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Science News for June 2, 2020


Economic Development Quarterly announces a special issue on business incentives

A recent special issue of Economic Development Quarterly examines the impact of local and state financial incentives on business location decisions. Research suggests that simply expanding incentives may not be effective in creating jobs, while some types of incentives work better for specific industries in certain local economies.

SourceSAGE·JournalEconomic Development Quarterly·DateJun 2, 2020

Genetic risk scores may improve clinical identification of patients with heart attack risk

Researchers found that genetic risk scores can identify at-risk patients who are not presently identified through standard clinical evaluations. The study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, found that individuals with high PRS were more likely to develop coronary artery disease and should be recommended fo...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJun 2, 2020

SPIE Journal of Applied Remote Sensing honors best papers

The journal's editorial board selected three papers for best paper awards, showcasing innovative work in interdisciplinary applications, theoretical innovation, and photo-optical instrumentation design. The honorees include a paper on deep-learning-based object detection for monitoring underwater ecosystems and marine debris.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Applied Remote Sensing·DateJun 2, 2020

On the hunt for megafauna in North America

Research from Curtin University analyzed ancient DNA to understand the causes of animal extinctions during the Ice Age. The study found that while plant diversity recovered as climate warmed, large animal diversity did not recover, suggesting human hunting was a major factor in megafauna extinction.

SourceCurtin University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 2, 2020

Large simulation finds new origin of supermassive black holes

A new computer simulation theory suggests that supermassive black holes form from gas clouds enriched with heavy elements, explaining the large number observed in galaxies today. The simulations showed that a massive star can form 10,000 times more massive than the Sun, which will continue to grow and evolve into a giant black hole.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 2, 2020

Astronomers capture a pulsar 'powering up'

Researchers observed an accreting neutron star entering an outburst phase, studying its structure and material movement. The observation revealed a 12-day process, contradicting previous theories of two- to three-day timescales.

SourceMonash University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 2, 2020

Extraordinary modulation of light polarization with dark plasmons in magnetoplasmonic nanocavities

Scientists create magneto-plasmonic nanoantennas with hybrid high-order multi-polar dark modes, enabling unprecedented control of light polarization. The resulting amplification enhances the magneto-optical activity, overcoming previous limitations and opening new avenues for nanophotonic applications.

New technique takes 3D imaging an octave higher

Researchers developed a new 3D imaging technique called harmonic optical tomography, which uses holographic information to generate 3D images of biological samples. This technique has the potential to assist with cancer and disease diagnoses by providing critical information on tissue structure and collagen fiber orientation.

SourceColorado State University·JournalNature Photonics·DateJun 2, 2020

Immune cells multiply and diversify in mouse lungs at birth

A new study published in eLife finds that the number and types of immune cells in mouse lungs increase rapidly after birth, helping them adapt to breathing and protect against infections. This discovery may lead to new therapies to preserve or enhance lung development in infants and young children.

SourceeLife·DateJun 2, 2020

Behaviors and traits that influence social status, according to evolutionary psychologists

A study by evolutionary psychologists at the University of Texas at Austin identified universal qualities like intelligence, honesty, and bravery that increase a person's social value. The findings also revealed cultural differences in what influences social status, with certain traits being more valuable in some societies than others.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJun 2, 2020

A storage battery for the entire world

Researchers at the University of Freiburg are developing a new storage concept that balances power density with affordability, recyclability and ease of use. The 'Plug-In' project aims to create a scalable and intelligent battery system for decentralized electrification in rural areas.

Leaders call for 'Moonshot' on nutrition research

Nutrition experts urge a 'Moonshot' approach to strengthen federal nutrition research and policy, citing dire state of Americans' health and significant potential for new discoveries. The proposed strengthening of federal nutrition research aims to generate new discoveries to improve health, reduce healthcare costs and create jobs.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJun 2, 2020

Stretchable variable color sheet that changes color with expansion and contraction

Researchers have created a variable color sheet using elastomer nanosheets that change color in response to strain, achieving reversible wavelength control of transmitted light. The developed sheets utilize surface plasmon to produce extraordinary optical transmission and can be used for flexible displays and sensors.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateJun 2, 2020

Families and communities are central to the recovery of Sierra Leone's former child soldiers

Former child soldiers in Sierra Leone who were accepted by their families and communities experienced improved emotional and social well-being. The longitudinal study of over 500 former child soldiers found that stigma was a significant barrier to their recovery, with some experiencing anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress dis...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJun 2, 2020

Solar cells, phone displays and lighting could be transformed by nanocrystal assembly method

Researchers from the ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science have developed a highly efficient and controllable method to assemble single nanoparticles directly into pre-patterned templates using electrophoretic deposition. The technique has been applied to various materials, including gold nanocrystals, semiconductor quantum dots,...

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 2, 2020

Study casts doubt on usefulness of Ofsted ratings

A recent study by the University of York suggests that Ofsted ratings have a negligible impact on students' educational achievement and wellbeing. Only one tenth of the difference in grades can be attributed to school quality, highlighting the limited effectiveness of these ratings as guides for parents and students.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateJun 2, 2020

Tiger snakes tell more about local wetlands' pollution levels

A study by Curtin University found that tiger snakes living in Perth's urban wetlands are accumulating toxic heavy metals in their livers, suggesting habitat contamination. The snakes' bioaccumulation of heavy metals through eating frogs indicates the wetlands' pollution levels are a concern for local biodiversity.

SourceCurtin University·JournalArchives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology·DateJun 2, 2020

Exotic nanotubes move in less-mysterious ways

Researchers isolated single BNNTs using a fluorescent rhodamine surfactant, allowing them to track their movement and confirm Brownian motion matches predictions. This study helps understand particle behavior in liquids and could lead to the development of novel composite materials and biomedical applications.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry B·DateJun 2, 2020

Small study demonstrates sample inactivation may lead to SARS-CoV-2 false negatives

A small study investigates the effect of sample inactivation on SARS-CoV-2 detection and finds that viral inactivation may contribute to false negatives. The researchers tested several inactivation methodologies, including TRIzol, which showed the least effect on RNA copy number, making it recommended for sample inactivation.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalJournal of Clinical Microbiology·DateJun 2, 2020

The Third Age is the Golden Age

A new project aims to drive evidence-based propositions for creating an environment where Third Agers (older individuals easing off full-time employment) can contribute to society. The study explores building social capital beyond economics and reimagining traditional family structures to provide support.

Novel bioaccumulative compounds found in marine bivalves

A study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that mussels and sediment from Hiroshima Bay contain novel bioaccumulative compounds with high toxicological effects. The researchers identified unknown mixed halogenated compounds with similar physicochemical properties to persistent organic pollutants.

SourceEhime University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJun 2, 2020

Recycling plastics together, simple and fast

Researchers at Shinshu University have created a method to blend different types of thermoplastic materials without compromising their quality. By using a compatibilizer, they successfully melted various plastics together, paving the way for more efficient recycling and reducing plastic waste in the environment.

Human waste could help combat global food insecurity

A team of researchers has discovered a way to create a nitrogen-rich fertilizer using human waste, which could increase agriculture yields in developing countries and reduce groundwater contamination. The new method involves recycling nitrogen from urine through a process involving biochar and CO2 priming.

SourceUniversity of Saskatchewan·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateJun 2, 2020

Western Canadian scientists discover what an armoured dinosaur ate for its last meal

Researchers have discovered that a nodosaur, an armoured dinosaur, primarily ate fern leaves, with 88% of its stomach contents composed of chewed leaf material. The team found evidence of specific fern species, including those that grow in fire-scarred landscapes, suggesting the dinosaur adapted to exploit post-fire vegetation.

SourceUniversity of Saskatchewan·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJun 2, 2020

New CRISPR advance may solve key quandary

Scientists at ChristianaCare's Gene Editing Institute have developed a new CRISPR advance that can safely target and disable the NRF2 gene linked to a bleak prognosis in lung cancer tumors. This approach aims to improve the efficacy of conventional chemotherapy and radiation treatments while minimizing harm to normal cells.

SourceBurness·JournalMolecular Cancer Research·DateJun 2, 2020

Genome evolution goes digital

The study focuses on flipons, DNA sequences that act as on-off switches to change genetic information. Flipons enable the compilation of multiple messages from a single genomic sequence, generating more diversity than mutation or DNA rearrangements.

SourceInsideOutBio·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJun 2, 2020

Pulmonary embolism and COVID-19

A study published in Radiology found that 51% of patients with a pulmonary embolism were diagnosed in the Emergency Department, and 72% of PE diagnoses occurred in patients not requiring ICU-level care. Early detection using CT angiography was key to treatment, and preventive blood thinners should be considered for COVID-19 patients.

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalRadiology·DateJun 2, 2020

Discovery in human acute myeloid leukemia could provide novel pathway to new treatments

A study published in Cell Reports reveals that human acute myeloid leukemia (AML) stem cells are dependent on the transcription factor RUNX1, which could lead to lasting remissions or even cures. The researchers used induced pluripotent stem cells from a patient with AML to recreate leukemia stem cell biology in the lab.

Boosting energy efficiency of 2D material electronics using topological semimetal

A research team from Singapore University of Technology and Design has discovered a new strategy to resolve contact resistance in 2D semiconductor devices. They found that an ultrathin film of Na3Bi can be used as a metal contact with low contact resistance, retaining the intrinsic electronic properties of 2D semiconductors.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateJun 2, 2020