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Science News for March 9, 2023


Shape memory for nano-sized objects

Researchers at ETH Zurich have successfully applied the shape-memory effect to nano-sized objects, overcomes the limitation of objects needing to be larger than 50 nanometers. The material ferroic oxides showed a free-standing nanoscale structure made of ferroic oxides that are highly elastic and resilient.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 9, 2023

Complex learned social behavior discovered in bee’s ‘waggle dance’

Researchers at the University of California - San Diego found that honey bees use a 'waggle dance' to communicate the location of food sources, and that this behavior is improved by learning and culturally transmitted. The study demonstrates the importance of early social signal learning in non-human spatial referential communication.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023

Electrocatalysis under the atomic force microscope

Researchers have developed a new approach to correlative atomic force microscopy, allowing for the simultaneous measurement of electrocatalyst properties. This study focuses on nanostructured copper-gold electrocatalysts and provides insights into catalyst-electrolyte interfaces, enabling targeted optimization.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023

UK study reveals ethnic differences in obstetric anesthesia care

A UK study found that Black Caribbean-British women are 58% more likely than white women to receive general anaesthesia during elective caesarean births, while Bangladeshi-British and Pakistani-British women are less likely to have epidurals. The study also reveals differences in assisted deliveries and emergency caesarean births betwe...

SourceAAGBI·JournalAnaesthesia·DateMar 9, 2023

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers develop a novel thermoelectric generator inspired from zebra skin

Researchers at GIST developed a novel thermoelectric generator inspired by zebra skin, creating a high in-plane temperature gradient for generating electricity. The design uses a pattern resembling black-and-white zebra stripes to increase its applicability while reducing environmental impact.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023

New stem cell model developed for research into a life-threatening malformation of the newborn lung

Researchers have created a new patient-specific cell model to investigate the cause of congenital diaphragmatic hernia and explore potential treatments. The study found that inflammation alters stem cells in affected lungs, but drug therapy can restore functionality.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023

In search of inflammatory Achilles heel

Researchers at Kyoto University found that neutrophils instruct macrophages to form a bacteria-permissive microenvironment, which could have implications for cancer treatment. The study suggests that A9, an enzyme expressed in neutrophils, may play a key role in this process.

SourceKyoto University·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023

A novel mechanism may be effective in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia and prior episodes of acute pancreatitis

A phase 2 study found that ANGPTL3 inhibitor therapy reduced triglycerides by up to 70% in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia who had previously experienced acute pancreatitis. The treatment, evicanumab-dgnb, also showed potential for cardiovascular prevention by reducing apolipoprotein B levels.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 9, 2023

Nirogacestat, a new desmoid tumor treatment, improves outcomes for people with sarcoma

A new clinical trial has shown promising results for nirogacestat, a targeted drug that blocks the Notch protein. In the Phase 3 trial, 41% of patients' tumors significantly shrank after taking nirogacestat, with no growth in over 75%. The most common side effects were fatigue, gastrointestinal problems, and skin rashes.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 9, 2023

Nutrition educators support nutrition incentives for food and nutrition security programs to promote increased intake of fruit and vegetables

A study explores how nutrition educators work with incentive programs like GusNIP to promote increased intake of fruits and vegetables. Nutrition educators play a unique role in providing participant-centered education, navigating food environments, and culturally adapting programming to meet diverse audience needs.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateMar 9, 2023

Researchers describe hands-on treatments for patients with low back pain after lumbar spine surgery

A recent study found that spinal manipulation is a gentle therapy used to treat low back pain in patients after previous lumbar spine surgery. The study, published in Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, compiled data from over 100 patients and reported most cases were done using a potentially gentler method.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalChiropractic & Manual Therapies·DateMar 9, 2023

Underused satellite, radar data may improve thunderstorm forecasts

A new technique combining underused satellite and radar data in weather models may improve thunderstorm predictions by capturing a more accurate picture of initial conditions in the boundary layer. This technique showed promise in improving forecasts of convection initiation, several hours before the thunderstorms occurred.

SourcePenn State·JournalMonthly Weather Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 9, 2023

Pusan National University researchers use calcium materials to reduce arsenic availability in agricultural soil

A team of researchers from Pusan National University evaluated the efficacy of calcite and phosphogypsum in reducing arsenate ions' availability for crops. Phosphogypsum was found to be more effective in immobilizing arsenic in soil due to a substitution mechanism involving sulfate and hydrogen arsenate ions.

SourcePusan National University·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023

Mass General Brigham researchers uncover metabolic secrets of anaerobes and identify new strategies to treat c. difficile infections

The study found that Clostridioides difficile uses fermentation to rapidly colonize the gut and identified critical pathways converged on a metabolic integration point to produce amino acid alanine, driving bacterial growth. The findings provide new targets for small molecule drugs to counter C. difficile colonization and infection.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 9, 2023

3D battery imaging reveals the secret real-time life of lithium metal cells

A team from Chalmers University of Technology has developed a method to observe the formation of lithium microstructures in real-time using X-ray tomographic microscopy. This breakthrough aims to improve the safety and capacity of lithium metal batteries, which could replace traditional lithium-ion batteries in the future.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023

Tireless microbial killers in new nanocomposites

Scientists at the Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences have developed new nanocomposites that spontaneously and continuously kill microorganisms. The composites use silver ions or copper ions to destroy cell membranes and oxidative shock, respectively, providing a durable and safe solution for biocidal materials.

Researchers examine drought resistance traits in beans using hyperspectral remote sensing

A research team from the USA used hand-held and tower-based equipment for phenotyping common and tepary beans. They assessed physiological and ground- and tower-based hyperspectral remote sensing measurements to evaluate drought response in 12 common bean and 4 tepary bean genotypes across three field campaigns.

McMaster researchers trial potential hemophilia treatment

A global study involving McMaster University researchers has trialled a potential new treatment for hemophilia A, a life-threatening genetic blood disorder. Once-weekly injections of efanesoctocog alfa can prevent bleeding and promote near-normal activity by the clotting agent factor VIII.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 9, 2023

Diverse approach key to carbon removal

A new study suggests that a mix of carbon dioxide removal technologies is needed to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of this century. The effective path requires multiple methods, including restoring deforested lands and enhanced weathering, to remove necessary amounts of CO2 annually.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 9, 2023

Ever wonder why brits sound so smart?

British and American English speakers use the word “right” in distinct ways. In everyday conversations, Brits use “right” to signal that what they hear is informative and relevant. This linguistic difference might contribute to the stereotype that British people are smarter due to their sophisticated accent.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Pragmatics·DateMar 9, 2023

NUS researchers develop new imaging approach to diagnose advanced form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Researchers have developed a new imaging approach to diagnose advanced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NASH). The enzyme-sensitive nanoprobe emits signals that can be detected by MRI techniques, providing more accurate and sensitive data for diagnosis. This breakthrough aims to improve the treatment outcomes of NASH patients.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalACS Nano·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 9, 2023

Positive emotion drives disinformation ads on Facebook

Research by University of Florida researchers found that disinformation ads on Facebook use a clear recipe with short ad buys, familiar language, and big budgets to reach more people. The most engaging ads were full of positive feelings encouraging good emotions about one's own groups rather than bad emotions towards others.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Interactive Advertising·TypeContent analysis·DateMar 9, 2023

Disturbances in eating behaviors and menstrual function can expose female athletes to injuries and earlier termination of a sports career

A study of female endurance athletes found that disturbances in eating behaviors predict a shorter sports career, as well as increased injuries. Menstrual dysfunction was also linked to both shorter careers and more frequent injuries.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalBMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateMar 9, 2023

Emergency department visits for attempted suicides rose globally among youth during pandemic

A study led by the University of Calgary found a 22% increase in children and adolescents seeking emergency department care for suicide attempts and an 8% increase for suicidal ideation during the pandemic. This trend contradicts the overall decrease in pediatric ER visits, highlighting the need for mental health resources and services.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 9, 2023

Allergies in Europe: regional differences in sensitization profiles identified in children for the first time

A comprehensive European allergy atlas has been compiled, revealing regional and climate-related differences in sensitisation to allergens. The study found varying sensitisation patterns across Europe, with certain regions having lower sensitivity to house dust mites and higher sensitivity to peanut and fruit allergens.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalAllergy·DateMar 9, 2023

Less threat – better performance in tests

Researchers found that those perceiving an oral exam as a challenge tend to perform better and have lower cortisol levels. Experts advise examiners to create a supportive atmosphere to reduce stress. This study highlights the importance of self-efficacy in presentation performance.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalContemporary Educational Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023

New Monterey Bay Aquarium study shares the intimate details of sea otter surrogacy; affirms its effectiveness to rehabilitate orphaned pups

A new study by Monterey Bay Aquarium reveals the key components contributing to successful releases of orphaned southern sea otters back into the wild. The research emphasizes the strong maternal drive of surrogate female sea otters in nurturing and caring for pups, resulting in a three-quarters success rate.

SourceMonterey Bay Aquarium·JournalBiological Conservation·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 9, 2023

Agricultural certification stimulates compliance with environmental legislation by coffee farms in Brazil

A study in Brazil found that agricultural certification can encourage compliance with environmental laws, but doesn't necessarily reduce deforestation or increase natural regeneration. Certified coffee farms showed a general tendency for increased compliance, particularly in protected areas like the Atlantic Rainforest.

The giant faba bean genome decoded

The giant faba bean genome has been successfully sequenced, offering insights into its traits such as drought tolerance and protein content. This breakthrough has the potential to improve crop yields and reduce reliance on artificial fertilizers, making faba bean a more attractive crop for sustainable agriculture.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023

Controlled on-chip fabrication of large-scale perovskite single crystal arrays for high-performance laser and photodetector integration

The study introduces a novel SC-ASC strategy for fabricating high-quality perovskite single crystal arrays with precise control over shape, resolution, and position accuracy. The method enables the growth of high-Q-factor lasers and stable photodetectors.

Customizing catalysts for solid-state reactions

Chemists have developed a high-performance catalyst specifically designed for solid-state mechanochemical synthesis, achieving efficient reactivity at near room temperature. The approach uses a metal catalyst attached to a long polymer molecule, which traps the catalyst in a fluid-phase, enabling fast and energy-efficient reactions.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023

Toxic Twitter abuse could skew UK wildlife law

A new study found that toxic online rows about trophy hunting are becoming increasingly abusive on Twitter, with 7% of tweets containing abusive content. This hostile atmosphere is silencing conservation viewpoints and policymakers are less aware of them.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalConservation Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 9, 2023

People who have symptoms of depression may have an increased risk of having a stroke

Researchers at University of Galway discovered that individuals experiencing depression symptoms are more likely to suffer acute strokes and experience poor recovery outcomes. The INTERSTROKE study, involving 26,877 adults across 32 countries, revealed a significant link between depressive symptoms and stroke risk.

SourceUniversity of Galway·JournalNeurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 9, 2023

Chung-Ang University researchers develop smart portable sensing system for monitoring precast structures during delivery

The novel portable wireless sensing system measures strain and acceleration in real-time, generating a safety assessment report to prevent damage and ensure safe delivery. While effective, the system lacks real-time data management capabilities, requiring future development of a cloud-based monitoring system.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalAutomation in Construction·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023

Ancient virus genome drives autism?

Research at Kobe University reveals that endogenous retrovirus activation increases a fetus's susceptibility to autism, leading to differences in brain structure and behavior. The study identifies BTBR/R mice as a more accurate model of autism, exhibiting autistic-like behaviors without reduced learning ability.

SourceKobe University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023