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Science News for August 25, 2020


Tracing the cosmic origin of complex organic molecules with their radiofrequency footprint

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science use a special approach to detect acetonitrile in a low-density region of the Sagittarius molecular cloud. They analyze radio wave absorption patterns to infer the presence of this complex organic molecule, shedding light on its distribution and potential role in the origin of life.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 25, 2020

Effectiveness of primate conservation measures mostly unproved

A recent study found that only 80 primate studies investigated the effectiveness of conservation interventions, highlighting a severe lack of evidence for effective conservation. The authors propose several actions to improve the evidence base, including increasing resources for intervention-effectiveness testing and publication.

In sickness and in health

A study of over 86,000 Japanese couples found that wives with similar cardiovascular disease risk factors as their husbands are more likely to suffer from the same disorders. The researchers emphasize the importance of considering spouses' health in medical treatment and recommending family-based interventions.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalBMJ Open·DateAug 25, 2020

One size may not fit all: BILH psychiatrists develop mental health app assessment tool

Researchers from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Lahey Hospital & Medical Center developed an online assessment tool to help patients and providers make informed decisions about choosing mental health apps. The tool, currently featuring over 200 apps, allows users to filter by safety, ease of use, and user privacy.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·DateAug 25, 2020

Using light's properties to indirectly see inside a cell membrane

Researchers have developed a new imaging technique called single-molecule orientation localization microscopy (SMOLM) that allows them to distinguish between different phases of lipid molecules in cell membranes. This technique uses fluorescent probes to directly 'see' the probe's orientation and determine its chemical composition.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 25, 2020

Changing ties that naturally bind

A collaborative research group from Kyoto University investigates how animals balance information sharing with disease risk to form social networks. They propose an integrative framework that incorporates deleterious forms of social transmission, like infectious diseases.

Most adults with lupus or common types of arthritis have similar risks of getting admitted to hospital as other COVID-19 patients

Most adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and common forms of arthritis are not at increased risk of hospitalization from COVID-19, despite taking immunosuppressive medications. Hospitalization rates for these groups are similar to those for the general population.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateAug 25, 2020

Changing landscapes, changing diets

Researchers analyzed fossilized teeth of ancient herbivores to reveal dietary shifts from woody vegetation to grasses and sedges, around 2.7-2 million years ago. The findings suggest that behavioral dietary changes can precede apparent morphological adaptations in hominins.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 25, 2020

A colorful detector

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have developed a new crystalline material that reversibly changes color from yellow to red when absorbing water, indicating the presence of water. This work could lead to the creation of highly sensitive vapochromic sensors that can detect gases or water vapor without external power.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalCommunications Chemistry·DateAug 25, 2020

Sedentary behaviour on the rise across Europe

A study published in BMC Public Health found a significant increase in sedentary behaviour across Europe, with 54.3% of adults spending more than four-and-a-half hours sitting per day in 2017. The research also showed that young and older adults were equally affected, but the age group with the largest increase was those aged 35-44.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateAug 25, 2020

Building mechanical memory boards using origami

Scientists have developed a paper-based mechanical memory board by folding paper using the Kresling pattern, generating a switch that can be controlled using vibrations. By placing multiple switches on a single platform, researchers created a functioning mechanical memory board with wide applicability for future device development.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateAug 25, 2020

Beating noise via superposition of order

Researchers at UQ and Griffith University use quantum superposition of order to successfully transmit information through two noisy channels. The technique, which can nullify the effect of one noisy medium on another, has potential applications in satellite communication and secret sharing.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateAug 25, 2020

COVID-19 human milk studies should continue without stopping breastfeeding

Breastfeeding and human milk are critical to maternal and infant health outcomes during public health emergencies. Current COVID-19 recommendations contradict WHO guidance, disproportionately harming Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities. Studies must be conducted with a racial equity lens to provide evidence-based guidance.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Biology·DateAug 25, 2020

Study shows socioeconomic status linked to heart failure mortality in United States

A new US study found that socioeconomic factors are linked to heart failure mortality rates in the United States. The study analyzed over 1.2 million deaths from heart failure across 3,048 counties between 1999 and 2018, revealing significant disparities in mortality rates based on measures of wealth and social deprivation.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalJournal of Cardiac Failure·DateAug 25, 2020

Stronger together in the microbiome: How gut microbes feed each other to overcome dietary deficiencies, change host behavior, and improve reproduction

A team of researchers found that two specific gut bacteria establish a metabolic cross-feeding mechanism, enabling them to grow in diets lacking essential nutrients. This interaction also affects the fly's feeding behavior, reproduction, and brain function, making the microbiome more resilient to dietary changes.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 25, 2020

Moving bits, not watts

Researchers propose moving workloads to different regions to reduce excess renewable energy generation, saving companies money and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The plan could absorb up to 62% of curtailed electricity capacity in California, equivalent to 100,000 households' annual energy consumption.

Studying water polo for kicks

Water polo players use efficient 'eggbeater' kicks to elevate themselves in the water, exceeding biomechanical predictions. The high efficacy of this technique may lead to optimized sports performance and new underwater propulsion methods.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalSports Biomechanics·DateAug 25, 2020

Quantum simulation for 3D chiral topological phase

Researchers simulated a 3D chiral topological insulator using nitrogen-vacancy centers, observing dynamical bulk-surface correspondence and symmetry protection in momentum space. They measured spin textures on band inversion surfaces, revealing perfect (broken) topology depending on the preserved or broken chiral symmetry.

SourcePeking University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 25, 2020

Lockdowns have economic and social costs for world's poorest families

A new research study documents the impacts of COVID-19 lockdown measures on low socioeconomic families in rural Bangladesh, revealing increased financial hardship, food insecurity, domestic violence and mental health challenges. The study highlights the need for welfare support and social protection for women and their families during ...

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateAug 25, 2020

Sedentary behaviour on the rise across Europe

The study found that sedentary behavior increased by 3.9% in Spain, 7.4% in Germany, 17.8% in France, and 22.5% in Great Britain between 2002 and 2017. The authors suggest that increasing physical activity and reducing screen time could help mitigate the risks associated with prolonged sitting.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateAug 25, 2020

Memory protein

A study by UC Santa Barbara researchers found that a disordered protein exhibits slow relaxations, defying expectations, and 'remembers' its previous stretching. This behavior is similar to glassy materials like memory foam and crumpled paper.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 25, 2020

Galactic bar paradox resolved in cosmic dance

A new study resolves the Galactic bar paradox by proposing that the central region of the Milky Way is connected to the spiral arm in a 'cosmic dance', causing contradictory estimates of motion. The bar's size and rotational speed fluctuate rapidly, making it appear larger and slower at certain times.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 25, 2020

Legacy

A new study led by UT Southwestern scientists suggests that breastfeeding changes the body's insulin sensitivity, particularly in highly insulin-sensitive organs like the liver and fat tissue. This increase in insulin sensitivity may provide a buffer against insulin resistance even decades later, lowering the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalDiabetes·DateAug 25, 2020

Why we distort probability

A team of researchers from New York University and Peking University found that human cognitive limitations lead to distorted probabilities and errors in decision-making. The model predicted human performance better than previous models, suggesting that people do as well as they can under their limitations.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 25, 2020

Cutting surgical robots down to size

Researchers at Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard have developed a miniature manipulator that uses origami-inspired design to enhance precision and control during teleoperated surgical procedures. The new device enables surgeons to perform complex operations with increased accuracy and reduced tissue damage.

Thin layer protects battery, allows cold charging

A self-assembling monolayer of electrochemically active molecules protects the surface of the lithium anode, preventing dendritic growth and increasing cycle life. This technology enables cold charging and quick-charging capabilities in lithium metal batteries.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Energy·DateAug 25, 2020

'Oral' bacteria may disrupt the balance of the vaginal microbiome

A study suggests that oral bacteria like Fusobacterium nucleatum can promote the growth of harmful pathogens in the vagina, leading to bacterial vaginosis (BV). The research found that Fusobacterium may engage in mutually beneficial relationships with other vaginal bacteria, encouraging dysbiosis and BV features.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 25, 2020

Treatment for teen anxiety

A University of Cincinnati-led study suggests that a specific selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) may be beneficial in treating childhood anxiety disorders. The treatment showed promise in reducing anxiety symptoms in adolescents with generalized anxiety disorder.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateAug 25, 2020

Study shines new light on young tree seedlings

Researchers used a synchrotron to take detailed X-ray images of ponderosa pine seedlings at various hydration stages. The findings show that the tissue surrounding the xylem, not the xylem itself, dries out when seedlings lose water, revealing new insights into tree seedling growth.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateAug 25, 2020