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Science News for April 8, 2024


First-of-its-kind integrated dataset enables genes-to-ecosystems research

A new dataset has been released that combines molecular information about the poplar tree microbiome with ecosystem-level processes. The dataset provides detailed information on 27 genetically distinct variants of Populus trichocarpa, a bioenergy crop, and includes data on gene expression, soil chemistry, and microbial diversity.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalScientific Data·TypeObservational study·DateApr 8, 2024

Illinois study identifies atmospheric and economic drivers of global air pollution

A new Illinois study reveals that countries with high production levels emit more air pollutants due to domestic and foreign demand. The researchers found a significant increase in carbon monoxide emissions from China to South Korea, emphasizing the need for global cooperation to address pollution.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalEconomic Systems Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 8, 2024

CHLA researchers uncover underlying mechanism driving membranous nephropathy, offering insights into chronic kidney disease in children

A study published in JCI Insight reveals that an unexpected mechanism is responsible for the loss of kidney cells' ability to filter toxins from blood in primary membranous nephropathy. The researchers found that signaling in the C3a/C3aR pathway plays a critical role in disease progression.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalJCI Insight·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2024

Bringing multidrug-resistant pathogens to their knees

Researchers have developed novel antibiotics based on protein building blocks with fluorous lipid chains to fight resistant pathogens. The compounds were shown to be effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in mouse models, killing bacteria without developing resistance.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2024

Pupil contraction indicates hidden cognitive fatigue in prolonged esports play across various skill levels

Researchers found that subjective fatigue did not increase until 2 hours of play, while pupillary constriction occurred at 2 and 3 hours, indicating cognitive fatigue despite varying levels of expertise. This suggests that monitoring pupil constriction could help detect cognitive resource depletion in mentally demanding environments.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateApr 8, 2024

Unnecessary use of beta-blockers after a heart attack

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that half of patients discharged from hospital after a heart attack are treated with beta-blockers unnecessarily. The study shows that these patients have suffered a small heart attack and have retained heart function afterwards.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 8, 2024

AACR: PARP1-selective inhibitor demonstrates early efficacy in breast cancers with DNA repair defects

A Phase I/II trial led by the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found saruparib effective against HRR-deficient breast cancers, demonstrating a favorable safety profile and high response rate. The drug's low dose-reduction rate compared to approved PARP inhibitors may enable longer treatment duration.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 8, 2024

Youths with mood disorders 30 percent less likely to acquire driver’s license than peers

Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that teens and young adults with mood disorders are 30% less likely to obtain their driver’s license compared to peers without such disorders. These youths also experienced a slightly elevated risk of crashing, particularly when newly licensed.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 8, 2024

Prioritizing your phone over your partner affects creativity in the workplace for women

A study by University of Bath researchers found that prioritizing phone use over partner support negatively impacts women's creativity at work. The study analyzed diary entries from 65 full-time couples with children and revealed that women are more adept at translating home support into workplace creativity.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalJournal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateApr 8, 2024

Advancing real-time 3D holographic display: A breakthrough in computer-generated holography

Researchers introduced a novel method for generating computer-generated holograms (CGHs) that significantly reduces computational overhead while maintaining high-quality 3D visualization. The approach leverages a split Lohmann lens-based diffraction model, enabling rapid synthesis of 3D holograms through a single-step backward propagat...

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2024

Tiny brain bubbles carry complete codes

Scientists discovered that tiny brain bubbles called small extracellular vesicles carry more complete instructions for altering cellular function than previously thought. Researchers found nearly 80% of identified mRNAs were full-length, allowing them to be transcribed by recipient cells into viable proteins.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2024

Access to genomic medicine illustrates precision medicine’s delicate future

A new study found that access to genomic testing for cancer is limited by factors such as test availability, patient information, and insurance coverage in both Japan and Switzerland. Despite universal insurance coverage, barriers persist due to differences in hospital accessibility, language barriers, and varying levels of reimbursement.

SourceOsaka University·JournalFrontiers in Genetics·TypeCase study·DateApr 8, 2024

Reducing production and consumption growth in high-income countries: is it good for tackling climate change?

Researchers analyze degrowth scenarios to reduce emissions, highlighting the need for lower energy demand and technological advancements. The study suggests that fast emissions reductions are possible even with reduced or zero economic growth, but also raises concerns about sociocultural feasibility.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalEconomic Systems Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 8, 2024

Understanding the link between family physician characteristics and COVID-19 vaccination gaps

Researchers analyzed data on 9060 family physicians to find a correlation between those with the largest share of unvaccinated patients, typically serving marginalized communities, who had less support in their practices. These physicians were more likely to be male, older, and work in fee-for-service models than the remaining 90%.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateApr 8, 2024

Empowering Socially Vulnerable Children: Improved health knowledge and well-being after a 10-week Residential Stay incorporating a Football-Based Health Education Programme

A 10-week residential stay for socially vulnerable children improved their physical, mental and social well-being, increasing it to national average. The addition of a football-based health education programme further enhanced health knowledge, particularly on physical activity.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2024

New method for detecting unusual air turbulence holds promise for aviation safety

A new study proposes a novel approach to detecting turbulence anomalies directly from quick access recorders (QARs) aboard aircraft, enhancing civil aviation safety. The method leverages symbolic classifiers and QAR data, offering a reliable and efficient solution for identifying turbulence anomalies.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateApr 8, 2024

How the moon turned itself inside out

Researchers at the University of Arizona used computer simulations and spacecraft data to study the moon's geology, finding that a dense layer of titanium-rich material sank into the interior and rose on the near side. The findings suggest that the moon 'turned itself inside out' during its formation.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 8, 2024

Preventive angioplasty does not improve prognosis

A new study published in New England Journal of Medicine found that preventive angioplasty for heart attack patients does not improve prognosis. The research included 1542 patients and showed no difference between treatment groups in terms of new heart attacks or all-cause deaths.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 8, 2024

Disparities in sleep health and insomnia may begin at a young age

A study by Penn State researchers found that childhood-onset insomnia symptoms persist through young adulthood, with Black children being 2.6 times more likely to experience long-term sleep problems compared to white children. The findings highlight the need for early intervention and treatment to address this public health issue.

SourcePenn State·JournalSLEEP·TypeObservational study·DateApr 8, 2024

Immune key to chronic viral infections discovered

Australian researchers have identified a previously unknown immune B memory cell that fails to produce high levels of antibodies against persistent infections. The discovery may lead to earlier intervention and prevention of chronic viral infections like HIV or hepatitis.

SourceMonash University·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2024

Unveiling the bias distribution in the photoelectrochemical overall water-splitting cell and corresponding regulations

Researchers developed a new method to measure bias distribution in two-electrode PEC cells, revealing that OER half-reaction is not always the rate-limiting factor. By tuning electrolyte pH and coupled half-reactions, they adjusted bias distribution and proposed a descriptor for designing efficient PEC cells.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateApr 8, 2024

Early medieval money mystery solved

A team of researchers analyzed 49 silver coins from the Fitzwilliam Museum and found a chemical and isotopic signature matching third- to seventh-century silver from the Byzantine Empire. The study reveals a surge in trade involving these silver coins between 660 and 750 AD, which had a significant impact on people's lives. Later analy...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalAntiquity·DateApr 8, 2024

Does cannabis use affect cognitive decline?

A new study found that non-medical cannabis use is significantly associated with a 96% decrease in odds of subjective cognitive decline. However, medical and dual-use were not significant in reducing the risk of SCD. The study highlights the potential protective effects of cannabis on cognition, but more longitudinal research is needed...

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Alzheimer Research·DateApr 8, 2024

Will the convergence of light and matter in Janus particles transcend performance limitations in the optical display industry?

Researchers pioneer technique to control polaritons, unlocking potential for next-generation materials and surpassing performance limitations of optical displays. The breakthrough enables stable generation of polariton particles with enhanced brightness and color control.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 8, 2024

ADA Forsyth scientists discover new phage resistance mechanism in phage-bacterial arms race

Researchers at ADA Forsyth Institute discovered a new phage resistance mechanism in the oral microbiome, where ultrasmall bacterial parasites, called Saccharibacteria or TM7, help their host bacteria resist lytic phages. This dynamic ecosystem promotes coexistence between antagonistic organisms.

SourceForsyth Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2024

NTU Singapore scientists grow ‘mini kidneys,’ revealing new insights into metabolic defects and potential therapy for polycystic kidney disease

Researchers at NTU Singapore successfully grew 'mini kidneys' in the lab, grafted them into live mice, and found a potential treatment for polycystic kidney disease by boosting autophagy. The study suggests that minoxidil could be used to reduce cysts in the novel mouse model.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2024

New study: Opioids kill, especially if you're alone

A new study from Aarhus University investigates 327 deaths related to opioid overdoses in Denmark and finds that being alone increases the risk of fatal poisoning. The study also highlights the importance of recognizing sleep as a precursor to opioid poisoning, particularly among young people.

SourceAarhus University·JournalForensic Science International·TypeCase study·DateApr 8, 2024

How scientists are accelerating chemistry discoveries with automation

A new statistical-modeling workflow can quickly identify molecular structures of products formed by chemical reactions, accelerating drug discovery and synthetic chemistry. The workflow also enables the analysis of unpurified reaction mixtures, reducing time spent on purification and characterization.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Chemical Information and Modeling·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 8, 2024

A gene mutation associated with a rare neurological disorder and increased susceptibility to viral infections may be treatable with oleic acid

Researchers identified a gene mutation associated with impaired natural killer cell function, leading to increased susceptibility to viral infections in people with a rare genetic condition. Oleic acid supplementation shows promise as a potential therapy for these patients.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2024

Novel tech captures disease markers in a snap: the future of early diagnosis

Researchers have developed a novel method, Flocculation via Orbital Acoustic Trapping (FLOAT), to isolate extracellular vesicles from biological fluids with high efficiency and purity. This innovation promises to revolutionize disease diagnosis and monitoring, offering hope for earlier intervention and personalized treatment plans.

Protecting art and passwords with biochemistry

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a novel cryptographic one-way function using DNA sequences, providing a secure method for protecting valuable objects like art and passwords. The system uses true randomness and physical linking to prevent decoding by algorithms or quantum computers.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 8, 2024

Chinese Medical Journal study reviews the impact of caloric restriction on cardiovascular health

A review of existing literature on caloric restriction (CR) reveals its benefits on cardiovascular health, including reduced cholesterol levels, improved endothelial function, and enhanced vascular renewal. CR's role in regulating sirtuin activity is also explored, with seven identified sirtuins mediating cardiovascular benefits.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 8, 2024

Pregnancy accelerates biological aging in a healthy, young adult population

A new study finds that women who have been pregnant look biologically older than those who haven't, with the number of pregnancies accelerating biological aging in young adults. The study used 'epigenetic clocks' to measure cellular aging and found a significant association between pregnancy history and biological age.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 8, 2024

Medicare pays for message-based e-visits. Are older adults using them?

A study by Michigan Medicine found that about 1% of older adults using traditional Medicare have used asynchronous patient portal messaging to prompt a bill from their doctor or other healthcare provider. Most e-visits were with primary care providers, mainly for managing high blood pressure and diabetes.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalHealth Affairs Scholar·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 8, 2024

New four-terminal tandem organic solar cell achieves 16,94% power conversion efficiency

Researchers at ICFO have fabricated a new four-terminal tandem organic solar cell with a high power conversion efficiency of 16.94%, achieving a significant improvement over previous records for four-terminal tandem devices. The device features an ultrathin transparent silver electrode, enabling efficient light transmission and operation.

A pulse of innovation: AI at the service of heart research

Researchers at Columbia University developed BeatProfiler, an AI-based software that automates the analysis of heart cell function from video data, significantly speeding up the process and reducing errors. The tool can accurately analyze cardiomyocyte function, outperforming existing tools by being faster and more reliable.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalIEEE Open Journal of Engineering in Medicine and Biology·DateApr 8, 2024

The correlation between traditional Chinese medicine syndrome of lung cancer and tumor-node-metastasis staging indexes

The study assessed relationships between TCM syndromes and lung cancer TNM staging indicators, finding phlegm dampness syndrome dominant in stages I & II, Qi Yin deficiency syndrome in stages III & IV. The findings suggest bias in included literature, emphasizing the need for larger sample sizes and clinical experimental investigations.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalFuture Integrative Medicine·DateApr 8, 2024

Key to unlocking the secret of degenerative brain disorders found

A new neuron labeling technology called NeuM has been developed to visualize neuronal structure and track changes over extended periods. This breakthrough technology allows for high-resolution imaging of neurons and can distinguish between aging and degenerating neurons, providing valuable insights into degenerative brain disorders.

Climate change threatens Antarctic meteorites

Climate change causes melting of ice sheet, resulting in loss of about 5,000 meteorites per year. Researchers call for urgent action to preserve the scientific value of meteorites and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 8, 2024

Targeting vulnerability in B-cell development leads to novel drug combination for leukemia

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital designed a combination therapy to effectively treat relapsed or resistant B-cell leukemia by targeting the developmental stages of cancer cells. The findings revealed that a protein called BCL-2 is a hidden vulnerability in asparaginase-resistant tumor cells.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalCancer Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2024

Single-cell profile reveals the landscape of cardiac immunity and identifies a cardio-protective Ym-1hi neutrophil in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury

A single-cell profile of cardiac immune cells reveals diverse types of infiltrating immune cells and their dynamic changes in response to myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI). A novel cardio-protective neutrophil subtype, Ym-1hi Neu, is identified with therapeutic potential.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateApr 8, 2024

Your unsupportive partner is physically stressing you out

A new study from Binghamton University found that couples who receive more negative social support tend to experience higher levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress reactions. In contrast, those who receive positive support exhibit lower cortisol levels and feel more understood, validated, and cared for by their partner.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·TypeObservational study·DateApr 8, 2024

Cannabis use during pregnancy linked to increased risk of ADHD, autism and intellectual disability in children

A recent study published by the European Psychiatric Association found a significant association between prenatal cannabis use disorder and an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and intellectual disability (ID). The stud...

SourceEuropean Psychiatric Association·TypeObservational study·DateApr 8, 2024

Innovative composite accelerometer for extreme environments

The study introduces a novel surface micromachined accelerometer leveraging a silicon carbide-carbon nanotube (SiC-CNT) composite to offer unprecedented durability and performance in harsh environments. The SiC-CNT composite enables high aspect ratio structures crucial for MEMS devices' sensitivity and efficiency.

New review provides insights into the impact of osteoporosis and related medications on fracture healing

A comprehensive review examines the impact of osteoporosis on fracture healing and the effects of osteoporosis medications. The study concludes that there is no deleterious effect of osteoporosis medications on fracture healing, and prompt treatment can reduce the risk of secondary fractures.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 8, 2024

Virtual reality sessions lessen cancer pain in clinical trial

A 10-minute virtual reality session significantly lessened pain in hospitalized patients with cancer, with sustained benefits even a day later. The study found that VR sessions had a greater impact than guided imagery, improving not only pain severity but also related issues like general distress.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateApr 8, 2024

McMaster researchers create first-ever guidelines to help kids build tolerance to food allergens

The McMaster University research team created the first-ever guidelines for preparing families to build their child's tolerance to common food allergens through oral immunotherapy. The guidelines, published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, standardize the preparation process and provide a consent form template.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateApr 8, 2024