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Science News for September 25, 2023


Design of high-performance high temperature proton Exchange Membrane -Poly (triphenyl piperidinium) with long side chain alkyl quaternization

The team developed poly(triphenyl piperidinium) based high-temperature proton exchange membranes with improved physicochemical properties, demonstrating enhanced proton conductivity and mechanical stability. The membranes showed promising performance in fuel cell applications, with the highest peak power density achieved at 210 °C.

SourceIndustrial Chemistry & Materials·JournalIndustrial Chemistry and Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2023

New vaccine technology could protect from future viruses and variants

A new vaccine candidate has shown protection against a range of coronaviruses, including current and future variants, by targeting the critical regions of the virus that it needs to complete its life cycle. The vaccine technology, developed at the University of Cambridge, aims to provide broad-based protection against emerging viruses.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2023

Towards computational design of molecules with desired properties

A new computational approach enables the design of molecules with targeted quantum-mechanical properties, finding that most properties are only weakly correlated among small molecules. The 'freedom of design' concept reveals an intrinsic flexibility in chemical compound space, allowing for simultaneous optimization of multiple properties.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalChemical Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 25, 2023

Insilico Medicine and University of Cambridge present new approach to discover targets for Alzheimer’s and other diseases with protein phase separation

Researchers identified potential therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease and other conditions using a new approach combining AI-driven target identification with protein phase separation analysis. The study provides insights into the role of protein phase separation in human disease and its potential as a therapeutic target.

SourceInSilico Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 25, 2023

Brain signals for good memory performance revealed

A study of 1,500 participants found that certain brain regions, including the hippocampus, exhibit stronger activation in individuals with better memory performance. The researchers identified functional networks in the brain linked to memory performance, shedding light on individual differences in memory recall.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 25, 2023

Staffing challenges and general time constraints may harm primary care teams’ ability to implement quality improvement efforts

A qualitative study found that staff turnover, staffing shortages, and time constraints are major barriers to participation in quality improvement projects. The authors recommend policy makers provide direct support for primary care to alleviate burnout and address these challenges.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 25, 2023

Transgender persons face challenges when seeking clinical care, including decisions about what information to disclose and risk of substandard care

A qualitative study found that transgender individuals often perceive clinician questions as stigmatizing or voyeuristic, leading to pathologization and substandard care. To improve care, medical systems must adopt inclusive policies, procedures, and data collection tools, prioritizing the safety and well-being of transgender patients.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 25, 2023

Pioneering research links the increase of misinformation shared by Republican US politicians to a changing public perception of honesty

A study analyzed millions of tweets by Republican and Democratic US politicians over a decade, finding that Republicans were more likely to share untrustworthy information. The researchers identified linguistic signals associated with low-quality information and suggested potential solutions for the public to recognize these signals

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 25, 2023

Repetitive requests for patient intake forms could lead to inaccurately reported health conditions

A retrospective analysis of EHR data found that repetitive screening questions may compromise accuracy, especially in high-risk populations. The study suggests that prioritizing repetition for performance metrics can lead to administrative burden and low-value care, diverting clinical capacity from other essential services.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 25, 2023

Primary care investigators, clinicians, patients and community members reflect on NAPCRG’s 50 years of leadership and service

The North American Primary Care Research Group (NAPCRG) has made foundational contributions to primary care research, including practice-based networks and community-based participatory research. The organization's future depends on strengthening primary care and primary care research with stronger support, infrastructure, training, an...

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 25, 2023

New study definitively confirms gulf stream weakening, understanding the changes could help predict future trends in extreme events

A new study definitively confirms the Gulf Stream has slowed by 4% over the past four decades, with implications for weather and climate. The research used Bayesian modeling to combine data from various sources, providing clear evidence of significant long-term change.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateSep 25, 2023

Global study provides new insights into barriers to effective cardiovascular rehabilitation for women and why women are less likely to participate

A global comparative study assesses barriers to participation in cardiovascular rehabilitation programs for men and women, highlighting sex differences and regional variations. The study provides patients with mitigation strategies to address these barriers and improve CR utilization.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·TypeSurvey·DateSep 25, 2023

Despite being properly treated and highly diluted, wastewater still impacts on the river ecosystem

A study by the University of the Basque Country found that even highly diluted wastewater from treatment plants can exert significant effects on stream communities, reducing invertebrate diversity and altering trophic networks. The researchers emphasize the need for more stringent treatments to conserve freshwater food webs.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2023

New study sheds light on the impact of in-stream video advertising on ad information encoding

A recent study published in Journal of Advertising sheds light on the effects of in-stream video advertising on ad information encoding. The research found that mid-roll ads elicit negative emotions but do not affect viewers' purchase intention. In contrast, pre- and post-roll ads have a significant impact on memory formation, highligh...

Ancient Shangzhai people consumed broomcorn millet, the meat of terrestrial non-ruminants and wild ruminants, and dairy of wild ruminants during the Middle to Late Neolithic Age (7500–6000 yr BP) of Beijing.

Researchers analyzed pottery lipids at the Shangzhai site in Beijing, revealing that ancient people consumed millet, terrestrial non-ruminant meat, and wild ruminant dairy. This provides new insights into subsistence strategy and millet agriculture development during this time period.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateSep 25, 2023

Family planning and the fear of missing out

A Rutgers study found that fear of missing out (FOMO) is a significant driver for regretful parents to have children, with 7% of parents saying they would not have children if they could do it over again. The study analyzed narratives from Reddit's /r/childfree community and identified FOMO as a key discourse among regretful parents.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 25, 2023

Political independents are more negative than partisans

A recent study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that independents are more likely to frame their position in terms of opposition to one party or candidate, rather than support for the other. This negativity extends beyond politics to non-political preferences as well.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2023

Learning collaborative promotes mifepristone education and utilization training in federally qualified health centers

A learning collaborative enhanced educational and training support services for primary care doctors to use mifepristone for miscarriage management and abortion provision. Clinics increased knowledge of mifepristone and stockpiled the medication, despite existing financial barriers.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 25, 2023

Finding the balance: Opioids and pain control after surgery

Researchers surveyed patients undergoing elective surgeries and found that reducing opioid prescriptions led to higher patient satisfaction with pain management. The study's results were used to develop evidence-based guidelines for prescribing opioids after surgery, aiming to balance managing pain and opioid use.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateSep 25, 2023

Integrating the transitional care model into nurse practitioner curricula to improve outcomes for high-risk older adults

The Transitional Care Model has been successfully incorporated into nurse practitioner curricula to address the challenges of managing transitions in care for older adults. This approach prepares adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioners to identify and address gaps in transitional care, resulting in improved cost and quality ou...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalJournal of Professional Nursing·DateSep 25, 2023

Men who trust their doctors, receive adequate time and general information about prostate cancer screening are more likely to have productive discussions

A scoping review identified four key themes: everyday language, thorough information, adequate discussion time, and a trusting relationship. The study also highlighted the impact of racism on Black men's medical interactions. Researchers suggest strategies to support men's communication preferences.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 25, 2023

Formalized education on breast cancer survivorship can help nurses provide more streamlined care, MU study finds

A new MU study found that APRNs recognize the importance of breast cancer survivorship care and can benefit from standardized education. The findings suggest that formalizing education on breast cancer survivorship could lead to improved healthcare for patients, including symptom management, monitoring, and follow-up appointments.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners·TypeSurvey·DateSep 25, 2023

Doctor and pharmacist revamp standard processes for ordering and documenting mifepristone use

Clinical researchers developed a single prescriber account to centralize ordering and distribution of mifepristone, reducing barriers to providing abortion care. The new process mirrors other health system procedures and sets the stage for rapid expansion of medication abortion access in a post- Roe environment.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 25, 2023

Staffing challenges and general time constraints may harm primary care teams’ ability to implement quality improvement efforts

Primary care teams struggle to implement quality improvement efforts due to staff turnover, staffing shortages, and time constraints exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers recommend direct support for primary care to alleviate burnout and improve participation in quality improvement projects.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 25, 2023

College of Medicine – Tucson researchers tackle immune rejection of biomedical implants

A team of researchers identified a protein called RAC2 that appears to drive the foreign body response, which causes the body to reject biomedical implants. Suppressing production of this protein could reduce the risk of implant rejection and improve the design and safety of implants.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 25, 2023

Dementia risk in adults with intellectual disability

Researchers found dementia prevalence among people with ID to be 6.44%, with modifiable risk factors identified as hypertension, depression, stroke, age, severity of ID, duration of education, and traumatic brain injury. These findings can inform better screening and support for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

SourceOkayama University·JournalAlzheimer s Research & Therapy·TypeSurvey·DateSep 25, 2023

Exploring the existence of life at 125°F

Researchers investigate protists in Lassen Volcanic National Park's hot and acidic geothermal lake to gain insight into their evolution and genome biology. They aim to understand how these organisms adapted to survive in extreme environments, which could expand the understanding of life's potential habitats.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 25, 2023

Screening for adverse childhood experience can improve trauma-informed care, though time constraints and limited referral resources present challenges

Clinician staff perspectives on implementing Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) screening in Los Angeles County Pediatric Clinics revealed that screening can elicit important patient information and build trust. However, challenges arise from insufficient time for screening, inadequate training, and limited referral resources.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 25, 2023

Study identifies patient and clinician-level characteristics associated with sexual history screening administration

A mixed methods study of 53,246 patients and 56 clinicians found that gay and lesbian patients, cisgender women, and doctors' sociodemographics are linked to higher odds of documented sexual history. Conversely, older patients, long-term relationships, and non-English primary languages are associated with lower odds.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 25, 2023

Esposito-Smythers receives funding for project aimed at saving young lives & decreasing health disparities through dissemination of culturally sensitive evidence-based assessments to state-funded behavioral health organizations

Esposito-Smythers will train 150 clinicians and 40 clinical supervisors in the use of measurement-based care to administer culturally sensitive assessments, improving outcomes for diverse youth and families. Funding from SAMHSA aims to reduce health disparities through evidence-based practices.

Antibiotics can help some bacteria survive for longer

Researchers at the University of Exeter found that certain antibiotics can alleviate stress and help prevent bacterial decline, allowing more bacteria to survive longer. The study, published in PNAS, suggests that these drugs can promote bacterial longevity and growth efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2023

Ocean acidification research is robust despite ebbs and flows

A new study published in Nature Climate Change assesses the last 24 years of ocean acidification research and finds that negative effects remain consistently observed. The researchers' efforts to reproduce early results have shown improvement over time, with sufficient data contributing to a rebuilt confidence in the community.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 25, 2023

Six numbers predict life-threatening COVID-19

A new machine-learning model, PLABAC, predicts coronavirus disease progression in hospitalized patients based on five routine tests and patient age. The model has shown strong results in predicting mortality for patients with COVID-19 variants, offering improved outcomes for patients hospitalized with the virus.

SourceRutgers University·JournalmBio·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 25, 2023

National Science Foundation taps Worcester Polytechnic Institute fire protection expertise and resources for the Wildfire Interdisciplinary Research Center

The National Science Foundation has added Worcester Polytechnic Institute to its Wildfire Interdisciplinary Research Center, a collaboration between universities and industry. WPI will leverage its expertise in fire protection to study new fire detection methods, robotics solutions for first responder safety, and fire suppression systems.

CSIC contributes to deciphering the enigmatic global distribution of fairy circles

A study by CSIC reveals fairy circles are more common than thought, linked to low nitrogen content and rainfall below 200 mm/year. The formations show increased stability in productivity compared to other ecosystems, providing insights into ecosystem resilience and potential indicators of degradation with climate change.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 25, 2023

High blood pressure in males in late adolescence associated with increased risk of major cardiovascular events later in life

A study of over 1 million Swedish men found that high blood pressure at age 18 was associated with a higher risk of major cardiovascular events, including heart failure, heart attacks, and strokes. Early intervention for hypertension may be critical to reducing later cardiovascular events.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateSep 25, 2023

Two-of-a-kind strike oil

Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered two novel yeast species with high oil-forming potential, which could be used to produce alternative biofuels and reduce CO2 emissions. The study also explores the relationship between climate and microbial ecology in Shiga Prefecture.

SourceKyoto University·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2023

Ocean acidification makes ecologically important seaweed species fragile

A study found that ocean acidification reduced the strength and density of fleshy seaweed tissues, making them more fragile and susceptible to damage. The research suggests that this could have drastic effects on coastal ecosystems, leading to a decrease in seaweed coverage and negatively impacting organisms dependent on these habitats.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2023

Researchers at UMass Amherst show how a small strand of RNA is key to fighting cancer

Researchers at UMass Amherst have identified a small strand of microRNA called let-7 as crucial in governing the formation of cellular memories that enable T-cells to recognize and attack tumor cells. This discovery offers new insights into how vaccines work and could lead to improved cancer therapies by boosting cellular memory.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 25, 2023

People with long COVID have distinct hormonal and immune differences from those without this condition

Researchers identified specific blood biomarkers that can accurately identify patients with long COVID, revealing distinct immune and hormone function differences. The study also found abnormal T cell activity, reactivation of latent viruses, and reduced cortisol levels in patients with long COVID.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 25, 2023

Autistic individuals have increased risk of chronic physical health conditions across the whole body

A recent study by the University of Cambridge found that autistic individuals are more likely to experience a broad range of chronic physical health conditions across various organ systems. The research highlights the need for closer monitoring and adaptation of healthcare systems to meet the complex needs of autistic people.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalMolecular Autism·TypeObservational study·DateSep 25, 2023

Researchers identify important strategies for diabetes care and quality improvements in the primary care setting

High-performing primary care practices use similar strategies to manage change and improve diabetes care, including standardizing the care process, enhancing care teams, and engaging staff and clinicians. These practices also focus on proactive care, pre-visit planning, and improving patient relationships.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 25, 2023

Understanding parents’ care expectations for a child with gastroenteritis could prevent after-hours care requests

Researchers found that parents who felt misunderstood or not listened to by their doctors were more likely to request out-of-hours consultations. Greater awareness and understanding on the part of GPs about parental feelings and expectations could improve satisfaction with primary health care and reduce after-hours care requests.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 25, 2023

Naming and shaming can be effective to get countries to act on climate

A new UC San Diego study suggests that the transparency rules in the Paris Agreement can keep many countries on track to meet their climate goals. The study found that naming and shaming is particularly effective for countries with strong democratic institutions and ambitious climate commitments.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 25, 2023

Drug discovery on an unprecedented scale

A recent study published in the Journal of Chemical Information and Modeling presents a significant breakthrough in accelerating giga-scale virtual screens using machine learning. The researchers successfully reduced processing time by 10-fold for 1.56 billion drug-like molecules, identifying top-scoring compounds in under ten days.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalJournal of Chemical Information and Modeling·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 25, 2023

Rivers contain hidden sinks and sources of microplastics

Researchers found an average of 41 microplastic particles per square meter per day settled from the atmosphere, while sediment samples contained denser particles with higher population densities. The study suggests clothing is likely the prominent source of microplastics to the Ganges River system.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 25, 2023

Exercise-mimicking drug sheds weight, boosts muscle activity in mice

A new exercise-mimicking drug, SLU-PP-332, has shown promising results in obese mice, leading to weight loss and increased muscle activity without increasing physical activity. The drug works by boosting a natural metabolic pathway, making the body act like it is training for a marathon, resulting in faster metabolism of fat.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2023

Study finds immune cells in older adults resemble those in newborns and children, but fall short in virus detection

Research finds that immune cells in older adults are similar to those in newborns and children, but less effective at recognizing infected cells. The study, published in Nature Immunology, suggests that tailored vaccines and therapies could be developed for different age groups based on the unique characteristics of killer T cells.

SourceThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2023

Modelling of adhesive technology sheds new light on prehistoric cognition

A study using computational modelling reveals that Neanderthals required advanced cognitive traits to produce birch bark tar, including understanding, information processing, and communication. The findings suggest that prehistoric tar making likely involved complex upscaling techniques and group collaboration.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 25, 2023

Did life exist on Mars? Other planets? With AI's help, we may know soon

Scientists have discovered a simple test for signs of past or present life on other planets, using artificial intelligence to distinguish between biological and abiotic samples with high accuracy. The method has the potential to revolutionize the search for extraterrestrial life and deepen our understanding of Earth's earliest life.

SourceCarnegie Science Earth and Planets Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 25, 2023

Annals of Family Medicine: researchers describe clinical experiences of transgender people, recommend strategies to reduce negative health consequences

A new paper describes clinical experiences of transgender people and identifies four themes: voyeuristic questions, pathologization, stigma, and ineffective care. Researchers recommend strategies to improve safety and quality of care for this patient population.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 25, 2023