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Science News for December 14, 2020


Sheets of carbon nanotubes come in a rainbow of colors

Scientists have developed a method to predict the specific colors of thin films made from combining any of the 466 varieties of single-walled carbon nanotubes. The research shows that the thinnest and most colorful tubes affect visible light more than those with larger diameters and faded colors.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 14, 2020

A comprehensive review of early-onset colorectal SEER data is the first to specifically assess adeno

Researchers analyzed SEER 18 data and found adenocarcinomas to be the predominant cancer subtype in screening, surveillance, and prevention. The study also revealed that carcinoid tumors are increasing at a faster rate than adenocarcinomas, but adenocarcinomas are still steadily increasing in most early-onset subgroups.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 14, 2020

Success in the Amazon

A landmark agreement, the Amazon Soy Moratorium, has prevented thousands of square kilometers of deforestation over its first decade, with no negative impact on agricultural growth. The policy's success can be attributed to cooperation among private companies, NGOs, and government agencies.

Arctic sea ice and shrub growth

A study analyzing Arctic tundra shrub-ring chronologies from 1979 to 2008 found that most shrubs experienced increased radial growth as Arctic sea ice declined. However, 39% of shrubs showed decreased growth, often at drier sites, suggesting changes in moisture availability constrain responses to warming temperatures.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2020

Mapping corals from the sky guides reef conservation

A new study mapped the geographic distribution of live corals across Hawaiian waters, revealing areas of degraded reef and 'refugia' where corals show resilience to human-driven environmental stressors. The detailed maps will inform conservation efforts and help protect coral reefs from critical threat levels by 2050.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2020

A dynamical world undergrund

A new research group at the University of Oldenburg is studying subsurface processes on North Sea beaches with high waves and strong tides. The team aims to assess the importance of these underground habitats for coastal ecosystems and global carbon, nutrient, and trace element cycling.

Most crop wild relatives may require urgent conservation action

A study suggests that 96% of US crop wild relatives require high conservation priority due to limited understanding of their geographic distribution and current conservation status. Conservation action is needed in taxonomic hotspots across the country to safeguard these genetic resources for breeding and food security.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2020

Robotic exoskeleton training improves walking in adolescents with acquired brain injury

Researchers have found that gait training using robotic exoskeletons significantly improved motor function in adolescents and young adults with acquired brain injury, including increased loading, longer step length, and faster walking speed. However, further studies are needed to confirm the training effect and optimal dosing protocol.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalApplied Bionics and Biomechanics·DateDec 14, 2020

An alternate savanna

After 40 years of civil war, Gorongosa National Park's animal population has rebounded, with most species returning to the park through conservation efforts. However, researchers found that large herbivores like zebra and wildebeest are rare, while baboons and waterbuck dominate the landscape.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalAnimal Conservation·DateDec 14, 2020

Researchers create gene expression database to gain new insights into pneumococcal infecti

Researchers have created a comprehensive gene expression database to study pneumococcal infections. The database reveals that the bacteria behaves differently depending on the site of infection and the organs respond accordingly. This could lead to new treatments, such as anti-inflammatory therapies.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2020

Sheets of carbon nanotubes come in a rainbow of colours

Researchers at Aalto University have created a colour atlas for 466 unique varieties of single-walled carbon nanotubes, revealing their potential applications in electronics and solar panels. The study developed a quantitative model to predict the specific colors of thin films made by combining any of the 466 varieties.

SourceAalto University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 14, 2020

Allocating resources across life span during COVID-19

The article emphasizes the importance of ensuring equity in hospital resource allocation during pandemics. Implementing protocols that account for the disproportionate impact on neonates and children is crucial. By doing so, healthcare systems can reduce disparities and improve outcomes for vulnerable populations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateDec 14, 2020

Using play to "school" children's emotions

A study by Université de Genève found that pretend play-based curriculum improved children's ability to recognize emotions and regulate their behavior. The program, introduced in classes aged five and six, enhances emotional vocabulary and promotes prosocial behavior.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateDec 14, 2020

Association of political party affiliation with physical distancing among young adults during COVID-19 pandemic

A recent study found that individuals with Republican party affiliation were less likely to practice physical distancing, while those with Democratic affiliation were more likely. The research estimated associations between political party and physical distancing behaviors among young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateDec 14, 2020

Quantum mysteries: Probing an unusual state in the superconductor-insulator transition

Researchers at Tokyo Tech discovered a 'quantum liquid state' of quantum vortices causing the anomalous metallic state, emerging from quantum criticality. This finding clarifies the nature of the superconductor-insulator transition in 2D superconductors and holds promise for designing next-generation superconducting devices.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 14, 2020

Explained: Political polarization

A University of Houston researcher has developed a mathematical model showing that economic inequality causes political polarization. Once polarization occurs, it can spread rapidly to the whole population and persist even when the conditions that produced it have reversed.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 14, 2020

The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health: Black children diagnosed with severe sepsis are more likely to die than White or Hispanic children, hospital data suggests

A recent study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health found that Black children diagnosed with severe sepsis have a 20% greater odds of death compared to their White and Hispanic peers. Additionally, 'other' insurance status was associated with increased mortality, and Black and Hispanic children had longer hospital stays.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateDec 14, 2020

Women, parents and early-career faculty in ecology most impacted by COVID-19

A recent study found that female faculty, single parents, and early-career researchers are disproportionately affected by COVID-19, struggling with work-life balance and experiencing increased stress. The survey of over 600 faculty members highlights the need for universities to acknowledge these challenges and implement policies to su...

SourceColorado State University·JournalEcological Applications·DateDec 14, 2020

Grasping exponential growth

A new study from ETH Zurich found that informing the public of potential bias does little to improve perception, even for those aware of exponential growth. Participants underestimated infections after 30 days of exponential spread, but improved when asked about doubling times or time gained with mitigation measures.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 14, 2020

Mapping coral from the air

Researchers developed an airborne approach to map live coral distribution in the Hawaiian Islands, revealing a negative correlation between nearshore development and live coral cover. The study suggests that this cost-effective method could provide high-resolution monitoring of coral health at a low cost.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2020

Household transmission of SARS-CoV-2

Researchers found that households will continue to be a significant venue for SARS-CoV-2 transmission despite isolation efforts. The study emphasizes the importance of implementing effective public health measures to mitigate this risk.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 14, 2020

The farthest galaxy in the universe

Astronomers use a novel spectrograph to measure the redshift of GN-z11, a ancient galaxy located 13.4 billion light years away, marking it as the farthest detectable galaxy in the universe. The team's precise measurement improves the accuracy of the galaxy's distance by a factor of 100.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Astronomy·DateDec 14, 2020

America's crop cousins are numerous, imperiled, and more needed than ever

A new study highlights the plight of US crop wild relatives, many of which are endangered or underrepresented in conservation repositories. The plants, including those related to apples, hops, and sunflowers, have characteristics that can be used to breed hardier crops.

What makes peppers blush

Researchers discovered that peppers undergo a transformation from chlorophyll-rich chloroplasts to carotenoid-rich chromoplasts as they ripen. This process differs from tomatoes, which continue to ripen after harvesting due to an increased respiratory activity.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateDec 14, 2020

High-rate Li-ion batteries demonstrate superior safety

Researchers from University of Warwick investigated high-rate cycling on Lithium Iron Phosphate Cylindrical Cells, discovering increased current capabilities of up to 4.4 times manufacturer's claims. Thermal fatigue was identified as the driving mechanism for jelly roll deformation, which can be mitigated with convection cooling.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalBatteries·DateDec 14, 2020

The uncharted molecular language of the brain

A new study has created the most complete annotated resource of proteins present in synapses, which could aid in early diagnosis and specific drug targets for brain diseases. Researchers identified 1466 synaptic vesicle proteins, many of which were previously unknown, and found that lower-abundance proteins often have crucial functions.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2020

Biomarkers could help predict severe SARS-CoV-2 infection

Researchers discovered biomarkers associated with COVID-19 immunopathology and multi-organ damage, enabling early identification of patients at risk of severe symptoms. The study's findings have potential for developing prognostic classification models to target treatments accordingly.

SourceEMBO·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateDec 14, 2020

Quantum interference in time

Nicolas Cerf and Michael Jabbour identify a new form of quantum interference that occurs through time, using an optical amplifier to produce identical photons. This phenomenon challenges our classical understanding of space-based interference.

SourceUniversité libre de Bruxelles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2020

COVID-19: indoor air in hospitals and nursing homes require more attention

Researchers recommend measures to reduce SARS-CoV-2 aerosol dispersal, including regular ventilation, humidifiers to maintain relative humidity of 40-60%, and portable air purifiers. The risk is high due to infected & healthy people staying in the same room for long periods.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS)·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateDec 14, 2020

Nanoengineered cement shows promise for sealing leaky gas wells

Researchers at Penn State have developed a nanomaterial cement mixture that can effectively seal leaky natural gas wells, reducing methane emissions. The new cement is more resistant to cracking and can be pumped through narrow spaces, making it suitable for use in active unconventional wells and orphaned abandoned gas wells.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control·DateDec 14, 2020

Moffitt program bringing patients, scientists together infuses new meaning into research

The Patient Researcher Forum allows patients and researchers to learn from each other, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. The program has a positive impact on perspectives of both parties, with patients gaining insight into the importance of cancer research and researchers becoming more patient-centered in their work.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalTranslational Research·DateDec 14, 2020

Tracking global soil salinity

A study analyzing 40 years of topsoil data finds that approximately 11.73 million square kilometers of land were affected by salt accumulation between 1980 and 2018. The likelihood of reoccurring salt-affected soils decreased globally, but certain regions like Brazil and Peru experienced increased soil salinity.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2020

Powerhouse plants that bolster the food web

A new study by University of Delaware Professor Doug Tallamy identifies the most critical plants needed to sustain food webs across the United States. These powerhouse plants, including oaks, willows, and goldenrod, support insects that are essential for energy transfer and soil decomposition.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature·DateDec 14, 2020