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Science News for March 6, 2023


HKU Mechanical Engineering team unlocks the key to new generation of safe energy-efficient Lithium battery

A HKU Mechanical Engineering team has developed a new generation of lithium-ion batteries that are safer, more powerful and have a longer lifespan. The innovative design uses single-ion conducting polymer electrolytes that can conduct electricity faster than traditional liquid electrolytes.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

Mass General Brigham study finds virtual care team strategy improved treatment for heart failure patients

A virtual care team consisting of physicians and pharmacists improved the adoption of life-saving therapies in patients with heart failure, leading to increased use of evidence-based treatments and better patient outcomes. The strategy was safe and effective, with comparable length of stay and safety events between the groups.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 6, 2023

Hair analysis shows child drug use could be twice as high as we think

A study of over 1,300 children aged 9-13 found a significant increase in substance use when combining hair analysis with survey results, nearly doubling the estimated number of child drug users. This suggests that hair analysis is a more accurate method for assessing adolescent substance abuse than self-reporting alone.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalThe American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse·TypeObservational study·DateMar 6, 2023

New study uncovers key culprit behind pediatric brain cancer metastasis

Researchers have identified a key cause of metastasis from aggressive brain cancer in children and found a potential new therapy. Medulloblastoma cells hijack neurodevelopmental signaling pathways to promote tumor cell spreading. Targeting these pathways with a drug called dasatinib has shown promise in killing metastatic tumors.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

The marathon runners of the immune system

A biological messenger called interleukin-33 (IL-33) plays a crucial role in maintaining cytotoxic T cells' 'marathon runner' state, allowing them to provide sustained immunity against chronic infections. This finding has implications for improving treatment of hepatitis C and cancer immunotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

Wheeled robot measures leaf angles to help breed better corn plants

Researchers have developed a robotic system called AngleNet that measures leaf angles on corn plants, providing plant breeders with accurate data more quickly. The technology uses stereo vision and deep convolutional neural networks to capture images of leaves at different heights, enabling 3D modeling and precise measurements.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Field Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

Risk of thrombotic events should not exclude transgender people from receiving hormone therapy, according to new guidance

Research suggests that withholding gender-affirming hormone therapy from transgender individuals may have negative mental and physical effects. A new study provides comprehensive guidance for assessing, managing, and treating venous thromboembolism in transgender patients receiving feminizing hormone therapy.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalEndocrine Practice·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 6, 2023

Diversity training for police officers: one-and-done efforts aren't enough

A recent study found that diversity trainings for police officers are ineffective in changing behavior, as intentions to use strategies decrease over time. The researchers recommend embedding lessons with other organizational initiatives and providing 'super-tailored strategies' to address specific daily work activities.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

High-dose anticoagulation can reduce intubations and improve survival for hospitalized COVID-19 patients

High-dose anticoagulation reduces intubations and deaths by 30% in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, especially those with ARDS. The study found a significant reduction in mortality and need for ICU care among patients treated with therapeutic anticoagulation.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 6, 2023

Long-term intermittent fasting reduces COVID-19 heart failure complications and death in patients with previous heart disease

A new study by Intermountain Health found that long-term intermittent fasting can lead to better outcomes in COVID-19 patients who required cardiac catheterization. Patients who practiced regular fasting had a lower rate of heart failure-related hospitalization, complications, and death compared to those who did not fast. The study sug...

SourceIntermountain Healthcare·TypeObservational study·DateMar 6, 2023

New study reveals biosafety effects of moderate and high static magnetic fields

A recent study published in Antioxidants & Zoological Research found that moderate static magnetic fields can delay natural aging in healthy mice and alleviate chronic kidney injury induced by chemotherapy. High-grade exposure, however, had detrimental effects on diabetic mice, including organ damage and reduced survival rates.

Higher trust in public health agencies during COVID-19 driven more by beliefs that agencies led with clear, science-based recommendations and provided protective resources, than by beliefs that agencies controlled outbreak

Researchers found that trust in federal, state, and local public health agencies was driven by beliefs in scientific expertise and provision of direct care, not control of outbreaks. Lower trust was related to concerns about conflicting recommendations and perceived political influence.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeSurvey·DateMar 6, 2023

Assessing the risk of excess folic acid intake

A recent study published in Cell Discovery found that high levels of folic acid supplementation may increase DNA mutation rates and impair DNA repair mechanisms. The researchers discovered a 'Goldilocks Effect' where too little or too much folic acid is detrimental to human health.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

The Access to Advanced Health Institute reports encouraging results of first-in-human trial of its temperature-stable tuberculosis vaccine candidate

A Phase 1 clinical trial of AAHI's thermostable, freeze-dried single-vial ID93 + GLA-SE vaccine candidate showed higher levels of antibodies and favorable cellular immune responses compared to the two-vial presentation. The results represent significant progress in global efforts to combat TB.

SourceAccess to Advanced Health Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 6, 2023

Major medical organizations form a coalition to stem the rising tide of firearm violence using a comprehensive public health approach

Leading medical organizations have formed a coalition to combat the growing problem of firearm violence in the US. The Healthcare Coalition for Firearm Injury Prevention aims to promote education, advocacy, and community-centered approaches to reduce firearm-related injuries.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMar 6, 2023

Physician workforce planning must adjust for aging population, changing practice patterns: New analysis

A new analysis finds that Canada's physician workforce is facing significant challenges due to an aging population and decreasing working hours. The study suggests that traditional metrics for workforce planning are misleading, and a more nuanced approach is needed to inform government and medical profession decisions.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 6, 2023

Astronomers detect radio recombination lines of carbon/oxygen ions for first time

Researchers from Shanghai Astronomical Observatory detect radio recombination lines of carbon and oxygen ions for the first time, using the TianMa 65-m Radio Telescope. The discovery allows for accurate measurement of element abundances and has significant implications for studying interstellar chemistry and molecular formation.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateMar 6, 2023

Purification of DNA nanostructures from hydrophobic aggregates

Researchers developed a simple purification method using surfactants to separate hydrophobic DNA nanostructures from aggregates, enabling the construction of artificial cells and complex functions in molecular robots. The purified structures retain their ability to bind lipid vesicle surfaces.

SourceKyutech·JournalChemBioChem·DateMar 6, 2023

Trouble falling asleep at bedtime or in the middle of the night? It could impact your risk for developing dementia

A new study found significant links between sleep disturbances and the risk for developing dementia over a 10-year period. Sleep-maintenance insomnia was associated with a lower risk of dementia, while sleep-initiation insomnia and sleep medication use were linked to an increased risk.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 6, 2023

Eradicating polio will require changing the current public health strategy

Global virus network experts propose changes to global polio eradication strategy, emphasizing the need for high vaccination coverage and adaptable policies. They suggest using both inactivated and live, weakened vaccines, as well as reconvening a scientific advisory group to respond to new data and public health emergencies.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 6, 2023

World first study into global daily air pollution shows almost nowhere on Earth is safe

A new study by Monash University found that almost nowhere on Earth is safe from air pollution, with only 0.001% of the global population exposed to safe levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The study, which analyzed data from 2000-2019, revealed increasing pollution levels in Southern Asia, Australia, and Latin America.

SourceMonash University·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 6, 2023

Two-dimensional quantum freeze

Researchers from ETH Zurich have achieved groundbreaking cooling of a glass nanoparticle along two directions of motion, overcoming the 'Dark Mode Effect'. This breakthrough enables the creation of fragile quantum states and paves the way for ultrasensitive gyroscopes and sensors.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

Pregnant people with schizophrenia have threefold risk of interpersonal violence

A new study found pregnant people with schizophrenia are three times more likely to experience emergency department visits for interpersonal violence. The research emphasizes the importance of routine violence screening in antenatal care settings to prevent harm to patients and their children.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMar 6, 2023

Frequent socialising linked to longer lifespan of older people

A large-scale Chinese study found that frequent socializing was associated with significantly longer survival in older adults. Those who socialized nearly every day had the greatest likelihood of living longer, with a 42% delay in time to death compared to those who never socialized.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·TypeObservational study·DateMar 6, 2023

HRL Laboratories silicon encoded spin qubits achieve universality

HRL Laboratories has demonstrated universal control of encoded spin qubits using a novel silicon-based qubit device architecture. The achievement offers a strong pathway toward scalable fault tolerance and computational advantage in quantum computing, with potential applications in materials development, drug discovery, and mitigating ...

SourceHRL Laboratories·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

The challenges of mining for electric-vehicle batteries

The Inflation Reduction Act's target for domestic EV battery mineral extraction is achievable for some plug-in hybrid vehicles but poses significant challenges for fully electric vehicles. A mass-based standard could reduce uncertainty and incentivize production of high-value minerals domestically.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 6, 2023

A mixture of trees purifies urban air best

A study by University of Gothenburg found that conifer trees are generally better at purifying air from gaseous pollutants, while broadleaved trees excel at capturing particle-bound pollution. The researchers analyzed leaves and needles from eleven different tree species to determine which ones absorb air pollutants most effectively.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalEcological Indicators·TypeContent analysis·DateMar 6, 2023

Increased hospitalizations for heart attacks, heart failure seen in older adults living near fracking sites

A University of Chicago study found that older adults living near fracking sites in Pennsylvania had higher rates of cardiovascular disease hospitalizations compared to those in nearby New York state. The study linked exposure to air and water pollution from fracking activity to increased health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateMar 6, 2023

Wheat’s ancient roots of viral resistance uncovered

Researchers have uncovered the ancient roots of a gene in wheat that provides resistance to the devastating Wheat Yellow Mosaic Virus, which causes significant economic losses. The discovery could lead to more resistant wheat cultivars, increased crop yields, and reduced use of harmful fungicides.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

A wholly sustainable plastics economy is feasible

A new study suggests that a sustainable plastics economy is possible by increasing recycling rates to 74% and using innovative production methods, such as carbon capture and utilization. This would require a fundamental shift in the way plastics are produced, consumed, and disposed of.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Sustainability·DateMar 6, 2023

Ethnic minority parents want customized advice, research shows

A recent study by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University found that ethnic minority parents in Inner Mongolia prefer evidence-based knowledge on family education tailored to their local environment and culture. They sought information on how geographical features like the geomagnetic field influence children's growth and well-being.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateMar 6, 2023

New research: Hotter and drier conditions limit forest recovery from wildfires

Warmer and drier climate conditions are making it less likely for trees to regenerate after wildfires, according to new research published in PNAS. Ecological forest management can partially offset climate-driven declines in tree regeneration by limiting fire-caused tree death, but only if action is taken quickly.

SourceThe Nature Conservancy, Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 6, 2023

Rewarding accuracy instead of partisan pandering reduces Republican-Democrat divide over the truth – study

A new study by University of Cambridge researchers found that offering tiny cash rewards for accuracy can increase people's ability to distinguish between misinformation and the truth. The study suggests that fake news thrives due to a motivational imbalance, where users have more incentive to get clicks than to spread accurate content.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

Messages about the “felt intensity” of earthquakes via app can potentially assist early disaster management

A new approach uses crowdsourced data from affected people to estimate earthquake impact within 10-20 minutes, potentially aiding early disaster management. The system analyzes 'felt intensity' reports, providing a basis for quickly assessing the severity of damage.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalThe Seismic Record·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 6, 2023

Pioneering study shows flood risks can still be considerably reduced if all global promises to cut carbon emissions are kept

A pioneering study finds that flood risks in the UK can be kept below a 5% increase by 2050 if all countries meet their carbon emission pledges. The research reveals dramatic regional variations in flood hazards, with areas like South East England and London facing significant increases in damage.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNatural Hazards and Earth System Science·DateMar 6, 2023

Some ‘allies’ don’t want gay neighbors

A new study by Northwestern University found that the absence of legal protections for sexual minorities increases stigma among both allies and those who reject homosexuality. Even fully accepting individuals may reject their gay neighbors, highlighting the importance of legal inclusion in reducing prejudice.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalSociological Research Online·DateMar 6, 2023

Scientists twist chemical bonds beyond their limits

Researchers from Durham University and University of York successfully twisted molecules to their breaking point, exploring how far the chemical bonding in an aromatic ring can be twisted before its aromatic bonding breaks. The study reveals a balance point where the ring jumps between aromatic structure and two smaller rings.

SourceDurham University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMar 6, 2023

Studying partial remission of type 1 diabetes in children: New biomarkers and the immunoregulatory role of microRNA

A study has identified new microRNA biomarkers for the partial remission phase of type 1 diabetes and linked one of these microRNAs to immunoregulatory processes. The findings suggest a unique microRNA signature expression during this phase, which modulates regulatory T cell expansion and PD-1 expression.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalNon-Coding RNA·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

Sexual minority families fare as well as, and in some ways better than, ‘traditional’ ones

A pooled data analysis of 16 studies found that most family outcomes were similar between sexual minority and different sex parent families, with some advantages in child psychological adjustment and child-parent relationships. However, risk factors such as stigma and discrimination can negatively impact family outcomes.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Global Health·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 6, 2023

New strategy proposed for bandgap engineering and maintaining property of material under high pressure

Scientists propose a new strategy to engineer and maintain band gap of carbon nitride under high pressure, enhancing photocatalytic activity. The study reveals a pressure-induced amorphization phenomenon, resulting in a narrowed band gap with improved light absorption and photoelectric response.

JMIR Medical Education launches special issue on the use of ChatGPT in medical education, after new study finds ChatGPT passes the United States Medical Licensing Examination

A recent study published in JMIR Medical Education found that ChatGPT outperformed previous-generation models and reached the equivalent of a passing score for third-year medical students. The AI-powered chatbot provides contextually interpretable answers, making it a potential interactive medical education tool.

SourceJMIR Publications·JournalJMIR Medical Education·DateMar 6, 2023

Tracing 13 billion years of history by the light of ancient quasars

Researchers studying ancient quasars have discovered a rapid increase in warm carbon around 13 billion years ago, potentially linked to the 'Epoch of Reionisation' and large-scale heating of gas. This finding provides new insights into the evolution of the universe's chemical composition.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3D (ASTRO 3D)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeObservational study·DateMar 6, 2023

How do microbes live off light?

Researchers at Technion-Israel Institute of Technology found that many aquatic microbes use a complex light-to-energy conversion mechanism involving rhodopsin proteins and carotenoid antennas. This process allows for more efficient energy production and increases the amount of energy entering the food chain.

SourceTechnion-Israel Institute of Technology·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

Scientists discover electrically tunned superconductor-insulator transition and giant anomalous hall effect in CsV3Sb5

Researchers uncover disorder-driven bosonic superconductivity transition and outline global picture of giant AHE, linking it to unconventional CDW in AV3Sb5 family. The team also finds large AHE mainly occurs at specific point in Brillouin zone due to skew scattering of holes.

As naloxone treatment becomes more widespread heroin use is not on the rise among adolescents

A new study published in International Journal of Drug Policy found that widespread naloxone access is not associated with an increase in adolescent lifetime heroin or injection drug use. The research suggests that naloxone expansion may actually lead to decreases in heroin and IDU rates among adolescents.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalInternational Journal of Drug Policy·DateMar 6, 2023

Geosciences at the Crossroads of America

The 57th annual meeting of the Geological Society of America's South-Central Section will take place in Oklahoma, USA, from March 13-14. The event features a diverse program covering various geologic disciplines and includes environmental-related sessions on topics such as hydrogeology and unconventional resources.