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Science News for June 29, 2020


Researchers control elusive spin fluctuations in 2D magnets

A Cornell team created a new imaging technique that enables real-time observation of critical spin fluctuations in two-dimensional magnets. By controlling these fluctuations, researchers can switch magnetism without using a magnetic field, potentially leading to the creation of more energy-efficient magnetic storage devices.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 29, 2020

Human Brain Project announces new phase

The Human Brain Project is entering its final phase with a focus on advancing three core scientific areas: brain networks, consciousness, and artificial neural nets. EBRAINS infrastructure will provide researchers with a comprehensive atlas and database, as well as powerful computing and simulation tools.

A new theory about political polarization

A new model of opinion formation shows how people's emotional connections with others influence their political views, leading to increased polarization. The Weighted Balance Theory identifies hyperpolarization as a vicious circle where intense emotions and opinions replace moderate positions.

Pernicious effects of stigma

Researchers found that negative stereotype exposure leads to altered brain activity in the nucleus accumbens, affecting anticipation of rewards and punishments. This study sheds light on the psychological fatigue and stress associated with stigmatization, which can contribute to depression and other mental health issues.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateJun 29, 2020

Responses to cyberbullying

A study of over 6,000 Japanese adolescents found that emotional competence can both protect against and worsen the negative effects of cyberbullying. The researchers suggest that intrapersonal and interpersonal emotional competence play different roles in moderating the impact of cyberbullying victimization on adolescent mental health.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalJournal of Adolescence·DateJun 29, 2020

Racial differences in rates of autopsy in the US

A study analyzing CDC data from 2008 to 2017 found racial disparities in US autopsy rates. Autopsy rates were lower for Hispanic and black patients compared to white patients, highlighting the need for increased awareness and addressing these disparities.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 29, 2020

Even minor heart defects are associated with long-term problems in adulthood

A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that even minor heart defects can lead to chronic diseases, such as arrhythmia and heart failure, in adulthood. Adults who underwent congenital heart surgery during childhood are more likely to experience lower levels of education and employment rates.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJun 29, 2020

Solving the CNL6 mystery in Batten disease

A study by Baylor College of Medicine researchers reveals that defective CLN6 causes toxic waste accumulation in cells, leading to progressive degeneration and cell death. The researchers found that CLN6 works together with CLN8 to transport enzymes to lysosomes, and when CLN6 is defective, this process is impaired.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 29, 2020

How volcanoes explode in the deep sea

An international research group has demonstrated a mechanism for explosive disintegration of magma under water pressure. The team used a diving robot to examine ash deposits on the seabed and conducted experiments in a laboratory setting, revealing processes similar to those that occurred at a depth of 1,000 meters on the sea floor.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJun 29, 2020

Closer threats inspire a more primitive kind of fear

Researchers used virtual reality to study how brain circuits respond to threats at different distances. They found that near threats engage survival circuitry, making them harder to extinguish, while distant threats are processed by higher-order thinking areas. This could lead to new therapies for PTSD.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2020

School HPV vaccine policies could result in higher vaccination rates, reduction in cancers

A UCLA-led study found that school HPV vaccine policies in Rhode Island and the District of Columbia significantly increased vaccination rates among adolescents. The expansion of such policies could lead to higher vaccination rates and reduced cancer risk, particularly for cervical, oral, and rectal cancers.

Staying apart during a pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant social and physical distancing, causing a loss of human connection. This can have negative effects on mental health, including increased rates of loneliness and depression.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 29, 2020

Laser-welded sugar: Sweet way to 3D-print blood vessels

Researchers at Rice University have successfully created complex blood vessel networks using laser-welded sugar templates, paving the way for the creation of large tissue models. The technique enables the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to cells throughout the body, making it a promising approach for future therapeutic applications.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJun 29, 2020

Protein derived from tick saliva proves effective in the treatment of equine skin cancer

Researchers have successfully treated horse melanomas using Amblyomin-X, a protein derived from tick saliva. The treatment resulted in tumor shrinkage and remission in some cases, with no adverse reactions reported. Further analysis of signaling pathways revealed activation of the innate immune system's rapid response.

How upregulation of a single gene by SARS-CoV-2 can result in a cytokine storm

The SARS-CoV-2 virus activates the aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AhRs) through the IDO1-kynurenine-AhR signaling pathway, leading to Systemic AhR Activation Syndrome (SAAS). This triggers a cytokine storm causing inflammation, thromboembolism, and fibrosis. Researchers propose therapies targeting downregulation of AhRs and IDO1 genes to ...

SourceIOS Press·JournalRestorative Neurology and Neuroscience·DateJun 29, 2020

Researchers catch a wave to determine how forces control granular material properties

A team of researchers used X-ray measurements to study the behavior of waves in granular materials. The findings provide a better understanding of how particle arrangements and forces affect wave propagation. This knowledge is crucial for detecting earthquakes, locating oil and gas reservoirs, and designing acoustic insulation.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2020

Gold mining restricts Amazon rainforest recovery

A new study reveals that gold mining significantly restricts Amazon forest regeneration, leading to substantial losses in carbon sink capacity. The research highlights the urgent need for active land management and restoration to recover tropical forests on previously mined lands.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJun 29, 2020

An ethical eye on AI

Researchers have found a mathematical means to help regulators and businesses manage AI systems' biases towards making unethical and costly commercial choices. The new 'Unethical Optimization Principle' provides a simple formula to estimate its impact, aiming to reduce the risk of AI-driven unethical strategies.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJun 29, 2020

Tennis: Losers move their heads more often than winners

A recent study by the German Sport University found that losers in tennis make more spontaneous nonverbal head movements after losing points compared to winning points. These movements include head shaking and tilting upwards or side-to-side. The analysis of nonverbal behavior can help improve an athlete's performance during competition.

SourceGerman Sport University·JournalInternational Journal of Sports Science & Coaching·DateJun 29, 2020

Casting a wider net: New system measures brain activity of several zebrafish concurrently

Researchers developed a novel EEG system that can measure brain activity from multiple adult zebrafish simultaneously, opening up new possibilities for cheaper and faster drug screening for neurological disorders. This study successfully mapped changes in brain signals during epileptic attacks and demonstrated the efficacy of an anti-e...

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateJun 29, 2020

Cartwheeling light reveals new optical phenomenon

Researchers at Rice University have discovered trochoidal dichroism, a novel type of polarized light-matter interaction. The discovery reveals that different wavelengths of light interact differently with plasmonic nanoparticles, which could help study molecules and determine molecular orientation.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2020

Rethinking regional neurologic care in COVID-19 era

Experts are discussing ways to reduce over-triage for patients with neurologic disease and find alternative care solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors propose a new approach to regional neurologic care, focusing on evidence-based guidelines and innovative distance care strategies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateJun 29, 2020

Preterm delivery increases long-term risks of ischemic heart disease in women throughout their life

A recent study published by the American College of Cardiology found that preterm delivery is a strong independent risk factor for ischemic heart disease (IHD) in women throughout their lives. Women who gave birth before 37 weeks are at an increased risk of developing IHD, with risks remaining elevated even decades after delivery.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJun 29, 2020

Raw milk may do more harm than good

A new study from UC Davis found that raw milk can harbor antimicrobial-resistant genes, potentially spreading resistance if consumed. The researchers analyzed over 2,000 retail milk samples and found that raw milk had the highest prevalence of antibiotic-resistant microbes when left at room temperature.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalMicrobiome·DateJun 29, 2020

Collectivism drives efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19

Research from the University of Kent found that collectivist individuals are more likely to comply with social distancing and hygiene practices to reduce COVID-19 transmission. Individuals with a more individualist mindset are less likely to engage, partly due to conspiracy theories and feelings of powerlessness.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalBritish Journal of Social Psychology·DateJun 29, 2020

Development of a small sensor capable of continuously monitoring the phytohormone ethylene

Researchers at NIMS and AIST have developed a small, energy-efficient sensor that can continuously monitor ethylene gas levels in fruits and vegetables, allowing for optimal transportation and storage schedules. This new sensor enables accurate estimation of ripening progression and potential reduction of food waste.

Metformin-based therapy should be first-line treatment for patients with T2D at low CV risk

A systematic review and network meta-analysis suggest metformin-based therapy as a preferred first-line treatment for drug-naive patients with type 2 diabetes at low cardiovascular risk. Insulin regimens and GLP-1 RAs added to metformin-based background therapy produced the greatest reductions in hemoglobin A1c level.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 29, 2020

Playtime with dad may improve children's self-control

Research suggests that playtime with fathers from a young age can help children control their behavior and emotions. Fathers tend to engage in more physical play, which is well-suited for developing these skills. The study found a correlation between father-child play and children's ability to regulate their feelings and behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalDevelopmental Review·DateJun 29, 2020

Older adults share fewer memories as they age

A new study suggests that older adults spontaneously share fewer memories of their past experiences, with less detail in descriptions. Researchers analyzed daily conversations using a smartphone app and found this decline to be age-related, possibly linked to brain changes.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateJun 29, 2020

Fat cells found to play a central role in renal failure-associated cardiomyopathy

New research from Marshall University finds that production of peptide NaKtide in fat cells inhibits sodium pump function, preventing the development of cardiomyopathy associated with renal failure. The study also suggests targeting adipocytes may serve as a viable clinical strategy for preventing and treating the condition.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJun 29, 2020

Engineered immune cells recognize, attack human and mouse solid-tumor cancer cells

Researchers have successfully engineered T-cells to target a variety of solid-tumor cancer cells in humans and mice using CAR-T therapy. The new approach broadens the potential targets by recognizing proteins with short sugar chains attached, which are often mutated in cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2020