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Science News for December 3, 2020


UBC study explores link between social status and trust in decision-makers

A recent UBC study reveals that individuals with lower socioeconomic statuses are more likely to distrust powerful decision-makers, viewing coercion as a viable path to gain power. In contrast, those with higher socioeconomic statuses are more trusting and associate power with collaboration and respect.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateDec 3, 2020

Hiring foreign nurses does not hurt US nursing jobs, study shows

A new study from the University of Illinois found that hiring foreign-educated registered nurses does not displace U.S.-educated nurses and may even boost wages for highly educated natives. The research analyzed data from 1980-2015 and covered every commuting zone in the US, including rural areas.

Wind farm and sleep disruption

A comprehensive review of existing literature suggests that wind turbine noise can affect sleep stages and deep sleep time. Researchers are calling for further well-controlled experimental studies to better understand the impact on sleep.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Sleep Research·DateDec 3, 2020

JNIS™: cuts in Medicare payments jeopardize patient access to care

The final 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule will result in a 10% reimbursement cut for neurointerventional procedures, putting patients at risk of losing access to life-saving care. The Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery warns that this measure could further exacerbate challenges faced by the field due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceSociety of NeuroInterventional Surgery·JournalJournal of NeuroInterventional Surgery·DateDec 3, 2020

New theory of root competition reveals rules governing growth

A new study provides a theoretical foundation for understanding competitive root behavior, revealing that plants adjust their root growth strategies according to the proximity of competing plants. The research reconciles conflicting hypotheses and demonstrates that roots are likely used to preempt resource capture by competitors in nea...

Scientists predict 'optimal' stress levels

The study suggests most animals remain stressed for longer than optimal after a stress-inducing incident, likely due to physiological limits. The researchers propose that environmental predictability and baseline stress levels play key roles in shaping stress responses.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·DateDec 3, 2020

The same vision for all primates

A study found that visual processing units are identical in size across primate species, from the world's smallest mouse lemur to humans. This preservation suggests an early evolution of primate vision and highlights the importance of conservation efforts for endangered species.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 3, 2020

New review confirms disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on Black, Hispanic populations

A systematic review published in Annals of Internal Medicine confirms health disparities in COVID-19 outcomes among Black and Hispanic populations, attributing the disparity to increased risk of exposure and transmission. The study highlights the need for targeted efforts to reduce exposure to the virus in vulnerable populations.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 3, 2020

Scientists peer into the 3D structure of the Milky Way

A new 3D survey of the Milky Way has revealed a wide range of structures within the galaxy, from individual star-forming clumps to giant molecular clouds. The study provides unprecedented detail on the inner structure and dynamics of the galaxy, shedding light on its star formation processes.

SourceCardiff University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateDec 3, 2020

Study finds over 64% of people reported new health issues during 'work from home'

A study by USC researchers found that working from home negatively impacts physical and mental health, increases distractions, and reduces productivity. Nearly 1,000 respondents reported experiencing one or more new physical health issues, with women and parents of toddlers and infants being disproportionately affected.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateDec 3, 2020

Tech makes it possible to digitally communicate through human touch

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a technology that enables digital communication through direct touch, allowing for secure payments and information transfer without biometric authentication. This innovation uses an "Electro-Quasistatic range" to confine signals within the body, preventing hacking and interception.

SourcePurdue University·JournalACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction·DateDec 3, 2020

Most countries are violating international law during the COVID-19 pandemic: Legal experts

A new study by global health law scholars reveals that most countries are not fulfilling their international legal obligations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers argue that the provisions of the International Health Regulations (IHR) are often misunderstood and may not be sufficient to guide governments' responses to pandemics.

SourceYork University·JournalInternational Organizations Law Review·DateDec 3, 2020

The impact of Neandertal DNA on human health

Researchers analyzed Neandertal-associated phenotypes in Asian and European populations, finding shared variants increasing risk of autoimmune diseases like dermatitis and rheumatoid arthritis. In contrast, a specific gene variant in Asians had a protective effect against prostate cancer.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateDec 3, 2020

Gastric bypass surgery leads to long-term diabetes remission

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that gastric bypass surgery can lead to long-term diabetes remission in over half of adults with type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that weight loss is not the only factor contributing to improved blood sugar levels.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateDec 3, 2020

BIOS-SCOPE funding renewed

The BIOS-SCOPE program will continue its research into the microbial ecology of the Sargasso Sea, leveraging over 30 years of data from BATS and other sources. The program brings together researchers from different backgrounds using systems biology, genomics, and marine chemistry to study organic matter cycling and microbial interactions.

Flightless bird species at risk of extinction

A study of extinct bird species reveals that flightlessness developed in many cases due to human impact, with 29% of extinct species lacking the ability to fly. The researchers found that if humans had not caused some extinctions, there would be over 150 independently developed flightless bird groups.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 3, 2020

Genetically engineered T cells could lead to therapies for autoimmune diseases

A novel T cell genetically engineered by University of Arizona Health Sciences researchers targets and attacks pathogenic T cells that cause Type 1 diabetes. The 5MCAR T cells, which mimic the evolutionary design of natural killer T cells, were tested in a non-obese diabetic mouse model with promising results.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 3, 2020

What makes certain groups more vulnerable to COVID-19?

Researchers analyzed protein sequences of SARS-CoV2 virus and host cell receptors to find commonalities among animals susceptible to infection. Greater cellular oxidation may predispose the elderly and those with underlying health conditions to more severe infection.

SourceMcGill University·JournalComputational and Structural Biotechnology Journal·DateDec 3, 2020

Marine mammals' adaptations to low oxygen offer new perspective on COVID-19

A study by UC Santa Cruz professor Terrie Williams explores how marine mammals' physiological adaptations can help understand the effects of COVID-19. Marine mammals have evolved mechanisms to protect critical organs during low-oxygen conditions, which may inform strategies for humans to mitigate long-term damage from oxygen deprivation.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalComparative Biochemistry and Physiology·DateDec 3, 2020

US state government crisis standards of care guidelines

State crisis standards of care (CSC) guidelines in the US allocate scarce healthcare resources among cancer patients, requiring careful consideration of prioritization methods. The guidelines include provisions for blood products and palliative care, highlighting the need for nuanced decision-making in resource allocation.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateDec 3, 2020

Can we make bones heal faster?

Researchers from UIC have discovered distinct pathways for bone and teeth formation, which can be manipulated to enhance healing processes. This breakthrough has significant implications for developing new treatments to cure dental diseases and bone injuries.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 3, 2020

Ancient migration was choice, not chance

Researchers used satellite-tracked buoys to simulate ancient ocean migrations. They found that the vast majority failed to reach the Ryukyu Islands due to adverse weather conditions, suggesting intentional navigation. The study provides evidence of Paleolithic people's bold exploration and migration.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 3, 2020

Drinking linked to a decline in brain health from cradle to grave

Research highlights three key periods of dynamic brain changes sensitive to alcohol's effects: gestation, later adolescence, and older adulthood. Low or moderate drinking during pregnancy is associated with poorer outcomes in offspring, while binge drinking in adolescence and aging affects brain volume and cognitive functions.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 3, 2020

Chemists get peek at novel fluorescence

Rice University scientists have discovered a novel phenomenon in carbon nanotubes, where a delayed secondary fluorescence is emitted when triggered by a multistep process involving dye molecules and dissolved oxygen. The delay, only microseconds long, can be detected with specialized instrumentation.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 3, 2020

For nationalistic regimes, similar COVID-19 policies are the sincerest form of flattery

A University of Texas at Arlington study reveals that nationalistic countries emulate each other's COVID-19 policies, favoring national identity over scientific data. The research suggests growing international cooperation among nationalist regimes and leaders, despite geographical distance and varying political systems.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalJournal of Chinese Political Science·DateDec 3, 2020

How the vaginal microbiome may affect HIV prevention

A study found that vaginal bacteria associated with bacterial vaginosis can metabolize HIV prevention drugs, reducing their effectiveness. This imbalance can increase the risk of HIV transmission in women. The researchers highlight the need for better treatments and studies on women's health to improve HIV prevention efforts.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateDec 3, 2020

How to cool more efficiently

Researchers from the University of Barcelona, HZDR, and TU Darmstadt investigate the effects of simultaneously exposing alloys to magnetic fields and mechanical stress. They found that certain materials can boost their cooling efficiency by up to doubling it with commercially available neodymium permanent magnets.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·DateDec 3, 2020

Can we improve our health with doses of safe, live microbes on a daily basis?

A group of seven interdisciplinary scientists published a review paper highlighting specific gaps in the research on live microbes and health outcomes. They argue that there is only weak evidence to date confirming the link between live microbes and better human health, and propose a plan for quantifying this relationship.

Outbreak investigation reveals "super-spreader" potential of Andes virus

A recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that the Andes virus, carried by wild rodents, can cause severe respiratory disease in humans through extensive person-to-person contact. The outbreak in a small village in Argentina had the most extensive recorded human-to-human transmission of the virus to date.

SourceUS Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 3, 2020

Blackcurrants are favorable for glucose metabolism

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that consuming blackcurrants after a meal can attenuate the rise and fall of blood glucose levels. The beneficial effect is attributed to berry-derived polyphenolic compounds, specifically anthocyanins, which slow down glucose absorption and reduce oxidative stress.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalBritish Journal Of Nutrition·DateDec 3, 2020

Adaptive Image Receive (AIR) coil from GE shows promise for whole-brain imaging

A prototype 16-channel head AIR coil from GE Healthcare has been shown to perform better than a conventional 8-channel head coil for in vivo whole-brain imaging, but not as well as a 32-channel coil. The coil's lightweight and flexible design exhibits improved electrical characteristics that could lead to future design improvements.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateDec 3, 2020

How a police contact by middle school leads to different outcomes for Black, white youth

A new University of Washington study examines the effects of early police contacts on Black and white adolescents, finding that Black youth are more likely to be treated as 'usual suspects' after a first encounter, leading to subsequent arrests. White youth with early police contact are not significantly more likely to be arrested later.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalSocial Problems·DateDec 3, 2020

Chicago neighborhoods with barriers to social distancing had higher COVID-19 death rates

A new study found that Chicago neighborhoods with limited internet access and low health insurance coverage had higher COVID-19 death rates. Neighborhoods with high rates of COVID-19 mortality were often characterized by social vulnerability factors such as low educational attainment and high percentages of Hispanic/Latino residents.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAnnals of Epidemiology·DateDec 3, 2020

Electrical spin filtering the key to ultra-fast, energy-efficient spintronics

A UNSW study demonstrates all-electrical spin-to-charge conversion without magnetic field, enabling fast detection of spin accumulation in strongly spin-orbit coupled materials. The non-linear method facilitates orders of magnitude faster detection and time-resolved read-out down to 1 nanosecond resolution.