Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for December 15, 2020


The Lancet Infectious Diseases: Largest seroprevalence study in the region finds number of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 in Iran may be higher than expected

A large-scale seroprevalence study in Iran found that around 17.1% of the population has been infected with SARS-CoV-2, with significant variations between cities and occupations. Despite this high rate, a substantial proportion of the population remains susceptible to infection.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateDec 15, 2020

Engineers go microbial to store energy, sequester CO2

Bioengineers at Cornell University have created theoretical solutions for efficiently absorbing and storing large-scale renewable energy from the sun while sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide. The developed microbes can store energy and absorb CO2, potentially creating low-carbon fuel with net-zero emissions.

SourceCornell University·JournalJoule·DateDec 15, 2020

Kernels of history

Genetic analysis reveals that improved maize varieties developed by Indigenous South Americans were reintroduced into Central America, potentially leading to more productive and consumed varieties. The study provides new insights into the spread of maize in the Americas and its impact on human history.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 15, 2020

Extreme political advertising can hurt campaign efforts

A Dartmouth study reveals that extreme political messaging can radicalize supporters, pulling them away from undecided voters. Researchers used a computer model to simulate social media users and found that aggressive communications can backfire, solidifying support among existing backers but alienating moderate voters.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalPhysical Review X·DateDec 15, 2020

Engineers develop soft robotic gripper

A new soft robotic gripper designed by researchers at the University of Georgia uses a unique twining motion to offer several advantages over existing robotic devices. The device has embedded sensors providing real-time feedback, enabling it to firmly grasp objects as small as 1 millimeter in diameter.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalOptics Express·DateDec 15, 2020

Cancer researchers identify potential new class of drugs to treat blood and bone marrow cancers

Researchers at Cleveland Clinic's Taussig Cancer Institute have identified a potential new class of targeted drugs to treat myeloid leukemias, including those with the common TET2 gene mutation. The new pharmacological strategy, TETi76, preferentially targets and eliminates leukemia cells with TET2 mutations in preclinical models.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalBlood Cancer Discovery·DateDec 15, 2020

How does pathogen sense environment? Scientists identify key proteins' structures

Researchers have discovered a new two-component system (TCS) in bacteria that helps sense environmental stimuli and trigger cellular responses. The study reveals the molecular mechanism of G6P signal transduction by HptRSA sensor complex, providing important clues for nutritional sensing mechanisms in bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 15, 2020

Creating a ground plan for stonefly evolution

A team of researchers led by the University of Tsukuba examined five different stonefly species' eggs to understand their evolutionary relationships. They found that differences in egg structure, such as hard outer membranes and attachment structures, provided insight into the order's ground plan and evolutionary history.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalArthropod Structure & Development·DateDec 15, 2020

Device mimics life's first steps in outer space

The VENUS device simulates complex organic molecules in interstellar space conditions by replicating the strong vacuum and frigid temperatures found in space. This allows researchers to better understand how these molecules form and potentially identify prebiotic species involved in early life processes.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateDec 15, 2020

My, what sharp teeth

Gorgonopsians, a lineage more related to humans than dinosaurs, evolved the first complex tooth serration made of enamel and dentine, discovered in a new Harvard-led study. This finding indicates that gorgonopsians developed this specialized structure early in amniote evolution.

Accurate neural network computer vision without the 'black box'

A team of researchers from Duke University has developed a method to make neural networks more transparent and interpretable. By modifying the reasoning process behind predictions, it is possible to better understand how these complex models work. The approach involves replacing standard parts of a neural network with new ones that con...

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateDec 15, 2020

Lessons learned from the COVID-19 frontline

The conference shares current knowledge and thinking across physiological systems, showcasing the symbiotic relationship between physiology and critical care. Physiologists have played an integral part in managing COVID-19, highlighting the importance of understanding pathophysiology to drive appropriate clinical intervention.

Balancing climate and development goals

A new study explores the climate consequences of developing countries reaching a specific per-capita GDP level before reducing carbon emissions. The research suggests that delaying decarbonization in these countries would result in less than 0.3°C of additional warming and only a 6% increase in total cumulative CO2 emissions by 2100.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateDec 15, 2020

Weak force has strong impact on nanosheets

Rice University scientists found that van der Waals force can indent rigid nanosheets, changing their electromagnetic properties. The researchers discovered that the force is sufficient to deform 8-nanometer-thick silver sheets into curvilinear structures with potential applications in nanophotonic research and catalytic systems.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 15, 2020

Do tumors stiff-arm the immune system?

Tumor cells produce excess complement protein iC3b to mask abnormal proteins, evading immune cell attack. The immune system relies on a flexible receptor CR3 to distinguish between 'I belong' and 'I don't belong' tags.

SourceInsideOutBio·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·DateDec 15, 2020

'Peecycling' payoff: Urine diversion shows multiple environmental benefits when used at city scale

A University of Michigan-led study finds that urine diversion and recycling can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, freshwater consumption, and the potential for algal blooms. The method also has lower environmental impacts than conventional wastewater treatment and fertilizer production methods.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 15, 2020

An avocado a day keeps your gut microbes happy

A new study from the University of Illinois found that consuming avocados as part of a daily meal increased beneficial bacteria and improved gut health in adults with overweight or obesity. The research also showed that avocado consumption reduced bile acids and increased short-chain fatty acids, leading to positive health outcomes.

Resistance training paired with peanut protein affects muscle health in older adults

A six- to ten-week resistance training program significantly improved knee flexion peak torque and vastus lateralis thickness in older adults who received peanut protein supplementation, compared to those without. The study found that PP supplementation increased muscle strength and growth in untrained older individuals.

SourceKetchum New York·JournalJournal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition·DateDec 15, 2020

Supporting renewable electricity: EU member states should coordinate reform efforts

A new study highlights the importance of coordinated policy reforms in supporting renewable electricity across EU member states. Without coordination, investors may shift their focus to subsidized technologies or countries with available subsidies, increasing the overall costs of expanding renewable energy generation in Europe. Strengt...

Quantifying effects of non-pharmaceutical interventions on SARS-CoV-2 transmission with modeling

A new modeling study found that limiting gatherings to fewer than 10 people and closing educational institutions significantly reduced SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Closing schools, universities, and nonessential businesses had a considerable impact on transmission rates, while targeted closures of high-risk businesses showed more benefit.

3D printers may be toxic for humans

Research studies have found that 3D printer emissions can cause moderate toxicity in human lung cells and minimal toxicity in rats. The emitted particles can affect indoor air quality and public health, particularly for children who are more susceptible to the effects of these emissions.

Nearly half of young drivers are resuming driving just weeks after sustaining a concussion

A study found that nearly half of adolescents who sought specialty care for a concussion were back to driving within two weeks, despite few returning to exercise and sports. The researchers recommend a staged approach to cognitive activities, including driving, with clinicians implementing a gradual return-to-driving protocol.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateDec 15, 2020

ModMol the new app to observe molecules in 3D

ModMol is an augmented reality app that allows users to visualize and edit molecules in 3D. The app currently supports 115 molecules, including organic and inorganic systems, biomolecules, polymers, and proteins. It enables users to customize molecules using the period table and standard fragments, and save edited structures for export.

Climate change caused the demise of Central Asia's river civilizations, not Genghis Khan

A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that climate change, not Genghis Khan, led to the decline of Central Asia's medieval river civilizations. The research found that decreasing river flow due to drought was equally important for the abandonment of these city-states as the Mongol invasion.

SourceUniversity of Lincoln·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 15, 2020

Genes play a role in common knee injury

Researchers at Lund University found that genes contribute more than previously thought to knee injuries, accounting for 69% of cases. The genetic risk was equally high in men and women, suggesting a possible preventive strategy by family members.

SourceLund University·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateDec 15, 2020

Sights set on curbing gun crime

A Flinders University study found that guns and drugs are linked to serious crime and that reducing access and value in popular culture can decrease their appeal. Experts say broad social changes are needed to make guns less attractive for criminals.