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Science News for July 2, 2020


Sniffing out smell

Researchers discovered that neural representations of smell in the cortex reflect chemical similarities between odors, allowing for categorization. The findings also suggest that sensory experiences can rewire these representations.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateJul 2, 2020

Timing of SNAP benefits can reduce childhood injuries

A new study found that low-income families receiving SNAP benefits later in the month experience fewer emergency room visits for childhood injuries, likely due to better meal planning and food security. The researchers suggest that supporting federal food assistance programs like SNAP can help reduce childhood injuries and morbidity.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalBMC Pediatrics·DateJul 2, 2020

Coronavirus damages the endocrine system

A new review finds that COVID-19 can cause damage to the endocrine system, leading to worsening of existing conditions and increased risk of diabetes. Steroids may be a crucial treatment option for patients with COVID-19, as recent studies have shown improved mortality rates in severely ill patients treated with dexamethasone.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateJul 2, 2020

The protein that stands between us and autoimmunity

Studies from Osaka University revealed that Tet2 and Tet3 proteins play a crucial role in regulating B cell activity and preventing autoimmunity. By knocking out these proteins, researchers found increased serum levels of autoantibodies and organ damage in mice, highlighting the importance of epigenetic control in immune function.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Immunology·DateJul 2, 2020

Study explains potential causes for 'happy hypoxia' condition in COVID-19 patients

A new study sheds light on the mysterious condition known as silent hypoxemia or 'happy hypoxia' in COVID-19 patients. The research reveals that low oxygen levels without shortness of breath may be caused by a combination of factors, including inaccurate pulse oximeter readings and the brain's delayed response to low oxygen levels.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJul 2, 2020

Gender gaps in STEM college majors emerge in high school

Research by Cornell University's Kim Weeden suggests that early high school occupational plans are a key factor in determining future STEM college majors, with significant gender differences emerging at this stage. Women are less likely than men to plan for STEM careers, despite similar math abilities and academic achievements.

SourceCornell University·JournalSociology of Education·DateJul 2, 2020

Early marriage may lead to unsafe drinking behavior by those with higher genetic risk

A study found that early marriage can exacerbate risky alcohol use among individuals with a high genetic predisposition, contradicting the traditional view of marriage as a protective factor. The research suggests that early life events may not be as protective against poor mental and physical health outcomes as previously thought.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalDevelopment and Psychopathology·DateJul 2, 2020

A scientific measure of dog years

Researchers found a new formula that better matches canine-human life stages, with an 8-week-old dog equivalent to a 9-month-old baby. The study also identified developmental genes that drive aging and created an age-measuring clock for different species.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Systems·DateJul 2, 2020

Elderly people's response to COVID-19 not as expected

A study examining elderly people's attitudes and compliance with COVID-19 preventative measures found that older adults are not more willing to isolate or wear masks, despite being most vulnerable to severe illness. However, they are more likely to avoid public transportation and small gatherings.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 2, 2020

Targeting deep areas of the skeletal muscles effectively alleviates postoperative pain

The NETOIMS method effectively alleviates postoperative pain by inserting a needle in the muscle and electrically eliciting twitch responses, targeting strained muscle fibers. This technique results in improved circulation, relaxing the muscle and reducing postoperative complications after open abdominal surgery.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJul 2, 2020

Marine alga from the Kiel Fjord discovered as a remedy against infections and skin cancer

The GEOMAR research group has successfully discovered a marine alga from the Kiel Fjord that inhibits pathogenic bacteria and kills melanoma-type skin cancer cells with low cytotoxicity. The researchers used bioinformatics methods and machine learning tools to accelerate the discovery process, reducing it from 3-4 years to months.

Antioxidant treatment in acute ischemic stroke may delay the onset of Alzheimer's dementia

Research suggests that antioxidant treatment after acute ischemic stroke could delay the onset of Alzheimer's dementia by reducing oxidative stress and promoting mitochondrial function. Studies have shown promising results with molecules like edaravone and nerinetide, but more research is needed to confirm these findings.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets·DateJul 2, 2020

Fans love musicians' personalities as much as their music

A new study found that listeners' musical preferences are driven by the similarity between their personality and that of famous musicians. The 'self-congruity effect of music' suggests that people prefer music from artists with similar public personas, which can evoke feelings of pride and belonging.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJul 2, 2020

Climate change threat to tropical plants

A study by UNSW researchers found that tropical plants are more at risk from climate change than previously thought, with over 20% predicted to face temperatures above their upper limit. This is because they are near their maximum seed germination temperatures, and even small temperature increases could push them over the edge.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateJul 2, 2020

Putting zinc on bread wheat leaves

Researchers applied zinc foliar application to hard red spring wheat cultivars, increasing grain zinc concentration above the target level of 40 mg kg-1. The second application at flowering stage was necessary for this achievement, and price incentives are needed to motivate farmers to adopt biofortification.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateJul 2, 2020

Men more likely than women to be seen as brilliant

A new global study found that an unconscious stereotype links men to brilliance, hindering women's career advancement in prestigious fields. The research used the Implicit Association Test to measure implicit biases, revealing a strong association between brilliance and masculinity.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateJul 2, 2020

Nitrous oxide may bring relief to veterans suffering from PTSD, new study suggests

A new pilot study found that three military veterans with PTSD experienced marked improvements in symptoms after inhaling a single dose of 50% nitrous oxide and 50% oxygen. The effects, however, were not consistent across all patients, and further research is needed to determine the treatment's efficacy and optimal dosage.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateJul 2, 2020