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Science News for August 27, 2020


Dealing a blow on monetarism

Researchers from Lobachevsky University analyze data on M2 monetary aggregate, monetary base, and money multiplier to study impact of financial innovations on money supply. They find evidence of endogenous origin of money supply in Russian economy for both periods of time, confirming structuralism and preference for liquidity.

SourceLobachevsky University·JournalFinancial Journal·DateAug 27, 2020

Using the past to maintain future biodiversity

Researchers analyzed past warming events to understand how species and ecosystems will cope with future climate change, identifying potential causes of extinction and ways to improve early-warning systems. The study informs effective conservation practice and policy for managing biodiversity under ongoing and future climate change.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalScience·DateAug 27, 2020

Decoded: The structure of the barrier between three cells

A team of researchers has discovered the crucial role of two proteins, Anakonda and M6, in maintaining a functional barrier at tricellular junctions. The study found that the M6 protein anchors the Anakonda protein to the cell membrane, preventing it from being destabilized and allowing for the formation of a stable epithelial barrier.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 27, 2020

How sticklebacks dominate perch

A 40-year study reveals that the rise of sticklebacks, a key predator of algae, is driven by reduced numbers of larger fish species. This shift from predator-dominated to algae-dominated ecosystems has significant implications for ecosystem restoration and management.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalCommunications Biology·DateAug 27, 2020

Earth may always have been wet

Scientists analyzed enstatite chondrites, rare meteorites with primitive composition, to estimate the Earth's initial water content. Their findings indicate that the planet's rocks probably contained enough water to supply three times the amount of oceans, with only a small percentage delivered by comets or asteroids.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience·DateAug 27, 2020

How to make AI trustworthy

A new tool, DeepTrust, generated automatic indicators of data and prediction trustworthiness in neural networks, addressing the need for trust in AI. The researchers used subjective logic to assess neural network architectures, providing insights into testing reliability and maximizing accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalFrontiers in Artificial Intelligence·DateAug 27, 2020

Duchenne: "Crosstalk" between muscle and spleen

The study found a connection between dystrophic muscles and the lymphatic system in mice with Duchenne disease. The researchers identified changes in protein expression in the spleen, which suggests that the disease causes secondary effects on the immune response and inflammatory processes.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournaliScience·DateAug 27, 2020

Trapping of acetylene

Researchers developed a Ni-MOF that can capture acetylene with extraordinary efficiency and selectively from ethylene streams. The material has a synergistic combination of tailor-made pore sizes and chemical docking sites, making it especially efficient.

SourceWiley·DateAug 27, 2020

First in situ radiation measurements 21 km up into the air over Tibetan Plateau

Researchers developed a balloon-based system to study stratospheric radiation over the Tibetan Plateau, providing in situ measurements for the first time. The data helps understand radiation variations and thermal conditions associated with clouds and aerosols during the Asian summer monsoon period.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateAug 27, 2020

For healthcare organizations responding to COVID-19, 'creative destruction' leads to accelerated innovation

The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked accelerated innovation in healthcare, particularly through the implementation of digital health capabilities. Montefiore Health System's 'creative destruction' approach led to rapid development of AI-based chatbots, telehealth solutions, and real-time performance management.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalFrontiers of Health Services Management·DateAug 27, 2020

Growing demand for zero-deforestation cacao might not help Colombian forests

Research finds that despite cocoa not driving deforestation in Colombia, small producers risk being cut out of supply chains if they don't comply with zero-deforestation requirements. Contextualized value-addition strategies are needed to support sustainable markets and peace.

Binding sites for protein-making machinery

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a method to determine how tightly ribosomes bind to hundreds of thousands of RNA sequences in a single experiment, using machine learning and deep sequencing technology. This approach enables precise control over protein production in bacteria, with potential applications in genetic diseases.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 27, 2020

Improving weather forecasts with observations from the microwave instruments onboard China's FY-3D satellite

The study evaluates the performance of FY-3D's instruments, showing improved data quality and reduced forecast errors by 0.1% on average. The assimilation of FY-3D microwave observations enhances global weather forecasting, climate prediction, and resilience to extreme weather events.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateAug 27, 2020

QUT algorithm could quash Twitter abuse of women

A team of researchers from Queensland University of Technology has developed an algorithm that can identify misogynistic content on Twitter with a high degree of accuracy. The algorithm uses a deep learning model to analyze language patterns and context, allowing it to distinguish between abusive language and innocent expressions.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalKnowledge and Information Systems·DateAug 27, 2020

Discovered: Cellular pathway involved in resistance to Ebola virus and SARS-like coronaviruses

Researchers identified a new pathway that protects cells from Ebola virus and coronaviruses like SARS-CoV-2, by blocking viral entry into the cell. The MHC class II transactivator (CIITA) gene induces resistance to Ebola virus through the activation of CD74 p41, which disrupts viral protein processing and prevents infection.

Genomes published for major agricultural weeds

Researchers have published the most comprehensive genome information for three troublesome agricultural weeds, which could lead to better understanding of herbicide resistance. The genomes will help identify specific enzymes responsible for detoxifying herbicides, enabling scientists to develop new control methods.

Study confirms link between influenza, heart complications

A CDC study of over 80,000 adult patients hospitalized with flu found that sudden, serious heart complications occurred in 12% of patients, or 1 in 8. The study underscores the importance of getting a flu shot early to prevent these complications. Researchers recommend that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine every flu season.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 27, 2020

A government program that reduces mortgage defaults

A national study found that housing finance agencies' supportive services and loan structure significantly reduced mortgage defaults and foreclosures among low- and moderate-income households. The results suggest government programs can help low-income households afford and keep their homes, with potential impacts on local economies.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Policy Analysis and Management·DateAug 27, 2020

Vertebral body tethering shows clinical success as treatment for scoliosis

A retrospective study from the University of Missouri-Columbia found that vertebral body tethering (VBT) is a promising alternative to posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for treating scoliosis in pediatric patients with growth remaining. VBT yields a high success rate, preserving mobility and correcting curves in 74% of patients.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateAug 27, 2020

Weight in first years of life can affect lung health in later childhood

A study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that children with accelerated weight gain before age four have higher lung function at age seven, but also exhibit airflow limitation. The research suggests that early childhood growth patterns can be a useful tool for identifying respiratory health issues.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateAug 27, 2020

A topography of extremes

Scientists successfully combined high pressures, magnetic fields, and ultra-low temperatures to study cer-rhodium-indium-five metal's conducting properties. The resulting phase diagram reveals exciting insights into the mysterious superconductivity of this metal.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 27, 2020

Quantum simulation of quantum crystals

Researchers from the University of Freiburg and their collaborators have developed a new method to simulate the formation of quantum crystals using dipolar atoms. This allows for unprecedented precision in measuring structures that have not been observed before, providing insights into the quantum properties underlying crystal formation.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 27, 2020

Hurricanes could be up to five times more likely in the Caribbean if tougher targets are missed

A new study found that extreme hurricane rainfall events in the Caribbean are five times more likely in a warmer world, but meeting Paris Agreement goals could reduce this risk by up to half. The research highlights the urgent need to tackle global warming and recommends targeting resilience funding towards the most at-risk areas.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateAug 27, 2020

An improved wearable, stretchable gas sensor using nanocomposites

A new wearable gas sensor has been developed to detect nitrogen dioxide at low concentrations, with improved sensitivity compared to conventional designs. The sensor combines laser-induced graphene foam material with molybdenum disulfide and reduced-graphene oxide nanocomposites, enabling real-time environmental monitoring applications.

SourcePenn State·JournalMaterials Today Physics·DateAug 27, 2020

When liver cirrhosis is deadly

Researchers have identified three forms of disease progression for acute decompensated liver cirrhosis, including a high-risk variant that leads to severe organ failure and death. The study provides valuable insights into the pathophysiology of ACLF and lays the groundwork for developing preventive therapies.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateAug 27, 2020