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Science News for May 17, 2023


New analysis of prisoner healthcare highlights risks to patient safety

A nationwide analysis of prisoner healthcare incidents in England reveals medication-related harm as a major issue, with staff mistakes being the most common cause. The researchers recommend prioritizing timely access to healthcare services, improving processes to mitigate medication-related harm and increasing remote appointments.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateMay 17, 2023

New UC Davis research using DNA changes origin of human species, researchers suggest

Researchers have uncovered a new model of human evolution suggesting that Homo sapiens originated from multiple closely related populations in Africa. This new model provides a better explanation for genetic variation among individual humans and human groups, offering significant advancements in anthropological science.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 17, 2023

Researchers show that a machine learning model can improve mortality risk prediction for cardiac surgery patients

A new machine learning-based model predicts individual cardiac surgery patient mortality risk with improved performance over current population-derived models. The model uses electronic health records to provide personalized risk assessments, offering a significant advantage over existing benchmarks.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 17, 2023

Brazilian researchers test technique that can make analysis of male fertility potential more accurate

Researchers at São Paulo State University developed a new technique for analyzing male fertility potential using flow cytometry, which can detect and analyze chemical and physical characteristics of human sperm simultaneously. This technique has the potential to enhance the accuracy of fertility prediction and treatment.

Fossil of mosasaur with bizarre “screwdriver teeth” found in Morocco

A new species of mosasaur, Stelladens mysteriosus, has been discovered in Morocco with star-shaped 'screwdriver teeth'. The unique arrangement suggests a specialised feeding strategy or diet, but the exact prey remains unclear. This find adds to evidence that mosasaurs were evolving rapidly before their extinction 66 million years ago.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalFossil Studies·TypeObservational study·DateMay 17, 2023

Adult friendships can triumph over childhood trauma, even in baboons

A new study of nearly 200 baboons in southern Kenya found that adversity early in life can take years off their lifespan, but strong social bonds with other baboons in adulthood can help get them back. Baboons who formed stronger social connections added 2.2 years to their lives, no matter what they had faced when they were younger.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 17, 2023

How breast cancer arises

Harvard Medical School researchers have identified a molecular sparkplug that ignites cases of estrogen-driven breast cancer. The study suggests that as many as one-third of breast cancer cases may arise through this newly identified mechanism, which shows estrogen directly altering cell DNA and causing genomic rearrangements.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2023

High-res Western drought forecasts could be on horizon

Researchers at NCAR create detailed drought forecasts using statistical methods and machine learning, predicting summer drought conditions in 81-94% of cases. The technique can help manage water resources, prevent wildfires, and inform agricultural decisions.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalWater Resources Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 17, 2023

ChatGPT as ‘Educative Artificial Intelligence’: Highlights from ECNU Review of Education

Researchers propose a four-step process for guiding the use of ChatGPT in education, identifying desired outcomes, determining automation levels, ensuring ethical considerations, and evaluating effectiveness. The study finds that ChatGPT can improve teaching models, assessment systems, and student learning experiences.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalECNU Review of Education·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 17, 2023

BU researchers identify brain marker indicating future suicide risk

Researchers have identified a brain marker that may indicate future suicide risk, suggesting potential new treatments and prevention strategies. The study found differences in brain connections among veterans with a history of suicide attempts compared to those without, which could help identify individuals at risk.

SourceBoston University·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 17, 2023

Sustainable agriculture is building peace in Colombia

Researchers found that farmers implementing sustainable land use systems like cocoa agroforestry contribute to reducing conflicts over land. In a survey of farmer households, participants felt that agroforestry systems increased spaces for community dialogue and decreased disputes over access to natural resources.

Curved spacetime in a quantum simulator

Researchers have developed a quantum simulator to study curved spacetime, demonstrating phenomena such as gravitational lensing effects in atomic clouds. This new tool provides a deeper understanding of the connection between relativity and quantum theory.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2023

Researchers identify potential new strategy to prevent side effects from immunotherapy

Researchers at UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have found a potential therapeutic target, IL-21, to reduce endocrine autoimmune side effects from checkpoint immunotherapy. A specific group of immune cells play a central role in this autoimmune attack and blocking IL-21 prevents thyroid autoimmunity.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 17, 2023

NIR spectroscopy provides easy, cost-effective method for food allergen testing

Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a new method using NIR spectroscopy to detect three types of allergens in quinoa flour. The method is non-destructive, non-invasive, and highly accurate, providing real-time results that can be performed with minimal training.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Food Composition and Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2023

The magnetoelectric coupling effect in molecular-based materials is realized for the first time by using the electron transfer from organic free radicals to metal ions

The study reports a positive magnetodielectric effect of up to 12% in the compound, with significant increase in electric polarization under magnetic field. Spin-polarized computational calculations reveal that the effect is mainly derived from spin-orbit coupling between Fe II and Cl2 An– under the magnetic field.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMay 17, 2023

Coronary bioresorbable scaffolds nearly as safe and effective as conventional metal stents for heart disease patients

A global clinical trial found that bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) are nearly as safe and effective as conventional metal stents in treating coronary artery disease. The study, led by a researcher from the Mount Sinai Hospital, showed improved outcomes for patients when properly implanted.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 17, 2023

“Moe” than just advertisement: Reflections on the use of anime characters for tourism promotion

A recent study by Doshisha University found that anime 'moe' characters used in tourism promotion can perpetuate a male gaze, reducing local history to simplistic narratives. This practice also promotes heteronormative notions of masculinity and alienates audiences who reject moe ideals.

SourceDoshisha University·JournalInternational Journal of Cultural Studies·TypeContent analysis·DateMay 17, 2023

Prostate cancer ‘test by request’ policies drive overdiagnosis and inequity with minimal benefit, argue experts

Experts warn that shared decision-making policies for prostate cancer testing lead to high rates of unnecessary testing and harm, particularly in older men and those from disadvantaged areas. A comprehensive risk-based approach or restricting testing to symptomatic cases could reduce overdiagnosis and overtreatment.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 17, 2023

A new understanding of human origins in Africa

A recent study published in Nature challenges traditional views on human origins in Africa, proposing that modern humans emerged from the interaction of multiple populations across the continent. By analyzing genomic data from diverse African groups, researchers found evidence of gene flow and mixing over hundreds of thousands of years.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 17, 2023

Evidence of ‘pandemic brain’ in college students

A study by Ohio State University researchers found that college students were less consistent in their decision making during the 2020 fall semester compared to previous years. Students were more likely to cycle between relying on gut instincts and thoroughly evaluating information depending on how scenarios were described.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of American College Health·DateMay 17, 2023

Liver cells control our biological clock

Researchers from CNRS discover that liver cells control the biological clock in mammals, synchronizing peripheral clocks. This finding suggests a connection between liver health and overall metabolism, with potential implications for metabolic disease and sleep disorders.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2023

Tick tock – the liver controls the circadian clock

Research reveals liver cells play a crucial role in regulating the body's internal circadian clock, influencing sleep patterns, hormone secretion, and metabolism. Studies on mice with humanized livers show that altered liver function can disrupt circadian rhythms, highlighting potential new treatments for metabolic diseases.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2023

Siblings can "pave the way" when they have a similar "Big Five" personality - with introverted siblings being more likely to leave home once their similarly introverted brother or sister has done so

A study found that siblings who share similar 'Big Five' personality traits are more likely to leave home together. Introverted siblings were particularly likely to follow in the footsteps of their similarly introverted sibling, highlighting the role of personality similarity in this transition.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 17, 2023

New study highlights dangers of cumulative exposure to cardiovascular risks and need for earlier primary prevention strategies

Researchers developed a new tool to predict heart disease risk in those over 40 based on their total exposure to heart disease risk factors. The study found that black patients have a 46% greater risk of developing heart disease compared to white patients.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 17, 2023

Understanding how to best transform speech into tactile vibrations could benefit hearing-impaired people

Scientists at Georgetown University Medical Center successfully transformed spoken words into patterns of vibration that activated the brain's auditory speech recognition system. The study opens doors to novel sensory substitution devices replacing lost sensory function, aiming for effortless and natural perception.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalJNeurosci·TypeObservational study·DateMay 17, 2023

Treatment naïve transgender youth exhibit unhealthy lifestyle behaviours that may have gender-specific effects on body weight

A study of treatment-naïve transgender youth found that nearly two-thirds reported eating an unhealthy diet, over three-quarters did not engage in physical activity, and half did not get enough sleep. The research highlights the need for individualized medical and nutrition interventions to protect their long-term metabolic and cardiov...

Researchers identify 10 pesticides toxic to neurons involved in Parkinson’s

Researchers at UCLA and Harvard have identified 10 pesticides toxic to dopaminergic neurons, which play a key role in voluntary movement. The study used California's pesticide use database and found that co-exposure of certain pesticides increased toxicity, with combinations involving herbicides like trifluralin producing the most harm.

‘Potentially volcano-covered’ Earth-size planet found orbiting star first described by KU astronomer

Astronomers have discovered an Earth-sized exoplanet, LP 791-18 d, which orbits a small red dwarf star in the constellation Crater. The planet may experience volcanic flare-ups as frequently as Jupiter's moon Io, potentially making it habitable for life. However, more research is needed to confirm its atmosphere, water content, and hab...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalNature·DateMay 17, 2023

Australian nanomedicine research a ‘milestone’ in the treatment of childhood cancer

Researchers at Children's Cancer Institute Australia have developed a targeted drug delivery system that can selectively target leukaemia cells, reducing toxicity and improving treatment success. The approach has shown promising results in laboratory tests and living models of the disease, with potential applications for other types of...

SourceChildren's Cancer Institute Australia·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 17, 2023

NIH-funded study highlights the financial toll of health disparities in the United States

The study found that racial and ethnic health disparities cost the U.S. economy $451 billion in 2018, with education-related health disparities reaching $978 billion. The economic burden of health inequities is significant, but could be reduced by addressing structural contributors like racism and socioeconomic inequalities.

Fauna return rapidly in planted eelgrass meadows

Researchers from the University of Gothenburg found that replanted eelgrass meadows can restore biodiversity rapidly, with up to 80% of invertebrates returning after just three months. The study's findings suggest smaller plot sizes can be used, saving money on restoration efforts while maintaining ecosystem health.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalRestoration Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2023

Did hormonal birth control make you depressed? If so, you may be at higher risk of postpartum depression

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen found a potential link between hormonal birth control and an increased risk of postpartum depression. The study suggests that women who experienced depression related to hormonal changes before pregnancy may be more susceptible to postpartum depression.

Lesbian, bisexual women more likely to have worse heart health than heterosexual women

A new study found that lesbian and bisexual women are less likely to have ideal cardiovascular health scores compared to heterosexual women. In contrast, gay and bisexual men were more likely to have ideal cardiovascular health scores. The study highlights the need for prevention strategies among sexual minority adults in France.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMay 17, 2023

Scales or feathers? It all comes down to a few genes

Scientists have found that modifying the expression of specific genes can trigger the formation of feathers in chicken embryos, replacing scales. This study has significant implications for understanding how animals evolve and diversify, and could lead to new insights into similar processes in other species.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience Advances·TypeNews article·DateMay 17, 2023

Research spotlight: a conversational artificial intelligence program can generate credible medical information in response to common patient questions

A study found that a conversational artificial intelligence program can generate easy-to-understand, scientifically adequate answers to common patient questions about colonoscopy. The program outperformed human ratings in terms of scientific adequacy and satisfaction with the answers.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalGastroenterology·DateMay 17, 2023

Morning lark or night owl: Baylor researchers highlight the influence of behavior on the circadian preferences of college students

A new study from Baylor University's Sleep Neuroscience and Cognition Laboratory reveals that chronotypes can fluctuate across a semester, with evening-type students showing worse sleep quality and duration. Engaging in healthier daytime behaviors can lead to better sleep, improving daytime life and academic success.

SourceBaylor University·JournalChronobiology International·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 17, 2023

Cash or card? Consumers pay strategically to forget guilty purchases, study shows

A new study by the University of Notre Dame found that consumers tend to use cash for purchases they consider guilty or difficult to justify, while using cards for easier-to-justify transactions. This strategy helps consumers forget about undesirable purchases and track their spending more easily.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2023

Radio signal reveals supernova origin

Astronomers from Stockholm University detected the first radio emission of a Type Ia supernova, providing evidence for helium-rich circumstellar material. The discovery sheds light on the origins of these explosions and their role in measuring the expansion of the Universe.

SourceStockholm University·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateMay 17, 2023

What’s a park worth to the economy?

Researchers developed a framework to estimate economic benefits of urban parks, finding improved mental health and air quality lead to significant cost savings. The Quaker Foods City Square park in Peterborough, Ontario, yielded estimated annual benefits of over $4 million, justifying financial investment.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMay 17, 2023

Psychopathic traits behind the rise and fall of Madoff

A study by Anglia Ruskin University found that Madoff's business dealings, trial, and prison time revealed a high score on psychopathy scales. The research warns companies to identify and prevent corporate psychopaths who can bring down organizations and economies through recklessness and greed.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalInternational Journal of Market Research·TypeObservational study·DateMay 17, 2023