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Science News for March 14, 2023


Pandemic stress had a greater impact on those who were pregnant, study finds

A study of 742 pregnant participants found that pandemic-related stress had a significant impact on mental health, particularly among those with low social support and high levels of worry. The research also showed that COVID-19 related stress during pregnancy was associated with poor postpartum maternal mental health outcomes and incr...

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateMar 14, 2023

Pregnancy complications tied to higher risk of death as long as 50 years later

A new study found that pregnancy complications, such as high blood pressure and preterm delivery, can increase the risk of death in decades following childbirth. The research tracked data from over 46,000 people born between 1959 and 1966, revealing a significant association between these complications and increased mortality rates.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCirculation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 14, 2023

Community health workers can help protect pregnant women and their babies from malaria

A community-based approach using health workers increased IPTp coverage by up to 473% in Nigeria, but did not reduce antenatal care attendance. The TIPTOP project shows that community health workers play a critical role in supporting the health of women and can save thousands of maternal and infant lives.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2023

How neuroimaging can be better utilized to yield diagnostic information about individuals

Researchers from Dartmouth and University Medicine Essen found that strong links between brain measures and traits can be obtained when machine learning algorithms are utilized. This approach allows for high-powered results from moderate sample sizes, opening up studies of many traits and clinical conditions previously inaccessible.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 14, 2023

Hitchhiker plants inspire improved techniques for reattaching tendon to bone

Researchers developed a new approach to suturing based on the mechanics and spacing of a hitchhiker plant's attachment system, promising to balance forces across sutures and reduce failure rates in surgical procedures. The findings were published in Proceedings of the Royal Society A.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences·DateMar 14, 2023

University students who attend seminars in person enjoy better exam results – new research

A new research study from the University of Bath found that attending interactive seminars in person leads to better exam results, with students scoring an 8% higher result. The researchers suggest that attending lectures and reviewing material is more effective than relying solely on recorded lectures or not attending at all.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalReview of Keynesian Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 14, 2023

A mechanistic and probabilistic method for predicting wildfires

Lehigh researchers develop new method to predict wildfires by analyzing power system ignition risk, considering mechanical behavior of conductor cables under strong winds. The study finds that encroachment probability is highly sensitive to vegetation clearance and wind intensity, providing valuable insights for decision makers and pol...

SourceLehigh University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 14, 2023

Tune in, wash hands: COVID-19 TV coverage added momentum to hand hygiene boom

A new study from Osaka University found that COVID-19 TV coverage significantly increased hand hygiene compliance from 5% to over 70% in a matter of months. The researchers tracked the correlation between TV coverage and hand hygiene, finding a strong statistical connection between added airtime and increased compliance.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·TypeObservational study·DateMar 14, 2023

Solving the Alzheimer’s disease puzzle: One piece at a time

Researchers at Drexel University have discovered the regulatory mechanism behind protein diversity generation and its malfunctioning as an early contributor to Alzheimer's development. The study suggests that the Tip60 enzyme plays a critical role in controlling RNA splicing, generating diverse protein variants necessary for learning a...

SourceDrexel University·JournalJNeurosci·DateMar 14, 2023

Well-being at school and sense of competence are linked

A Norwegian University of Science and Technology study found a connection between pupils' well-being at school and their perceived competence in various subjects. The researchers discovered clear connections between students' comfort levels at school and their performance in reading, mathematics, science, and physical education.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateMar 14, 2023

Fats help tag medical implants as friend or foe

Researchers discovered that lipid deposition on medical implant surfaces can signal to the immune system whether to attack or ignore the implant. This knowledge could help develop biomaterials that deflect host immune aggression, reducing malfunction rates for devices like pacemakers and surgical mesh.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2023

"Denoising" a noisy ocean

Scripps Oceanography researchers developed a machine learning method to separate fish chorusing sounds from the overall ocean noise, enabling faster analysis and identification. The 'SoundScape Learning' technique can be applied to other soundscapes to learn more about animals like frogs, birds, and bats.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 14, 2023

WVU lab’s game-changing high-performance semiconductor material could help slash heat emissions

A team led by Xueyan Song at West Virginia University has created an oxide ceramic material that solves a longstanding efficiency problem plaguing thermoelectric generators. The breakthrough achieved record-high performance, opening up new research directions to further increase performance and enabling large-scale waste heat recovery.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·DateMar 14, 2023

Gene essential to making DNA appears to be a good target in minimizing pulmonary hypertension

Researchers discover that inhibiting a gene crucial for DNA production can significantly reduce destructive cell proliferation and disease progression in pulmonary hypertension. This finding presents a potential treatment target for the condition, which affects females aged 30-60 with limited treatment options.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateMar 14, 2023

Tech could help BC farmers reach customers, mitigate climate change impacts

Researchers at UBC Okanagan found that Chinese farmers use online marketing to connect with consumers, an approach not widely adopted in BC. The study suggests that targeted education, research, and public investments can improve the resilience of agricultural climate adaptation in both countries.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalMitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change·TypeObservational study·DateMar 14, 2023

Patient-friendly prescription labels improve medication adherence, study finds

A study by University of Georgia researchers found that revised prescription labels with explicit instructions can dramatically improve medication adherence to antihypertension medications, contraceptives, and asthma controllers. This improvement was seen in patients taking these medications, including those with asthma, hypertension, ...

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of the American Pharmacists Association·DateMar 14, 2023

COVID-19 pandemic has long-lasting effects on adolescent mental health and substance use

A new study found that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a long-lasting impact on adolescent mental health and substance use, with increased depressive symptoms and negative effects observed up to two years into the pandemic. Parental social support and adequate sleep duration were associated with better mental health outcomes.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateMar 14, 2023

Ovarian development of yellow-spined bamboo locust sheds light on emergence and migratory nature of pest

Scientists have developed a model that estimates adult emergence periods and identifies migratory populations of the yellow-spined bamboo locust based on ovarian development. The study provides key information for predicting pest occurrences and highlights the importance of considering reproductive system development in sustainable pes...

SourceCABI·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2023

Carnegie Mellon University researchers develop soft robot that shifts from land to sea with ease

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have created soft robots that can transition from walking to swimming, crawling to rolling, or jumping. The robots use highly dynamic bistable soft actuators made of shape-memory alloy springs that react to electrical currents, allowing for varied locomotion and adaptability.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateMar 14, 2023

Dark current modeling of thick perovskite X-ray detectors

Researchers developed a dark current model for thick perovskite X-ray detectors, finding that thermionic-emission and generation-recombination currents are key contributors. The study reveals the importance of suppressing generation-recombination current due to hetero-band mismatch and interface defects.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Optoelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2023

NIST develops new nondestructive method for assessing bioengineered artificial tissues

Researchers at NIST have developed a real-time technique to noninvasively count the number of live cells in a 3D artificial scaffold, meeting an unmet need in tissue engineering. The method uses optical coherence tomography and is label-free, reducing time and cost compared to earlier methods.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A·DateMar 14, 2023

New, non-invasive imaging tool maps uterine contractions during labor

Researchers developed a non-invasive imaging tool to create real-time images of uterine contractions during labor. The electromyometrial imaging (EMMI) technique provides detailed information on contraction patterns, which can help improve labor management and clinical decision-making.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateMar 14, 2023

Research Brief: Restorative Justice diversion with Minneapolis youth

Researchers found that Minneapolis youth who participated in restorative justice diversion were less likely to experience re-arrest than those processed through the traditional juvenile justice system. The study demonstrates the positive impact of this approach and highlights its potential to reduce racial disparities.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalCrime & Delinquency·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2023

Observations open door to improved luminous efficiency of organic LEDs

A research team at Osaka Metropolitan University has developed a technique to directly observe changes in the electronic state of light-emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) during electroluminescence. This breakthrough enables improvements in luminous efficiency, paving the way for more efficient and reliable OLEDs and LECs.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2023

Growing mushrooms alongside trees could feed millions and mitigate effects of climate change, research finds

A new study by University of Stirling scientists found that growing edible mushrooms alongside trees can produce a valuable food source for millions of people while capturing carbon. The approach incentivizes tree planting and reduces the need for deforestation to make way for crops, mitigating the impact of climate change.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2023

The new normal already? Examining changing probability of a summer-like fall

A recent study confirmed that a record-high temperature recorded in October 2021 would have been extremely unlikely to occur without the influence of global warming. The team quantified how often such heatwaves may occur during future fall seasons under different greenhouse gas emission scenarios.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateMar 14, 2023

Climate change alters a human-raptor relationship

A recent study reveals that climate change has led to an increase in Bald Eagle populations, which are now forming a relationship with dairy farmers in northwestern Washington State. In exchange for the eagles' services such as carcass removal and pest-deterrence, dairy farmers reap benefits from the eagles' presence.

SourceCornell University·JournalEcosphere·TypeCase study·DateMar 14, 2023

Learning behavior differs between OCD and problem gambling

Research reveals that individuals with OCD exhibit lower-than-normal learning rates when rewards are less than expected, while those with problem gambling display boosted learning from high rewards and blunted learning from low rewards. This study highlights the benefits of using neurocomputational approaches to understand psychiatric ...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2023

Receptor ‘blasting’ visualised

Researchers from Universität Leipzig have developed a molecular sensor system to detect when and where adhesion GPCRs break apart, activating receptors and transmitting biochemical signals. The breakthrough could lead to the development of drugs targeting these receptors for treating various diseases.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2023

Team of sister scientists identifies a possible genetic culprit for uterine corpus endometrial cancer

A team of scientists has identified Myo5b as a potential genetic driver of uterine corpus endometrial cancer (UCEC), a fourth deadliest cancer in women. Elevated levels of Myo5B were found in UCEC samples, suggesting its role in transporting nutrient-absorbing transporters to the surface of cancer cells.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 14, 2023

Casting light on counterfeit products through nano-optical technology

Researchers developed a novel 3D printed nano optical security label with 33 possible combinations, utilizing higher dimensional structured light and incoherent white light illumination. This technology has the potential to revolutionize anti-counterfeiting methods and provide a powerful platform for advanced information security.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 14, 2023

Lasers and chemistry reveal how ancient pottery was made — and how an empire functioned

Researchers analyzed ancient Wari pottery to understand how the empire spread its aesthetic. They found that potters across the empire created their own ceramics, decorated in traditional Wari style, with distinct chemical signatures from different regions. This bottom-up approach highlights local agency and economies' importance.

SourceField Museum·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateMar 14, 2023

A common metabolite may help treat autoimmune diseases

Researchers at Hokkaido University discovered itaconate's modulatory effect on T helper and T regulatory cells, potentially leading to new treatments for autoimmune diseases. The study found that itaconate inhibits Th17 cell differentiation and promotes Treg cell development, reducing disease symptoms in mice models.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2023

New model provides improved air-quality predictions in fire-prone areas

Researchers developed a deep learning model that provides improved predictions of air quality in wildfire-prone areas, distinguishing between wildfires and non-wildfires. The ST-Transformer model uses sparse attention to prioritize relevant information and captures trends associated with wildfires.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 14, 2023

Looking at a cellular switch

Scientists analyzed the lysine riboswitch in Bacillus subtilis to understand its dynamics with secondary ligands like potassium, cesium, and sodium. They found that these ligands can interact cooperatively with lysine, suggesting a more complex regulatory mechanism than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry B·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2023

New malaria study is good news for pregnant women

A new study published in The Lancet found that an existing drug, sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, protects pregnant women from sexually transmitted and reproductive tract infections. Researchers tested this drug alongside a promising new treatment, dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine, which showed unique ability to prevent malaria.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 14, 2023

New focused ultrasound effective for treating Parkinson’s, movement disorders

A new focused ultrasound treatment has been shown to improve dyskinesia and motor impairment in patients with Parkinson's disease. The study, led by UNC School of Medicine researchers, found that 69% of patients who underwent the treatment experienced a response, compared to 32% of those in the control group.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 14, 2023

Embedding aligned nanofibrous architectures within 3D-printed polycaprolactone scaffolds for directed cellular infiltration and tissue regeneration

Scientists create hybrid composite scaffolds with aligned nanofibrous architectures to improve cell seeding efficiency, proliferation rates, and morphogenesis. The findings have potential applications in tissue repairing and regenerative medicine.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateMar 14, 2023

CHEST releases clinical practice guideline on respiratory management of patients with neuromuscular weakness

The American College of Chest Physicians released a clinical practice guideline on respiratory management for patients with neuromuscular weakness, providing evidence-based recommendations for mouthpiece ventilation and airway clearance therapies. The guideline aims to improve care for this vulnerable population.

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·Journalthe journal CHEST·DateMar 14, 2023

[Press Release] SMART researchers develop the world's first microneedle-based drug delivery technique for plants

Researchers have developed a microneedle-based drug delivery technique for plants, which can precisely deliver controlled amounts of agrochemicals to specific plant tissues. This method has the potential to improve crop quality and disease management while minimizing resource wastage and environmental contamination.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2023

Machine learning helps researchers separate compostable from conventional plastic waste with ‘very high’ accuracy

Researchers developed classification models using machine learning to accurately sort different types of compostable and biodegradable plastics from conventional ones. The technique achieved perfect accuracy for larger samples but showed some variability with smaller ones, highlighting its potential for industrial-scale implementation.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Sustainability·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 14, 2023

Brain cells inspire new computer components

Researchers developed memristors based on halogenated perovskite nanocrystals for more powerful and energy-efficient computing. Inspired by the human brain's synapses, these components combine data storage and processing, reducing energy consumption.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2023

Mindsets can influence the course of childbirth

A study by the University of Bonn found that women who view childbirth as a natural process are less likely to need pain medication or a caesarean section. The mindset can also impact postpartum depression and mother-child bonding. The research highlights the importance of psychological factors in childbirth.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalEuropean Journal of Social Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2023

Fighting intolerance with physics

A complex system economic model shows that inequality boosts intolerance, but redistribution of wealth can prevent its spread. Economically disfavored individuals from minority groups may prioritize helping wealthy individuals over their own group when discriminated against.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalChaos An Interdisciplinary Journal of Nonlinear Science·DateMar 14, 2023