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Science News for May 25, 2023


Intravenous plus periarticular corticosteroids improve rehabilitation measures after knee replacement

A combination of intravenous and periarticular corticosteroids improves rehabilitation measures after knee replacement, but not pain relief. The study found that patients who received both IV and PA corticosteroids had better knee movement and walking distances compared to those who received either medication alone.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateMay 25, 2023

Iron-rich rocks unlock new insights into Earth’s planetary history

New research from Rice University suggests that ancient microorganisms helped cause massive volcanic events by facilitating the precipitation of minerals in banded iron formations. The study provides insight into processes that could produce habitable exoplanets and reframes scientists' understanding of Earth's early history.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 25, 2023

Internal job candidates have a leg up

A new study from the University of Texas at Austin found that internal job candidates are more likely to be promoted, even if they're less qualified than external candidates. The research showed that managers prefer to reward past effort and perceive it as a 'gift' that should be reciprocated.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Accounting Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2023

Robots and Rights: Confucianism Offers Alternative

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University argue against granting rights to robots, instead suggesting a Confucian approach of assigning roles to promote teamwork and harmony. This alternative perspective recognizes the moral status of robots as entities capable of participating in rites and contributing to society.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalCommunications of the ACM·DateMay 25, 2023

The Roman Empire smelled of patchouli

Researchers at the University of Córdoba have identified the composition of a Roman perfume over 2,000 years old, with patchouli being the primary scent. The perfume was found in a vessel made of quartz and sealed with dolomite and bitumen, allowing for its preservation.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalHeritage·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 25, 2023

Why high school kids are saying no to alcohol

A study found that high school students' attitudes towards drinking have shifted over the past 20 years, with a decrease in youth drinking attributed to changes in social media and spending time online. Today's teens view not drinking as more socially acceptable than it used to be.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalDrug and Alcohol Review·TypeSurvey·DateMay 25, 2023

Energy industry apps to improve accuracy and efficiency

University of Houston researchers have created digital applications to enhance energy efficiency, including calculators for hydrocarbon MMP, carbon dioxide MMP, and viscosity. These tools offer significantly higher accuracy than current methods, helping engineers save time and resources.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalGeoenergy Science and Engineering·TypeNews article·DateMay 25, 2023

Quotas alone will not solve the problem

A new study by the Complexity Science Hub recommends aligning quotas with an inclusive culture to improve women's representation in science. The research finds that even extreme quotas are not sufficient to increase minorities' visibility in top ranks, highlighting the need for behavioral interventions and regulation to overcome biases.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalCommunications Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 25, 2023

CU researchers weave deeper understanding of diverse ancestry and gene expression

A new study published in Nature Genetics examines the relationship between gene expression and ancestry, revealing ancestry-specific patterns of genetic architecture. The research analyzed whole genome and RNA sequencing data from African American and Hispanic/Latino children, exploring ancestry-related differences in gene expression.

Microscopic syringes for stressed out strep

Bacteria have found a way to survive stressful environments by producing microscopic syringes called Streptomyces phage tail-like particles (SLPs) that are located inside the cell. These SLPs interact with cellular systems involved in cell wall synthesis and protein translation, providing resistance against osmotic stress.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalmSphere·DateMay 25, 2023

International pandemic governance need not prioritize compliance and sanctions

Expert authors suggest a holistic approach to understanding compliance, considering legal and institutional aspects to generate trust among member states. They argue against one-size-fits-all solutions and formal sanctioning power, proposing a more nuanced approach to ensure effective pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.

How an ocean-fertilising bacterium forms aggregates

Researchers discovered that Trichodesmium filaments form aggregates through a simple behavioural strategy, controlling density and light penetration. This mechanism enables the formation of visible aggregates with unique shapes, providing essential nutrients for other marine organisms.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateMay 25, 2023

LSU Health New Orleans study finds diet contributes to risk of HPV-related cancer

A new study published by LSU Health New Orleans found that a diet high in fruits, dark-green vegetables, and beans can significantly lower the risk of genital high-risk-HPV infection, which is associated with cervical cancer. The research also showed that women who eat healthily tend to practice other healthy behaviors.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 25, 2023

Targeting telomeres might be an effective therapeutic strategy against lung cancer, according to a CNIO study

Researchers have studied targeting telomeres as a potential therapeutic strategy for non-small cell lung cancer. Telomere dysfunction and telomerase deficiency slowed tumor progression, increasing vulnerability to DNA damage and immune system response.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalCell Death and Differentiation·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2023

Groundbreaking images of root chemicals offer new insights on plant growth

Researchers at UC San Diego and Stanford University have developed a roadmap of root chemicals that are critical to plant growth, providing new insights into plant development. The study reveals that key small molecules are clustered in patches across the root, suggesting a purposeful distribution for optimal growth.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2023

Quantum scientists accurately measure power levels one trillion times lower than usual

Researchers at Aalto University create a new bolometer that can accurately measure microwave power down to the femtowatt level at ultra-low temperatures. This breakthrough device has the potential to significantly advance quantum computing and technology, enabling more precise control over qubits and improving overall performance.

SourceAalto University·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateMay 25, 2023

Helium nuclei research advances our understanding of cosmic ray origin and propagation

The CALET team, including researchers from Waseda University, found that cosmic ray helium particles follow a Double Broken Power Law, indicating spectral hardening and softening in high-energy ranges. This deviation from expected power-law distribution suggests unique sources or mechanisms accelerating and propagating helium nuclei.

SourceWaseda University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeObservational study·DateMay 25, 2023

Twisting under the stroboscope – Controlling crystal lattices of hybrid solar cell materials with terahertz light

Scientists have developed a way to control the microscopic origin of high-efficiency solar cells by applying a sudden electric field spike in the form of terahertz radiation. This precise control over atomic twist motions may contribute to dynamic protection mechanisms and novel non-equilibrium material properties.

Beetles in a bottle: a message from aliens to schools

A citizen science project in Italy involved 500 Italian students in trapping and identifying ambrosia beetles, resulting in new geographical records for two quarantine pest species. The students gained a greater understanding of the negative effects of invasive alien species and increased awareness of biological invasions.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalNeoBiota·DateMay 25, 2023

Identifying the gut bacteria that threaten neonatal babies

A recent study has identified the specific gut bacteria that pose a threat to neonatal babies, particularly those with necrotising enterocolitis. Researchers analyzed genomic similarities in Clostridium perfringens and found a set of strains with lower disease-causing capacity, lacking genes responsible for toxin production.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 25, 2023

Combining data types refines grasp of French Canadian ancestry in Quebec, revealing how local topographies influenced relatedness, and more

Researchers analyzed a comprehensive dataset from Catholic parish records and genotype data to reveal how local topographies influenced French Canadian relatedness. They found that geographic features, particularly river networks, shaped Quebec's population structure and contributed significantly to the French Canadian gene pool.

The metaverse can lead to better science

The metaverse has the potential to make scientists more effective by removing barriers, improving teaching and learning, and enabling new experimental environments. Researchers must also plan well and avoid potential pitfalls, such as ownership and privacy issues.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 25, 2023

UNDER EMBARGO: Mount Sinai researchers identify potential new treatment for those who act out their dreams while sleeping

Researchers have identified a novel model and therapy to mitigate the development of REM sleep behavior disorder, which affects over 3 million Americans. Dual orexin receptor antagonists have been shown to significantly reduce dream enactment behaviors, providing a promising new treatment option.

Certain cancers will likely rise exponentially due to COVID-19 screening delays

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons predicts a significant increase in cancer cases due to COVID-19 screening delays, with lung, breast, and colorectal cancers most affected. The study found that missed diagnoses during the pandemic may lead to delays in treatment and upstaging of disease.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMay 25, 2023

Social stress, problem-solving deficits contribute to suicide risk for teen girls

A study published by the American Psychological Association found that teen girls who experience greater interpersonal stress and have difficulty solving interpersonal problems are at a higher risk of suicidal behavior. The research suggests that problem-solving deficits under distress may contribute to this link.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science·DateMay 25, 2023

Motorically skilled children succeed at the beginning of the school path

Children with superior motor skills outperform peers in reading and mathematics by the end of third grade. Early diverse movement supports motor development, but physical activity doesn't predict academic or motor skill success. Dr. Eero Haapala's study highlights the importance of motor skills as an academic booster.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateMay 25, 2023

Unsupervised learning-based full-color biological imaging through optical fiber

Researchers have developed an unsupervised learning-based optical fiber imaging system that can recover high-fidelity images from degraded or scrambled speckle patterns without paired labeling. The system, named Restore-CycleGAN-GALOF, achieves nearly artifact-free and robust full-color image transport through a meter-long optical fibe...

Researchers at the Faculty of Physics of the University of Warsaw have created a new, highly efficient converter of quantum information carriers

A new technique developed by researchers at the University of Warsaw's Faculty of Physics allows for up to a 200-fold change in pulse duration with an efficiency of 25 percent. This enables quantum Internet links to operate up to 50 times faster, contributing to the development of superfast quantum connections.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalNature Photonics·DateMay 25, 2023

Weevils, long-nosed beetles, are unsung heroes of pollination

New research reveals that over 300 weevil species have intertwined relationships with specific plants, pollinating and relying on them for food and breeding sites. This unique interaction highlights the importance of weevils as unsung heroes in maintaining ecosystems and products like peanut butter and Nutella.

SourceField Museum·JournalPeer Community In Ecology·DateMay 25, 2023

The brain’s protein-destruction machine learns new tricks at synapses, revealing a potential target for treating neurological disorders

Researchers find that free 19S particles, separate from the proteasome complex, regulate synaptic proteins and adapt to new functions in response to changing circumstances. This discovery provides a new target for treating neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease and dementia.

SourceAarhus University·JournalScience·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 25, 2023

Induction of a torpor-like state with ultrasound

A multidisciplinary team led by Hong Chen successfully induced a torpor-like state in mice using ultrasound, which also worked on rats. The researchers found that stimulating the hypothalamus preoptic area with ultrasound activated neurons and induced changes in body temperature and metabolism, allowing for the preservation of energy.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2023

Development of a definition of Long COVID

Researchers identified 37 symptoms across multiple pathophysiological domains that are more common in SARS-CoV-2 infected participants at six months post-infection. A preliminary rule for identifying postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (Long COVID) was derived from a composite symptom score and requires further refinement.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMay 25, 2023

Alzheimer’s drug development pipeline: promising therapies, pharma investment drive momentum in clinical trials

The Alzheimer's disease development pipeline has seen an increase in promising therapies and pharma investment, driving momentum in clinical trials. The pipeline currently has 187 clinical trials, with recent FDA approvals for two disease-modifying therapies, and more on the way.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia Translational Research & Clinical Interventions·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 25, 2023

Study investigates how the severity of effects of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in England was affected by the mass vaccination campaign and emergence of Alpha, Delta and Omicron variants between May 2020 and March 2022

Researchers analyzed hospitalization and fatality rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection in England between May 2020 and March 2022. The study found that the mass vaccination campaign significantly reduced severe effects of the virus, with notable improvements after the emergence of Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 25, 2023

Enhancing patient care by improving electronic health records: Plan outlines 3 'essential' steps

The University of Virginia Health System has developed a plan to improve the use of electronic health records, reduce clinician workload, and enhance patient care. The plan outlines three 'essential' steps for improving electronic health reforms, including implementing unique personal safety identifiers to streamline operations.

New framework for super-resolution ultrasound

Researchers at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology have developed a new framework for super-resolution ultrasound using deep learning, reducing processing speeds from minutes to seconds. The new technology enables real-time blood flow visualization, overcoming challenges faced by conventional methods.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 25, 2023

Microneedling plus cupping may aid skin rejuvenation

A combination of microneedling and cupping therapies has been found to significantly improve skin thickness and increase collagen levels in a study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. The experimental study examined the effects of adding cupping therapy to microneedling on skin regeneration and scar healing.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open·DateMay 25, 2023

The search for habitable planets expands

A new study suggests expanding the search for habitable planets to consider the space between a star and the soot line in planet-forming disks, which could lead to discovering worlds with rich organic carbon and poor water content. This new model proposes that such planets may have more carbon than Earth and potentially harbor life.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 25, 2023

Sudden infant death syndrome may have biologic cause

Researchers found altered serotonin 2A/C receptor binding in brain stems of infants who died from SIDS, suggesting a biological basis for the condition. The study suggests that specific combinations of genetic vulnerability, external stressors, and critical developmental periods may contribute to SIDS.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJournal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2023

UMD study finds brain connectivity, memory improves in older adults after walking

A University of Maryland study found that walking strengthened brain connectivity and improved memory in older adults with normal brain function and those diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. The research adds to the growing evidence that exercise slows cognitive decline and may delay Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalJournal of Alzheimer s Disease Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2023

Arctic ground squirrels changing hibernation patterns

Researchers found that female arctic ground squirrels are emerging from hibernation earlier every year due to warmer temperatures, potentially leading to healthier litters and higher survival rates. This change is accompanied by differences in male hibernation patterns, which may have negative consequences for the food web.

SourceColorado State University·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateMay 25, 2023

Reconstructing brain connectivity using 3D images

A team of scientists has developed an automated algorithm to reconstruct the shape of each neuron inside a light microscopy image using deep learning. This breakthrough addresses the challenge of generalizing algorithms across diverse species, brain locations, developmental stages, and microscopy image sets.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature Methods·DateMay 25, 2023