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Science News for March 16, 2020


The Lancet Public Health: Access to identification documents reflecting gender identity may improve trans mental health

A study of over 20,000 American trans adults found that having access to identification documents reflecting their identified gender is associated with reduced psychological distress and lower rates of suicidal thoughts. The authors suggest policy changes to increase access to gender-concordant IDs, including reducing fees and administ...

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·DateMar 16, 2020

A tale of shepherds and helices

A team of scientists has identified a triple-helix structure in calcium acetate hemihydrate, a compound formed on an ancient artwork through corrosion. The structure is similar to that found in collagen proteins and may have potential applications for bioinorganic chemistry.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 16, 2020

Environmental reservoirs and white nose syndrome

Research reveals environmental reservoir dynamics play a crucial role in white nose syndrome's impact on bat populations. High levels of fungal pathogens in the environment lead to earlier, more severe infections and increased mortality in North America, whereas low levels result in delayed, less severe infections across Eurasia.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2020

Road expansion in the Amazon

A study on Amazon road expansion projects found that implementing all proposed roads would lead to deforestation of at least 2.4 million hectares and 17% legal violations related to environmental statuses or indigenous rights. Focusing on the lowest-impact projects could generate $4 billion in net gain while avoiding significant losses.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2020

Majority in national survey against separating immigrant families at US/Mexico Border

A national survey conducted by Baylor University researchers found that a majority of participants opposed separating immigrant families and charging parents as criminals. The study also identified factors associated with support for the zero-tolerance policy, including conservative ideology and social dominance orientation.

SourceBaylor University·JournalAnalyses of Social Issues and Public Policy·DateMar 16, 2020

Elucidation of mechanisms that coordinate cell memory inheritance with DNA replication

Research reveals a new mechanism for controlling DNA methylation in cells, involving the ubiquitination of PAF15, which is crucial for maintaining DNA methylation and inhibiting cancer cell proliferation. The discovery has significant implications for the development of new inhibitors of DNA methyltransferase

Technology to screen for higher-yielding crop traits is now more accessible to scientists

A team from the University of Illinois has developed a new method to quickly screen thousands of plants for key traits related to photosynthesis. This breakthrough technology uses hyperspectral cameras to analyze light reflected off plant surfaces and estimate trait values, allowing researchers to identify promising plants for further ...

Shining a light on international energy inequality

A new study examines energy inequality across 86 countries, revealing extreme disparities in energy footprints and consumption patterns. The research shows that the top 10% of consumers consume roughly 20 times more energy than the bottom 10%, with significant inequalities in transport, heating, and electricity.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Energy·DateMar 16, 2020

Against overfishing: save the oldies!

Researchers found that harvest slots can outperform classic minimum-length limits in maximizing kilogram yields while protecting large spawning fish and maintaining ecosystem diversity. This approach stabilizes population dynamics without causing loss in yields, increasing the average size of catch fish.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalFish and Fisheries·DateMar 16, 2020

If you're poor, poverty is an environmental issue

Research reveals demographic differences in environmental issue conceptualization by race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Lower-income and racial minority groups prioritize human factors over ecological issues, suggesting a holistic approach to addressing interconnected social and environmental concerns is necessary.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology·DateMar 16, 2020

Researchers find ways to predict global infection patterns of white-nose syndrome

A new study by Virginia Tech researchers found that pathogen levels in the environment play a major role in white-nose syndrome. The team discovered that contaminated environments, or 'hot spots,' result in higher disease impacts. By understanding this relationship, environmental sanitization can be used to reduce epidemic potential.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2020

Breast milk may help prevent sepsis in preemies

Researchers found that breast milk with higher levels of epidermal growth factor can activate intestinal cells to keep harmful gut bacteria from migrating into the bloodstream. This could provide a potential new tool to combat late-onset sepsis in premature babies.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2020

Timing is key for parents who want to help children learn at museums, say researchers

Children's museums offer a perfect environment to study early science learning. Researchers found that timing is crucial in explaining concepts, as it enhances exploration and discovery. Parents can support their children's learning by listening to them, watching their actions, and offering explanations at the right moment.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalMonographs of the Society for Research in Child Development·DateMar 16, 2020

Even a limited India-Pakistan nuclear war would bring global famine, says study

A new study suggests that even a limited India-Pakistan nuclear war would cause unprecedented planet-wide food shortages and probable starvation lasting more than a decade. Crops would be hardest hit in the northern breadbasket regions, but southerly regions would suffer much more hunger due to global trade disruptions.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2020

Cancer diagnostics

A team of scientists has developed a cancer diagnostics method that amplifies microRNA in live tumor cells using synthetic DNA and nanoparticles. This allows for the detection of tumor cells with high sensitivity, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and improved treatment outcomes.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 16, 2020

Ancient mantis-man petroglyph discovered in Iran

A unique rock carving with six limbs has been identified as a part man, part mantis, suggesting humans have linked mantids to the supernatural since ancient times. The petroglyph was discovered in Iran's Teymareh site and is believed to be between 40,000-4,000 years old.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalJournal of Orthoptera Research·DateMar 16, 2020

Sobering new data on drinking and driving: 15% of US alcohol-related motor vehicle fatalities involve alcohol under the legal limit

According to a new study, accidents involving drivers with low blood alcohol concentrations are more likely to cause harm to others than drivers with levels at or above the limit. The study found that stringent alcohol policies can reduce the likelihood of fatal accidents involving drivers with all levels of alcohol blood concentration.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMar 16, 2020

'Toxic,' but still successful professionally?

Researchers at the University of Bonn found that toxic personalities who are socially adept can still succeed professionally due to their ability to deceive others. The study suggests that balancing personal traits with social skills is crucial for career advancement.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateMar 16, 2020

Cancer drug with better staying power, reduced toxicity promising in preclinical trial

Researchers developed a cancer-drug candidate called OxaliTEX that stops tumor growth entirely and delivers more cancer-busting power than many commonly used chemotherapy drugs. OxaliTEX has fewer toxic side effects and is more effective in overcoming resistance compared to existing platinum-based treatments like carboplatin.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2020

Effects of family member detention or deportation

A survey study of nearly 550 Latino adolescents found a strong association between family member detention or deportation and later suicidal thoughts, alcohol use, and externalizing behaviors. The study highlights the need for policymakers to consider the impact of immigration policies on vulnerable populations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMar 16, 2020

Dual therapy reduces risk for bleeding better than triple therapy for patients with atrial fibrillation

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that dual therapy with a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) plus P2Y12 inhibitor was associated with reduced risk of major bleeding compared to triple therapy with a vitamin K antagonist (VKA) plus aspirin and P2Y12 inhibitor for patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation after percutaneous ...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 16, 2020

Researchers sniff out AI breakthroughs in mammal brains

A new computer algorithm inspired by the mammalian olfactory system rapidly learns patterns and identifies smells even with strong sensory interference. The algorithm is applied to a neuromorphic computer chip, Loihi, which can learn to identify patterns or perform tasks a thousand times faster than traditional methods.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateMar 16, 2020