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Science News for October 17, 2023


Recognizing clinical signs of hyperthyroidism leads to appropriate treatments, reduces adverse impact on health

Researchers from Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine summarize current evidence on hyperthyroidism management, focusing on Graves' disease and toxic nodular disease. The review highlights the importance of recognizing clinical signs and treating underlying causes to minimize health impacts.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 17, 2023

Sleep and stress give clues to understanding epileptic seizures - study

A recent study discovered two subgroups of people with idiopathic generalized epilepsy, one experiencing highest incidence during sleep and the other during daytime. The researchers found that either dynamics of cortisol or sleep stage transition explained most of the observed distributions of epileptiform discharges.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 17, 2023

International team reveals source of largest ever Mars quake

An international team of scientists has discovered that the largest ever Martian quake was caused by immense tectonic forces within Mars' crust, contrary to initial suspicions of a meteorite impact. This groundbreaking study, led by the University of Oxford, reveals that Mars is more seismically active than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 17, 2023

Research finds water quality in Gulf of Mexico improves when adding social costs to carbon emissions

Researchers found that adding a social cost to carbon emissions leads to a significant reduction in fertilizer runoff, resulting in improved water quality and a decrease in the Gulf of Mexico's dead zone. The study suggests that implementing a carbon price can help meet the US commitment to the Paris Accord while improving water quality.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 17, 2023

Familiarity breeds contempt for moral failings

New Cornell University research reveals that morality plays a central role in judging individuals within one's own group more harshly than those from other groups. The study found that people are more likely to judge ingroup members who engage in morally wrong behavior, as it threatens the social glue of the community.

SourceCornell University·JournalEuropean Journal of Social Psychology·DateOct 17, 2023

Beyond borders: engaging high school youth internationally in research-based life sciences learning

A new article in OMICS: A Journal of Integrative Biology reports on an international group project that engaged 72 high school students from 32 countries in research-based life sciences learning. The project fostered collaboration, intercultural exchange, and collective problem-solving among participants.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalOMICS A Journal of Integrative Biology·TypeCase study·DateOct 17, 2023

Orchid without bumblebee on island finds wasp, loses self

Researchers found that the orchid Goodyera henryi on Kozu Island is pollinated by an island wasp, leading to hybridization with another orchid species. The study highlights how plants adapt to changing ecological conditions and has implications for understanding plant evolution in response to declining pollinator populations.

SourceKobe University·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeObservational study·DateOct 17, 2023

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology scientists develop deep learning-based biosensing platform to count viral particles better

Researchers at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) have developed a deep learning-based biosensing platform called DeepGT, which can accurately quantify nanoscale bioparticles, including viruses. The platform harnesses the advantages of Gires-Tournois biosensors and AI to refine visual artifacts and extract relevant info...

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalNano Today·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 17, 2023

Tirzepatide trial shows additional 21.1% weight loss following intensive lifestyle intervention

A phase 3 clinical trial demonstrated tirzepatide's effectiveness in achieving an additional 21.1% weight loss after intensive lifestyle intervention in adults with obesity or overweight comorbidities. Participants who received tirzepatide achieved a total mean weight loss of 26.6%, compared to 3.8% for those on placebo.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 17, 2023

Marine mammal longevity study reveals remarkable advances in animal welfare

A new study examines the life expectancy and lifespan equality of four marine mammal species in zoos and aquariums compared to their wild counterparts. The study found that marine mammals live longer in captivity, with a three-fold increase in life expectancy and a decline in deaths in the first year of life.

SourceSpecies360·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 17, 2023

World may have crossed solar power ‘tipping point’

A new study predicts that solar power will dominate the global energy mix by the middle of this century due to rapid innovation in solar technology. However, four barriers, including stable power grids and political resistance, could hamper this transition, highlighting the need for policies to overcome these hurdles.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 17, 2023

Climate network analysis helps pinpoint regions at higher risk of extreme weather

Researchers developed a climate network analysis method to explore teleconnections, which describe how climate events in one part affect others worldwide. The study found areas like southeastern Australia and South Africa are significantly affected by these interconnected events, with stronger connections over time.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalChaos An Interdisciplinary Journal of Nonlinear Science·DateOct 17, 2023

Mitochondrial protein plays key role in glioblastoma and therapeutic resistance

Researchers found that mitochondrial protein CHCHD2 is associated with increased tumor growth, invasion, and resistance to chemotherapy in glioblastoma patients. CHCHD2 interacts with mutated EGFR to increase sensitivity to cytotoxic drugs, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalInternational Journal of Oncology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2023

Study reveals the complex impacts of the earned income tax credit enhancements on mental and physical health

A comprehensive study found that an enhanced Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) may damage mental health for some single adults without dependent children. The Paycheck Plus Experiment, conducted at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, revealed mixed results between two cities, Atlanta and New York.

New strategy boosts selective carbon monoxide electrolysis to acetate

Researchers from Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics propose a new strategy for CO electrolysis to acetate, achieving high selectivity and efficiency. The study reveals the potential of constructing metal-organic interfaces to tailor reaction microenvironments and selectively produce acetate.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 17, 2023

B12 deficiency: a hidden trigger of inflammation?

A recent study found a compelling link between vitamin B12 deficiency and chronic inflammation, which can lead to various health problems. The research revealed an inverse relationship between vitamin B12 levels and inflammatory markers in humans and mice, suggesting that higher vitamin B12 levels may lower inflammatory markers.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·TypeObservational study·DateOct 17, 2023

Physicists create new form of antenna for radio waves

Researchers at University of Otago have developed a new form of antenna for radio waves using an atomic vapor, providing high sensitivity and broad tunability. The portable design enables efficient measurement of fields over long distances, making it suitable for defence and communications applications.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 17, 2023

Medical curricula should be AI-focused - proposal

A proposed AI-centric medical curriculum aims to educate future healthcare practitioners in digital technology, with a focus on technical concepts, validation, ethics, and appraisal. The curriculum caters to varying student levels, from consumers to developers, promoting interprofessional collaboration and adaptable learning.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 17, 2023

Public health interventions prevented transmission within BU most SARS-CoV-2 cases

A new study found that public health interventions, including testing, tracing, and quarantine, effectively controlled SARS-CoV-2 transmission within Boston University. The researchers identified only two major outbreaks during the spring 2021 semester, highlighting the effectiveness of systematic intervention strategies in limiting re...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 17, 2023

SEC insider trading rule has loopholes

A recent study by University of Texas at Austin professor Robert Parrino found that the SEC's Rule 10b5-1 has limited effectiveness in limiting insider trading. Despite being widely used, the rule allows CEOs to game the system by canceling trades or using limit orders within the plan.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Financial Economics·TypeObservational study·DateOct 17, 2023

Miniaturized FSO breakthrough unlocks high-speed wireless communication anywhere

Researchers at Nanjing University have developed a miniaturized FSO system achieving an astonishing 9.16 Gbps bandwidth over 1 km link using readily available commercial fiber transceiver modules. The system enables automatic tracking and precision acquisition, eliminating the need for optical amplification.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateOct 17, 2023

Unlocking nature's silent conversations: Real-time visualization of plant-plant communications through airborne volatiles

Plant researchers visualized real-time plant-plant communication through airborne volatile organic compounds (VOCs), revealing a Ca2+ dependent defense response mechanism. The study found that specific VOCs, such as (Z)-3-hexenal and (E)-2-hexenal, induce Ca2+ signals in plants, activating defense responses.

SourceSaitama University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2023

Study examines role of working memory, cognitive functions in English learners learning to write

Researchers found that working memory was the most significant predictor of writing ability among English learner students. Cognitive functions such as phonological awareness and oral language development were also important, but only working memory consistently predicted higher scores in writing.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Experimental Child Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2023

New specimen collection system enhances assisted reproductive technologies

A new specimen collection system has been developed to enhance assisted reproductive technologies by providing a simple one-step method for selecting high-quality sperm for ICSI. The system, known as NovaSort, uses a barrier mesh to isolate mobile sperm without damaging their DNA.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalOpen Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2023

New publication reveals surprising insights into dog sterilization, obesity

A recent scientific publication found that sterilized dogs of different sizes exhibit varying levels of obesity, with small breeds at highest risk and giant breeds at lowest. The study also discovered that the optimal time for spaying/neutering differs by breed size, with young large breeds facing a higher risk of obesity.

SourceMorris Animal Foundation·JournalJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·DateOct 17, 2023

UCLA-led team finds a stem-cell derived mechanism that could lead to regenerative therapies for heart damage

A UCLA-led team has identified RBFox1, an RNA splicing regulator, as a key player in promoting human stem cell-derived heart muscle cell maturation. This finding offers a deeper understanding of heart muscle cell development and hints at future therapeutic applications for regenerative therapies.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCirculation·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2023

The dark side of the American lawn

Research in Baltimore metropolitan area finds nitrogen-rich fertilizers on lawns contribute to algal blooms and deoxygenated waters. Many homeowners are unaware of the negative impact of their lawn care practices on local ecosystems.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateOct 17, 2023

Largest US cardiac database shows excellent long-term survival after surgical aortic valve replacement

A study of 42,586 low-risk patients who underwent surgical aortic valve replacement reveals a 5-year survival rate of 93%. The study used the STS National Database and found that eight-year survival was close to 90%. The results provide a benchmark for outcomes in managing aortic valve stenosis.

SourceThe Society of Thoracic Surgeons·JournalThe Annals of Thoracic Surgery·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 17, 2023

New study sheds light on the developmental mechanism of allergic conjunctivitis

Researchers from Juntendo University discovered that pollen shells trigger the rapid formation of goblet cell-associated antigen passages, which enable swift allergen transport to the conjunctiva. The study highlights the complex interplay between sensory nerves and the immune response in allergic conjunctivitis.

SourceJuntendo University Research Promotion Center·JournalJCI Insight·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2023

Decontamination method zaps pollutants from soil

A new method developed by Rice University scientists uses a high-temperature electrothermal process to remove multiple pollutants simultaneously, including heavy metals and organic contaminants. The process leaves soil particle size and mineral composition unchanged, while improving water infiltration rate and nutrient availability.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2023

Baby birds hatch with ability to mimic mom

Researchers found that native wren mothers' calls help their newborns develop distinctive vocalizations for food and bonding. The study, published in pre-print by The American Naturalist, reveals the unique 'B element' call produced by females that is also the nestling's begging call.

SourceFlinders University·JournalThe American Naturalist·TypeObservational study·DateOct 17, 2023

Smarter CT scans may approach the level of MRI

A new method using deep learning can provide as much information from brain images taken with CT as images captured with MRI, enhancing diagnostic support for conditions like dementia and other brain disorders. The software has been trained on 1,117 people and shows promise in diagnosing normal pressure hydrocephalus.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 17, 2023

First genetic causes of Raynaud’s phenomenon discovered

Scientists identified two genes, ADRA2A and IRX1, that predispose individuals to Raynaud's phenomenon. The genes affect the body's ability to regulate blood vessel constriction, leading to white fingers and toes in response to cold or stress. The study provides new insights into the disease and potential treatment options, including th...

SourceBIH at Charité·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 17, 2023

Founder personality could predict start-up success: study

A recent study reveals that start-up founders' core Big Five personality traits significantly differ from the general population and are more important for success than previously thought. Successful entrepreneurs tend to have preferences for variety, novelty, and being the centre of attention, while also exhibiting high activity levels.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 17, 2023

Depression, anxiety common among college students

A recent study from the University of Georgia found that depression rates were significantly higher among students who were not the same race as their peers at predominantly white colleges. First-generation students also experienced higher levels of depression compared to non-first generation students. Investing in diversity, equity, a...

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of American College Health·DateOct 17, 2023

What drives obesity - diets high in fat? Carbohydrates? Actually, it’s everything – and fructose is at the center

A new study led by Richard Johnson, MD, suggests that fructose is the key driver of obesity, bringing together long-incompatible theories on dietary causes. Fructose lowers active energy in the body, triggering hunger and food intake, and fatty foods become the major source of calories driving weight gain.

New research suggests why males and females respond differently to social stress

Researchers found that testosterone plays a crucial role in shaping the brain's response to social stress, with mice lacking testosterone exhibiting exaggerated fear responses. The study's findings have implications for understanding human behavior and may help explain why women are more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2023

Brain connectivity is disrupted in schizophrenia

Researchers found that hierarchical cortical organization is impaired in people with schizophrenia, leading to disruptions in processing stimuli from the external world. This disruption affects secondary processing of sensorimotor-visual gradients, explaining behavioral and clinical symptoms of the disease.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 17, 2023

Researchers test seafloor fiber optic cable as an earthquake early warning system

A new study demonstrates how unused telecommunications fiber optic cables can be transformed for offshore Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) systems. Researchers used a 50-kilometer cable to sample seismic data at 8,960 channels and achieved an approximate three-second improvement in EEW alert times compared to onshore DAS arrays.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalThe Seismic Record·TypeObservational study·DateOct 17, 2023