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Science News for December 9, 2020


The ethics of human challenge trials

Researchers and ethicists debate the risks and benefits of human challenge trials, which involve deliberately exposing healthy volunteers to coronavirus to test vaccine effectiveness. Despite potential risks, the expert argues that the massive benefits outweigh the concerns, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Journal of Medicine and Philosophy A Forum for Bioethics and Philosophy of Medicine·DateDec 9, 2020

Variation by states in heart transplant outcomes

A study using data from the United Network for Organ Sharing database found variation in heart transplant outcomes across US states between 2011 and 2016. The results showed that some states experienced significant improvements in survival rates, while others continued to struggle with poorer outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 9, 2020

An eventful year in pharma

The pharmaceutical industry made significant strides in 2020, developing tests, therapeutics, and vaccines to combat COVID-19. Companies like Eli Lilly and Regeneron led the way in making antibody therapies, while Moderna used messenger RNA to develop a potential vaccine with promising early trial data.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateDec 9, 2020

Hydrogels with fine-toothed molecular combs may make enduring glucose-monitoring implants

Researchers at Texas A&M University have designed a hydrogel membrane with fine-toothed molecular combs that can prevent leakage of small molecules while allowing glucose to freely diffuse in and out. The membrane, made from poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), could be used to form biosensors for monitoring sugar levels in diabetics.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalACS Applied Polymer Materials·DateDec 9, 2020

Uniquely human gene may drive numerous cancers

Researchers discovered that a high proportion of advanced carcinomas carry a mutant form of the Siglec-XII protein, which is rarely expressed in normal humans. This finding may explain why humans are more prone to aggressive cancers compared to chimpanzees.

SourceWiley·JournalFASEB BioAdvances·DateDec 9, 2020

Nature s contributions to people found to be in decline

Declining biodiversity is putting nature's contributions to people at risk, impacting crop yields and soil productivity. The degradation of environmental conditions also increases exposure to floods and storms, affecting human well-being and prosperity.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 9, 2020

Ancient alliance

Researchers discovered that stressed oak trees have more diverse fungal communities than healthy ones, with mutually beneficial relationships providing a buffer against climate change. This symbiotic relationship maintains ecosystem balance and could help conserve tree health in California woodlands.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalFEMS Microbiology Ecology·DateDec 9, 2020

Nebraska anglers are creatures of habit

A new study published in Ecological Applications reveals that Nebraska anglers tend to visit the same seven popular fishing spots consistently, drawn from the same ZIP codes throughout the year. This finding provides valuable insights for natural resource managers seeking to optimize lake management and sustainable fishing experiences.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcological Applications·DateDec 9, 2020

Ultrafast dynamics of chiral spin structures observed after optical excitation

A joint research project has achieved a new milestone in ultra-fast control of magnetism by investigating femtosecond time-resolved x-ray scattering signals. The results indicate a faster recovery of chiral order compared to collinear magnetic order dynamics, suggesting that twists are more stable than straight magnetic configurations.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 9, 2020

Several U.S. populations and regions exposed to high arsenic concentrations in drinking water

A new study found significant inequalities in public drinking water arsenic exposure across US regions and sociodemographic subgroups. Despite a decline in national arsenic levels, Hispanic communities and those relying on groundwater continued to exceed maximum contaminant levels, raising environmental justice concerns.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateDec 9, 2020

How soil fungi respond to wildfire

Researchers analyzed soil samples from burned and unburned areas in California parks, finding that the oak woodland fungal community was less affected by wildfires than those in evergreen forests. This aligns with the fact that oak woodlands depend on regular fire to thrive.

SourceStanford University·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateDec 9, 2020

Scientists model photoluminescence kinetics in semiconductor nanoplatelets for better optoelectroni

Researchers from Skoltech and colleagues developed two models explaining the light-emitting behavior of semiconductor nanoplatelets, which are promising building blocks for optoelectronics. The models reveal trapping of excitons at surface defects and its interplay with diffusion as key reasons for complex kinetics.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateDec 9, 2020

Science of sandcastles is clarified, finally

Researchers at the University of Manchester have clarified the science behind sandcastle building by resolving a century-old mystery. They created artificial capillaries where water vapor can condense under ambient conditions, showing that the 150-year-old Kelvin equation remains surprisingly accurate even at an atomic scale.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature·DateDec 9, 2020

Program reduces social isolation among middle-aged and older adults

A Community Connectors service can boost confidence in engaging with community activities and enhance social networks among older adults. The program has been shown to provide vital support for well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for those who cannot access remote services.

SourceWiley·JournalHealth & Social Care in the Community·DateDec 9, 2020

UBCO researchers suggest stool transplants can battle serious infections

Researchers analyzed gut composition and DNA to identify key factors for successful fecal microbiota transplants, including the donor's microbiome and recipient's pre-transplant gut community structures. The study suggests that preparing donors' and patients' gut ecosystems prior to transplant may increase the likelihood of success.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 9, 2020

The impact of the pandemic on the Brazilian labor market

The study found that black people and women were the most affected by the pandemic, with three informal workers losing jobs for every one formal worker terminated. The emergency aid program had a limited impact, mainly benefiting large employers and those on minimum wage, but failed to cover small and medium enterprises.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalIndian Journal of Labour Economics·DateDec 9, 2020

How neurons form long-term memories

Neuroscientists at Harvard Medical School have identified a critical gene, Fos, that allows neurons to rewire inputs from other neurons, enabling networks of disparate neurons to coordinate activity. This mechanism is thought to be essential for memory consolidation and recall.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateDec 9, 2020

Shipworms' competitive sex frenzy caught on film

A study by the University of Portsmouth discovered that giant feathery shipworms engage in competitive mating, where larger worms have an advantage due to longer siphons. The researchers observed stages of sperm transfer and sparring between rival mates, revealing a sophisticated form of reproductive behavior.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalBiology Letters·DateDec 9, 2020

Battling COVID-19 using UV light

Researchers at the University of New Mexico have found that combining certain polymers and oligomers with UV light can almost completely kill the coronavirus. This method provides a fast-acting and highly effective coating that reduces virus concentrations by five orders of magnitude.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateDec 9, 2020

Social media messages help reduce meat consumption

A new study from Cardiff University shows that direct messages sent via Facebook chat can significantly reduce the amount of red and processed meat consumed by individuals. Participants reported a significant decrease in their meat consumption, with some even expressing a desire to reduce other types of meat they consume in the future.

SourceCardiff University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateDec 9, 2020

How blood and wealth can predict future disability

A study from the University of East Anglia found that blood biomarkers such as cholesterol, inflammation, and liver function can predict future disability and healthcare demand. The researchers also discovered a pro-rich inequity in health care use, where people with higher incomes are more likely to seek medical attention.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEconomics & Human Biology·DateDec 9, 2020

Within a hair's breadth--forensic identification of single dyed hair strand now possible

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science developed a strategy to identify criminals from a single strand of hair, leveraging the composition of hair dye products. They employed surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis to distinguish between different dyes applied to individual strands of hog hair.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalAnalytical Sciences·DateDec 9, 2020

Less light, more trees assist migrating birds

A study found that urban tree canopy cover and reduced light pollution during migration seasons contribute to higher species richness. Conversely, higher levels of artificial light at night were associated with lower species counts, particularly during winter and summer.

SourceCornell University·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateDec 9, 2020

CO2 pricing & financial transfers: small changes can have a huge effect on climate equity

A new study published in Nature suggests that differentiated CO2 prices combined with moderate financial transfers between advanced and developing countries can efficiently achieve fair burden sharing while keeping overall costs in check. This approach mediates the trade-off between national sovereignty and economic efficiency.

New 'sea dragon' discovered off UK coastline

A new genus and species of ichthyosaur, Thalassodraco etchesi, has been discovered in the UK, measuring 2m in length and dating back to the Late Jurassic period. The specimen was found buried head-first in limestone, preserving its soft tissues and providing valuable insights into the biology of these marine reptiles.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 9, 2020

A new evolutionary clue

A University of Missouri researcher studied an island fox and its mainland relative to understand human evolution. The study found that the island fox's smaller body size was likely due to adapting to its new environment, not a disease.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateDec 9, 2020

New program for African American couples leads to stronger relationships, improved health

A recent study found that a new program for African American couples can lead to stronger relationships and improved health outcomes. The program, Protecting Strong African American Families (ProSAAF), uses a cognitive behavioral approach to improve couple interaction patterns and ways of thinking.

Can sting rays and electric rays help us map the ocean floor?

Researchers at RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research use electric rays and sting rays to create maps of the seabed, collecting data on ocean wildlife and resources. The method is cost-effective and has been shown to be accurate, with positioning errors within 10cm of existing seabed maps.

SourceRIKEN·JournalSN Applied Sciences·DateDec 9, 2020

Single-eye gene therapy improves vision in both eyes of patients with inherited eye disorder

A phase 3 clinical trial involving 37 patients showed sustainable improvements in vision after 96 weeks, suggesting the gene therapy could be a safe and effective treatment for Leber hereditary optic neuropathy. The treatment unexpectedly seemed to work in both eyes, with DNA from the vectors found in both treated and untreated eyes.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 9, 2020

Microbes and plants: A dynamic duo

Certain bacteria living in sorghum roots work together with the plant to reduce drought stress, leading to overall plant success. The microbiome plays a critical role in determining crop productivity, and manipulating it may hold the key to developing crops that can thrive in harsh conditions.

Weathered microplastic particles, readily internalized by mouse cells, may pose a greater risk than pristine ones

Research suggests that weathered microplastic particles are 10 times more likely to be internalized by mouse cells than pristine particles. The formation of a biomolecular crust on the surface of microplastics enhances their ability to be engulfed by cell membranes, potentially leading to inflammation and health risks.

Exercise may protect bone health after weight loss surgery

A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research found that exercise can help minimize bone loss after weight loss surgery. Participants who attended structured exercise sessions had higher bone mineral density measurements compared to those in the control group.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateDec 9, 2020

New evidence: Neandertals buried their dead

A team of researchers has found evidence that Neandertals buried their dead, with a two-year-old child discovered at the Ferrassie site in France. The discovery dates back to around 41,000 years ago and provides new insights into the burial practices of our ancient relatives.

SourceCNRS·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 9, 2020