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Science News for September 12, 2023


Alzheimer’s: An M.D./Ph.D. graduate student’s request for Yuhua Song as mentor leads to two NIH R01 awards totaling $5 million

The collaboration has garnered $5.68 million of grant support, with a five-year $2.13 million National Institutes of Health R01 grant and a five-year $2.89 million NIH R01 grant. Researchers are using computational biology to model a key Alzheimer's protein called TREM2 and its interactions with small chemical molecules.

Immunity to COVID-19 reduces contagiousness

A study of 50,000 COVID-19 cases found that immunity following infection provides better protection against transmission than vaccination, but only for a short period. Vaccination reduces contagiousness over a longer time, making it essential to consider simple public health measures like air filtration and mask-wearing.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateSep 12, 2023

Ocean acidification in colored stripes

Researchers use ocean acidification stripes to visualize ocean acidification trends worldwide. Studies confirm global decrease in pH and aragonite saturation due to human-made CO2 emissions, posing critical threat to marine ecosystems.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles·TypeObservational study·DateSep 12, 2023

New neural insights into processing uncertainty in obsessive-compulsive disorder

A new study uses brain imaging to explore the neural underpinnings of uncertainty processing in OCD, finding that patients struggle with certainty and decision-making, particularly when outcomes are more certain. This understanding may offer new hope for developing therapies targeting uncertainty processing in OCD.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 12, 2023

Human Brain Project celebrates successful conclusion

The Human Brain Project has achieved major breakthroughs in understanding the complex structure and function of the brain, enabling novel medical and technological applications. The project's digital atlas and personalized virtual models have provided unprecedented insights into brain conditions such as epilepsy and Parkinson's disease.

Exposure to air pollution while in the womb is linked to adverse changes in cell processes in new-born babies

Research found alterations in proteins that can affect autophagy, a self-eating process of damaged cells. Healthy newborns showed individual responses to prenatal exposure to air pollution, with some more vulnerable than others. The study aims to understand the impact on breathing problems during infancy and childhood.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·TypeObservational study·DateSep 12, 2023

Both high-protein and normal-protein diets are effective for T2D management

A randomized controlled trial found that high-protein and normal-protein diets were both effective in improving glucose control, weight loss, and body composition in adults with Type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that individuals can choose a dietary pattern that suits their preferences while still achieving significant health benefits.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalObesity·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 12, 2023

LSU Health New Orleans research quantifies effect of chronic diseases on racial disparity in Covid-associated hospitalizations

A first-of-its-kind study by LSU Health New Orleans found that chronic diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes, explained nearly two-fifths of the racial disparity in COVID-associated hospitalizations. Non-Hispanic Black cancer patients had a higher prevalence of chronic diseases and were more than twice as likely to live in high-p...

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 12, 2023

Communicating stability, strong connections to stakeholders versus shareholders are priorities in Chinese financial reporting, Rotman research finds

Researchers found that Chinese executives prioritize communicating long-term stability and inspiring confidence among diverse stakeholders. In contrast to US firms, Chinese companies tend to work closely with stakeholders like debt holders and controlling shareholders to reduce fluctuations.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of Accounting and Economics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2023

265-million-year-old fossil reveals oldest, largest predator in South America, long before the rise of dinosaurs

A 265-million-year-old fossil discovery in Brazil yields the oldest and largest known predator in South America, predating the rise of dinosaurs. The exquisitely preserved Pampaphoneus biccai had a skull over 40cm long and sharp canine teeth adapted for capturing prey.

SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateSep 12, 2023

Mount Sinai receives NIH grant to develop vaccines that can protect against many different types of coronaviruses

The Mount Sinai Hospital received a $13 million NIH grant to create vaccines that can protect against various types of coronaviruses. The project aims to develop variant-proof, universal vaccines that offer broad protection against existing and future SARS-CoV-2 variants, pandemic, zoonotic, and seasonal coronaviruses.

Researchers uncover NSMF protein’s role in relieving DNA replication stress

Researchers discovered NSMF protein's role in alleviating DNA replication stress by displacing weakly bound RPA proteins and promoting phosphorylation. This mechanism accelerates relief of replication stress, offering a new direction for treating various diseases, including cancer and age-related conditions.

Large amounts of sedentary time linked with higher risk of dementia in older adults, study shows

A new study published in JAMA found that adults over 60 who spend more than 10 hours a day engaging in sedentary behaviors like sitting are at increased risk of developing dementia. The study used wearable accelerometers to track physical activity and found that the total time spent sedentary each day was a significant predictor of dem...

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateSep 12, 2023

Study finds heavy alcohol consumption linked to ectopic fat

A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that heavy alcohol consumption is associated with higher levels of ectopic fat, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. The research team used CT scans to measure and analyze data on body fat distribution, revealing a J-shaped pattern between alcoho...

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateSep 12, 2023

Mount Sinai researchers develop novel, automated measure of sleep studies to determine severity of obstructive sleep apnea

Researchers have developed an automated breath-by-breath measure to assess the severity of obstructive sleep apnea, predicting cardiovascular disease and mortality. The ventilatory burden tool provides a validated alternative to AHI, offering stable results and risk predictions.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 12, 2023

Freshwater connectivity can transport environmental DNA through the landscape

Research finds that water movement between lakes can transport environmental DNA, making eDNA a promising tool for tracking aquatic species and monitoring biodiversity. The study highlights the importance of considering landscape connectivity when designing eDNA surveys to ensure accurate biodiversity assessments.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateSep 12, 2023

Socializing boosts mood more than screentime

A new study from the University of Georgia found that people generally enjoy conversation over smartphone use, with a significant emotional boost from talking to strangers. In contrast, sitting alone was found to be the least preferred task, even when participants were given a choice.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalThe Journal of Social Psychology·DateSep 12, 2023

Umass Amherst research finds benefits, risks in state-mandated school-based BMI assessments

State-mandated school-based BMI assessments may help overweight students recognize their weight status but also lead to distorted self-image and body perception among non-overweight girls. The research found a small decrease in teens' BMI, primarily among those on the margin of being overweight.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJournal of Policy Analysis and Management·TypeObservational study·DateSep 12, 2023

Combination of stressors key to testing perovskite solar cells

A NREL-led research team identified accelerated testing protocols to understand perovskite solar cells' behavior under real conditions. The study found that high temperature and illumination are the most critical combination of stressors for predicting outdoor performance, with cells retaining over 93% of their maximum efficiency after...

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateSep 12, 2023

Contributions to white matter injury in Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers highlight microvascular contributions to white matter injury in Alzheimer's disease, sparking calls for exploration of connections between AD, WM injury and cerebral small vessel disease. The study emphasizes the critical need to define mechanisms and diagnostic features of mixed vascular and AD neuropathological change.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 12, 2023

CityU and Asian Fund for Cancer Research sign MoU to jointly promote biomedical innovation and entrepreneurship; Harvard Medical School experts speak at the inaugural ‘Innovation Series in Biomedicine’ forum

CityU and AFCR have signed a MoU to promote cutting-edge cancer-related innovative inventions and commercialization. The partnership aims to foster the development of biomedicine and related innovation, with world-leading scholars from Harvard Medical School attending the inaugural 'Innovation Series in Biomedicine' forum.

Global droughts differ by coastal or inland location; only 40% accompanied by heatwaves

Research from Fudan University reveals that global droughts exhibit distinct characteristics based on their geographical location, with only 40% of coastal droughts accompanying heatwaves. The study developed a clustering algorithm to analyze drought events and found significant differences in symmetry between inland and coastal types.

SourceOcean-Land-Atmosphere Research (OLAR)·JournalOcean-Land-Atmosphere Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 12, 2023

Researchers discover genes behind antibiotic resistance in deadly superbug infections

Australian researchers analyzed over 1,300 Golden staph strains, linking specific genes to antibiotic resistance and the bacteria's ability to linger in the bloodstream. The study highlights the diagnostic power of integrating clinical and genomic data to develop targeted solutions for deadly superbug infections.

SourceThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity·JournalCell Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 12, 2023

New imaging technique measures elasticity of multiple eye components simultaneously

A new imaging technique, multifocal acoustic radiation force-based reverberant optical coherence elastography (RevOCE), has been developed to measure the elasticity of multiple eye components simultaneously. This approach offers high resolution measurements of the stiffness of eye structures and could revolutionize how we study ocular ...

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateSep 12, 2023

Largest historic fire death toll belongs to aftermath of 1923 Japan Earthquake

The 1923 Kantō earthquake sparked devastating fires that killed 90% of Tokyo's population, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in history. The study highlights the importance of fire prevention and response as part of earthquake mitigation plans for regions with strong seismic shaking and wood-framed buildings.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·TypeObservational study·DateSep 12, 2023

Calculating disease risk in individuals with previous disease

A new study found that having a previous disease increases an individual's risk of developing another disease, regardless of age and established risk factors. The study analyzed data from the UK Biobank cohort and found roughly double the expected rate of new diseases in certain groups, such as high-BMI men who smoke.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateSep 12, 2023

New research provides hope for Parkinson’s disease symptom control

Researchers developed an algorithm that uses wearable health tracker data to identify promising treatment strategies for Parkinson's disease, which could improve patients' outcomes. The model suggests a novel medication approach that benefits almost all patients and offers the potential to revolutionize care.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManagement Science·TypeObservational study·DateSep 12, 2023

Nicotine e-cigarettes, prescription drugs and dual nicotine replacement therapy identified as most effective stop-smoking aids

A comprehensive global analysis found that these stop-smoking aids are nearly twice as effective as single forms of NRT. Dual forms of NRT, such as combining a patch with gum or a lozenge, were found to be nearly as effective as nicotine e-cigarettes and prescription medications.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 12, 2023

Negative actions cascade to third parties

A new study found that negative behavior can spill over to unrelated third parties, regardless of the initial intent. When individuals face resource loss due to negative action, they are inclined to seek compensation from both immediate offenders and unrelated third parties.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 12, 2023

Plant-based food alternatives could support a shift to global sustainability

Replacing meat and milk with plant-based alternatives can significantly reduce agriculture's impact on the environment. By 2050, this shift could halve future declines in ecosystem integrity and contribute up to 25% of global land restoration needs. The study suggests that a 50% substitution scenario would substantially reduce environm...

Movement sensors can detect disease in wild boar

Accelerometer sensors can detect sickness behavior in wild boar, allowing for early detection of African Swine Fever. The study found that infected boars were 10-20% less active daily than healthy ones, making this technology a potential tool for disease control and prevention.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateSep 12, 2023

Older adults with digestive diseases experience higher rates of loneliness, depression

A study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that older adults with digestive diseases are more likely to report loneliness, moderate to severe depression, and poor-or-fair health. The research emphasizes the importance of considering psychosocial factors in gastrointestinal health care.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeSurvey·DateSep 12, 2023

Large variation in how many relatives Swedes have

A new study by Stockholm University reveals the number of relatives Swedes have varies greatly, with most living relatives found between ages 30 and 40. The study used Sweden's unique population registers to create kinship networks, showing that younger people have more relatives in their ascending line.

SourceStockholm University·JournalDemography·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 12, 2023

COVID-19 can trigger auto-immune disorders-related antibodies, causing thrombosis and other complications

A study published in NPJ Aging reveals that COVID-19 exacerbates production of auto-antibodies associated with blood clotting disorders and aging. Researchers found that severe COVID-19 cases display a significant age-related increase in auto-antibodies, which can lead to tissue injury and organ damage.

Light pollution threatens coastal marine systems

A new study synthesizes marine light pollution science, revealing the impact of artificial light on coastal ecosystems and species such as sea turtles. The research highlights the need for urgent action to mitigate the effects of artificial light at night on marine life.

SourceCornell University·JournalAquatic Conservation Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 12, 2023

Study: People who used e-cigarettes before pregnancy were more likely to stop smoking later in pregnancy than those using nicotine replacement therapy

A US study found that pregnant individuals who used e-cigarettes before pregnancy were more likely to stop smoking later than those using nicotine replacement therapy. The research compared abstinence rates among 1,329 pregnant people and suggested e-cigarettes could be a potential smoking cessation aid during pregnancy.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateSep 12, 2023

A linear path to efficient quantum technologies

Researchers have demonstrated a way to perform Bell-state measurements with an efficiency exceeding the commonly assumed upper theoretical limit. This breakthrough opens up new perspectives for photonic quantum technologies and could lead to more efficient quantum computing, communication, and sensor devices.

SourceUniversitaet Stuttgart·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2023

Targeted ultrasound can change brain functions for up to an hour after intervention

A new study suggests that transcranial ultrasound stimulation can be used to change specific types of activity within the brain, paving the way for targeted treatments of mental health conditions. The research found that TUS induced significant changes in GABA concentration and altered communication between brain regions.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2023

What to expect when you adopt a shelter pet

A new study found that dogs adopted from shelters can exhibit a range of behavioral changes, including aggression and separation-related problems. However, despite these challenges, owners tend to be highly satisfied with their pets, with 93.7% rating their dog's behavior as excellent or good.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateSep 12, 2023

To cut global emissions, replace meat and milk with plant-based alternatives

A new study suggests that substituting 50% of meat and dairy products with plant-based alternatives by 2050 can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture by 31%, save forests, and improve nutrition for millions of people. The study also found that restoring land spared from livestock production could contribute up to 25% of glob...

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 12, 2023

Making mammography inclusive for patients with disabilities

Researchers advocate for accessible breast cancer screening services for individuals with disabilities, highlighting physical barriers such as equipment accessibility and fragrance-free policies. They stress the need for social and procedural barriers removal through comprehensive training and resources.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 12, 2023

The earliest deep-sea vertebrates revealed by unusual trace fossils

The discovery of rare fossils in 130-million-year-old rocks reveals the earliest evidence of deep-sea fishes, dating back to the Early Cretaceous period. The findings shed light on an obscure chapter in the history of life on Earth, forcing scientists to reconsider factors that triggered vertebrate colonization of the deep sea.

SourceFaculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 12, 2023

Fewer but more intense tropical storms predicted over the Ganges and Mekong

Climate experts predict a decline in tropical storm frequency by 50% by 2050 across the Ganges and Mekong basins, but an increase in intensity, with high-resolution models showing significant increases for intense storms. This shift could impact disaster risk mitigation and climate adaptation strategies.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 12, 2023

Sustainable lithium for many decades

A recent study by KIT researchers found that geothermal power plants in the Upper Rhine Valley and Northern German Basin could cover between 2 and 12 percent of Germany’s annual lithium demand. The model developed for the study describes lithium extraction in the Upper Rhine Valley, with parameters transferable to other joint systems.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalEnergies·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 12, 2023

Scientists studied optimal multi-impulse linear rendezvous via reinforcement learning

Researchers propose a reinforcement learning-based approach to optimize multi-impulse linear rendezvous trajectories, achieving faster computation times and improved fuel efficiency compared to traditional numerical optimization methods. The algorithm uses an actor-critic architecture and advantage-weighted learning to accelerate train...

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace: Science & Technology·DateSep 12, 2023

Infants less than one year old most impacted by famine of the Dutch Hunger Winter with highest mortality rate

A new study found that infants less than one year old experienced the highest absolute and relative mortality during the Dutch Hunger Winter Famine. Diseases of the digestive system showed a tenfold mortality increase, with most deaths from enteritis, diarrhea, and intestinal ulcers.

Researchers create a new window on leading genetic cause of Alzheimer’s

Scientists have detected over 300 proteins associated with lipoproteins in the central nervous system, far more than previously thought. The most common protein, apolipoprotein E (APOE), plays a key role in delivering nutrient-rich lipids and protein tools to perform tasks such as wound healing and neuron creation.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 12, 2023

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers reveal the effect of AIN surface pits on GaN remote epitaxy

GIST researchers found that nano-sized pits on AlN surfaces cause graphene degradation at higher temperatures, leading to GaN film exfoliation failure. The study's results demonstrate the importance of substrate chemical and topographic properties for successful remote epitaxy.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2023