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Science News for October 12, 2023


More Aggressive treatment doesn’t impact quality of life for metastatic colorectal cancer patients, according to new study in JNCCN

A new study published in JNCCN found that intensive local-regional treatment to remove as much tumor as possible did not significantly impact overall quality of life for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. However, the treatment was associated with a higher risk of adverse events.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 12, 2023

Research findings could explain why young kids rarely get very sick from COVID-19

Researchers discovered that young children's immune systems produce fewer and more stable antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, which may explain why they rarely develop severe cases of the virus. This unique response is characterized by narrow-spectrum antibodies effective against the original variant but less protective against other variants.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalCell·TypeObservational study·DateOct 12, 2023

Endemic malaria found in high, dry northwestern Kenya

A new study by Duke University researchers has found endemic malaria in Turkana County, Kenya, with a significant incidence of Plasmodium vivax, a parasite historically rare in sub-Saharan Africa. The presence of invasive mosquito species Anopheles stephensi also poses challenges to the continent's malaria control efforts.

SourceDuke University·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateOct 12, 2023

Close connectivity within the North Atlantic Current system identified

A long-term study compares data from two North Atlantic Current observation systems, revealing statistical connections and implications for regional temperature patterns. The findings suggest that a 25-year observational record provides a crucial foundation for future models of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC).

Revolutionizing energy storage: Metal nanoclusters for stable lithium–sulfur batteries

Researchers have developed a metal nanocluster-based separator for lithium-sulfur batteries, accelerating electrochemical kinetics and improving capacity and cycling stability. The technology has the potential to increase the adoption of sustainable energy storage systems, including electric vehicles and renewable energy.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2023

AI just got 100-fold more energy efficient

Northwestern University engineers developed a nanoelectronic device that can perform accurate machine-learning classification tasks in real time with reduced power consumption. The device can be deployed directly in wearable electronics for real-time detection and data processing, enabling more rapid intervention for health emergencies.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2023

No universal body image experience in pregnancy - study

A new study found that body image dissatisfaction during pregnancy varies widely among women, influenced by complex factors such as positive and negative experiences. Negative body image can have serious effects on the mother and baby, including depression, anxiety, and poor quality interactions. The research highlights the importance ...

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalBMC Pregnancy and Childbirth·DateOct 12, 2023

Researchers construct first “multiome” atlas of cell development in the human cerebral cortex from before birth to adulthood

Researchers created the first 'multiome' atlas of brain cell development in the human cerebral cortex, revealing specific changes in chromatin structure that precede gene expression. The study pinpointed regions associated with genes linked to neuropsychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 12, 2023

OmicsSuite: A customized and pipelined suite for analysis and visualization of multi-omics big data

OmicsSuite is a desktop suite that integrates statistics and multi-omics analysis and visualization, enabling users to analyze large volumes of biological data in multiple formats. The suite provides step-by-step workflows for horticultural plant breeding and molecular mechanism studies.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2023

Study reveals shyness could impact young children’s performance on language tests

A recent study by SMU psychologist Sarah Kucker and a student researcher found that shyness can influence young children's performance on language tests. Shy children tend to struggle with verbal tasks but excel in pointing tasks, highlighting the importance of considering social interaction levels when assessing language abilities.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalJournal of Speech Language and Hearing Research·TypeObservational study·DateOct 12, 2023

New research shows how brain inflammation in children may cause neurological disorders such as autism or schizophrenia

Brain inflammation in early childhood may prevent specific neurons from maturing fully, leading to conditions like autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia. Researchers studied post-mortem brain tissue from children with inflammatory conditions or accidents and found that two types of cerebellar neurons were most vulnerable.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2023

New study unveils stretchable high-resolution user-interactive synesthesia displays for visual–acoustic encryption

A research team at UNIST has developed a groundbreaking stretchable high-resolution multicolor synesthesia display that generates synchronized sound and light. This technology shatters preconceived boundaries in multifunctional displays, offering unparalleled optical performance and precise sound pressure levels.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 12, 2023

Genomes from 25 museum specimens of Drosophila melanogaster (some more than 200 years old) reveal that small populations occupying northern Europe gave way to well-connected fly populations across the continent

Recent study on Drosophila melanogaster museum specimens shows that Northern European populations gave way to well-connected fly populations across the continent. The analysis also highlights genes that may have helped this species adapt to novel climates, viruses, and insecticides.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 12, 2023

Study highlights concerns and preferences of residents regarding police involvement in mental health crisis response

A study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing explores residents' perspectives on police involvement in mental health crises. Residents are divided on the need for police presence during these incidents, but many support co-deploying officers with healthcare professionals to reduce friction and improve response effectiven...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalJournal of Community Safety and Well-Being·DateOct 12, 2023

Study: Struggling students who repeat third grade see improved achievement

A new study by NaYoung Hwang and Cory Koedel found that third-grade retention can increase reading and math scores of struggling students, with positive effects lasting into middle school. The study, published in Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, also found no evidence that retention caused disciplinary or attendance problems.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Evaluation and Policy Analysis·DateOct 12, 2023

Honey bees may inherit altruistic behavior from their mothers

A new study by Penn State researchers found that honey bees display true altruism, where worker bees help the queen and eggs without reproducing themselves. The genes responsible for this behavior can be passed down from either mother or father bees, but only result in altruistic behavior when inherited from the mother.

SourcePenn State·JournalMolecular Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2023

An electrical switch to control chemical reactions

A UNIGE team has developed an electrical device that can activate and accelerate chemical reactions using a simple electric field. The device, called an electrochemical microfluidic reactor, enables chemists to control chemical reactions with ease, reducing the need for complex strategies and resources.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience Advances·TypeNews article·DateOct 12, 2023

Study finds global climate change adaptation actions are too uncoordinated

A new study reveals that climate adaptation efforts are lacking in global coordination, with individuals and households shouldering the majority of the burden. Comprehensive collaboration between actor groups is necessary for effective adaptation, especially in rural areas where state actors play a more significant role in urban areas.

Around the globe, climate adaptation lacks coordination

A recent study reveals that climate adaptation efforts globally are largely isolated and uncoordinated, with a lack of cohesion in task distribution among various actors. Comprehensive, just, and forward-thinking adaptation requires involvement from multiple groups, including governments, organizations, and individuals.

SourceUniversity of Hamburg·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 12, 2023

LSU Health’s fish study finds clinic-based community program improved food security and health

A clinic-based community program improved food security scores, healthy eating behaviors, and depression scores in a vulnerable, food-insecure population. The Geaux Get Healthy Clinical Program provided comprehensive education and access to resources, leveraging community partnerships.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalNutrients·TypeObservational study·DateOct 12, 2023

Cell atlases of the human brain presented in Science

Two parallel projects publish detailed cell atlases of the adult human brain and brain development, revealing over 3,000 cell types, including new insights into brain diseases and potential therapeutic targets. The freely available brain atlases will enable researchers to compare healthy brains with diseased ones.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2023

Stress wrecks male big brown bat fertility during breeding season

A study found that acute stress has a sudden and dramatic effect on the fertility of male big brown bats during breeding season, with testosterone levels plummeting by ~50% and sperm production reduced. The team also discovered that stressed bats released more of a key hormone that can reduce fertility and ability to reproduce.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2023

"Two-factor" screening of newborns enhances congenital hearing loss management

A study involving 119,606 Chinese newborns found that concurrent hearing and high-throughput genetic screening significantly enhances congenital hearing loss management. The detection rate of certain gene mutations was also reported, highlighting the importance of considering multiple factors for accurate diagnosis.

SourceBGI Genomics·JournalInternational Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 12, 2023

Association for molecular pathology publishes best practice recommendations for liquid biopsy assay validations

The Association for Molecular Pathology published guidelines for validating and reporting clinical circulating tumor DNA assays. The recommendations aim to promote standardization and quality improvement in liquid biopsy assays, which have emerged as a key technology in molecular diagnostics.

SourceAssociation for Molecular Pathology·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateOct 12, 2023

Flagship individuals can boost conservation

A new study suggests that individual animals, like Lua the Antillean manatee, can be used as flagships to encourage engagement and behavioural change in conservation. These charismatic species often have unique characteristics that make them appealing to humans and can inspire policy changes.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateOct 12, 2023

Omega watch: Researchers develop new blood test for measuring levels of critical omega-3 fatty acids

A new blood test has been developed to measure the levels of critical omega-3 fatty acids in the bloodstream, providing a convenient way to assess cardiovascular and cognitive health. The Omega-3 Index (O3I) is derived from two key fatty acids, EPA and DHA, which can be obtained only from certain dietary sources.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·TypeObservational study·DateOct 12, 2023

Latest findings of recent positive selections in the immunoglobulin heavy chain genes and alcohol metabolism-related genes in the Han Chinese population

Researchers identified 24 genetic loci under recent selection in Han Chinese, including a risk allele for systemic lupus erythematosus that may have improved survival in extreme environments. The study also found novel genes related to alcohol metabolism and olfactory perception under selection.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateOct 12, 2023

Common drug can improve hand osteoarthritis symptoms: Study

A Monash University study found that methotrexate, a low-cost and effective treatment for inflammatory joint conditions, can reduce pain and stiffness in patients with symptomatic hand OA. The study's results suggest that methotrexate may be a viable treatment option for people with hand osteoarthritis and inflammation.

SourceMonash University·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 12, 2023

Programmed cell death may be 1.8 billion years old

A recent study found that apoptotic factors in eukaryotes have a bacterial or mitochondrial origin, suggesting conservation over 1.8 billion years. The researchers proposed an alternative scenario where early protoeukaryotes domesticated bacteria to produce toxins, which eventually evolved into apoptotic factors.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateOct 12, 2023

Enlightening insects: Morpho butterfly nanostructure inspires technology for bright, balanced lighting

Researchers at Osaka University developed a water-repelling nanostructured light diffuser that surpasses the functionality of other common diffusers. The diffuser uses randomly arranged self-cleaning nanopatterns to produce high transmittance and wide angular spread, making it useful for visual displays and energy-saving windows.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2023

Valence conversion and site reconstruction in near-infrared-emitting chromium-activated garnet for simultaneous enhancement of quantum efficiency and thermal stability

Researchers developed a new garnet material with enhanced quantum efficiency and thermal stability, using chemical unit cosubstitution. The material shows promising applications in bio-tissue imaging, night-vision, and information encryption.

Red blood cell transfusion in the ICU

Red blood cell transfusions were common in ICU patients globally, with overlapping reasons for use despite differing clinical contexts. The three most common triggers for transfusion (hypotension, tachycardia, hemodynamic instability) were largely consistent across regions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 12, 2023

Self-correcting quantum computers within reach?

A Harvard team has successfully developed a self-correcting quantum computer using neutral atom arrays, achieving near-flawless performance with extremely low error rates. The breakthrough enables the creation of large-scale, error-corrected devices based on neutral atoms.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2023

HKU and HKUST physicists unlock controllable nonlinear hall effect in twisted bilayer graphene - promising for diverse application in new materials and quantum information industries

A team of international researchers has discovered a controllable nonlinear Hall effect in twisted bilayer graphene, which holds promise for applications in new materials and quantum information industries. The nonlinear transport behaviour can be easily controlled and manipulated by adjusting the dispersion of flat bands and twist ang...

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2023

New catalyst could provide liquid hydrogen fuel of the future

Researchers at Lund University have demonstrated a method for converting isopropanol into hydrogen using a solid catalyst, paving the way for a liquid fuel that can be delivered at a pump. The process has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and could be used in larger vehicles such as buses and aircraft.

SourceLund University·JournalCatalysis Science & Technology·DateOct 12, 2023

DNA methylation: The hidden mechanism enabling plants to adapt in a warmer world

A recent study found that temperature variations during asexual propagation induce significant hereditary epigenetic and phenotypic modifications in Fragaria vesca ecotypes. DNA methylation patterns play a crucial role in this process, with noticeable differences between 18℃ and 28℃ conditions.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2023

Unlocking the secrets of cold tolerance: a deep dive into tomato plants' molecular responses to chilling stress

This study examines the molecular dynamics of tomato seedlings under cold stress, revealing transcriptional reprogramming and cryoprotectant biosynthesis. The results highlight the importance of understanding plant responses to environmental stressors and their impact on crop health.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2023

Polyoxometalates and ionic liquid enhance solid-state lithium-ion electrolyte performance

Researchers have developed a composite solid electrolyte membrane that increases the ion conductivity of solid-state electrolytes, enabling safer and more efficient lithium-ion batteries. The addition of polyoxometalates and an ionic liquid enhances lithium ion movement, achieving three times higher conductivity than membranes prepared...

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalPolyoxometalates·DateOct 12, 2023

What can we learn from the Great Resignation?

A study by the Complexity Science Hub analyzed work discourse on Reddit between 2018 and 2021, finding that mental health concerns significantly contributed to the surge in quit rates. The study suggests that companies can improve working conditions by prioritizing employees' relational and self-fulfillment needs.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalEPJ Data Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 12, 2023

Hostile sexism linked to less responsive parenting

A new study finds that fathers and mothers who hold sexist attitudes towards men's power and authority exhibit less responsive parenting behavior, which can lead to behavioral issues and lower academic achievement. The research highlights the need for addressing hostile sexism to improve child well-being and reduce gender inequality.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeSurvey·DateOct 12, 2023