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Science News for June 7, 2023


'Hot Jupiters' may not be orbiting alone

A study by Indiana University astronomer Songhu Wang reveals that at least a fraction of hot Jupiters cannot form through violent processes, suggesting a new understanding of their evolution. Researchers found 12% of hot Jupiters and 70% of warm Jupiters have nearby planetary companions.

SourceIndiana University·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 7, 2023

Social participation promotes optimal aging in older adults, research shows

A new study followed over 7,000 middle-aged and older Canadians for three years, finding that social participation was associated with successful aging. Those who engaged in volunteer work and recreational activities were more likely to maintain excellent health and less likely to develop physical or mental problems.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateJun 7, 2023

Study shows partial meniscus removal using needle arthroscopy offers significantly less pain and improved patient outcomes two weeks following surgery

A recent study published in The Journal of Orthopaedics found that patients who underwent partial meniscectomy using a needle arthroscopic technique experienced significantly less pain and improved patient-reported outcomes at two weeks after surgery. However, differences were not sustained at six weeks.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Orthopaedics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 7, 2023

What does ChatGPT say when you tell it you were sexually assaulted, you’re suicidal, or want to quit smoking?

A study by the University of California - San Diego found that ChatGPT provided evidence-based responses to 91% of public health questions, but only referred users to resources in 22% of cases. The researchers emphasize the importance of promoting human-powered critical resources like life-saving hotlines.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateJun 7, 2023

University of Ottawa team leads promising new research on devastating brain disorder

A University of Ottawa team has discovered a vital role for the VGLUT3 transporter protein in modulating the development of Huntington's disease. The study shows that blocking glutamate release through this protein can lead to an amelioration of the disease progression, offering new hope for potential treatment approaches.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalNeurobiology of Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2023

Combining bioprinting techniques to pursue functional blood vessels

Researchers at the University Medical Center Utrecht combined volumetric bioprinting and melt electrowriting to create functional blood vessels. The technique allowed for the creation of tubes, forked vessels, and even venous valves with unidirectional flow, paving the way for further development into a fully functional blood vessel.

SourceUniversity Medical Center Utrecht·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2023

New study could help unlock ‘game-changing’ batteries for electric vehicles and aviation

Researchers used X-ray computed tomography to visualize dendrite failure in unprecedented detail, revealing separate processes driving initiation and propagation of cracks. The findings point to overcoming technological challenges of lithium metal solid-state batteries, which could improve EV battery range, safety, and performance.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2023

Accelerated relaxation dynamics in compressed cerium-based metallic glass

A new method has revealed an unexpected acceleration of relaxation dynamics in compressed cerium-based metallic glass under high pressure. The study shows a non-monotonic crossover at ~3 GPa, indicating that structural details play a crucial role in glass relaxation dynamics.

SourceCenter for High Pressure Science & Technology Advanced Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2023

What your likes, posts really say about you

A new study from Washington University in St. Louis offers a fine-grained scale to understand how people use social media, revealing four categories: belief-based, consumption-based, image-based and comparison-based. Each category is associated with unique personality traits and behavioral characteristics.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAssessment·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2023

Does fat content within muscle predict risk of cognitive decline?

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that a 5-year increase in muscle fat stored in the thigh muscle is associated with faster cognitive decline. The research suggests that muscle adiposity plays a unique role in cognitive decline, distinct from other types of fat or muscle characteristics.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJun 7, 2023

Despite major progress nationally, two mercury emissions hotspots remain

A new study from Harvard University reveals that despite the national reduction of mercury emissions by 90% since the implementation of the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards in 2011, two regions - Texas and North Dakota - continue to be major sources of toxic air pollution. The research highlights significant sociodemographic disparitie...

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 7, 2023

Investigating the placenta: Discovery from Stowers Scientists shows why this often-overlooked organ should be given more attention

A new study from the Stowers Institute for Medical Research reveals the placenta's polyploid cells play a vital role in supporting healthy embryonic development. The modified cell cycle controlling polyploidy is governed by the regulatory gene Myc, which supports DNA replication and prevents premature cellular aging.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalDevelopment·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2023

Birds and bats ensure yields for cacao farmers in northern Peru

Farmers' use of birds and bats as part-time collaborators has been found to increase productivity by 54% and boost annual yields by approximately $959 per hectare. This partnership helps mitigate the damage caused by pests such as aphids and mealybugs, ultimately benefiting cacao farmers in northern Peru.

New research: Maybe crying in baseball is a good thing?

Researchers found that specialized MLB pitchers perform better in their specialty after obligatory tasks outside of their specialization, such as batting. This phenomenon is known as 'forced task inferiority,' where underperformance in non-specialist tasks frustrates specialists and generates heightened drive that they can channel into...

SourceCornell University·JournalOrganization Science·DateJun 7, 2023

Electronic health records can contain bias, potentially impacting clinical trials

A recent commentary highlights a potential hidden source of bias in electronic health records, which can impact clinical trials. Embedded pragmatic clinical trials rely heavily on EHRs for data collection, excluding people from underrepresented groups due to lack of access or inaccurate data collection.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalContemporary Clinical Trials·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 7, 2023

Fixed-duration ibrutinib plus venetoclax may benefit patients with high-risk chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Patients with high-risk CLL experienced durable responses to fixed-duration first-line treatment with ibrutinib in combination with venetoclax, with over 95% of patients achieving a response regardless of genetic features. The regimen also showed high survival rates at 36 months after treatment initiation.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJun 7, 2023

Alcohol drinking cut in half with diabetes medication

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg found that semaglutide, a diabetes medication, significantly reduced alcohol intake and relapse-like drinking in rats. This study suggests that semaglutide may be effective in treating alcohol dependence, particularly for individuals with both obesity and diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2023

HKUST scientists achieve groundbreaking first by applying artificial intelligence for early risk forecasting of Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers at HKUST created an AI-based model that uses genetic data to forecast AD risk, outperforming existing models. The deep learning model accurately classifies patients and stratifies individuals into distinct risk groups, enabling early diagnosis and intervention.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalCommunications Medicine·DateJun 7, 2023

Pathways to global sustainability revealed through a worldwide survey of experts

A recent study from the University of Eastern Finland reveals that most sustainability scholars support post-growth pathways for affluent countries, while less affluent countries favour either green growth or post-growth pathways. The study's findings challenge the prevailing green growth focused approach and emphasize the need for tar...

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalEcological Economics·DateJun 7, 2023

How neurons compete to lose their link

The study reveals that spontaneous waves of neurotransmitter glutamate facilitate dendrite pruning, while a unique protection/punishment machinery strengthens certain connections and eliminates others. Proper pruning is critical for neural development, with insufficient or excessive connections linked to neurophysiological disorders.

SourceKyushu University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2023

Can conventional speech therapy combined with singing address voice problems in individuals with Parkinson’s disease?

A new study found that combining conventional speech therapy with singing can improve voice problems in individuals with Parkinson's disease. The tele-rehabilitation program showed significant improvements in voice intensity and Voice Handicap Index scores, suggesting a more effective treatment approach.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Language & Communication Disorders·DateJun 7, 2023

Reproductive health counseling among women with congenital heart defects

A new study highlights the importance of reproductive health counseling for women with congenital heart defects (CHD), particularly those with disabilities. Women with CHD and disabilities are more likely to receive advice on avoiding pregnancy due to their condition, emphasizing the need for tailored care.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Women s Health·TypeCase study·DateJun 7, 2023

University of Chicago Education Lab study finds school-based counseling program reduces PTSD symptoms among adolescent girls

A University of Chicago Education Lab study found that a school-based group counseling program can significantly reduce PTSD, anxiety, and depression among Black and Latina girls. The program, Working on Womanhood (WOW), was found to reduce PTSD symptoms by 22% among adolescent girls in Chicago neighborhood schools.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 7, 2023

Pre-basophils: A basophil origin story

Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University have identified a previously unknown intermediate cell type, pre-basophils, which plays a critical role in the differentiation of precursor cells into mature basophils. These newly discovered cells exhibit higher proliferation capacity and distinct surface protein expression profiles...

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 7, 2023

New dinosaur species from Utah lived at a time of major transition

A new species of dinosaur, Iani smithi, has been discovered in Utah's Cedar Mountain Formation, providing insights into how dinosaurs weathered ecological change during the mid-Cretaceous period. The discovery suggests that several major groups of dinosaurs survived into the early Late Cretaceous despite the changes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJun 7, 2023

MSK-led research finds unexpected link between chromosomal instability and epigenetic alterations

A graduate student's curiosity uncovers a previously unknown link between chromosomal instability and epigenetic alterations in cancer. The study, led by MSK researchers, reveals that chromosomal instability can drive epigenetic changes without requiring gene mutations, shedding light on the biology of advanced, drug-resistant cancers.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2023

Neurotic people are more likely to suffer from mood swings

A new study by Leipzig University found that neurotic individuals experience greater variability in negative emotions, leading to more frequent mood swings. Researchers used Bayesian statistics to analyze data from over 2,500 people and confirmed the association between neuroticism and emotional instability.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 7, 2023

Study identifies a protein that could be a target for a vaccine against spotted fever

Researchers at the University of São Paulo identified a protein in Amblyomma ticks essential to their survival while feeding, making it a promising target for developing a vaccine. The study found that silencing gene expression of an inhibitor of apoptosis protein reduced bacterial proliferation and made ticks more resistant to infection.

Researchers discover chemical evidence for pair-instability supernova from a very massive first star

A new study has identified a chemically peculiar star in the Galactic halo as clear evidence of the existence of pair-instability supernovae (PISNe) from very massive first stars. The star's low sodium and cobalt abundances are consistent with predictions for primordial PISN from first-generation stars with 260 solar masses.

US immigrants particularly vulnerable to food insecurity, study shows

A new study by University of Utah Health finds that non-citizen individuals are more susceptible to food insecurity, even with similar income and education levels. The researchers suggest increasing awareness about safety net programs like SNAP can help reduce disparities in food insecurity between immigrants and US-born citizens.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalAJPM Focus·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 7, 2023

Experts uncover the water and emissions footprint of snowmaking: Can we rely on it in an era of climate change?

A national study in Canada found that snowmaking requires 17,000 homes' worth of annual energy and 43.4 million cubic meters of water to produce 42 million cubic meters of machine-made snow. Collaboration between ski operators, policymakers, and environmental organizations is needed to develop sustainable practices.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalCurrent Issues in Tourism·DateJun 7, 2023

ChatGPT candidate performs well in obstetrics and gynaecology clinical examination, compared to human candidates

ChatGPT achieved high scores in clinical reasoning and demonstrated rapid response times to evolving questions. However, its lack of local ethnic knowledge and limited medical references hindered its performance in highly contextual situations.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2023

Potentially producing carbon-neutral fuels: HKU chemists achieve sustainable solar energy conversion with artificial photocatalysis

Researchers at HKU have designed a self-assembling artificial spherical chromatophore nanomicelle system that mimics the photosynthetic apparatus of bacteria, achieving high stability and efficiency in solar energy conversion. This breakthrough could lead to sustainable solutions for carbon-neutral fuels and renewable energy.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2023

In sync? Malaria parasite and human time clocks do align

A study by Florida Atlantic University and Duke University reveals that the malaria parasite's biological clock is 'in sync' with its human host's circadian clock. The researchers discovered a 'coupling' mechanism between the parasite and its host, which could lead to new treatments for this deadly disease.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2023

Detection dog can sniff out highly-endangered great crested newts

A trained detection dog can find great crested newts even through soil and at a distance, potentially aiding critical conservation efforts. The study, published in PLOS ONE, found the dog achieved an 87% success rate in detecting the species across various environmental conditions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2023

A chance observation finds potential hearing biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease

Scientists at the University of Rochester Medical Center discovered a link between Alzheimer's disease and hearing loss in mice, finding that plaque location in the brain may contribute to hearing decline. The study suggests that tracking disease progression through amyloid PET imaging could be a potential biomarker for hearing loss.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateJun 7, 2023

Scientists discover ‘lost world’ of our early ancestors in billion-year-old rocks

Researchers have discovered a new record of protosteroids in Earth's Middle Ages, extending the current molecular record of eukaryotes to 1600 million years ago. This finding provides a rare glimpse into the conditions surrounding the evolution of complex life and may shed light on the competitive demise of ancient eukaryote groups.