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Science News for June 11, 2020


Slow down: Reduced speed limits save lives in busy cities

A study from the University of Illinois found that reducing speed limits in São Paulo, Brazil, dramatically reduced fatal accidents and increased travel times only minimally. The policy resulted in an estimated 1,889 averted accidents and 104 averted fatalities, with 86% of benefits going to low-income residents.

Discovering how the brain works through computation

A team led by Christos Papadimitriou proposes a new computational system, the Assembly Calculus, that encompasses operations on assemblies of neurons involved in cognitive processes. The system is consistent with recent experimental results and has been demonstrated to be plausibly realizable at the level of neurons and synapses.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2020

Stiffer roadways could improve truck fuel efficiency

Researchers at MIT suggest that making pavements stiffer could improve truck fuel efficiency by reducing deflection and wear on the road. Adding synthetic fibers or adjusting aggregate sizing can increase stiffness, while switching to concrete pavements offers more durable solutions with equal or lower costs.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·DateJun 11, 2020

Coal-tar-sealant major source of PAH contamination in Great Lakes tributaries

A study published in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry has identified coal-tar-sealant as the primary source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Great Lakes tributaries. The research highlights the need for further analysis to determine the potential effects of PAHs on aquatic life in these areas.

SourceSociety of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateJun 11, 2020

Tropical disease in medieval Europe revises the history of a pathogen related to syphilis

A new study in Scientific Reports reveals that medieval European plague victims were infected with both the plague and a disease related to syphilis, called yaws. This discovery challenges the prevailing theory that syphilis originated in the New World and instead suggests that yaws may have contributed to the outbreak in Europe.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 11, 2020

Adding noise for completely secure communication

Researchers at the University of Basel have developed a new communication protocol that offers ultimate privacy protection by adding artificial noise to information about the crypto key. This allows for security guarantees even in cases where devices are unknown entities, overcoming a significant obstacle to experimental implementation.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 11, 2020

Strength training benefits patients with cirrhosis

A new study from Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital found that three hours of weekly strength training combined with protein supplements can break the vicious circle of muscle loss in patients with cirrhosis. This leads to improved muscle strength, size, functional capacity, and quality of life.

SourceAarhus University·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateJun 11, 2020

Protecting eels protects freshwater biodiversity

A new study reveals that eels can serve as a key indicator of freshwater biodiversity, and their protection could greatly contribute to the recovery of ecosystems. The research found that two species of eel were widely distributed in Japanese rivers, serving as umbrella, indicator, and flagship species for conservation.

SourceKobe University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 11, 2020

A compound unlike any other

Researchers have discovered a compound, tartrolon E, that effectively kills multiple parasites responsible for various infections, including malaria, toxoplasmosis, and cryptosporidiosis. The compound is found in the gills of wood-eating clams and has shown promise in killing these parasites in vitro and in animal studies.

SourceWashington State University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 11, 2020

'Matador' guppies trick predators

Researchers found that Trinidadian guppies use a unique strategy to evade pike cichlid attacks by turning their irises black, drawing attention to their head rather than body. Larger guppies were better at escaping using this method, potentially due to increased size allowing them to reverse the negative effect of reduced agility.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 11, 2020

A vitamin A analog may help treat diabetic retinopathy

A new study published in the American Journal of Pathology reports that a single dose of visual chromophore 9-cis-retinal improves visual function in diabetic mice by reducing oxidative stress and cell death. This treatment may represent a potential therapy for early diabetic retinopathy.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJun 11, 2020

Plastic in the deep sea: Virtually unaltered after a quarter of a century

A study published in Scientific Reports reveals that plastic objects found in the deep sea, such as a plastic bag and curd box, show no signs of degradation after 25 years. The findings indicate that microbial communities on plastic surfaces differ from those in surrounding sediments, suggesting a potential impact on marine ecosystems.

Matrix imaging: An innovation for improving ultrasound resolution

Researchers have developed a new non-invasive ultrasound method that compensates for distortions in soft tissue structure, providing ideal resolution and contrast optimized for each pixel. This approach has applications in biomedical diagnosis, optical microscopy, and industrial material inspection.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2020

Keep moving to prevent major mobility disability

A study found that older adults who engage in light physical activity and spread it throughout the day have a lower risk of developing major mobility disability. The researchers recommend building strength and balance first, then increasing moderate-to-vigorous intensity activity, and finally adding light activity.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJun 11, 2020

New insight into the Great Dying

A new study shows that the collapse of terrestrial ecosystems during the Permian-Triassic extinction, also known as the Great Dying, directly disrupted ocean chemistry. This finding highlights the importance of understanding inter-connectedness of ecosystems in the face of environmental challenges.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 11, 2020

A breakthrough in developing multi-watt terahertz lasers

Researchers at Lehigh University developed a new phase-locking technique to achieve record-high output power for terahertz lasers, resulting in the highest radiative efficiency for any single-wavelength semiconductor quantum cascade laser. The breakthrough enables higher intensity and brightness, paving the way for applications in iden...

SourceLehigh University·JournalOptica·DateJun 11, 2020

Which businesses should be open?

A new MIT study examines 26 types of businesses, measuring their economic importance and risk. Banks perform the best in terms of economic impact and relatively low crowding, while liquor and tobacco stores rank poorly due to high crowds and limited economic importance.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2020

Crop pathogens 'remarkably adaptable'

Researchers found that many plant pathogens can specialise on particular temperatures or host plants, but also have wide temperature or host ranges. This study provides key insights into the co-evolution between pathogens and their hosts, allowing scientists to better understand where and when pathogens could strike next.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 11, 2020

Remixed mantle suggests early start of plate tectonics

Researchers have found evidence of a major 'stirring up' in the mantle layer around 3.2 billion years ago, indicating the start of global plate tectonic activity. This discovery has implications for our understanding of the evolution of life on Earth and the formation of mineral and energy resources.

SourceCurtin University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 11, 2020

Tiny pump builds polyrotaxanes with precision

Researchers developed an artificial molecular pump to install rings onto polymer strings, enabling precise control over ring threading and opening up new possibilities for scratch-resistant coatings and actuators. Polyrotaxanes show promise in soft materials and can be fine-tuned by accurately defining the polymer's structure.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateJun 11, 2020

The mystery of visual stability

A study by Tohoku University's Research Institute of Electrical Communication reveals that visual stability across saccades occurs when parvo-pathway signals suppress magno-pathway signals immediately after a saccade. This finding has implications for AI and robots to perceive the world as humans do.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 11, 2020

New study confirms superiority of open surgery for early-stage cervical cancer

A meta-analysis of 15 studies found that minimally invasive radical hysterectomy for early-stage cervical cancer is linked to a 71% higher risk of recurrence or death compared to open surgery. The study's findings suggest that the benefits of minimally invasive procedures may not outweigh the risks for this specific type of cancer.

Study examines emotional regulation, family history as risk factors for suicidal behavior

A recent study at Nationwide Children's Hospital explores the intersection of parental history of suicidal behavior and emotion regulation in children aged 6-9. The research suggests that early intervention with emotion regulation strategies may decrease the likelihood of risk factors associated with future suicidal behaviors.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalChild Psychiatry & Human Development·DateJun 11, 2020

An essential sustainable farming practice faces one big limitation: Land to produce seeds

The use of cover crops is increasing globally due to their environmental benefits, such as reducing erosion and improving water quality. However, planting millions of acres of cover crops will require huge extensions of land to produce cover crop seed, posing a limitation to its widespread adoption.

Applying 'magic angle' twistronics to manipulate the flow of light

Monash researchers have successfully applied 'magic angle' twistronics to control the flow of light in extreme ways. By stacking two thin sheets of molybdenum-trioxide and rotating one layer, they observed controllable light waves over a wide range of wavelengths, enabling robust light propagation in tightly focused beams.

A creative way to expand the geriatrics workforce

A study found that an undergraduate service-learning course using music and filmmaking helped students connect with people with dementia, share unique stories, and process new experiences. The creative approach has the potential to humanize dementia and motivate a new generation of healthcare professionals.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJun 11, 2020

Doing good does you good

A new study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that regular volunteer work among older adults (50+) significantly reduces mortality risk, improves sense of well-being, and boosts physical activity. However, volunteering did not show direct impact on chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJun 11, 2020

How Dashcams help and hinder forensics

Researchers from WMG, University of Warwick assessed seven dashcam devices to identify artefacts that can be synthesised using tools such as native video players. The study found that digital forensics faces significant issues in managing and processing dashcam evidence.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalForensic Science International·DateJun 11, 2020

Fentanyl tops list of drugs found in Baltimore overdose patients

A new study found fentanyl was the most prevalent drug in overdose patients at two Baltimore hospital emergency departments, detected in 73-87% of specimens. The Maryland Emergency Department Drug Surveillance System helped identify this trend, highlighting the need for hospitals to add fentanyl testing to their routine panels.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·JournalMMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report·DateJun 11, 2020

Utah's arches continue to whisper their secrets

Researchers assess the stresses and health of Utah's natural rock arches by analyzing seismic vibrations, revealing the effects of erosion on their shapes. The studies provide valuable information on the mechanical properties of rocks and the dominant sculpting agents behind arch formation.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 11, 2020

Lightning in a (nano)bottle: new supercapacitor opens door to better wearable electronics

Researchers developed a stretchable, environmentally friendly, and low-cost supercapacitor with high power density and fast charge-discharge rates. The new design uses nitrogen-doped graphene electrodes in an NaCl-based electrolyte, improving volumetric performance and reducing fabrication costs.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalJournal of Energy Storage·DateJun 11, 2020

Lack of mitochondria causes severe disease in children

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered that a lack of mitochondria causes severe disease in children, including brain dysfunction and neurological impairment. The study, published in EMBO Molecular Medicine, suggests that inhibition of mitochondrial degradation may provide a new treatment strategy for affected patients.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateJun 11, 2020

Promising path found for COVID-19 therapeutics

A team of UGA scientists has successfully demonstrated that a set of drug-like small molecules can block the activity of the SARS-CoV-2 protein PLpro, providing a promising path for new COVID-19 therapeutics. The discovery offers a potential rapid development path to generating PLpro-targeted therapeutics for use against SARS-CoV-2.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalACS Infectious Diseases·DateJun 11, 2020