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Science News for February 6, 2024


Prior zika infection increases risk of subsequent severe dengue and hospitalization, study concludes

A Brazilian study found that prior zika infection significantly increases the risk of developing severe dengue and being hospitalized. The study analyzed samples from over 1,000 laboratory-confirmed dengue patients and identified a higher viral load and inflammatory cytokine levels in those with prior zika infections.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateFeb 6, 2024

Perceived experts as anti-vaccine influencers

A study finds that individuals with biomedical expertise are influential anti-vaccine advocates on Twitter, sharing misinformation and sowing doubt. The research highlights the need for public education, credential verification, and disciplinary actions against health professionals spreading false information.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateFeb 6, 2024

Researchers reveal elusive bottleneck holding back global effort to convert carbon dioxide waste into usable products

A team of researchers at McMaster University uncovered the elusive bottleneck hindering the conversion of carbon dioxide into fuels and chemicals. The study provides new insights into the degradation process of catalysts, enabling the development of strategies to improve their operational lifetimes.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2024

Household food waste reduced through whole-family food literacy interventionHousehold food waste reduced through whole-family food literacy intervention

A new study found that a four-week family-based food literacy program reduced fruit and vegetable-avoidable waste in families with school-aged children. The program included online cooking classes, text messages, and toolkits to promote meal preparation and reduce food waste.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 6, 2024

Making art shows promise in residential treatment setting for substance abuse disorder

A University of Kansas study found that creating visual art may be an effective strategy to reduce delay discounting, a concept related to self-control and the ability to defer gratification. The research suggests using art as a delivery method for episodic future thinking could support improved treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Substance Use and Addiction Treatment·DateFeb 6, 2024

Effectiveness of bivalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection in children and adolescents ages 5 to 17

A recent study published in JAMA found that bivalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccines were highly effective in protecting against SARS-CoV-2 infection and symptomatic COVID-19 in children and adolescents aged 5 to 17. The study, involving 2,959 participants, demonstrated the significant benefit of COVID-19 vaccination in this age group.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 6, 2024

How ovarian tissue freezing could prevent menopause—possibly forever

A new mathematical model predicts that ovarian tissue freezing can potentially delay or eliminate menopause in healthy women. The study, led by Yale University's Kutluk Oktay, uses data from hundreds of previous procedures to estimate the maximum number of years menopause can be delayed, with younger women showing greater promise.

SourceYale University·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateFeb 6, 2024

Mobile patient lifts help ICU patients recover

A recent study found that mobile patient lift-assisted early mobilization in ventilated ICU patients led to earlier standing and improved physical function. The intervention group exhibited higher Functional Status Score for the Intensive Care Unit scores at ICU discharge, supporting the benefits of proactive early mobilization.

SourceToho University·JournalCritical Care Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 6, 2024

Study: Using Nutrition Facts labels linked to healthier eating choices among eighth and 11th grade students

A study published in Nutrients found that eighth- and 11th-grade students in Texas who used Nutrition Facts labels made healthier food choices. The study analyzed data from the 2019-2020 Texas School Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey and found a positive association between label use and healthy eating habits.

WVU researcher determines ADHD gives entrepreneurs an edge

A study by WVU researcher Nancy McIntyre reveals that individuals with ADHD tend to use routines and patterns to store stimuli from their environment, allowing them to make connections and file away resources for future use. This helps entrepreneurs with ADHD excel in qualities such as alertness, adaptability, and entrepreneurial intent.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalInternational Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour & Research·DateFeb 6, 2024

Complex tree canopies help forests recover from moderate-severity disturbances

Researchers have identified that moderate-severity disturbances leave different patterns of change in forest canopy structure. Forests with more complex canopy structures seem better able to withstand and recover from these disturbances. The findings suggest that managing forests to promote structural complexity could make them more re...

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Ecology·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 6, 2024

Chinese Medical Journal study explores the health and economic burden of air pollution

A Chinese Medical Journal study examined the spatiotemporal features of disease burden due to air pollution across China between 2005 and 2017. The findings revealed a downward trend in premature mortality from fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) pollution, but an increasing financial burden due to economic growth.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 6, 2024

Trust in doctors, not public officials, boosts COVID-19 vaccination

A new study by NYU School of Global Public Health found that Americans who trusted their own doctors were more likely to get vaccinated against COVID-19. In contrast, trust in public officials had no significant impact on vaccination behavior. The researchers conclude that engaging the medical profession in communicating vaccine benefi...

SourceNew York University·JournalPreventive Medicine Reports·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 6, 2024

How a city is organized can create less-biased citizens

Researchers found that larger, more diverse, and less segregated cities experience decreased implicit racial biases due to increased social interactions. This is attributed to a lack of cosmopolitan public spaces where people can interact with others from different groups, creating barriers to equity.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 6, 2024

Researchers breathe new life into lung repair

Researchers have developed a new technique to repair lung tissue damaged by respiratory viruses, such as the flu and COVID-19. The technique uses vascular endothelial growth factor alpha (VEGFA) delivered via lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), which improves vascular recovery, reduces inflammation, and enhances oxygen levels in animal models.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2024

Women may find it harder to adjust to later life divorce and break-ups than men

A large long-term study found that women's antidepressant use increases after later life divorce or break-up, with a significant increase in the 4 years leading up to the event. Women's use tends to tail off only slightly and briefly after re-partnering, while men's use returns to pre-break-up levels within a year.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 6, 2024

Korea University researchers unveil benefits of perioperative radiotherapy for treating liver cancer with high recurrence risk

Korea University researchers found that perioperative radiotherapy significantly improves survival rates among HCC patients at high risk of recurrence. The study suggests that radiotherapy can reduce recurrence and improve survival in these patients, providing a significant adjuvant treatment option.

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalInternational Journal of Surgery·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 6, 2024

Baseline findings among hospitalized mucormycosis patients —— A multicentric ambispective cohort study in India

A multicentric ambispective cohort study in India found a high incidence of mucormycosis with poor prognosis, leading to significant disability among survivors. The study highlights the need for effective treatment protocols and risk factor identification to mitigate mortality.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalMycology: An International Journal on Fungal Biology·DateFeb 6, 2024

Monterey Bay Aquarium study reveals how kelp forests persisted through the large 2014-2016 Pacific marine heatwave

A recent Monterey Bay Aquarium study found that denser and more sheltered kelp forests can withstand severe stressors from warming ocean temperatures. The research also showed that persistent kelp forests are better equipped to handle multiple stressors, including sea urchin outbreaks and marine heatwaves.

SourceMonterey Bay Aquarium·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society of London B Biological Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2024

Cancer risk following smoking cessation

A study of 2.9 million Korean adults found that quitting smoking at any age reduced the risk of cancer, particularly lung cancer, after 10 years. Early cessation before middle age led to a substantial risk reduction in lung cancer.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 6, 2024

How to provide effective falls prevention in aged care

New research from Flinders University found that regular exercise and a personalized falls prevention plan based on individual needs can reduce the likelihood of falls. The studies also highlighted the importance of having an individual falls risk assessment and modifying strategies according to specific circumstances, such as dementia.

SourceFlinders University·JournalAge and Ageing·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 6, 2024

New tool to diagnose genetic mutations

Researchers have developed One-pot DTECT, a compact kit that can detect genetic signatures with high accuracy, enabling rapid point-of-care diagnosis for various applications. The tool has been shown to identify genetic mutations in sickle cell anemia patients and carriers with 100% accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalCell Reports Methods·TypeNews article·DateFeb 6, 2024

Apex predators not a quick fix for restoring ecosystems, 20-year CSU study finds

A 20-year experiment at Yellowstone National Park found that removing apex predators led to persistent changes in the ecosystem, which may not be reversed even with their reintroduction. The study challenges the common belief that wolf reintroduction restored the ecosystem and highlights the importance of preserving the natural food web.

SourceColorado State University·JournalEcological Monographs·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2024

Illustrating the relationship between pedestrian movement and urban characteristics using large-scale GPS data

This study uses large-scale GPS data to assess pedestrian movement around Tokyo's stations and its relationship with urban characteristics such as density, diversity, and design. The findings highlight that TOD attributes significantly impact pedestrian count, distances, and durations, but the impact varies across different metrics.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalSustainable Cities and Society·DateFeb 6, 2024

Incheon National University-Harvard University joint research team improves fuel cell durability with fatigue-resistant membranes

Researchers created a polymer electrolyte membrane with an interpenetrating network that enhances fatigue resistance and prolongs the lifespan of fuel cells. The composite membrane exhibits a lifespan of 410 hours, compared to 242 hours for the original Nafion membrane.

SourceIncheon National University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2024

Patients with cancer who suffered a major adverse financial event more likely to be diagnosed with advanced stage disease

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology reveals that nearly 36% of cancer patients experienced a major adverse financial event before diagnosis, leading to later-stage diagnoses. Patients with these events face barriers to care and worse health outcomes due to pre-existing financial vulnerability.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateFeb 6, 2024

A long, long time ago in a galaxy not so far away

A Rutgers University astronomer has used the James Webb Space Telescope to create a detailed picture of the Wolf-Lundmark-Melotte galaxy, which contains ancient stars formed 13 billion years ago. The team's findings suggest that the galaxy experienced periods of intense star formation and cooling over its history.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 6, 2024

Deep learning forecasts Antarctic sea ice trends for 2024 – projected to remain close to historical lows

A deep learning model predicts Antarctic sea ice will remain near historical lows in 2024, with a slight increase in extent compared to the record low in 2023. The model accurately reproduced three historical summer lows and showed promise for seasonal prediction of Antarctic sea ice.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2024

We must tackle female ageism in sport and exercise science, urge researchers

A lack of older women in sport and exercise science studies hinders understanding of perimenopause and postmenopause effects on physical activity, athletic performance, and overall health. Researchers call for improved data collection and methodology to support female athletes and patients across the lifespan.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 6, 2024

For the first time, BU researchers show a clear relationship between the amount of CTE pathology and severity of symptoms

Researchers at the BU CTE Center found a clear dose-response relationship between CTE pathology and cognitive and functional symptoms, including memory and executive function issues. This study provides valuable insights into diagnosing CTE in living patients, potentially leading to new treatments.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Neurodegeneration·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2024

New cell therapy shows promise with ARDS patients

A new type of cell therapy has shown promising results in improving survival rates and reducing pneumonia among critically ill ARDS patients recovering from severe Covid-19. The invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cell therapy, known as agenT-797, triggered an anti-inflammatory response and activated anti-viral immunity.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 6, 2024

How T cells combat tuberculosis

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have identified 137 unique T cell epitopes targeted by the immune system in patients with active TB. These findings may lead to the development of new diagnostics and therapies for the disease, which affects over 1.3 million people worldwide.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2024

NRG Oncology and the University of Pittsburgh demonstrate that a machine learning model predicts oxaliplatin benefit using data from two NSABP clinical trials

A new machine learning model, COLOXIS, uses data from two NSABP clinical trials to predict which colon cancer patients will benefit from the addition of oxaliplatin. The model shows that patients with a signature-positive prediction can derive benefit from oxaliplatin, while those with a signature-negative prediction do not.

SourceNRG Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateFeb 6, 2024

Doctors have more difficulty diagnosing disease when looking at images of darker skin

A new study from MIT researchers found that doctors are less accurate in diagnosing skin diseases based on images of patients with darker skin. The researchers also discovered that an artificial intelligence algorithm can assist doctors in improving their diagnosis, although the improvements were more pronounced for lighter skin tones.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2024

Flu virus variants resistant to new antiviral drug candidate lose pathogenicity, study finds

A new antiviral drug candidate has been found to improve flu vaccine efficacy and show promise against resistant virus variants. The study, published in PLoS Pathogens, tested the potential of 4'-fluorouridine as an influenza drug and found that resistant variants were severely weakened in mice and impaired in ferrets.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2024

Evaluation of on- and off-target effects of self-assembled EGFR siRNA delivery system

The research group evaluated the on- and off-target effects of a self-assembled EGFR siRNA delivery system, finding potent interference with only 1/2000000 of synthetic transfection amount. Transcriptomic analysis revealed minimal off-target effects in normal tissues and significant anti-EGFR effects in tumor cells.

SourceNanjing University School of Life Sciences·JournalClinical and Translational Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2024

Pancreatic Cancer: Italian scientists found out how the tumor escapes therapies

Researchers found that pancreatic cancer cells employ a 'favorable genetic reshuffling' to evade treatments, leading to a potential breakthrough in developing targeted drugs. Alternative splicing plays a crucial role in this process, and the study identifies a specific splicing regulator called 'Quaking' that promotes chemoresistance.

SourceUniversita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2024

New analysis reveals many excess deaths attributed to natural causes are actually uncounted COVID-19 deaths

A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that many excess mortality rates from chronic illnesses were driven by COVID-19 infections, contradicting previous claims. The study estimated 1.2 million excess natural-cause deaths in US counties during the pandemic, with 163,000 uncounted COVID-19 deaths.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 6, 2024

New approach to tackling bacterial infections identified

A team of researchers has identified a way to turn on a vital bacterial defense mechanism to fight and manage bacterial infections. By leveraging the cyclic oligonucleotide-based antiphage signaling system (CBASS), bacteria can self-destruct to prevent viral attacks, offering a fresh approach to tackling antibiotic resistance.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2024

New growth factor for the liver

Researchers have discovered a new growth factor, MYDGF, that plays a crucial role in liver regeneration. The study found that higher levels of MYDGF are present in patients' blood after partial liver removal, and that it stimulates the proliferation of human hepatocytes in tissue cultures.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 6, 2024

A new origin story for deadly Seattle fault

A new study proposes that the Seattle fault zone originated from an ancient tear in the continent, with forces exerted by tectonic deformation shaping its history. The researchers mapped bedrock across western Washington and used gravity and magnetic data to test existing hypotheses of the fault's geometry.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalTectonics·DateFeb 6, 2024

Researchers strike gold with improved catalyst

Researchers at the University of Tokyo discovered a way to improve gold catalysts' durability by creating a protective layer of metal oxide clusters. The enhanced gold catalysts can withstand a greater range of physical environments, increasing their range of possible applications and reducing energy consumption.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2024

Secondary eyewall formation in upper- and lower-layer vertical wind shear simulated in idealized tropical cyclones

The study found that secondary eyewall formation occurs mainly in upper-layer vertical wind shear at low shear height and fake concentric eyewalls are present in lower-layer VWS at high shear height. Broad stratiform clouds were located in the downwind sector before SEF, leading to active convection on the inner side of the clouds.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateFeb 6, 2024

Police seizures of psychedelic drugs are soaring throughout the United States

Seizures of psilocybin, a hallucinogenic compound found in psychedelic mushrooms, have surged by 369% across the US since 2017, according to a new study. The highest number of seizures were recorded in the Midwest and West regions, with nearly quadrupled amounts of seized drugs.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 6, 2024

Pore power: high-speed droplet production in microfluidic devices

Researchers have developed a new microfluidic system that utilizes porous inverse colloidal crystal structures to dramatically improve the efficiency of microdroplet generation. The system can produce droplets around 1,000 times faster than traditional devices, enabling applications in medicine, food, cosmetics, and more.

SourceChiba University·JournalLab on a Chip·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2024

Re-excision rates after breast-conserving surgery pose ongoing challenges in the US: UTHealth Houston study unveils high reoperation rates and costs

Rates of re-excision after initial breast-conserving surgery remain high across the US, leading to increased healthcare costs and a higher risk of postoperative complications. The study found that younger age and ductal carcinoma in situ are associated with a higher reoperation rate.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalAnnals of Surgical Oncology·DateFeb 6, 2024

Perceptions of manhood and masculinities among disabled violently injured Black men in a hospital-based violence intervention program

A Rutgers Health study found that disabled violently injured Black men face negative physical and psychological impacts on their manhood, independence, and mobility. Participants felt a loss of independence due to reliance on caretakers, which took a serious toll on some participants.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAmerican Journal of Men s Health·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 6, 2024

New study finds “sweet spot” for length of yarn-shaped supercapacitors

Researchers at North Carolina State University found that yarn-shaped supercapacitors (YSCs) in the 40-60 centimeter range provide the best overall energy output. The study, which aimed to explain changes in YSC performance across a wide range of lengths, used mathematical models to determine the most efficient length for YSCs.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Power Sources·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2024

New monitoring option for rare eye disease

Researchers at Universitatsklinikum Bonn have developed a new imaging method to monitor intermediate uveitis, a rare inflammatory eye disease. The new technique uses optical coherence tomography angiography to detect blood flow in the retinal vessels, allowing for early detection of deterioration and potential treatment adjustments.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalScientific Reports·TypeNews article·DateFeb 6, 2024

Remarkable cellular architecture and phylogenetic position of the mysterious arm-swinging protist meteora sporadica

Researchers successfully cultured and analyzed two strains of Meteora sporadica, a small, unicellular eukaryote with a complex cytoskeleton featuring lateral arms supported by microtubules. The study reveals that Meteora sporadica is closely related to Hemimastigophora, a group of deep-branching eukaryotes with no arms or MTOCs.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 6, 2024

Which came first: Black holes or galaxies?

A new study found that black holes existed at the dawn of time and played a crucial role in galaxy formation. The research, using James Webb Space Telescope data, challenges classical understanding of black hole formation and suggests they may have dramatically accelerated star birth in the first 50 million years of the universe.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateFeb 6, 2024

Study IDs ways to better help children experiencing homelessness

Researchers conducted in-depth interviews with 47 parents experiencing homelessness to understand accessibility challenges of social-emotional health services for their children. Key findings include the importance of acknowledging parental strengths and positive interactions with support people in promoting child development.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalSocial and Emotional Learning Research Practice and Policy·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 6, 2024