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Science News for March 28, 2023


Probe where the protons go to develop better fuel cells

A team led by Professor Yoshihiro Yamazaki from Kyushu University discovered the chemical innerworkings of a perovskite-based electrolyte developed for solid oxide fuel cells. By combining synchrotron radiation analysis, large-scale simulations, machine learning, and thermogravimetric analysis, they found that protons are introduced at...

SourceKyushu University·JournalChemistry of Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2023

Drugs against drought

Scientists from CSIC and UPV create modified ABA receptor activated by iSB09 molecule, increasing drought tolerance in plants. The combination efficiently activates the ABA pathway, triggering adaptive mechanisms and reducing water loss.

SourceUniversitat Politècnica de València·JournalScience Advances·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 28, 2023

Study indicates that proactive patient education and recruitment can help improve lung cancer screening rates in the primary care setting

A proactive patient education/recruitment program, administered with a nurse navigator, identified 37.3% more eligible patients for low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screenings for lung cancer. The program led to a 42% increase in LDCT prescriptions among willing and eligible patients.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 28, 2023

Could changes in Fed’s interest rates affect pollution and the environment?

A new study by Florida Atlantic University suggests that monetary policy can impact pollution, with domestic effects being more significant than international spillovers. The research found that changes in the US Fed's interest rates can reduce CO2 emissions in the short run, but not necessarily in the long run.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalEnergy Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 28, 2023

Spotting the brightest gamma-ray burst ever recorded

The Swift Observatory team, led by Maia Williams, detected the brightest gamma-ray burst ever recorded, GRB 221009A. The burst was incredibly bright and had an afterglow that was more than 10 times brighter than any previous observation.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateMar 28, 2023

HKUMed and University of Melbourne-led global research team confirms the long-term safety of methylphenidate in children and adolescents with ADHD

A global research team found that long-term methylphenidate treatment does not increase the risk of growth impairments or psychiatric events, but may lead to modest increases in blood pressure. The study suggests potential disparities in ADHD medication access by country-income levels.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2023

Psychedelics and Cognition: A New Look

A recent renaissance in psychedelic research investigates the cognitive effects of these drugs, shifting from mathematical modeling to behavioral and clinical studies. Studies have found that psychedelics can increase spontaneous creative insights while decreasing task-specific creativity, as well as affect memories in a malleable way.

New articles for Geosphere posted early online

Two new studies examine the Late Triassic tectonic stress field of the southwestern Ordos Basin and its implications for regional geology. The research also explores a new Cambrian stratigraphic unit in the Grand Canyon, USA, and the progressive unroofing of the Big Maria and Riverside Mountains in southeastern California.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateMar 28, 2023

A comprehensive tool measuring burden of chronic conditions shows valid and reliable results compared to clinical surveys in patients with COPD, diabetes, asthma

A comprehensive tool assessing burden of chronic conditions shows valid and reliable results compared to clinical surveys in patients with COPD, diabetes, and asthma. The Assessment of Burden of Chronic Conditions (ABCC) scale integrates patient experience into daily care, facilitating shared decision making and self-management.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 28, 2023

Separated at last

A team of physicists and physical chemists from the University of Würzburg and the University of Ottawa has developed a new method to separate single and multiple excitations in laser spectroscopy. This breakthrough resolves a decades-old problem, enabling accurate analysis of materials and fundamental physical phenomena.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2023

Climate change threatens lemurs on Madagascar

A study published in PNAS found that climate change is destabilizing mouse lemur populations on Madagascar, increasing their risk of extinction despite high reproductive output. The data analysis revealed opposing trends of rising mortality and reproductive rates, which have prevented population collapse but accelerated the life cycle.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMar 28, 2023

NIH researchers discover new autoinflammatory disease, suggest target for potential treatments

Scientists have identified an autoinflammatory disease called Lyn kinase-associated vasculopathy and liver fibrosis (LAVLI) linked to mutations in the LYN gene. The research suggests that Lyn kinase may be a potential therapeutic target for drugs treating non-syndromic small vessel vasculitis and inflammation-induced liver fibrosis.

How to prepare for ocean acidification, a framework

An international research team has developed a framework to evaluate government preparedness for ocean acidification, a pressing threat to marine ecosystems. The framework identifies six aspects of effective policy and specific indicators, enabling policymakers to assess their own preparedness and identify areas for improvement.

SourceCalifornia Academy of Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMar 28, 2023

Generating power with blood sugar

A team of researchers at ETH Zurich has created an implantable fuel cell that uses excess blood sugar to generate electrical energy. The device powers artificial beta cells that produce insulin, effectively regulating blood glucose levels.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2023

Highly charged ions melt nano gold nuggets

Scientists at TU Wien have developed a technique to control the shape and size of nano gold structures using highly charged ions. The experiment shows that the impact force is not the decisive factor, but rather the electrical charge of the ions, which deposits energy at the point of impact and disrupts the crystal structure of the gold.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2023

Illinois researchers achieve the first silicon integrated ECRAM for a practical AI accelerator

Researchers at the University of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering have successfully integrated arrays of electrochemical random-access memory (ECRAM) onto silicon transistors, creating a practical AI accelerator. This innovation eliminates energy costs associated with data transfer and enables efficient deep learning operations.

Primary care program promoting senior health demonstrated acceptable reach and adoption but lacked clinical benefits

A multi-site randomized controlled trial found Health TAPESTRY to have widespread reach and adoption, but no significant clinical benefits on hospitalizations and physical activity. The study tested implementation and reproducibility of the program across diverse primary care practices.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 28, 2023

Advanced electrode to help remediation of stubborn new 'forever chemicals'

University of Illinois researchers create an electrode that attracts and captures short-chain PFAS, a type of 'forever chemical,' using electrosorption. The design allows for selective fluorophilic interactions, enabling the capture of these persistent contaminants from environment.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2023

Pulsed radiofrequency with steroid injection brings sciatica relief

A new study published in Radiology found that a minimally invasive procedure combining pulsed radiofrequency and epidural steroid injection treatment leads to better pain reduction and disability improvement. The results showed significant benefits at four, 12, and 52 weeks compared to steroid injections alone.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 28, 2023

The role of our parks in the fight against climate change

A recent study led by BioFunLab found that urban parks store an equivalent amount of carbon in their soils as natural areas near cities, highlighting the importance of these green spaces in mitigating climate change. The research also revealed that soil microbes play a key role in regulating carbon sequestration in urban parks.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 28, 2023

Molecular imaging offers insight into chemo-brain

A literature review published by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging reveals how nuclear medicine brain imaging can help evaluate biological changes causing chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment. The findings confirmed the impact of chemotherapy drugs on cognitive function and highlighted the utility of various SP...

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateMar 28, 2023

Detecting coral biodiversity in seawater samples

Researchers have developed a method to measure coral biodiversity by extracting environmental DNA from seawater samples, allowing for accurate detection of coral species without direct observation. The technique has been confirmed to work with over 91% accuracy and may indicate presence of corals difficult to detect by human eyes.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2023

Social comparisons better than knowledge in climate change mitigation interventions

Researchers found that social comparisons and financial incentives are more effective than knowledge-based interventions in changing behaviors. The meta-analysis of over 400 primary studies showed a relatively small effect on proenvironmental behaviors, with an average increase of just 7 percentage points.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 28, 2023

Study finds fish assess misinformation to avoid overreaction

Researchers found that fish in large schools are more willing to take risks and tune down their sensitivity to social cues, reducing the likelihood of responding to false alarms. This dynamic adjustment allows individuals to maintain control over their behavior, suggesting a potential evolutionary advantage in coping with misinformation.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 28, 2023

Epigenetic fingerprint as proof of origin for chicken, shrimp and salmon

Scientists at DKFZ developed a new detection method that analyzes epigenetic fingerprints to determine animal origin. The method uses DNA sequencing to identify chemical markers on the genome, allowing researchers to distinguish between free-range organic chicken, factory-farmed chicken, and other species.

Researchers associate early life stress with pro-inflammatory processes later in life during pregnancy

Research suggests that early life stress may increase pro-inflammatory processes during pregnancy, which can have long-term effects on maternal and child health. The study found that mothers who experienced higher levels of early life stress had increased pro-inflammatory factors but decreased immune cell development.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·TypeObservational study·DateMar 28, 2023

Fluorescent visualization and evaluation of NPC1L1-mediated cholesterol absorption at the levels of endocytic vesicles

Researchers have developed a mouse model to study NPC1L1-mediated cholesterol absorption, revealing the formation of endocytic vesicles containing free cholesterol. This breakthrough provides a new tool for evaluating cholesterol absorption in vivo and has implications for treating hypercholesterolemia and related diseases.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLife Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2023

Cancer that spreads to the lung maneuvers to avoid being attacked by “killer” T cells

Cancer cells have been found to employ a strategy to evade the immune system's killer T cells by interacting with myeloid cells and suppressing type 1 interferon production. This natural pathway is crucial for recruiting killer T cells to combat cancer spread. Researchers hope to develop new therapeutic approaches, such as forcing tumo...

Researchers identify a plant-based compound that inhibits reactivation of the HIV viral reservoir, giving the immune system a break

Researchers at The Wistar Institute identified hopeaphenol as a plant-based compound that targets HIV reservoirs, reducing stress on the immune system and potentially decreasing age-related conditions. The compound was found to inhibit viral reactivation, blocking replication and production of new viruses in infected cells.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2023

Revolutionary battery technology to boost EV range 10-fold or more

Researchers have developed a functional polymeric binder for stable, high-capacity anode material that can increase the current EV range at least 10-fold. The new polymer utilizes hydrogen bonding and Coulombic forces to control volumetric expansion, resulting in a thick high-capacity electrode and maximum energy density.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 28, 2023

Cooking up plasmas with microwaves

Researchers at Kyoto University have successfully created stable plasmas using microwaves, a key step towards harnessing nuclear fusion's massive energy potential. The team identified three crucial steps in plasma production and used Heliotron J to generate the dense plasmas.

SourceKyoto University·JournalProblems of Atomic Science and Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2023

Preventive medicine leaders describe how the USPSTF’s current methods are evolving to address preventive health equity and identify evidence gaps for future research

The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is updating its methods to prioritize topics based on disease burden, extent of new evidence, and ability to be provided in primary care. The task force will increasingly consider health equity when making recommendations.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 28, 2023

New soil sensor may improve efficiency of crop fertilization

A new soil sensor has been developed to accurately measure temperature and nitrogen levels in soil, enabling farmers to optimize fertilizer use and reduce environmental pollution. The sensor can decouple temperature and nitrogen signals, allowing for precise monitoring of crop health and growth.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2023

A study shows that the physical appearance of video game characters affects girls' body image dissatisfactio

A study by Universitat Oberta de Catalunya found that playing video games has a negative impact on girls' satisfaction with their eye and skin color. The researchers concluded that the media's emphasis on women's physical appearance contributes to body-shape pressure, making girls feel insecure about their bodies.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalRevista Mediterránea de Comunicación·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 28, 2023

Using bacteria to target cancer treatment

Scientists have engineered a unique strain of probiotic bacteria to over-express a metal transporter that binds and concentrates copper, facilitating the delivery of radionuclide therapy to cancer cells. This approach targets tumors without relying on specific receptors, making it potentially effective against treatment-resistant cancers.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2023

New drug combination holds unusually positive results for HPV-negative patients with advanced head and neck cancer

A new drug combination has doubled the expected time until cancer progression in heavily resistant head and neck cancer patients. The treatment, which includes a monoclonal antibody drug called ficlatuzumab, has shown an unusually high response rate of 38% in HPV-negative patients.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 28, 2023

Clinics use toolkit to assess patients’ physical, environmental, lifestyle, social, emotional, mental and spiritual experiences with healthcare team

The HOPE Note Toolkit is being adopted by primary care clinics in the US to improve whole person integrative health visits. The toolkit assesses patients' physical, environmental, lifestyle, social, emotional, mental, and spiritual experiences with healthcare teams.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 28, 2023

COVID vaccine induces robust T cell responses in blood cancer patients

Researchers found that COVID-19 vaccination generates robust T cell responses in haematology patients, on par with healthy individuals. The study provides key insights for future immunisation strategies and shows that mRNA vaccines can elicit strong T cell immunity in patients with co-morbidities.

SourceThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 28, 2023

Dominating over junk food on social media

Researchers found that healthier foods require more photographic staging to gain popularity, but using warm colors, repetition, and clean backgrounds can increase audience engagement. This study aims to help health communication and practitioners create visually appealing content that garners higher social media engagement.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalHealth Communication·DateMar 28, 2023

We've learned a lot from lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus—now the time has come to fight it

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have developed a high-resolution view of the LCMV glycoprotein, revealing its structure and potential vulnerabilities. The breakthrough enables the development of an engineered antibody that can prevent LCMV disease, offering a new route to treatment.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCell Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2023

Shedding pounds may benefit your heart — even if some weight is regained

Research highlights that intensive behavioral weight loss programs significantly reduce cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes risk factors, which persist for at least five years. Participants who lost weight through such programs had lower risk factors compared to those in less intensive or no weight loss programs.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes·DateMar 28, 2023

HIV and hepatitis C virus monitoring needs to increase to achieve global elimination goals

Global efforts to track HIV and HCV incidence among people who inject drugs are necessary to validate targets for ending the epidemics by 2030. The research highlights the importance of prioritizing this population in prevention and elimination work, particularly for vulnerable subgroups like young people and women.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalThe Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 28, 2023

The drugs don’t work – meditation and training are better at sparking creativity

Researchers debunk rock'n'roll myth, finding narcotics have no effect on inspiration. Instead, complex training programs, meditation, and cultural exposure boost creativity. Training that highlights mental techniques has long-term impacts, while mindfulness activities like meditation also improve imagination in the short term.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalPsychology of Aesthetics Creativity and the Arts·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 28, 2023

COVID-19 impacted smoking assessment rates in community health centers, necessitating a closer examination on how procedures can be adapted

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly declined tobacco assessment rates in community health centers between March and May 2020. Assessments remained 33.5% lower than pre-pandemic levels, highlighting the need for adapted procedures to support tobacco cessation efforts.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 28, 2023

Preschoolers prefer to learn from a competent robot than an incompetent human, Concordia study shows

A new study published in the Journal of Cognition and Development found that preschoolers aged three and five prefer learning from a competent robot over an incompetent human. The research, conducted by Concordia University researchers, used humanoid robots to teach children about unfamiliar objects. Five-year-olds were more likely to ...

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Cognition and Development·TypeObservational study·DateMar 28, 2023

Integrating patients’ social determinants of health into the EHR, along with clinic conversations, can help doctors provide more personalized and preventive care

A recent study found that social determinants of health influenced care in 35% of surveyed encounters, with the most common sources being patient conversations and prior knowledge. Integrating this data into EHRs can support personalized care planning.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 28, 2023