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Science News for June 8, 2020


Discovering the prehistoric monuments of Arabia

Researchers have uncovered a 35-metre long triangular platform in northern Saudi Arabia, built in several phases between 6500 and 4500 BC. The discovery suggests that this monumental structure was used for ritual practices, including funerary and commemorative ceremonies.

SourceCNRS·JournalAntiquity·DateJun 8, 2020

Stroke bleeds in the brain not decreasing, Framingham study finds

A new analysis of the Framingham Heart Study found that brain bleeds called intracerebral hemorrhages remained stable in incidence among all age groups over the past 30 years. However, they increased in people 75 and older, with a threefold increase in seniors taking anticoagulants. The study suggests that thinners could be a factor, b...

Integrating nanomaterial with light-absorbing molecule powers hydrogen production from water and sun

Researchers have developed a new photocatalyst that can generate hydrogen from water with high efficiency, using nanoscale metal oxide sheets and a ruthenium dye molecule. The material works under visible light, the main component of sunlight, and has a record-breaking turnover frequency and external quantum yield.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 8, 2020

Scientists identify targets for COVID-19 vaccine using cancer immunotherapy tools

Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have developed a strategy to identify regions of the SARS-CoV-2 virus to target with a vaccine, employing cancer immunotherapies. They prioritize viral targets based on their ability to stimulate a lasting immune response, predicted to be in the vast majority of the human population.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateJun 8, 2020

Engaging in family meals starts with healthy family communication

Researchers found parents with better communication and lower discouragement were more likely to participate in family meals, leading to healthier habits. The study also highlighted the importance of open communication about children's weight without promoting unhealthy body image.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateJun 8, 2020

Impressive result for mental health therapy

The study, published in Journal of Mental Health, demonstrates the positive clinical outcomes of NewAccess in addressing known barriers to access of evidence-based early intervention for depression and anxiety in Australia. The program offers free therapy with no co-payment, accessible by phone, face-to-face, or self-referral.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Mental Health·DateJun 8, 2020

Disjunct distribution across the equator

A new species of riffle beetle, Podonychus gyobu, is described from Kyushu, Japan, with a disjunct distribution across the equator to Indonesia. The genus was previously known only in Indonesia and has a unique characteristic of having six-segmented antennae.

SourceEhime University·JournalZooKeys·DateJun 8, 2020

New tool helps nanorods stand out

Rice University scientists developed an easy and affordable tool to count and characterize nanoparticles using the open-source SEMseg program. The tool simplifies nanoparticle analysis by extracting pixel-level data from low-contrast SEM images and recombining it into sharp images.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry A·DateJun 8, 2020

New algorithm helps select patients for urgent surgery or chemotherapy during pandemic

A new algorithm has been developed to select breast cancer patients in need of urgent surgery or chemotherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic. The algorithm uses data from international trials to identify postmenopausal patients with primary ER+HER2- breast cancer who have less endocrine-sensitive tumours and should be prioritized for ear...

SourceThe Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust·Journalnpj Breast Cancer·DateJun 8, 2020

Radiocarbon dating pins date for construction of Uyghur complex to the year 777

Researchers have used a recently developed radiocarbon dating method to determine the exact construction date of an eighth-century Uyghur complex in southern Siberia. The findings suggest that the complex was built as a Manichaean monastery, explaining its abandonment, and provide new insights into the purpose of this archaeological site.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2020

A sharper view of flood risk

Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology devised a new analytical tool to predict flood risk by adapting a classical statistical model for analyzing extreme rainfall in large datasets. The model demonstrated potential in capturing observed patterns in northeast America, promising improved prediction capabilities.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalJournal of the American Statistical Association·DateJun 8, 2020

First global map of rockfalls on the Moon

Researchers have created the first global map of rockfalls on the Moon, revealing that asteroid impacts are responsible for over 80% of observed rockfalls. The map, based on over two million images, shows that even ancient lunar surfaces continue to be affected by erosion through rockfall.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 8, 2020

Monkeys appreciate lifelike animation

Researchers found that Rhesus monkeys avoid lifeless monkey faces but show social facial expressions towards a natural-looking avatar with fur and details. The study suggests using this type of avatar in social cognition studies for standardization and replicability.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateJun 8, 2020

Research team builds better rock models

A new method for creating digital replicas of rock samples is being developed by geoscience researchers at the University of Texas at Austin. This technique allows scientists to learn about rock samples without touching them and can be used to calculate important rock properties such as permeability and electrical conductivity.

New technique pinpoints locations of individual molecules in their cellular neighborhoods

A new microscopy technique has pinpointed the locations of individual proteins within bacterial cells, revealing their precise positions and interactions. The technique, called CIASM, combines fluorescent imaging with cryogenic electron tomography to produce high-resolution images of molecules in their cellular neighborhoods.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2020

Boys' poor reading skills might help explain higher education gender gap

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that boys' poor reading skills in adolescence, combined with social attitudes about women attending college, can explain why fewer men than women enroll in higher education. The research analyzed data from over 400,000 boys and girls across 18 countries.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2020

'Playing hard to get' really works; here's why

Researchers found that making the chase harder increased a potential mate's desirability, as those who are selective in their partner choices are perceived as more valued. Participants who exerted efforts to see a potential partner were also rated as more sexually desirable than those with little effort.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateJun 8, 2020

Weird science

A new study found that primary school students' perceptions of science and scientists are influenced by media stereotypes, with many feeling that a career in science is too difficult or high-pressure. Despite this, most students do not see gender as a barrier to becoming a scientist, showing progress in normalizing women in STEM.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalInternational Journal of Inclusive Education·DateJun 8, 2020

Recycling old genes to get new traits -- How social behavior evolves in bees

A team of researchers found that sweat bees switch from solitary to social behavior by repurposing ancient genes, challenging the long-held assumption that new genetic variants are always necessary for evolution. The study provides evidence that environmental influences can drive the evolution of complex traits like social behavior.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2020

Gender gap in postsecondary education

Research by Gijsbert Stoet and David Geary found that men are less likely to pursue tertiary education due to weaker reading abilities and negative attitudes towards women attending college. The study analyzed data from 18 countries, predicting a significant drop in male representation if discriminatory attitudes were eliminated.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2020

Drug researcher develops 'fat burning' molecule

Researchers have identified a small mitochondrial uncoupler called BAM15 that decreases body fat mass in mice without affecting food intake or muscle mass. The molecule also shows promise in reducing insulin resistance and oxidative stress associated with obesity and related diseases.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 8, 2020

Sharing of tacit knowledge is most important aspect of mentorship, study finds

The most successful protégés studied under mentors who demonstrated unique skills in ideating and publishing celebrated research, breaking away from their mentors' lines of research. These mentors were future scientific prizewinners. The study reveals that face-to-face interaction is essential for transferring tacit knowledge.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2020

Addressing sexual violence in sport: American Medical Society for Sports Medicine issues position statement

The American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) has issued a position statement on sexual violence in sport, defining it as an egregious violation of an athlete's right to safety. The statement outlines key principles for reducing sexual violence, including mandated reporting, training, and background checks.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalCurrent Sports Medicine Reports·DateJun 8, 2020

International Consortium of Scientists Propose New Naming System for Uncultivated Bacteria and Archaea

A new consensus statement by 119 microbiologists proposes updating the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes to include uncultivated bacteria and archaea represented by DNA sequence information. This would enable researchers to create a unified list of all discovered species and implement universal quality standards for nam...

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJun 8, 2020

Appetite can be increased by cells in the brain

Researchers at University of Warwick discover that tanycytes, a type of glial cell in the brain, can increase appetite by delivering signals to neurons. The study found that stimulating tanycytes leads to an increase in food intake due to the activation of two pathways involved in feeding behavior.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2020

Tai chi lifts spirits of people with heart disease

Research published by the European Society of Cardiology found that tai chi was linked to a boost in both mood and quality of life for patients with coronary heart disease, heart failure, hypertension, and stroke. The study also found that tai chi was associated with better mental health quality of life and reduced depression.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing·DateJun 8, 2020

Zero rates preferable to negative rates for investors' risk-taking -Ben-Gurion U study

Research at Ben-Gurion U found that zero interest rates motivate individuals to borrow money and take risks, while negative rates have a lesser impact on investment decisions. The study suggests that savers might prefer holding cash over accepting negative rates due to associated risks.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalJournal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics·DateJun 8, 2020

How to gently caress atoms

Researchers at TU Wien develop a method to study metal oxide surfaces using a single oxygen atom attached to an atomic force microscope tip, allowing for gentle examination of surface structures without altering the atoms. The technique reveals different ways oxygen molecules attach to titanium atoms on the surface.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2020

Giving GDP a needed ecological companion

A new measure, Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP), is proposed to value nature's contributions to economic activity and human well-being. GEP summarizes the economic value of nature's services, highlighting the need to balance domestic and ecosystem needs for a sustainable future.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2020

NHGRI researchers uncover genes linked to common recurrent fever in children

NHGRI researchers have identified genetic mutations associated with PFAPA syndrome, a periodic fever disorder that affects only children. The study reveals commonalities with other inflammatory conditions, including Behçet's disease and canker sores, and highlights the potential for new treatments and diagnostic tools.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2020

New light for plants

Researchers at ITMO University have created glass-ceramic lamps that produce a wider spectrum of light, including infrared, to improve plant growth in greenhouses. The lamps use chrome and glass-ceramics to emit both red and IR light, offering new possibilities for agricultural facilities.

SourceITMO University·JournalOptical Materials·DateJun 8, 2020

How much color do we really see?

Researchers found that most people's color awareness is limited to a small area around the dead center of their visual field. The brain likely fills-in much of our perceptual experience when color is removed from the periphery, with nearly a third of observers not noticing desaturated areas.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2020