning and self-supervised learning. Recent advances and new frontiers of pre-training-based techniques are introduced, including applications to medical images, bio-signal data, EHR data, and multi-modality data.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalMachine Intelligence Research·DateJun 5, 2023

Plants allocate enough carbon to underground mycorrhizal fungi equivalent to roughly one-third of carbon emitted yearly by fossil fuels

Researchers found that plants allocate a significant amount of carbon to mycorrhizal fungi, equivalent to roughly one-third of carbon emitted yearly by fossil fuels. This discovery highlights the importance of understanding fungal networks in soil ecosystems and their role in mitigating climate change.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2023

Researchers find major link between cardiovascular health and disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff tendinitis

A new study by the University of Utah Health reveals that people with higher cardiovascular disease risk are more likely to develop musculoskeletal disorders. The study suggests prioritizing cardiovascular health can help prevent these conditions and improve quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJun 5, 2023

Pumping the brakes on autoimmune disease

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys have discovered a new treatment for autoimmune diseases using LY3361237, an antibody that activates BTLA to inhibit the immune system. The study provides insight into the molecular biology of the immune system and could lead to the development of more effective therapies.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalStructure·DateJun 5, 2023

Muscle fibers: An unexpected organization revealed

Researchers at the University of Liège have made a groundbreaking discovery of a novel organisation of muscle fibres in Parophidion vassali, a fish that produces sounds using specialized muscles. This new arrangement of myofibrils forms an enormous network within the muscle fibre, potentially allowing for rapid contraction while retain...

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalCell and Tissue Research·DateJun 5, 2023

A supervised hospital walking program may reduce nursing facility admissions for older adults

A supervised hospital walking program has been shown to reduce nursing facility admissions for older adults by lowering the proportion of patients discharged to skilled nursing facilities from 13% to 8%. However, low participation rates and limited impact on length of stay or inpatient falls were noted.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 5, 2023

Breastfeeding for longer may be linked to better exam results in later life

A study published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that children breastfed for longer had improved educational outcomes at age 16, with modest gains in academic achievement. The research analyzed data from the Millennium Cohort Study and found a strong association between breastfeeding duration and better exam results.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 5, 2023

DNA sequencing in newborns reveals years of actionable findings for infants and families

Researchers from the BabySeq Project found that over 10% of newborns had unanticipated mutations in disease-associated genes, all medically actionable. The study prompted genetic testing, specialty consultations, and procedures among at-risk family members, including risk-reducing surgeries for mothers.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 5, 2023

River diversions may cause microplastics to remain longer on land and in streams before reaching oceans

A new study reveals that diverting streams and rivers for irrigation can significantly extend the time microplastics spend in river catchments. Researchers found a strong link between urbanisation and microplastic concentrations, with microplastic loads increasing downstream of more urbanised areas.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalWater Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2023

The research group led by Prof. Seung Hwan Ko, in Dept. of Mechanical Engineering in Seoul National University, developed liquid metal based stretchable room temperature soldering sticker patch

Researchers developed a liquid metal-based stretchable soldering sticker patch to resolve the issue of electrical connection between rigid chips and soft conductors. The technology uses freestanding liquid metal-nanowire composites to create a stable interface, allowing for direct connection between elastic electrodes and hard chips.

SourceSeoul National University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 5, 2023