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Science News for August 13, 2020


Reconstructing global climate through Earth's history

Researchers have developed a framework to reconcile discrepancies in ancient sea surface temperature estimates and climate model results. By accounting for location-biased paleoclimate data, scientists can better reconstruct global climate conditions in the past and improve predictions of future climate scenarios.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 13, 2020

The larynx has evolved more rapidly in primates

Researchers found that primates have evolved larger, more variable larynges with faster adaptation rates compared to carnivores. This difference is linked to vocal communication systems, suggesting a key role for the larynx in primate behavior.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 13, 2020

A watershed moment for US water quality

A new federal rule leaves millions of miles of unconnected US streams and acres of wetlands unprotected, potentially undermining decades of taxpayer investment in improving water quality. The move risks higher floods, loss of biodiversity, and threats to drinking water and recreational fishing.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience·DateAug 13, 2020

Studying how skin cancer starts

Scientists at Case Western Reserve University have discovered how quickly certain pre-cancerous lesions can form on the DNA of our skin when exposed to sunlight, a finding that could lead to more effective prevention methods. The research reveals that these mutations can form in as little as three picoseconds after exposure to UV light.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 13, 2020

Academia from home

A recent study suggests that remote work can be beneficial for postdoctoral researchers, enabling them to overcome financial and family constraints. By leveraging digital tools and establishing transparent communication channels, remote research can facilitate collaboration, reduce stress, and promote productivity. This shift in perspe...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateAug 13, 2020

How do we prioritize what we see?

A new study reveals that the occipital cortex is essential for guiding involuntary attention to prioritize visual information. Researchers used transcranial magnetic stimulation to disrupt cortical excitability in this region, finding that it eliminates behavioral benefits and costs at attended and unattended locations.

SourceNew York University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 13, 2020

Exercise Enhancement

Researchers at Harvard Medical School discovered that inhibiting the PHD3 enzyme improves mouse exercise capacity, running distance, and VO2 max. This finding sheds light on a key mechanism for fat metabolism and offers clues toward understanding muscle function and fitness.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell Metabolism·DateAug 13, 2020

Scientists sound the alarm: Lockdowns may escalate the obesity epidemic

A trio of Danish researchers warn that lockdowns could lead to an explosion in obesity rates due to increased consumption of high-energy foods and decreased physical activity. The study highlights the need for counter strategies to promote healthy eating habits and physical activity while combatting COVID-19.

Sufficiently distant parks and public services facilitate older adults' physical activity

A study conducted at the University of Jyväskylä found that older adults who reported attractive destinations more than 500 meters away were more physically active. This suggests that having diverse and quality neighborhood destinations may support older adults' physical activity, contrary to common assumptions.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·DateAug 13, 2020

Delaying prostate cancer radiation therapy offers room for flexibility in pandemic peak

A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that delaying radiation therapy for men with unfavorable intermediate-risk or high-risk localized prostate cancer, who are receiving radiation and hormone therapy, is unlikely to impact survival. This flexibility in radiation timing could help patients minimize exposure to COVID-19 by s...

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateAug 13, 2020

Sex, flies and videotape

A team of researchers at Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown found that the ovipositor, a temporary tube-like structure protruding from the female's abdomen, stimulates the male to attempt mating. The study reveals a sequence of steps in male-female communication that resolves contradictory reports on courtship and copulation.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 13, 2020

Research gets to the heart of organ shape in nature

A new study by John Innes Centre researchers sheds light on the evolution and function of diverse shapes in nature, using Capsella seed pods as a model. The discovery reveals a post-translational effect beyond gene expression, controlling organ-shape formation through protein modification.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 13, 2020

Busting Up the Infection Cycle of Hepatitis B

Researchers at the University of Delaware used supercomputing resources to gain insights into the hepatitis B virus's genetic blueprint and how its protein shell assembles itself. They found that a mutation impairs this assembly process, revealing communication between different regions of the protein.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateAug 13, 2020

Task force examines role of mobile health technology in COVID-19 pandemic

A task force review of mobile health technologies found that wearable sensors and electronic patient-reported data can monitor COVID-19 patients at home and predict those who need medical intervention. The technologies also show promise for monitoring and predicting coronavirus exposure in people presumed to be free of infection.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalIEEE Open Journal of Engineering in Medicine and Biology·DateAug 13, 2020

Effective new tool created for discerning fake news

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin created a new tool to help Facebook users discern real from fake news. The study found that combining two simple interventions, including a stop sign icon and a strong statement, had a significant effect on helping people think critically. The researchers suggest that Facebook can improv...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalInformation Systems Research·DateAug 13, 2020

Spread of monsoon circulation changes explains uncertainty in global land monsoon precipitation projection

Research finds global land monsoon summer precipitation increased by 2.54% and 5.75% in lowest and highest emission scenarios respectively, driven by thermodynamic responses to increased moisture. Model spread in projection was larger for higher emission scenarios, emphasizing importance of circulation change prediction.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 13, 2020

Waistline matters in kidney disease

Obesity, as measured by body mass index and abdominal fat content, is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and progression of kidney disease in patients with chronic kidney disease. Lower physical fitness levels are also linked to a higher cardiovascular risk.

SourceNational Kidney Foundation·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateAug 13, 2020

Employers reject transgender people

A Linköping University study found that employers in Sweden reject transgender people for jobs more often, with 18% more likelihood of cis person getting positive response. Discrimination varies by occupation type, with greater differences in male-dominated fields.

SourceLinköping University·JournalLabour Economics·DateAug 13, 2020

Restoration helps forests recover faster

A long-term study in Southeast Asian rainforests found that active restoration accelerates forest recovery, with areas recovering up to 50% faster than those left to regenerate naturally. However, the high cost of restoration currently limits its impact on mitigating climate change.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateAug 13, 2020

Diabetes, weight change and pancreatic cancer risk

Researchers found an association between recent weight loss and increased pancreatic cancer risk among individuals with diabetes, especially those with a longer duration of diabetes. The study suggests that maintaining weight loss may be crucial in reducing the risk of pancreatic cancer in people with diabetes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateAug 13, 2020

Researchers demonstrate fundamentally new approach to ultrasound imaging

North Carolina State University researchers have developed a novel ultrasonic imaging device that can optically display an acoustic signal on the surface of a piezoelectric transducer. This approach eliminates electrical signal processing altogether, resulting in reduced costs and increased efficiency. The technology has the potential ...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateAug 13, 2020

New type of taste cell discovered in taste buds

Researchers identified a previously unknown subset of Type III cells that are broadly responsive to different tastes, revolutionizing our knowledge of taste detection. This discovery provides new insights into how taste information is sent to the brain and suggests that taste buds are more complex than initially thought.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateAug 13, 2020

Positive contact between muslims and christians in soccer league built cohesion, with limitations

A recent study found that Muslim teammates improved Christian players' behavior towards their peers in an Iraqi soccer league, but this effect did not generalize to other social contexts. The research highlights the value of intergroup interventions for achieving post-war peace, but also reveals limitations in building lasting social c...