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Science News for March 8, 2023


How mums are taking the lead in shaping children’s education – new study

A new global study found that mother's educational status is increasingly important in shaping children's educational status, while father's educational status has declined. The research challenges traditional assumptions on social mobility and highlights the need for a gender-sensitive approach to measuring intergenerational mobility.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 8, 2023

Study suggests little deterioration in mental health linked to the pandemic

A recent study suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a relatively small impact on mental health, with general population symptoms showing little change. However, specific groups such as women and certain age groups experienced worsening of depression symptoms, while others showed improvement in mental health and anxiety symptoms.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 8, 2023

New study: abatacept therapy offers promising results treating juvenile dermatomyositis

A new study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology reports significant improvements in disease activity for patients with refractory juvenile dermatomyositis treated with abatacept therapy. The randomized controlled trial demonstrates the potential of abatacept as a treatment option for this rare and debilitating condition.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 8, 2023

Anthropogenic climate change poses systemic risk to coffee cultivation

A study published in PLOS Climate suggests that climate change is significantly affecting land where coffee is cultivated, particularly due to synchronous climate hazards occurring in multiple areas. The researchers found an increase in climate hazards and compound events threatening coffee crops globally between 1980 and 2020.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 8, 2023

For educational attainment, it's more helpful to grow up in an affluent neighborhood than it is harmful to grow up in a poor one, per 23-year large Netherlands cohort study

A recent large-scale Netherlands cohort study found that growing up in an affluent neighborhood has a more significant positive impact on educational attainment than growing up in a poor one. Exposure to affluence was found to have a greater effect, surpassing the negative effects of poverty.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 8, 2023

Neural puppeteer

Researchers from University of Konstanz develop 'neural puppeteer' AI model to predict animal poses and appearances, enabling analysis of intermediate motions. The system uses 3D key points to calculate statistically likely steps, crucial for studying collective behavior in wildlife.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalComputer Science·DateMar 8, 2023

'Other' race/ethnicity linked to higher suicide and overdose risk in military members with mild TBI

A new study reveals that military members with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) who identify as 'Other' are at a significantly higher risk of suicide and overdose deaths. The study found that the rates of these deaths were highest among members of this group, despite making up only 7.38% of the study sample.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation·DateMar 8, 2023

New pain medications are still widely inaccessible to individuals living with sickle cell disease

A new study found that less than 4% of people with sickle cell disease have prescriptions for newer FDA-approved pain-relieving drugs, despite their availability. The study also revealed significant gaps in prescription patterns by geographic region and age group, emphasizing the need for education and access to treatment options.

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·JournalBlood Advances·DateMar 8, 2023

Dementia the top COVID-19 risk factor for seniors in care

A University of Gothenburg study reveals that dementia is the dominant risk factor for COVID-19 infection and mortality among residents of Swedish nursing homes. Early-onset dementia was found to be the strongest association with increased mortality rates, particularly in the 65–75 age group.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 8, 2023

Mass General researchers discover the role of intestinal fibrosis in inflammatory bowel disease

Researchers at Mass General Hospital have found that intestinal fibrosis plays a critical role in the progression of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), affecting the growth and differentiation of intestinal stem cells. The study suggests targeting mechanosensing pathways may offer an attractive therapeutic strategy for IBD.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalGastroenterology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2023

Group exercise program for older adults led to more independent exercise despite pandemic restrictions, MU study finds

A study by the University of Missouri found that older adults who completed an eight-week resistance training program maintained long-term exercise habits and increased their physical energy despite COVID-19 restrictions. The Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program improved participants' sleep, balance, flexibility, and self-confidence in da...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Sports Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateMar 8, 2023

University of Cincinnati study finds little federal funding for incarceration-related research

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that the US government allocates very little federal funding for research on incarceration from a public health standpoint. The lack of funding is attributed to structural racism, business interests, and a lack of awareness among healthcare professionals.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 8, 2023

What ‘chornobyl dogs’ can tell us about survival in contaminated environments

Researchers studied genetic differences between two Chornobyl dog populations living near the nuclear power plant and 16.5 km away. They found significant genetic distinctions, with 391 outlier regions indicating potential genetic repair mechanisms. The study may provide insights into human adaptability to environmental disasters.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalCanine Medicine and Genetics·DateMar 8, 2023

New Insights by Mass General on the molecular mechanism of hydrocephalus could lead to the first-ever non-surgical treatment

Researchers at Mass General Hospital have discovered a novel molecular mechanism responsible for acquired hydrocephalus, which could lead to the development of a non-surgical treatment. The study found that an anti-inflammatory drug, rapamycin, can target the pathway that causes swelling of the brain ventricles in patients with hydroce...

Long-term exposure to nitrate in drinking water may be a risk factor for prostate cancer

A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that long-term exposure to nitrate in drinking water may increase the risk of prostate cancer, especially among younger men and those with aggressive tumors. Eating a diet rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables can help mitigate this effect.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 8, 2023

Cyborg technology analyzes the functional maturation of stem-cell derived heart tissue

Scientists have developed a new technique using tissue-embedded nanoelectronic devices to study the functional maturation of stem-cell derived heart tissues. The research found that co-culturing stem-cell-derived cardiomyocytes with endothelial cells enables faster and more efficient maturation, with significant implications for engine...

AI-powered ultrasound imaging that detects breast cancer

A team of POSTECH researchers has developed a deep learning-based multimodal fusion network for segmentation and classification of breast cancers using B-mode and strain elastography ultrasound images. The method achieved high accuracy in distinguishing benign from malignant lesions, outperforming conventional methods.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalBioengineering & Translational Medicine·DateMar 8, 2023

Hospitals face challenges when implementing enhanced recovery programs for surgery

The study analyzed data from 151 hospitals that participated in an ISCR protocol for colorectal surgery to determine if they improved or worsened in complying with ERP process measures over an 18-month period. Key findings suggest a significant opportunity to improve compliance and patient outcomes, but inadequate resources and limited...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMar 8, 2023

Men over 65 are at greater risk than women of skull fractures from falls

A recent study published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine found that men over 65 are at a higher risk of developing skull fractures due to head trauma from falls. The research compared geriatric males and females, with surprising results indicating males had a significantly increased incidence of skull fracture.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalThe American Journal of Emergency Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 8, 2023

Can children map read at the age of four?

A study involving 175 two to five-year-olds found that children start to develop spatial abilities from around four years old, using scale models to find objects in real-world scenarios. This new skill potentially lays the foundations for maths and science skills.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 8, 2023

First nasal monoclonal antibody treatment for COVID-19 shows promise for treating virus, other diseases

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital tested a new nasal monoclonal antibody treatment, Foralumab, which decreased inflammatory markers and lung inflammation in patients with COVID-19. The treatment also showed similar effects in multiple sclerosis patients, suggesting its potential use for treating other diseases.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMar 8, 2023

Highlight facts or appeal to feelings? The psychology of persuading individuals to contribute to a collective goal

Researchers find that fact-based appeals are more effective when the goal is near completion, while affect-based appeals match people's feelings-oriented psychological state and are better suited for shorter-term goals. The study advances understanding of persuasive messages in collective goals and provides key insights for marketers.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMar 8, 2023

New Swansea University research shows reducing social media use by just 15 minutes a day can improve your health

A study from Swansea University found that reducing social media use by 15 minutes a day can significantly improve physical health and psychological well-being. The results showed a 15% improvement in immune function, 50% improvement in sleep quality, and 30% fewer depressive symptoms.

SourceSwansea University·JournalJournal of Technology in Behavioral Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2023

A pool at Yellowstone is a thumping thermometer

The study of Doublet Pool reveals that the interval between episodes of thumping reflects the amount of energy heating the pool, while also indicating heat loss through the surface. The researchers found that wind speed over the pools was correlated with silence intervals, suggesting that blowing wind removes heat energy from the water.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateMar 8, 2023

How the Brain Senses Infection

A study published in Nature found that a small group of neurons in the airway play a pivotal role in alerting the brain about flu infections. The researchers also identified a second pathway from the lungs to the brain that becomes active later in the infection, which may hold promise for developing new treatments.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateMar 8, 2023

Ultra-soft and highly stretchable hydrogel-based sensor for monitoring overactive bladder

Researchers developed a hydrogel-based sensor to monitor overactive bladder activity in real-time. The sensor measures both mechanical and bioelectrical activities, allowing for simultaneous monitoring and neural stimulation. This breakthrough has the potential to improve treatment outcomes and minimize side effects.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateMar 8, 2023

Fungal spores hijack lung cells

Researchers have discovered that fungal spores can exploit the human protein p11 to hijack lung cells and prevent them from destroying the fungus. This finding offers a promising new target for treatment against Aspergillus fumigatus infections, which affect over 300,000 people worldwide each year.

A breakthrough in big data processing helps trace chemicals in complex mixtures

A new generation of software, MZmine 3, enables scientists to analyze large volumes of data from mass spectrometry, tracing hundreds of thousands of chemical compounds. This breakthrough accelerates data processing and opens up opportunities for researchers to investigate disease causes and mechanisms.

SCENTinel 1.1, second iteration of Monell’s rapid smell test, discriminates between smell loss and smell distortions

The SCENTinel 1.1 test successfully discriminated between different types of smell disorders, including quantitative and qualitative olfactory dysfunction. It identified parosmia, a distorted perception of odors, with high accuracy and has the potential to be used as a rapid screening tool for olfactory dysfunction.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalChemical Senses·TypeSurvey·DateMar 8, 2023

Long Covid is much less likely after omicron than after variant circulating at start of COVID-19 pandemic

A new study published at the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases found that healthcare workers infected with the original SARS-CoV-2 virus were more likely to experience long Covid symptoms than those who had the omicron variant. The research suggests that omicron may be less likely to lead to long Covid, p...

Eiphosoma laphygmae likely to be best classical biological control against devastating fall armyworm pest

The parasitoid Eiphosoma laphygmae is likely to be the best classical biological control from the Americas against the devastating fall armyworm pest, according to a review by CABI scientist Dr. Marc Kenis. This natural enemy of the pest has been found to have high specificity and importance in most native ranges.

SourceCABI·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 8, 2023

Low dose radiation linked to increased lifetime risk of heart disease

An international team of researchers analyzed data from 93 studies on cardiovascular diseases and exposure to radiation, finding a modestly increased excess risk of heart disease with low dose radiation. The study suggests that mechanisms for these cardiovascular effects are poorly understood and that further research is needed.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 8, 2023

New approach to improving clinical trial enrollment and diversity

A new approach by the Medical University of South Carolina aims to increase clinical trial participation, especially from diverse populations. By making patients eligible for research opportunities by default, while allowing opt-out, the team saw a significant increase in potential participants.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Science·TypeObservational study·DateMar 8, 2023

A surprising way to trap a microparticle

Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered a surprising way to trap microparticles using the combined effects of electrostatics, hydrodynamics, and random Brownian motion. This phenomenon enables the capture of particles in complex environments, such as winding channels, and could revolutionize microfluidic applications and...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2023

The big o: what shapes a woman’s pursuit of pleasure?

A Rutgers-led study reveals that women who believe they have more time for an encounter are more likely to pursue orgasms, while those who think their partner prioritizes his own pleasure are less likely. Women use cues and adjust their pursuit of orgasm depending on the situation, with the goal of achieving orgasm being a key factor i...

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Journal of Sex Research·DateMar 8, 2023

Overweight in children in Sweden increased during the pandemic

A comprehensive study of 200,000 Swedish children found a significant increase in overweight and obesity rates between 2018 and 2020, with obesity rates rising by 30%. The greatest increase was seen in morbid obesity, highlighting the challenges faced by those who were already struggling before the pandemic.

SourceUppsala University·JournalActa Paediatrica·TypeObservational study·DateMar 8, 2023

Grey hair and wrinkles at an early age led researchers to new treatment for rare cancer

Researchers have identified a new method to predict which sarcoma patients will benefit from a potential new treatment. By inhibiting the plk1 gene, they were able to target and slow down the growth of sarcoma cells. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatment options for sickest sarcoma patients in 5-10 years.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalCell Death and Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2023

Researchers take a step towards turning interactions that normally ruin quantum information into a way of protecting it

Researchers developed a technique to predict how quantum systems behave when connected to their environment, turning a problem into a solution. The approach combines techniques from quantum many-body physics and non-Hermitian quantum physics, providing a crucial tool for real-world applications of quantum technology.

SourceAalto University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 8, 2023

How nanoplastics can influence metabolism

Researchers at Leipzig University discovered that nanoplastics from PET particles accumulate in organs and cause liver function impairment, oxidative stress, and behavioral abnormalities in zebrafish embryos. The study provides insight into the toxicity pathways induced by PET nanoplastics.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2023

New details on how immune cells ‘see’ and respond to mutations in cancer cells may lead to more targeted and effective immunotherapy

A new study has identified the steps by which immune cells recognize and respond to cancer cell mutations, providing insights into why some treatments work for certain patients but not others. Researchers believe their findings will lead to better, more personalized immunotherapies for patients whose immune systems currently do not app...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2023

Too little is known, and done, to tackle rising risks of plastic waste in our seas

The study highlights the complexity of microplastics as a pollutant, affecting sea animals' feeding behavior, reproductive outputs, and causing developmental anomalies. Researchers call for more research into plastic contamination and synthetic additives to understand and prevent further environmental health problems.

SourceFlinders University·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 8, 2023

Fresh understanding of ageing in the brain offers hope for treating neurological diseases

Researchers have found a possible new target for therapies aimed at treating age-related neurological diseases by linking increased presence of immune cells to conditions like Alzheimer's disease. Microglia, specialized immune cells in the brain, can adopt a dysfunctional state that contributes to neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2023