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Science News for October 19, 2023


Stolen genes allow parasitic control of behavior

Researchers discovered that parasites like horsehair worms use stolen genes to control host behavior. They found over 3,000 genes expressed more in manipulated hosts, suggesting the parasite produces its own proteins for manipulating nervous systems.

SourceRIKEN·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2023

Predicting potential problems of persistent plastic particulates

Researchers used Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and machine learning to predict adsorption capacity of pharmaceuticals and personal care products on long-term aged microplastics. The study successfully captured the complexity of the system with up to 98% accuracy, providing new insights into the interactions between microplast...

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·DateOct 19, 2023

Persistently high rates of severe maternal trauma during forceps, vacuum births warrant national response, analysis shows

A McMaster University-led analysis reveals persistently high rates of severe maternal trauma during forceps and vacuum deliveries in Canada. The study calls for increased recognition, transparency, and action to prevent these injuries, which have significant short- and long-term consequences for mothers.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalBMJ·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 19, 2023

Modulation of protein stability: a new approach to studying cosolvent effects

Researchers used molecular dynamics simulations to study how urea and alcohol induce structural changes in proteins, with a focus on stabilizing helices and coils. The team identified preferential binding parameters for both cosolvents, demonstrating opposing effects that can be predicted using computational methods.

SourceOkayama University·JournalProtein Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 19, 2023

Communities of color experienced fear and mistrust of institutions during COVID-19 pandemic

A study by UC Riverside researchers found that communities of color in Inland Southern California experienced fear and mistrust of institutions due to historical, cultural, and social traumas. The study highlights the need for culturally sensitive health interventions to address these traumas and promote community-based approaches for ...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCulture Medicine and Psychiatry·TypeSurvey·DateOct 19, 2023

You say genome editing, I say natural mutation

Researchers found that certain combinations of gene mutations resulted in predictable effects on tomato size, while others yielded random outcomes. The study suggests the role of background mutations demands reassessment for genome editing applications. This new interpretation may help humanity adapt crops to meet evolving societal needs.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalScience·DateOct 19, 2023

Unified picture on temperature dependence of lithium dendrite growth via phase-field simulation

A team of scientists has investigated the effect of initial temperature on Li dendrite morphology through temperature-dependent ionic diffusion coefficient, reaction coefficient, and conductivity. They found a unified picture for the seemingly contradictory dendrite-promoting and dendrite-inhibiting effects of increased temperature in ...

Scientists discover deepest known evidence of coral reef bleaching

Researchers from the University of Plymouth discovered coral reef bleaching at depths previously thought to be resilient, highlighting the vulnerability of mesophotic coral ecosystems to thermal stress. The study suggests that climate change is causing a deepening of the thermocline, leading to increased bleaching in the deeper ocean.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateOct 19, 2023

Ketamine’s effect on depression may hinge on hope

A study at Stanford Medicine found that patients who believed they had received ketamine experienced significant improvements in depression symptoms, even if they hadn't. The researchers suggest that positive expectations and hope may play a key role in ketamine's effectiveness.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature Mental Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 19, 2023

To excel at engineering design, generative AI must learn to innovate, study finds

Researchers at MIT found that similarity-focused generative AI models falter when tasked with designing new products, highlighting the need to prioritize innovation in engineering tasks. By adjusting training objectives and metrics, AI can be an effective 'co-pilot' for engineers, enabling faster creation of innovative products.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalComputer-Aided Design·DateOct 19, 2023

HonorHealth Research Institute, City of Hope and TGen lead international team in creating ‘robust’ early-detection method for pancreatic cancer

Researchers from HonorHealth Research Institute, City of Hope, and TGen have developed a biomarker panel that detects small amounts of RNA genetic material in the bloodstream, enabling early detection of pancreatic cancer. The test has shown robust diagnostic accuracy and offers promise for improving survival rates.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalGastroenterology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2023

New study finds racial and ethnic disparities persist in access to chiropractic care and physical rehabilitation for adults with low back pain

A new study found that racial and ethnic disparities persist in access to chiropractic care and physical rehabilitation for adults with low back pain, with Hispanic adults being less likely to use these services. The study also found that policy changes are needed to address these gaps in access, particularly in underserved communities.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateOct 19, 2023

Physical theory improves protein folding prediction

Researchers developed a novel physical theory that can accurately predict protein folding, surpassing existing models like AlphaFold 2. The new model, WSME-L, can elucidate folding processes without limitations, enabling a comprehensive understanding of protein structures and behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2023

Astronomers detect most distant fast radio burst to date

The discovery of FRB 20220610A confirms that fast radio bursts can be used to measure the 'missing' matter between galaxies, providing a new way to weigh the Universe. The burst is also one of the most energetic ever observed, releasing energy equivalent to our Sun's total emission over 30 years.

SourceESO·JournalScience·DateOct 19, 2023

Molecular age of the eye determined for the first time

A team of researchers has created a 'proteomic clock' that can predict a healthy person's age based on their protein profile, revealing accelerated aging due to diseases. The study also detected proteins associated with Parkinson's disease in eye fluid, offering a potential pathway for earlier diagnoses.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2023

Algorithm and blues: how to judge music plagiarism?

A study investigated how algorithms compare to human judgment in music plagiarism disputes, with mixed results. While algorithms matched human decisions in 83% of cases, they struggled with non-musical factors and controversy surrounding high-profile cases.

SourceUniversity of Auckland·JournalTransactions of the International Society for Music Information Retrieval·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2023

Penn Medicine research sheds new light on immune response during SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infections

Researchers identified enhanced B-cell and T-cell responses in fully vaccinated individuals who became infected with SARS-CoV-2, generating immunological memory to prevent severe infection. Vaccine-primed memory T cells play a critical role in preventing severe COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Immunology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 19, 2023

Cobalt-free battery for cleaner, greener power

Researchers from the University of Tokyo have developed a cobalt-free battery alternative that outperforms state-of-the-art battery chemistry. The new lithium-ion batteries boast a 60% higher energy density and can withstand over 1,000 recharge cycles, reducing environmental concerns.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2023

Rice researcher scans tropical forest with mixed-reality device

A Rice University scientist used a mixed-reality headset with custom-designed software to measure and analyze forest floor vegetation in Tanzania's Udzungwa Mountains National Park. The study found that mammal diversity increases with forest floor habitat surface area, leading to a greater variety of ecological characteristics.

SourceRice University·JournalEcology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2023

Less is (often) more when it comes to health impact of children on parents later in life, new study says

A recent study published in The Journals of Gerontology – Series B found that having more children can produce economic, social, emotional, and biological burdens that impact health, especially chronic conditions and depression. In contrast, adults with fewer children were more likely to report poor self-rated health in certain countries.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalThe Journals of Gerontology Series B·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 19, 2023

Startup workers flee for bigger, more established companies during pandemic

Researchers found that job seekers were 20% more likely to search for work at companies with over 500 employees after March 13, 2020. The average size of companies searched increased by 29%, driven by highly-skilled and better-educated candidates, which can impact startup success.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalReview of Financial Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 19, 2023

Research shows new documentation tool could help optimize seizure treatments in patients with epilepsy

A new electronic health record documentation tool has been shown to improve the accuracy and completeness of clinical documentation for patients undergoing treatment for epilepsy. This tool enables medical providers to identify patients who are failing treatments earlier, allowing for rapid optimization of positive outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNeurology Clinical Practice·DateOct 19, 2023

Canadians with peptic ulcer disease faced mental health challenges during COVID-19 pandemic

The study, which analyzed data from older adults with peptic ulcer disease, revealed that approximately 1 in 8 individuals developed depression for the first time during the pandemic. Women, those who felt lonely, and those with functional limitations were at higher risk of depression. Targeted screening and intervention are being reco...

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateOct 19, 2023

New study provides ‘genetic fingerprint’ indicating disease spread by sand flies may be gaining firm foothold in the United States

A new study reveals a distinct genetic fingerprint of Leishmania mexicana in non-traveler patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis, suggesting locally acquired cases are on the rise. The CDC warns that domestic sand flies may acquire a deadly form of visceral leishmaniasis via imported dogs.

SourceAmerican Society of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateOct 19, 2023

Underwater cameras facilitate large-scale study of oyster reef habitat in Chesapeake Bay

A new study used underwater cameras to assess oyster reef habitats across 12 tributaries in the Chesapeake Bay, finding that unharvested reefs and restored reefs had more complex structures. The results showed an upward trend in habitat scores over time, with unharvested and restored reefs maintaining higher habitat scores consistently.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 19, 2023

The role of supply chain in knowledge transfer: a case study of South African automotive industry

A recent study analyzed the South African automotive industry to understand the link between multinational vehicle assemblers and local parts suppliers. The research team found that while production of first-tier suppliers increased with automobile expansion, lower-tier suppliers showed no similar growth. This suggests a diamond-shaped...

SourceSophia University·JournalWorld Economy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 19, 2023

Muscle dysmorphia linked to suicidal ideation and planning in adolescents and young adults

A new study found that muscle dysmorphia symptoms are associated with increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among Canadian adolescents and young adults. The study highlights the need for greater awareness and proper identification of muscle dysmorphia symptoms to prevent future suicidal ideation and suicide planning.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalSuicide and Life-Threatening Behavior·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 19, 2023

Researchers design a pulsing nanomotor

The novel nanomotor performs pulsing movements using a clever mechanism, fueled by nucleotide triphosphates, and can be easily combined with other structures. The researchers plan to install the motor as a drive in complex machines and optimize its performance.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2023

BNP peptide a culprit in eczema

The brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a peptide that plays a crucial role in activating atopic dermatitis, or eczema. In a mouse model of AD, mice without BNP exhibited reduced thickened skin and itching compared to control mice with BNP.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 19, 2023

The addition of a dedicated nursing team to assist with catheter insertions can help reduce bloodstream infections in hospitals

A new report published in the American Journal of Infection Control demonstrates that implementing a dedicated team of nurses to assist with central line insertions can significantly reduce patients' risk of developing bloodstream infections. The study found that having this dedicated team reduced the proportion of central line-associa...

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·TypeObservational study·DateOct 19, 2023

Dietary supplement modifies gut microbiome – potential implications for bone marrow transplant patients

A phase I pilot study investigates the feasibility of using potato starch as a dietary intervention to modify the gut microbiome in bone marrow transplant patients. The study found that more than 80% of participants took the supplement with no negative side effects, and butyrate levels were significantly higher in those who consumed it.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 19, 2023

El Niño's chang­ing pat­terns: Human influ­ence on nat­u­ral vari­abil­ity

Two new studies suggest that human-induced climate change is now a dominant factor in shaping El Niño patterns. The research reveals that the 'Walker switch' mechanism, triggered by changes in solar radiation, instigates swift adjustments in sea-surface temperatures, influencing climate patterns globally.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 19, 2023

Climate change: Atlantic hurricanes twice as likely to strengthen from weak to major intensity in 24 hours

A recent study found that Atlantic hurricanes are now twice as likely to strengthen from weak to major intensity in a 24-hour period than between 1970 and 1990. The study suggests that warmer oceans under climate change are driving this increase, with the fastest intensification typically occurring over warm sea surface temperatures.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 19, 2023

First Nations-led A.I. technology holds promise for salmon recovery

A new AI-powered tool, Salmon Vision, enables real-time monitoring of salmon populations in British Columbia and beyond, addressing data-poor fisheries and climate-smart management. The technology has shown promising accuracy in identifying salmon species and yields mean average precision rates of up to 90% for key fish species.

SourceWild Salmon Center·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2023

Nail salon and other small beauty service workers face significant daily health challenges

Asian female immigrants working in the US beauty service industry face numerous workplace health challenges. Researchers suggest that outreach and education at individual, interpersonal, community, and societal levels can address these issues, including cultural competency, better wages, training, and paid time off.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene·DateOct 19, 2023

First-of-its kind hormone replacement treatment shows promise in patient trials

A new hormone replacement therapy, Pulsatility, has shown promising results in improving symptoms and quality of life for patients with adrenal insufficiency conditions. The treatment, which delivers hydrocortisone in a pulsatile pattern, decreased fatigue by 10% and improved mood and energy levels by 30%.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 19, 2023

mRNA delivered by extracellular vesicles induces immunotherapy response in glioblastoma

Researchers developed a novel method using extracellular vesicles to deliver mRNA for cancer therapy, overcoming challenges of accurate targeting and production. The approach shows promise for treating hard-to-treat tumor types by reversing immunosuppressive environments and making tumors detectable to the immune system.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2023