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Science News for August 18, 2020


Microbes living on air a global phenomenon

Researchers have discovered a global phenomenon where microbes thrive on air, expanding the possibilities for microbial life beyond Earth. This process, known as atmospheric chemosynthesis, was previously thought to be unique to Antarctica, but is now found in soils across the Arctic and Tibetan Plateau.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateAug 18, 2020

New 'nanopores' technique offers proof-of-concept of earlier, safer tumor detection

Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology have developed a nanopore technique that can detect single-point mutations in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) with high accuracy. The method uses statistical analysis to identify the position of genetic mutations, paving the way for earlier and safer tumor detection.

Constructing odor objects in the brain

A study published in Neuron explains how the brain generates representations of unitary odor objects. The research team used a combination of brain imaging and models to discover clustered representations of mixtures and groups of odors that are conserved across individual flies.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNeuron·DateAug 18, 2020

Penn State to lead $30 million university research alliance

The Penn State-led university research alliance aims to develop high-resolution radiation detectors capable of identifying dirty bombs or concealed radiation materials. The team plans to design low-cost, high-efficiency room-temperature detectors that would eliminate the need for extreme temperatures to control detecting materials.

Insect wings inspire new ways to fight superbugs

Researchers have discovered how insect wing-inspired nanomaterials kill bacteria on contact, with patterns that stretch, slice or tear cells apart. The findings hold promise for developing low-cost and scalable anti-bacterial surfaces for use in implants and hospitals to combat deadly superbugs.

SourceRMIT University·JournalNature Reviews Microbiology·DateAug 18, 2020

Researchers identify enzyme linked to colitis

A Rutgers-Newark study discovered that lysozyme in the gut stimulates inflammation in some people with ulcerative colitis, leading to ulcers and sores in the large intestine. The study may help develop future treatments for inflammatory bowel disease by gaining insights into immune balance.

SourceRutgers University·JournalImmunity·DateAug 18, 2020

Enzyme cocktail developed in Brazil powers production of second-generation ethanol

Researchers at the Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM) have developed a low-cost platform for producing enzymes that break down biomass into fermentable sugar for biofuel conversion. The enzyme cocktail, produced by genetically engineering a fungus, has significant potential industrial applications.

Surprising coral spawning features revealed

A Rutgers-led team discovered that coral sperm and eggs share similar gene functions during the planktonic stage, suggesting a crucial link to their reproductive success. The research, published in PeerJ, highlights the importance of understanding coral gametes' vulnerabilities to climate change.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPeerJ·DateAug 18, 2020

A bright idea -- Genetically engineered proteins for studying neurons using light

Scientists from Okayama University have developed genetically engineered proteins that can be controlled by light, offering a promising new tool for studying neurons. The engineered proteins, based on natural light-regulated channels, can be activated or silenced using different light frequencies, providing finer control over neural ac...

SourceOkayama University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateAug 18, 2020

Assessing SARS-CoV-2 transmission on an international flight

A new case series reports SARS-CoV-2 transmission on a commercial airline flight and among tourists, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures. The study provides valuable insights into the transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2, highlighting risk factors and control strategies to mitigate future outbreaks.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 18, 2020

OCT-based technique captures subtle details of photoreceptor function

Researchers developed a new instrument to measure tiny light-evoked deformations in individual rods and cones, offering potential for earlier detection of retinal diseases. The system combines high-speed OCT imaging with adaptive optics technology to capture photoreceptor responses, paving the way for improved diagnosis and treatment.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateAug 18, 2020

Bird skull evolution slowed after the extinction of the dinosaurs

A recent study challenges the notion that birds evolved rapidly following the mass extinction of non-avian dinosaurs. Instead, researchers found that bird skull evolution actually slowed down compared to non-avian dinosaurs. This slower pace of evolution is attributed to adaptations in beak shape and size.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 18, 2020

NIH study suggests opioid use linked to pregnancy loss, lower chance of conception

A National Institutes of Health study has found that women trying to conceive who use opioids are more likely to experience lower chances of achieving pregnancy and an increased risk of miscarriage during early pregnancy. Opioid use was associated with a 29% lower chance of becoming pregnant within a given monthly cycle.

Dynamic full-field optical coherence tomography: 3D live-imaging of retinal organoids

Researchers developed a new imaging modality for in-development retinal organoids using D-FFOCT, which offers high spatial and temporal resolutions. The technique allows for the creation of highly contrasted images of almost transparent samples without labels, enabling long-term study of sample development.

Smartphones can tell when you're drunk by analyzing your walk

A new study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs found that smartphones can detect changes in gait patterns associated with alcohol intoxication. The research suggests that real-time information about alcohol consumption could be used to reduce harm, prevent drinking and driving, or alert a sponsor for someone in tr...

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateAug 18, 2020

Ultrafast hydrogen bond dynamics of liquid water revealed by THz-induced Kerr effect

A team of scientists used THz pulses to study the intermolecular motion of liquid water, revealing a hydrogen bond harmonic oscillator model and polarizability anisotropy on sub-picosecond scales. The results provide insights into the transient structure of liquid water and its interaction with solvent molecules.

Naming guides how 12-month-old infants encode and remember objects

Infants as young as 12 months old encode and remember objects differently depending on whether an object is named as a member of a category or as a unique individual. Research found that applying distinct names to each object enhances infants' encoding of distinctions among the individual objects, leading to better recognition memory.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 18, 2020

Exploding stars may have caused mass extinction on Earth, study shows

A new study led by University of Illinois astronomer Brian Fields explores the possibility that astronomical events were responsible for an extinction event 359 million years ago. Researchers found evidence suggesting long-lasting ozone-depletion, which could be caused by killer cosmic rays from nearby supernovae.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 18, 2020

Heart attack damage reduced by shielded stem cells

Researchers from Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine have shown that shielding stem cells with a novel biomaterial can significantly enhance the healing process in rodents after heart attacks. The study demonstrated that shielded stem cells resulted in 2.5 times greater heart function recovery compared to non-shielded cells ...

SourceRice University·JournalBiomaterials Science·DateAug 18, 2020

Swans reserve aggression for each other

Researchers studied three swan species and found all were most frequently aggressive to their own kind, suggesting similar individuals compete for resources. The findings provide insight into how swan behavior affects other waterbirds over winter and highlight the importance of understanding bird competition.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAvian Research·DateAug 18, 2020

RNA as a future cure for hereditary diseases

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed RNA molecules that can compensate for gene mutations in bone marrow cells, a potential breakthrough for treating rare hereditary diseases. The molecules bind to the body's own RNA and restore ferrochelatase enzyme production, which is deficient in patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateAug 18, 2020

Study identifies optimal timing for phone calls after skin surgery

A new study found that follow-up calls made the evening after Mohs micrographic surgery best identified patients with active pain. However, no single group was able to identify bleeding complications or highest pain levels. The study suggests that standard phone calls may not strongly contribute to overall patient satisfaction.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateAug 18, 2020

NUS-led study considers potential and constraints of reforestation for climate mitigation

A recent study led by NUS researchers found that financial, land-use, and operational constraints can limit the climate mitigation potential of reforestation in Southeast Asia. The study estimated that 121 million hectares of land are suitable for reforestation, but only a fraction may be achievable due to these constraints.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Climate Change·DateAug 18, 2020

Police officers face multifaceted, compounding stressors that can lead to adverse events

A new study by researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston found that police officers are susceptible to adverse events due to multifaceted stressors. The study identified five themes influencing officer perception of call stress levels, including officer characteristics and civilian behavior.