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Science News for October 10, 2023


Monitoring African copper and cobalt mining emissions from space

Researchers at NCAR use satellite monitoring to quantify air quality impacts of increased copper and cobalt mining in Africa's Copperbelt. The study provides valuable information on the impact of mining operations on local air quality, enabling remote monitoring of increases and decreases in mining activities.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateOct 10, 2023

HKUST-led research unveils early predictors of glioma evolution by CELLO2, a self-constructed machine-learning model

A research team led by HKUST developed an AI-powered model to predict glioma patients' prognosis and identify early predictors of tumor evolution under therapy. The model, CELLO2, uses genomic and transcriptomic data from 544 glioma patients to accurately predict treatment-induced hypermutation and grade progression.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 10, 2023

Lundquist Investigator Dr. Loren Miller is the lead author of the “universal decolonization” study published in the New England Journal of Medicine

Researchers found that using chlorhexidine bathing routine and an over-the-counter antiseptic to clean the nose can significantly reduce serious infections and antibiotic-resistant organisms in nursing homes. The study involved nearly 14,000 residents at 28 California nursing homes and showed a substantial reduction in hospital transfe...

SourceThe Lundquist Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 10, 2023

B cell response after influenza vaccine in young and older adults

Researchers found a quantitative difference in B cell response following vaccination between young and older adults, with younger adults mounting a stronger clonal response and older adults having more activated B cells. This study provides insights into the age-related differences in B cell vaccine response and may lead to the develop...

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study·DateOct 10, 2023

A single parameter to describe animal locomotion

Researchers develop a phase shift parameter to describe animal locomotion, combining forces of inertia, gravity, elasticity and viscosity into one dimensionless number. This new parameter predicts muscle activation patterns in a wide range of animals during locomotion.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateOct 10, 2023

Genes may be responsible for third of complex regional pain syndrome cases

Researchers found that genetic variations in four genes were more common in people with CRPS than those with chronic back pain. However, men were more likely to have these genetic variants but less likely to develop the condition. This suggests that sex-specific mechanisms may be at play, which could influence treatment responses.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Medical Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateOct 10, 2023

Focus on perovskite emitters in blue light-emitting diodes

Recent studies have made progress in developing blue PeLED devices, with techniques including compositional engineering, dimensional control, and size confinement. The goal is to increase efficiency and stability, overcoming the current limitations of 10% efficiency and insufficient stability. By exploring these technical routes, scien...

Finding explanation for Milky Way’s warp

Astronomers at Harvard University have discovered a tilted dark matter halo, explaining the Milky Way's warp and flare. The team used models to calculate star orbits within a warped, oblong dark matter halo, matching existing observations of a distorted galaxy.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 10, 2023

University of Minnesota Medical School professor receives $4.39 million grant to study heart condition linked to dementia

A University of Minnesota Medical School professor is receiving a $4.39 million grant to study atrial myopathy, a heart condition associated with increased risk of dementia and vascular brain injury. The project aims to characterize the progression of atrial myopathy and its relationship to dementia and mild cognitive impairment.

STAT3 as a target in H3K27M-mutant DMGs

Researchers discovered the STAT3 signaling pathway as a potential target for treating H3K27M-mutant diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs), a uniformly lethal central nervous system malignancy. The current standard of care, including palliative radiation and chemotherapy, remains ineffective in this disease.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 10, 2023

Illinois researchers prove that new method can be used to measure ozone stress in soybeans

A team from the University of Illinois used solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) to measure the effects of elevated ozone on soybean plants, finding a 36% decrease in SIF during the late growing season. The study confirms that decreased SIF is a sign of stress and provides a non-invasive way to study photosynthesis.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 10, 2023

Unlocking innovation: Multistable mechanical metamaterials’ evolution in design, manufacturing, and applications

Multistable mechanical metamaterials can switch between multiple stable configurations under external loading, making them reusable and efficient for quick action. Their unique properties make them promising for various engineering applications, including energy absorption, soft actuators/robots, and wave control.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateOct 10, 2023

Whispering gallery microprobe for 2D mapping of enhanced Raman spectroscopy

Researchers developed a novel WGM microprobe to enhance Raman signals by combining surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) microresonators. The platform enables 2D hyperspectral imaging with signal enhancement, opening opportunities for material analysis and chemical imaging.

Microbial metabolites: A new link to Parkinson's disease?

A recent study by the University of Vienna and collaborators suggests that microbial metabolites may play a role in inducing Parkinson's-like symptoms. The researchers identified a specific bacterial metabolite that selectively damages dopamine-producing neurons, mirroring the neuronal loss observed in Parkinson's disease.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalEnvironment International·DateOct 10, 2023

Mental health issues in Latinx middle schoolers may increase risk of sleep problems, obesity and unhealthy behaviors

A new study found that Latinx middle schoolers with depression or anxiety are more likely to develop sleep problems, unhealthy weight gain, and sedentary behavior in high school. Prompt mental health treatment may help teens overcome these issues and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateOct 10, 2023

Are we running out of water? Water security threatened by droughts and heatwaves worldwide

A global study reveals that extreme events over the last thirty years had substantial impacts on water use patterns, differing per sector and region. The domestic and irrigation sectors have the highest priority for water use worldwide, but stricter measures are often taken in favor of the domestic sector during extremes.

SourceUniversiteit Utrecht Faculteit Geowetenschappen·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 10, 2023

The ribosome–depression link

Research links ribosomal protein genes to human depression, showing dysregulation under stress and reversibility during remission. The study suggests that ribosome dysfunction alters neural synapse function, leading to mood disorders.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateOct 10, 2023

The world's first comprehensive pan-genome analysis of lactic acid bacteria unveils new avenues for food industry and healthcare

The study provides a comprehensive understanding of the genetic capabilities, metabolic pathways, and biosynthetic gene clusters of 26 LAB species. This research has real-world applications in the food industry, healthcare, and environmental sciences.

High-performance SERS substrate proposed based on 2H-TaS2 and single-atom-layer gold clusters

Researchers propose a new SERS substrate based on 2D layered material Au-2H-TaS2, achieving a two orders of magnitude enhancement in Raman scattering. The study reveals an innovative electromagnetic field enhancement mechanism through near neighbor electron orbit coupling effect.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateOct 10, 2023

Medical imaging fails dark skin. Researchers fixed it

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a new algorithm to filter out unwanted signals in medical images of darker skin tones, producing significantly sharper images. This breakthrough aims to mitigate bias in imaging technologies and improve surgical navigation and medical diagnostics for patients with diverse skin tones.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalPhotoacoustics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 10, 2023

Five years of legal cannabis in Canada: mixed success

Cannabis legalization in Canada has yielded mixed results, with most consumers obtaining their cannabis from legal sources and a significant decrease in arrests and stigma. However, concerns persist about the impact on public health, particularly regarding increased emergency department visits and impaired driving.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 10, 2023

Comprehensive new Canadian guideline for skeletal health and fracture prevention

The new comprehensive guideline from Osteoporosis Canada provides recommendations for exercise, nutrition, fracture risk assessment, treatment, and more to optimize skeletal health and prevent fractures. The guideline recommends screening in men and younger women, reflecting advances in risk assessment and nonpharmacologic and pharmaco...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 10, 2023

Study: Wild pig populations in U.S. can be managed

Researchers found a 70% reduction in wild pig populations and a corresponding decline in environmental rooting damage within 24 months of control efforts. The study suggests that management efforts exceeding 40-60% population removal per year can significantly reduce populations, but unknown is the rate of recovery if efforts cease.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPest Management Science·DateOct 10, 2023

Scientists discover ‘flipping’ layers in heterostructures to cause changes in their properties

Researchers found that changing the stacking order of layers in transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) semiconductors creates new optoelectronic devices with tailor-made properties. The study reveals dark excitons exclusively located in the top layer, which can be utilized for optical power switches in solar panels.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 10, 2023

Syphilis transmission in US higher among transgender women and Black gay and bisexual men, study finds

A new study by Northwestern University found that syphilis rates are nearly twice as high among transgender women and Black gay and bisexual men compared to white gay men. The study suggests that preventing and treating syphilis requires outreach to key populations, particularly those from communities of color.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateOct 10, 2023

Improving follow-up of abnormal cancer screening results

A multilevel primary care intervention, including electronic health record reminders and patient outreach, improved timely follow-up of overdue abnormal cancer screening test results for breast, cervical, colorectal, and lung cancer. The intervention was found to be effective in reducing missed screenings.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 10, 2023

Stellar fountain of youth with turbulent formation history in the centre of our galaxy

A young star cluster, IRS13, has been found to be significantly younger than expected, with stars only 100,000 years old, despite being near the supermassive black hole Sgr A*. The cluster's turbulent history suggests it was 'captured' by the black hole's gravity, leading to a bow shock and increased star formation.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateOct 10, 2023

Large clinical trial by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, HCA Healthcare, and UCI Health identifies best strategy to prevent life-threatening health care-associated ICU infections

A large multi-state study found that mupirocin ointment is highly effective at preventing Staphylococcus aureus infections in critically ill patients, outperforming an antiseptic solution. The study involved over 800,000 ICU patients in 137 hospitals and showed a durable benefit from mupirocin.

SourceHarvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute·JournalJAMA·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 10, 2023

Extreme sports: How body and mind interact

A study published by Vienna University of Technology analyzed the effects of extreme physical and mental stress on a rowing athlete's body. The research found that the variability in heart rate, sleep quality, and regeneration during sleep phases were closely related to the athlete's psychological condition.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·TypeCase study·DateOct 10, 2023

New study offers improved strategy for social media communications during wildfires

Researchers from the University of Notre Dame found that social media engagement improves when national and local levels mismatch audiences during recovery phases, increasing user engagement by 29.6%. The study suggests a nuanced approach to content coordination, with national headquarters leading production and local accounts following.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalInformation Systems Research·DateOct 10, 2023

Researchers developed novel multi-sensor data fusion methods for rapid and accurate compound fertilizer quality detection

A research team developed a data fusion strategy combining near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for fast and accurate detection of compound fertilizer components. The approach improved accuracy by up to 33.5% compared to LIBS alone.

Chinese government’s corporate subsidies have had little effect on firms’ productivity

A recent study by Carnegie Mellon University and ShanghaiTech University found that China's government subsidies have had limited effect on promoting firms' productivity. The study analyzed firm-level data from 2007 to 2018 and found that subsidies often flowed to less productive firms, leading to a decline in their relative productivity.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalJournal of Comparative Economics·DateOct 10, 2023

Role of methylation in vernalization and photoperiod pathway: a potential flowering regulator?

This study investigates the regulatory role of methylation in vernalization and photoperiod pathways, revealing its potential as a flowering regulator. The authors summarize current knowledge on methylation's involvement in these pathways, highlighting its heritability and potential replacement of vernalization/photoinduction.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 10, 2023

Molecular mechanisms of fungal infections clarified

A research team from Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf has clarified an important mechanism in how fungal infections are regulated at the molecular level. They discovered a single RNA-binding protein called Khd4 that controls the growth of infectious hyphae by determining mRNA stability, which in turn regulates membrane trafficking.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 10, 2023

Powering AI could use as much electricity as a small country

The author estimates that AI-related electricity consumption could increase by 85-134 TWh annually by 2027, comparable to the annual electricity consumption of countries like the Netherlands and Sweden. The growth highlights the need for mindful AI adoption to minimize energy-intensive applications.

SourceCell Press·JournalJoule·TypeObservational study·DateOct 10, 2023

Killing remains a threat to Bornean orangutans

Research reveals that the illegal killing of orangutans on Borneo remains a significant threat to the species, with 30% of villages reporting killings in the last 5-10 years. Conservation efforts may not be effectively preventing killing and addressing human-orangutan conflict is crucial.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalConservation Science and Practice·TypeSurvey·DateOct 10, 2023

Study compares health information exchange data versus patient self-reports to measure cancer screening uptake

A recent study compared using health information exchange (HIE) data with patient self-reported data as a means of gathering intelligence on cancer screening uptake. HIE data provided more information about laboratory screening tests, while patient self-reports offered more details about cancer screening procedures.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalBMC Medical Research Methodology·DateOct 10, 2023

Study shows little improvement in mandated disaster plans, despite required updates

A new study from the University of Kansas found that mandated disaster plans have mediocre quality and modest improvements over time. Despite regular updates, the plans fail to address key issues such as public engagement and land use policies, leading to repeated mistakes in areas prone to natural disasters.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Planning Education and Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 10, 2023

New research highlights the role of TikTok in spreading videos that encourage violence against women

Researchers found that incel ideology on TikTok uses emotional appeals and pseudo-science to share extremist views, normalising harmful ideologies. The study highlights the need for policymakers to understand the growing incel activity on mainstream platforms like TikTok.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalEuropean Journal on Criminal Policy and Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 10, 2023

Scientists discover the reassembly of parallel trimolecular G-quadruplex via novel hoogsteen strand displacement reaction

Researchers from Hefei Institutes of Physical Science discovered a novel reassembly process for G-quadruplexes through Hoogsteen SDR, revealing unique recognition modes between probes and targets. This breakthrough offers new possibilities for GQ reassembly and insights into G-rich DNA interactions.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 10, 2023