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Science News for May 30, 2024


Reexamining misinformation: How unflagged, factual content drives vaccine hesitancy

A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that unflagged, factual content about COVID-19 vaccines is more damaging to public health than intentionally false or misleading information. Factual articles with sensational headlines and statistics can lower users' intentions to get vaccinated by 2.3 percentage points.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 30, 2024

Unveiling the correlations between common triggers, comorbidities, and treatment approaches in Atopic Dermatitis patients

This nationwide study found that allergic rhinitis and hypertension are the most prevalent comorbidities among AD patients, while dietary triggers and seasonal changes exacerbate disease severity. The study also highlights the need for improved management strategies tackling these factors.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·DateMay 30, 2024

Systematic review examines why pregnant and lactating women worldwide do – or don’t – participate in clinical trials

The study reveals that fear of harming fetus is a significant barrier to participation, while also highlighting importance of culturally sensitive recruitment strategies. Factors such as lack of trust in research institutions, limited access to healthcare, and social norms also play crucial role in shaping participation rates.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 30, 2024

Tackling the hurdle of tumor formation in stem cell therapies

A breakthrough discovery by Nara Institute of Science and Technology researchers identifies EPHA2 as a critical surface protein for preserving stem cell potency. This finding holds promise for safer regenerative medicine by reducing the risk of tumorigenesis, paving the way for organ repair and treatment of degenerative conditions.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2024

Pulling out the stops: Deletion of regnase-1 promotes anti-tumor activity in NK cells

Research reveals that deletion of Regnase-1 in mice enhances NK cell anti-tumor activity by up-regulating Ifng mRNA through OCT2-dependent transcription. This approach could lead to synergistic enhancement of therapeutic efficacy against solid tumors when combined with current immunotherapies.

SourceImmunology Frontier Research Center (IFReC) - Osaka University·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2024

A multimodal approach to better predict recovery in patients with disorders of consciousness

A new multimodal approach has been developed to predict recovery in patients with disorders of consciousness, combining PET scans, multivariate EEG analysis, functional MRI, and cognitive evoked potentials. The approach shows improved prognostic performance and accuracy compared to standard measurements.

SourceInstitut du Cerveau (Paris Brain Institute)·JournalNature Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 30, 2024

Human cervix modeled in microfluidic organ chip fills key women's health gap

A team of researchers created a microfluidic human cervix model that replicates the complex interactions between cervical epithelial cells, mucus production, and microbiome. The Cervix Chip technology offers a new testbed for bacterial vaginosis therapeutics and other treatments, addressing a key women's health gap.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2024

Study links sleep apnea treatment and happier, healthier relationships

A new study demonstrates that greater adherence to positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy is associated with higher levels of relationship satisfaction and lower levels of conflict among couples. The research also shows that higher sleep efficiency among patients contributes to better relationship outcomes as reported by both partners.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·TypeObservational study·DateMay 30, 2024

Innovative bird-eye-inspired camera developed for enhanced object detection

Researchers have developed a new perovskite-based camera inspired by the structures and functions of bird's eyes, specializing in object detection. The camera features an artificial fovea and multispectral image sensor that detects UV and RGB light, providing greater motion detection capabilities than conventional cameras.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2024

A 20-year-old puzzle solved: KAIST research team reveals the 'three-dimensional vortex' of zero-dimensional ferroelectrics

Researchers at KAIST successfully clarified the three-dimensional, vortex-shaped polarization distribution inside ferroelectric nanoparticles using atomic electron tomography. This discovery has implications for ultra-high-density memory devices with capacities over 10,000 times greater than existing ones.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2024

New coral disease forecasting system led by University of Hawai'i team

A new tool for forecasting coral disease has been developed by researchers from the University of Hawai'i, which can predict the risk of two diseases across reefs in the Pacific and Australia. This system can help managers detect early changes in the environment and take timely interventions to protect coral reef ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalEcological Applications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 30, 2024

Local bright spot among melting glaciers: 2000 km of Antarctic ice-covered coastline has been stable for 85 years

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have tracked the evolution of glaciers in East Antarctica using hundreds of old aerial photographs dating back to 1937. The study reveals that the ice has remained stable and grown slightly over almost a century, partly due to increasing snowfall.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 30, 2024

Comprehensive transcriptional atlas of human adenomyosis deciphered by the integration of single-cell RNA-sequencing and spatial transcriptomics

A comprehensive transcriptional atlas of human adenomyosis has been created using single-cell RNA-sequencing and spatial transcriptomics. The study reveals unique epithelial and stromal subpopulations and aberrant signaling pathways involved in adenomyosis, supporting both invagination and metaplasia theories.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalProtein & Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2024

Enhancement of guided thermal image super-resolution approaches

Researchers developed a new method to enhance thermal image super-resolution by employing synthetic imagery, significantly improving detail and utility of thermal imaging across various applications. The approach utilizes high-resolution images from the visible spectrum to guide the super-resolution of low-resolution thermal images.

SourceEscuela Superior Politecnica del Litoral·JournalNeurocomputing·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 30, 2024

CHOP researchers develop easy-to-use screening tool to help improve family access to federal nutrition programs

A new screener tool helped families enroll in WIC and SNAP programs, leading to better health outcomes. The tool was successful in connecting 21 out of 56 families who requested benefits application support, highlighting its potential to improve access to nutrition resources.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2024

APPC scholars find knowledge a factor in closing black-white COVID-19 vaccination gap

Research by APPC scholars found that increased knowledge about Covid-19 vaccination made a significant difference in reducing the disparity between Black and White Americans' vaccination rates. This increase was associated with improved trust in vaccine safety and efficacy, as well as reduced skepticism towards vaccines.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Health Communication·TypeSurvey·DateMay 30, 2024

Credibility makes or breaks the price: political commitment in long-term climate policy key for effective EU emissions trading system

The EU ETS's credibility plays a crucial role in its effectiveness. Reforms strengthened the system's long-term credibility, allowing firms to align their market behavior with climate targets. This led to increased carbon prices, signaling high policy credibility and farsighted actors.

Both high performance and stability were achieved with multifunctional materials!

Researchers developed a high-performance material with photocatalytic properties to improve the efficiency of fiber-shaped dye-sensitized solar cells and organic light-emitting diodes. The material exhibits high stability, excellent washing properties, and resistance to mechanical shock, making it suitable for mass production.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalMaterials Today Energy·DateMay 30, 2024

George Mason researchers harness the power of artificial intelligence to match patients with the most effective antidepressant for their unique needs

Researchers at George Mason University used artificial intelligence to analyze data from over 3.6 million patients and create personalized antidepressant recommendations. The free website MeAgainMeds.com provides evidence-based guidance for clinicians and patients, enabling faster symptom relief and reduced medication trial time.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalThe Journal of Mental Health Policy and Economics·TypeObservational study·DateMay 30, 2024

The newly elucidated pathophysiological progression of Parkinson’s disease from examinations of the major salivary glands and the heart

Patients with Parkinson's disease exhibiting sympathetic denervation in major salivary glands and the heart tend to have more advanced non-motor symptoms as they age. Autonomic nerve dysfunction may progress independently of nigrostriatal dopaminergic degeneration, suggesting a potential contribution of age to PD progression.

SourceToho University·JournalJournal of the Neurological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMay 30, 2024

Association of mosaic chromosomal alterations and genetic factors with the risk of cirrhosis

This study investigates the association of mosaic chromosomal alterations (mCAs) with cirrhosis risk and finds that individuals with copy-neutral loss of heterozygosity mCAs have a significantly increased risk of cirrhosis. The risk is higher in patients with expanded cell fractions of mCAs, especially for decompensated cirrhosis.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateMay 30, 2024

Medium and mighty: Intermediate-mass black holes can survive in globular clusters

Simulations reveal that dense molecular clouds can give birth to very massive stars that evolve into intermediate-mass black holes. The study provides new insights into the potential mechanisms of intermediate-mass black hole formation, which could have significant implications for our understanding of these enigmatic objects.

SourceSchool of Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 30, 2024

Detection of high concentrations of D-amino acids and D-lactate in estuarine polychaetes

The study reveals that D-amino acids are present in the body tissues of polychaetes, with varying composition depending on species. High concentrations of D-lactate were also detected, particularly during reproductive periods, suggesting its involvement in adaptation to low-salinity environments and reproductive activities.

SourceToho University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateMay 30, 2024

Wake Forest University School of Medicine awarded $1.5 million from NIH to use advanced imaging to assess bone loss after bariatric surgery

Wake Forest University School of Medicine has received a $1.5 million grant to study bone microarchitecture in patients following bariatric surgery. The researchers will use high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) imaging to assess bone loss and muscle changes after weight-loss surgery.

‘Goldilocks’ binding strength determines anti-cancer T-cell efficacy and fate

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that a 'Goldilocks' binding strength between T-cell receptors and cancer proteins determines anti-cancer T-cell efficacy. The optimal middle-ground binding strength creates cancer-killing effector cells, while too little or too much stimulation leads to exhaustion.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2024

New Jersey’s cash bail reform reduced incarceration without increasing gun violence, Drexel study says

A recent study by Drexel University found that New Jersey's cash bail reform law successfully reduced the state's jail population without increasing gun violence. The research team analyzed data from 36 states and controlled for factors such as gun law restrictions, rates of gun ownership, and state senate majority partisanship.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 30, 2024

Origins of Welsh dragons finally exposed by experts

A team from the University of Bristol has made a significant discovery at Lavernock Point, revealing early Welsh dinosaurs lived on a tropical lowland beside the sea. The fossils found include those of placodonts, coelacanths, and dinosaur remains, providing insights into the evolutionary history of these species.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the Geologists Association·TypeObservational study·DateMay 30, 2024

Statisticians call for rigour and transparency in the evaluation of diagnostic tests

The Royal Statistical Society has published new recommendations to improve the evaluation of diagnostic tests, including guidelines on study design, regulation, and transparency. The report aims to prevent future issues with diagnostic test evaluations, particularly those related to infectious diseases.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalJournal of the Royal Statistical Society Series A (Statistics in Society)·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 30, 2024

New, modified CRISPR protein can fit inside virus used for gene therapy

Researchers have developed a compact, high-fidelity version of the Cas12a protein, which can be packaged within a non-pathogenic virus for targeted gene editing. The modified protein demonstrates efficient editing activity and has been shown to reduce blood cholesterol levels in mice with high cholesterol.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2024

Korea University study reveals that gastric cancer surgery may reduce heart disease risk reduced

A Korea University study reveals that gastrectomy decreases the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with gastric cancer. The research analyzed data from 2004 to 2013 and found a significantly lowered risk of cardiovascular disease in those who underwent gastrectomy.

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalInternational Journal of Surgery·TypeObservational study·DateMay 30, 2024

In the brain at rest, neurons rehearse future experience

A team of researchers from Rice University and the University of Michigan found that some neurons not only replay recent past experiences but also anticipate future experience during sleep. The discovery provides an unprecedented view of how individual neurons in the hippocampus stabilize and tune spatial representations during periods...

SourceRice University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2024

Combining simulations and experiments to get the best out of Fe3Al

A team from Osaka University used electron microscopy and computer simulations to study the kinetics of microstructure formation in Fe3Al, leading to a deeper understanding of its superelastic properties. The findings could provide insights for heat treatments and applications in construction and healthcare industries.

SourceOsaka University·JournalActa Materialia·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 30, 2024

HudsonAlpha researchers create valuable genomic tools for the cotton industry

Researchers at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology have created high-quality genome sequences for three modern upland cotton cultivars, providing necessary resources for breeders. The new genomes revealed genetic material from Pima cotton within modern varieties, enabling efficient selection of progeny with improved fiber quality.

SourceHudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology·JournalNature Plants·DateMay 30, 2024

Inducing piezoelectricity in distorted rutile TiO2 for enhanced tetracycline hydrochloride degradation through photopiezocatalysis

Researchers developed a low-temperature process to create rutile TiO2 nanoparticles with distorted crystal lattice, leading to improved photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride under visible light illumination. The study found that the sample had a 71% increased efficiency compared to commercially available rutile TiO2.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Advanced Ceramics·DateMay 30, 2024

Fast learning collaboration with BasCat leads to discovery of a new catalytic promoter on par with decades of study

A new catalytic promoter has been discovered through a fast learning collaboration, accelerating the discovery process by weeks instead of years. The novel promoter formulation rivals those discovered through decades of research, offering insights into more efficient methodologies for creating multi-promoter catalysts.

Climate change: Reduced sulphur content in shipping fuel associated with increased maritime atmospheric warming

A modelling study found substantial reductions in atmospheric aerosols and cloud droplet number density after the IMO 2020 regulation reduced sulphur content in shipping fuel. This led to an estimated 80% increase in Earth's heat energy retained, equivalent to a significant radiative warming effect.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 30, 2024

Novel mobile air monitoring technology yields greater insight into post-disaster pollution levels

Researchers from Texas A&M University developed a new mobile air monitoring technology that can quickly identify and assess air-borne contaminants produced by natural and man-made disasters. The study applied this method to a real-world disaster, a major industrial fire in Indiana, and found high levels of hazardous chemicals.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 30, 2024

Novel vaccine concept generates immune responses that could produce multiple types of HIV broadly neutralizing antibodies

Researchers have successfully stimulated animals' immune systems to induce rare precursor B cells that can produce HIV broadly neutralizing antibodies. The findings are an encouraging step in developing a preventive HIV vaccine, targeting the challenging task of genetically diverse HIV.

How community stress affects Black Americans’ mental health and wellbeing

A new study found that community stress significantly impacts the mental health and emotional well-being of Black Americans, particularly women. Objective neighborhood quality was related to lower levels of negative emotions in women, while perceived community stress had a similar effect on men's emotionality.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 30, 2024

Physical and chemical properties of boiled oil: A traditional method of extracting oil from boiled olive fruits

Researchers found that bubbling olive products before oil extraction decreases oil quality. The study measured absolute phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, and acidity levels in bubbled oil (BO) compared to virgin olive oil (VOO). BO had lower antioxidant properties and higher acidity levels than VOO.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Agriculture Journal·DateMay 30, 2024

Rapid urbanization in Africa transforms local food systems and threatens biodiversity

A new study reveals that urbanization in Africa affects food security through dietary shifts, particularly rice consumption, leading to increased methane emissions and biodiversity loss. The research highlights the need for policymakers to adopt holistic approaches to address future sustainability challenges.

Controlling ion transport for a blue energy future

A team from Osaka University demonstrates greater control of ion passage through a nanopore membrane by applying a voltage to a gate electrode. This leads to a six-fold increase in osmotic energy efficiency and a power density of 15 W/m^2, enabling the potential for scaling up the technology.

SourceOsaka University·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2024

UAB researchers uncover protein SRSF1’s uncommon ability to bind and unfold RNA G-quadruplexes

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have discovered that the protein SRSF1 can bind and unfold complex RNA Guanine-quadruplexes. This finding could provide new avenues for treating illnesses such as cancer, which is often linked to misfunctioning splicing processes.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 30, 2024

Assessment of knowledge of general and local anesthesia among patients undergoing elective surgery

A study of 370 patients undergoing elective surgery found that those with higher levels of awareness about anesthesia had better understanding of general and local anesthesia. Patients who underwent surgeries related to eyes, nose, and throat scored higher on the knowledge test due to limited sources of information.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Anesthesia Journal·DateMay 30, 2024

Studied on social media: The real-world impacts of factual but misleading content & the characteristics of “supersharers”

A new study reveals that unflagged, factual but misleading vaccine content is 46 times more effective at driving vaccine hesitancy on Facebook. Meanwhile, a second study identifies supersharers on Twitter as responsible for spreading 80% of fake news during the 2020 US presidential election.

New study finds people living with dementia who had surgery for hip fractures lived longer than those treated non-surgically

A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that patients with dementia who underwent surgery for hip fractures experienced lower odds of death compared to those treated non-surgically. The benefit was seen in patients with head and neck of the femur fractures, but not in other locations.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 30, 2024