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Science News for December 2, 2020


Cell membranes in super resolution

Scientists have created a method to expand lipids in cell membranes, enabling the imaging of proteins and organelles with unprecedented resolution. This breakthrough allows for detailed insights into bacterial infection mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 2, 2020

Oddly satisfying metamaterials store energy in their skin

Purdue University scientists have created a patterned sheet of domes that can store energy in its skin, enabling strong mechanical tasks and programmable data processing. The technology has potential applications in flexible robotics and mechanical computing, where energy storage and efficient processing are crucial.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateDec 2, 2020

Discrimination on social media results in higher depression, anxiety among minority males

A study by Florida International University researchers found that young Hispanic males who experienced ethnic discrimination on social media had higher levels of depression and anxiety. The study's lead author noted that the impact may be due to increased exposure to discriminatory content specifically targeting men, threatening their...

SourceFlorida International University·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychology·DateDec 2, 2020

To increase organs available for transplant, reassess organ procurement organizations' metrics

Researchers analyzed national organ transplant data from 2008 to 2017 and found a wide variation in organ procurement organizations' efficiency. They proposed three new metrics that would give a more accurate and equitable representation of performance, highlighting the need for improved evaluation of the organ donation system.

Social, behavioral modifications can be positive trigger to mitigating gun violence

Researchers found that active shooter drills can cause emotional distress and uncertainty among students, highlighting the need for evidence-based strategies. Social-emotional learning programs and a safe, supportive environment are key to reducing gun violence in schools, according to West Virginia University Professor Keith Zullig.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateDec 2, 2020

'Message in a bottle' tracks plastic pollution

Researchers from the University of Exeter and ZSL used GPS and satellite tags in plastic bottles to track plastic pollution in the Ganges river and Bay of Bengal. The study found that plastic pollution can travel thousands of kilometers in just a few months, with some bottles traveling up to 2,845km in 94 days.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 2, 2020

Natural three-dimensional nonlinear photonic crystal

Scientists have developed a natural potassium-tantalate-niobate (KTN) perovskite nonlinear photonic crystal with 3D spontaneous Rubik's domain structures, enabling compensation of phase-mismatch along arbitrary directions. This breakthrough paves the way for new applications in optical communications, quantum entanglement sources, and ...

Optimal horse racing speed pinpointed by mathematical analysis

Mathematical analysis reveals optimal Thoroughbred horse racing speed by analyzing track data and considering factors such as course length, surface type, and weather conditions. The study provides insights into the physical limitations of horses and the importance of course-specific factors in determining optimal speed.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 2, 2020

Science snapshots from Berkeley Lab

Berkeley Lab researchers have developed a machine learning model that can design structures with desired optical properties, speeding up the process by at least two to three orders of magnitude. The CUORE experiment has collected a record-breaking dataset for a 'neutrinoless' experiment, surpassing previous experiments by about 10 times.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateDec 2, 2020

Understanding quality of life for caregivers of persons with traumatic brain injury

A new special edition of Rehabilitation Psychology examines the diverse ways caring for an individual with TBI impacts well-being, including family life, mood, physical health, sleep and social relationships. A unique tool called the TBI-CareQOL Measurement System helps standardize measures for quality of life in caregivers.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalRehabilitation Psychology·DateDec 2, 2020

Common neural circuit and potential target for anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder

A glutamatergic neuronal circuit from the prelimbic prefrontal cortex to the nucleus accumbens is responsible for co-occurring anxiety and obsessive-compulsive-like behaviors. Histamine presynaptic H3 receptor activation in this circuit ameliorates stress-induced anxiety and obsessive-compulsive-like behaviors.

SourceNanjing University School of Life Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 2, 2020

Reconstruction of eye tissue gives new insight into outer retina

Scientists at the University of Southampton have made a breakthrough in reconstructing eye tissues from the outer retina using serial block face scanning electron microscopy. The study provides a clear picture of the 3D organisation of the retinal pigment epithelium, which could help understand causes of damage leading to sight loss.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateDec 2, 2020

CNIC scientists identify a new diagnostic and therapeutic target for cardiovascular disease

Researchers at CNIC have identified mitochondrial protein ALDH4A1 as a potential marker for cardiovascular disease diagnosis and a possible therapeutic target. The study found that ALDH4A1 accumulates in plaques and its plasma concentration is elevated in patients with carotid atherosclerosis, suggesting it as a biomarker.

Rethinking race and kidney function

A new study from Harvard Medical School forecasts the impact of eliminating race from kidney function formulas on Black patients with kidney disease. The analysis suggests that removing race-based adjustments may lead to earlier diagnoses and better access to care, but also restricts access to certain medications and treatments.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalJAMA·DateDec 2, 2020

What's killing killer whales?

A decade-long analysis of necropsies reveals that killer whales are vulnerable to multiple human-caused deaths, affecting all age classes. The study underscores the need for improved conservation strategies and mitigation efforts to protect these endangered species.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 2, 2020

Best region for life on Mars was far below surface

A Rutgers-led study suggests the most habitable region for life on Mars would be up to several miles below its surface due to subsurface melting of thick ice sheets. Liquid water may have been stable at great depths, allowing life to thrive through hydrothermal activity and rock-water reactions.

SourceRutgers University·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 2, 2020

Peeking into the pods of black soybeans

Researchers at Nagoya University have identified a new compound responsible for the synthesis of anthocyanin pigment in black soybeans, shedding light on the biosynthetic pathway and potential applications for treating metabolic diseases. The study aims to clarify the full steps of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside synthesis in black soybeans.

SourceNagoya University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 2, 2020

Birth defects linked to greater risk of cancer in later life

A study published in The BMJ found that people born with major birth defects face a higher risk of cancer throughout life. The relative risk is greatest in childhood, but the risk persists into adulthood. Major birth defects are associated with an increased risk of various types of cancer, including leukemia.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 2, 2020

Combined exercise, mindfulness training may help reduce fatigue in cancer survivors

Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have found that combining exercise and mindfulness training can significantly reduce fatigue in breast cancer survivors. The study used a feasibility trial with 40 women, who reported a drop in fatigue levels after participating in a combination of both interventions.

What's killing killer whales?

A decade-long study of killer whale necropsies reveals widespread mortality linked to human activities, affecting all age classes. Human-caused deaths were found in healthy populations as well as endangered species, emphasizing the need for improved conservation strategies.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 2, 2020

Research suggests our galaxy's brightest gamma-ray binary system may be powered by a magnetar star

A team of researchers has analyzed data to infer the nature of compact object orbiting within LS 5039, the brightest gamma-ray binary system in the Galaxy. The team suggests that particle acceleration process is caused by interactions between dense stellar winds and ultra-strong magnetic fields of a rotating magnetar.

Brexit opens the door to tougher anti-smoking measures

A new study suggests that a no-deal Brexit could raise cigarette and tobacco prices in the UK, making it easier to implement effective tobacco control measures. The research also highlights the potential benefits of Brexit for tackling smoking, including reduced smuggling and increased revenue for the government.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalInternational Journal of Drug Policy·DateDec 2, 2020

Anti-doping education: Teaching athletes about morality in sport can help reduce doping

Researchers developed two intervention programmes targeting moral factors and educating young elite athletes about the risks of performance-enhancing drugs. Both approaches were equally effective at deterring doping over a six-month period. The 'moral' programme focused on honesty, fair play, and the consequences of doping, while the '...

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalJournal of Sport and Exercise Psychology·DateDec 2, 2020

When the rains stopped

Archaeologists study how climate shift affected Greater Cahokia's bio-cultural associations and societal changes. Evapotranspiration played a critical role in determining urbanism progression, particularly through Steam Bath Ceremonialism.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Anthropological Research·DateDec 2, 2020

Researchers determine how the SARS-CoV-2 virus hijacks and rapidly causes damage to human lung cells

The study reveals that the SARS-CoV-2 virus rapidly causes damage to human lung cells by exploiting core resources and inducing abnormal changes in protein abundance and phosphorylation. The researchers also identified 18 pre-existing clinically approved drugs that can be potentially re-purposed for COVID-19 therapy.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Cell·DateDec 2, 2020

SMART researchers develop plant nanobionic sensor to monitor arsenic levels in soil

Scientists from SMART DiSTAP have engineered a novel type of plant nanobionic optical sensor that can detect and monitor arsenic levels in the belowground environment. This non-destructive approach enables plants to serve as self-powered detectors of arsenic, marking a significant upgrade over conventional methods.