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Science News for November 27, 2023


The jigglings and wigglings of atoms reveal key aspects of COVID-19 virulence evolution

A groundbreaking study analyzed the behavior of atoms in COVID-19 proteins to understand its evolution and spread. The research found critical distinctions in mechanical stability among various virus strains, highlighting how these differences contribute to the virus's aggressiveness.

SourceAuburn University Department of Physics·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 27, 2023

Secrecy at Canada's pest management agency must end

Health experts argue that Health Canada's secrecy on pesticide data hinders constructive public debates and allows the agrochemical industry to influence policy. The Canadian Medical Association Journal calls for transparency in data about pesticides, citing a need to address potential health risks and ensure safe use of these products.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 27, 2023

Revolutionary idea by Lithuanian scientists: recycling cigarette waste to produce green fuel

Researchers at Kaunas University of Technology develop method to treat cigarette butts using pyrolysis, producing oil, char, and gas with real applications in fertilizers, wastewater treatment, energy storage, and biofuels. The process reduces biodiesel production costs by adding triacetin-rich oil as an additive.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalJournal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 27, 2023

Three new articles in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis demonstrate the potential of natural compounds to treat gastrointestinal disorders

Researchers found that 1,8-cineole inhibits inflammatory pathways in the gut, while ginsenoside Rk2 alleviates liver inflammation and restores intestinal barrier function. Another compound, specnuezhenide, modifies gut microbiota and has potential to inhibit colorectal tumor growth.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 27, 2023

Doctors whose psychological needs are met is associated with greater well-being in the new digital era

A Canadian study examines how rapid shift to virtual care during COVID-19 pandemic impacts primary care doctors' well-being. The researchers found that basic psychological need satisfaction at work was associated with higher well-being, while controlled motivation towards using virtual care predicted lower well-being.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateNov 27, 2023

Innovative design achieves tenfold better resolution for functional MRI brain imaging

The ultra-high resolution NexGen 7T scanner allows neuroscientists to see functional MRI features 0.4 millimeters across, enabling the study of brain circuitry underlying different diseases with higher spatial resolution. This will help track signals propagating through the brain and reveal underlying causes of developmental disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Methods·DateNov 27, 2023

SMART researchers pave the way for faster and safer T-cell therapy through novel contamination-detection method

A novel contamination-detection method enables faster and safer T-cell therapy production, reducing the risk for patients and speeding up treatment. The method uses cutting-edge technology to identify harmful microorganisms within 24 hours.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 27, 2023

Wind and solar projects can profit from bitcoin mining

A new study finds that wind and solar projects can generate millions of dollars by leveraging bitcoin mining during the precommercial phase. The research suggests strategic placement of mining farms to maximize productivity, with Texas emerging as a top state for profitability. The authors recommend policy incentives to encourage envir...

SourceCornell University·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateNov 27, 2023

No IKAROS, no antibodies

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology and Massachusetts General Hospital mapped the genome to understand how IKAROS controls healthy B cell development. They found that IKAROS solves a big problem in B cell development by bringing together far-away genes through looping, leading to proper expression and antibody production.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 27, 2023

Survey finds patients’ coping styles changed during COVID-19 and that stable coping styles can reduce anxiety and depression

Researchers assessed Veterans Affairs participants' coping strategies over three timepoints, finding that stable coping styles are associated with lower levels of anxiety and depression. The majority of the sample (71%) changed their coping style at least once during the study period.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateNov 27, 2023

Seeing cancer’s spread through a computational window

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new computational model called Adaptive Physics Refinement (APR) that can simulate the movement of individual cancer cells across long distances within the entire human body. This approach captures detailed cellular interactions and their effects on cellular trajectory, providing valuable...

SourceDuke University·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 27, 2023

Molecular cooperation at the threshold of life

Amyloids have been found to selectively bind with codon-sized RNA, a crucial step in the emergence of life. These interactions may represent a universal genetic code that unites all living beings, increasing stability and order in an otherwise dilute system.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 27, 2023

Aston University research shows extra tuition on blending letter sounds helps struggling readers

New research at Aston University found that extra practice in blending printed letter sounds can significantly help struggling beginner readers. The study, led by Dr Laura Shapiro, showed that training on both sounding out letters and blending sounds is most beneficial for phonological awareness.

SourceAston University·JournalBritish Journal of Educational Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 27, 2023

Mount Sinai researchers find testosterone hormone therapy for transmasculine individuals is safer than previously thought

Mount Sinai researchers have found that testosterone treatment is safer than previously reported, with a smaller degree of change in hematocrit levels. The study, involving over 6,670 transmasculine patients, suggests that providers can feel more comfortable prescribing testosterone as part of gender-affirming hormone therapy.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism·DateNov 27, 2023

Measuring long-term heart stress dynamics with smartwatch data

Biomedical engineers at Duke University created a new 'digital twins' framework using smartwatch data to capture personalized arterial forces over 700,000 heartbeats. This approach reduces the computational load by simulating tasks in parallel, enabling real-time tracking of cardiovascular disease progression and risk assessment.

SourceDuke University·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 27, 2023

Knowledge translation materials can promote discussions between Asian men with diabetes and their physicians about erectile dysfunction

Researchers found that using doctor- and patient-oriented materials improved conversations about erectile dysfunction (ED) among Asian men with diabetes. The study suggests that these materials can encourage treatment of ED, particularly in cultures where sex is viewed as taboo.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateNov 27, 2023

Was “witchcraft” in the Devil’s Church in Koli based on acoustic resonance? – The crevice cave has a unique soundscape

Researchers found a unique resonance phenomenon in the crevice cave that amplifies and lengthens sound at a specific frequency, which may have impacted beliefs associated with it. The study suggests that this resonance could be an exceptional sound phenomenon for the people living in the region centuries ago.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalOpen Archaeology·DateNov 27, 2023

Compact accelerator technology achieves major energy milestone

Researchers from The University of Texas at Austin have demonstrated a compact particle accelerator that produces an electron beam with an energy of 10 billion electron volts (10 GeV) in a chamber less than 20 meters long. The breakthrough uses nanoparticles to boost the energy delivered to electrons, enabling new applications in semic...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalMatter and Radiation at Extremes·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 27, 2023

Review article shows key role of Brazil in research on sugarcane for bioenergy

The review highlights Brazil's importance in global sustainability efforts, with the country having twice as many articles on sugarcane as the US. Genetic engineering techniques need improvement to increase ethanol production while minimizing crop expansion. CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing is a promising approach for precise modifications.

Reprogramming tissue mechanically

Researchers at PSI and ETH Zurich successfully transplanted mechanically reprogrammed fibroblasts into a model of old, damaged skin tissue, revealing that the tissue can be rejuvenated and injuries heal faster. The technique uses spatially confined conditions to erase functional errors accumulated by aged cells during the aging process.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalAging Cell·DateNov 27, 2023

Orbital-angular-momentum-encoded diffractive networks for object classification tasks

Researchers developed three diffractive deep neural networks using orbital angular momentum to recognize objects in images, achieving accuracy comparable to wavelength and polarization-based models. The technology has potential for real-time processing applications like image recognition and data-intensive tasks.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateNov 27, 2023

Study: Spike in premature births caused by COVID, halted by vaccines

A new study found that COVID-19 caused a significant spike in premature births, but vaccines played a crucial role in reducing the risk of preterm birth to pre-pandemic levels. The research analyzed California birth records and found that maternal COVID infection increased the risk of preterm births by 1.2 percentage points.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 27, 2023

Wave Devouring Propulsion: a revolutionary green technology for maritime sustainability

Researchers at Cranfield University developed a revolutionary wave devouring propulsion technology, reducing fuel costs and enhancing marine craft propulsion. The innovative system harnesses the power of waves using a vessel's submerged flapping foils, offering a sustainable solution for the shipping industry.

SourceCranfield University·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 27, 2023

New study: One week of night shifts per month does not increase the risk of coronary heart disease

A new study from Aarhus University found no association between working up to seven night shifts per month and the risk of coronary heart disease. The study, which analyzed data from over 250,000 employees, suggests that international studies may have been flawed due to reliance on questionnaires.

SourceAarhus University·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 27, 2023

Study shows price discounts on healthful foods like vegetables and zero-calorie beverages lead to an increase in consumption of these foods

A randomized controlled trial found that significant price discounts on healthful foods like vegetables and zero-calorie beverages lead to increased consumption of these items. The study suggests that subsidies or modifications to the Farm Bill could promote healthier dietary intake behaviors.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 27, 2023

Increasing high-temperature strength of materials through collaborative efforts of AI and materials researchers

A team of researchers used AI to optimize thermal aging schedules for nickel-aluminum alloys, resulting in stronger materials at high temperatures. By analyzing unconventional heat treatment patterns, the team discovered a two-step schedule that outperformed conventional methods.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 27, 2023

Cannabis use in pregnancy may raise infant health risks

A large Kaiser Permanente study found a connection between prenatal cannabis use and increased risk of low birthweight and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. The study analyzed over 360,000 mothers and infants and found a dose-response relationship between cannabis use and infant health risks.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateNov 27, 2023

Recycled phosphorus fertilizer reduces nutrient leaching, maintains yield

Researchers have found that struvite, a recycled phosphorus fertilizer, can reduce nutrient leaching and maintain soybean yields compared to conventional fertilizers. The study showed that struvite can be a full substitute for traditional fertilizers in terms of yield benefits.

Algorithmic recommendation technology or human curation? Study of online news outlet in Germany suggests both

A study conducted at Carnegie Mellon University suggests that combining human curation with automated recommender technology can improve user engagement in online news outlets. The research found that algorithmic recommendations outperformed human-curated choices on average, but the human editor did better under certain conditions.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalManagement Science·DateNov 27, 2023

Non-profit organisations can act as drivers of sustainability for multinational companies

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland highlights the potential for non-profit organisations to promote sustainable practices in multinational businesses. By using a Strategic Confrontation and Collaboration Interaction Model (SCCIM), non-profits can influence stakeholders such as employees, investors, and politicians to ad...

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalNonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly·DateNov 27, 2023

Next generation semiconductors: Diamond device shows highest breakdown voltage

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a diamond semiconductor device with the highest breakdown voltage and lowest leakage current. The device operates at high voltages and currents without losing electrical performance, making it suitable for applications such as solar panels and wind turbines.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalIEEE Electron Device Letters·DateNov 27, 2023

Kids who feel their parents are less reliable take fewer risks vital to learning and growth

A study found that children with unpredictable parental support tend to avoid exploratory risks, even in games designed to encourage them. This self-imposed limit on risk is not related to stress or anxiety levels, but rather a brain response to uncertainty, where familiar options are preferred over potentially uncertain outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 27, 2023

New study: Immersive engagement in mixed reality can be measured with reaction time

Researchers at University of Massachusetts Amherst have developed a system to measure presence in mixed reality using reaction time. The findings suggest that slow reaction times indicate low presence and high reaction times indicate high presence with 80% predictive accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalIEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 27, 2023

Future floods: Global warming intensifies heavy rain – even more than expected

A recent study published in the Journal of Climate confirms that global warming is increasing the intensity and frequency of heavy rainfall extremes exponentially. The study's findings suggest that extreme rainfall will be heavier and more frequent, impacting social welfare, economies, and social stability.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalJournal of Climate·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 27, 2023

Unlocking long-term genetic memory: Dormant bacterial spores offer key insights into evolutionary survival strategies

Researchers discover a central chromosomal domain that enables dormant spores to revive and activate essential genes, shedding light on bacterial survival in harsh conditions. The study's findings have broader implications for sustaining long-term transcriptional programs across diverse organisms.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 27, 2023

Oral delivery a possibility for silica-based C’Dots

Researchers at Cornell University have found that silica-based C’Dots can be taken up by the bloodstream after oral administration, making them a potential therapeutic delivery method. The particles' ability to induce ferroptosis, a cell death program, may also provide health benefits due to their natural presence in food.

SourceCornell University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 27, 2023

The University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University collaboration finds semaglutide treatment is associated with remarkable reductions in Alcohol Use Disorder symptoms

A case series published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry reveals semaglutide's potential therapeutic applications in managing Alcohol Use Disorder, demonstrating significant reductions in AUDIT scores. Further research is needed to validate these findings through larger clinical trials.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateNov 27, 2023

Unlocking the genetic mysteries: DNA methylation of gene silencers sheds light on disease variation

Researchers uncover intricate interplay between enhancers and silencers influenced by DNA methylation, providing crucial insights into dynamic gene control. High-resolution mapping reveals how genes are controlled and modified, paving the way for precision medicine tailored to individual patients.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalGenome Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 27, 2023

A novel quantification method for ribonucleotides, which are needed in almost all cellular processes

Researchers have developed a novel method to quantify all 12 ribonucleotides from small tissue and cell samples, enabling easy measurement without specialized equipment. This breakthrough has significant implications for basic research in biology and medicine, particularly in understanding mitochondrial diseases and cancer.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateNov 27, 2023

European parrots have dialects

Researchers found that monk parakeets in Europe have unique vocal patterns in each city, varying in frequency modulation structure. However, within parks in the same city, there were no significant differences in calls, suggesting dialects developed early and remained stable over time.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalBehavioral Ecology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 27, 2023

Spanish scientists discover a promising therapeutic target for cardiac arrhythmias

Researchers at the CNIC in Madrid have discovered a connection between stress kinases and the development of ventricular fibrillation. The study found that activation of these enzymes alters the electrical properties of cardiomyocytes, triggering arrhythmias.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 27, 2023

Practice facilitation programs can help primary care clinics adopt best practices for providing COVID-19 vaccinations

Researchers developed a practice facilitation program to support family physicians in identifying unvaccinated patients and addressing vaccine hesitancy. The intervention provided resources such as scripts and medical student volunteers to work as physician-delegates, resulting in improved vaccination rates.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateNov 27, 2023

Green Climate Fund fails to strengthen private sector engagement

The Green Climate Fund has struggled to mobilize financial resources from the private sector, with only a small share of its $40 billion budget coming from private sources. A new study suggests that this is due to perceptions of unprofitable investments and lack of attractive business models, particularly in climate adaptation.

SourceResearch Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam·JournalClimate Policy·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 27, 2023

Why does puberty trigger us to stop growing?

New research from University of Illinois Chicago identifies a potential 'stop growing' switch triggered by steroid hormone ecdysone in fruit flies, which may relate to human puberty. The study's findings have implications for understanding the growth-stopping process in humans, particularly given recent changes in puberty onset.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 27, 2023

New research sheds light on enhanced performance of thin-film VCSELs on composite metal substrate

Researchers led by Prof. Ray-Hua Horng published a groundbreaking study on the performance of thin-film vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) on composite metal substrate, introducing innovative methods to enhance thermal management. The breakthrough technique brings substantial improvements in device characteristics and pot...

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Optoelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 27, 2023

Aussie teens are not actually selfie-obsessed

Researchers from RMIT University found that Australians aged 20 to 40 years old take more selfies than teenagers and older Australians. Older participants used their smartphones for functional purposes like capturing information at work, whereas teenage participants preferred taking photos during exciting events or with friends.

SourceRMIT University·JournalJournal of Visual Literacy·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 27, 2023

Fish IgM structure sheds light on antibody evolution, study finds

Researchers analyzed fish IgM to understand its structure and how it differs from human antibodies. They discovered a unique folding mechanism that allows the antibody to assemble without a joining chain, enabling it to bind antigens and interact with its environment.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 27, 2023

Gig workers saw greater financial hardship during COVID-19 compared to other workers

A recent study published in Work and Occupations found that gig workers experienced higher rates of food insecurity, skipped housing payments, and unpaid credit card bills during the COVID-19 pandemic. Economic hardships were more pronounced for those with children, less savings, or working multiple gig jobs.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Greensboro·JournalWork and Occupations·TypeObservational study·DateNov 27, 2023

International group of research experts establish checklist detailing key consensus reporting items for primary care studies

A new checklist, Consensus Reporting Items for Studies in Primary Care (CRISP), outlines key reporting items for primary care studies. The CRISP Checklist describes aspects of research, including teams, patients, and study implementation, to improve primary care research reporting worldwide.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateNov 27, 2023

Dutch researchers explore patient profiles of those who choose to stop eating and drinking to hasten death

Researchers from the Amsterdam University Medical Centre conducted a study on patients who choose to voluntarily stop eating and drinking (VSED) to hasten death. They identified three distinct groups: older patients seeking control over their lives, care-dependent patients with poor quality of life, and younger psychiatric patients. Th...

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateNov 27, 2023

New method verifies carbon capture in concrete

Researchers develop a method to verify whether carbon in concrete comes from air or raw materials. By analyzing carbon isotopes, they can confirm direct air capture and certify offsetting CO2 emissions. This technology is crucial for the construction industry and supports a circular economy.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalJournal of Advanced Concrete Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 27, 2023

Almost two-thirds of residents in US family medicine programs are training in states that have abortion restrictions

A study found that nearly one-third of US family medicine residents are training in states with abortion restrictions, highlighting the impact on reproductive health care. The analysis suggests that increased support for comprehensive reproductive health education is needed to mitigate this effect.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateNov 27, 2023

A novel lightweight wearable device to perform balance exercises at home

Researchers developed a lightweight wearable balance exercise device to improve reactive postural control in older adults, reducing the risk of falls. The device uses pneumatic artificial muscles to generate unexpected perturbations, resulting in improved peak displacement and velocity.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalIEEE Journal of Translational Engineering in Health and Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 27, 2023

Contact lenses developed by Khalifa University team respond to UV and temperature changes

Researchers at Khalifa University have developed state-of-the-art contact lenses that respond to both UV light and temperature changes. These smart lenses, incorporating photochromic and thermochromic powders, can block up to 45% of UV radiation and filter out blue light.

Exceptional embryonic dinosaur eggs from the Early Jurassic of China indicate leathery egg origin of the earliest dinosaur

A new Early Jurassic sauropodomorph dinosaur, Qianlong, contains three skeletons and five egg clutches, displaying leathery eggshell microstructures similar to other Cretaceous dinosaur eggs. The study suggests that the first dinosaur eggs were leathery, contradicting previous theories of soft or hard-shelled eggs.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateNov 27, 2023

Chapman University researcher, Dr. Rachita Sumbria, plays a key role in groundbreaking study on brain hemorrhages

A recent study published in Journal of Neuroinflammation has uncovered a new contributor to the formation of brain hemorrhages, highlighting increased interactions between aged red blood cells and brain capillaries. The research offers potential avenues for innovative approaches to treatment and prevention.

SourceChapman University·JournalJournal of Neuroinflammation·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 27, 2023