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Science News for March 3, 2020


A joint venture at the nanoscale

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory fabricate and test a superconducting nanowire device capable of detecting low-energy photons and operating in extreme magnetic fields. The device, made from niobium nitride, operates near absolute zero and has the potential to revolutionize nuclear physics experiments.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A Accelerators Spectrometers Detectors and Associated Equipment·DateMar 3, 2020

Red panda population genomics confirms two phylogenetic species and different evolutionary histories

Genomic analysis confirms two distinct phylogenetic species in red pandas, with different evolutionary histories and geographical distributions. The study highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect this endangered species, including pedigree construction and interbreeding avoidance for captive individuals.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 3, 2020

Five-year survival improves for certain cancers in adolescent and young adults

A recent study has found that the five-year survival rate for adolescents and young adults with certain types of cancer has improved substantially over the past three decades. Leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma have seen significant declines in mortality rates, with improvements ranging from 20-30 percentage points between 1975 and 2005.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 3, 2020

Dragonflies are efficient predators

A study by the University of Turku found that four damselfly species can catch and eat hundreds of thousands of insects during a summer, with chironomids being their favorite food. This has significant implications for understanding natural food web functions and the impact of predation on insect populations.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateMar 3, 2020

Changing the debate around obesity

A leading health psychologist argues that negative attitudes towards weight gain affect patient treatment quality. Research shows that obesity is a complex condition with multiple causes, and using positive language can help promote understanding.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateMar 3, 2020

We can make predictions about relationships - but is this necessary?

German and Canadian psychologists have developed a predictive model for relationship longevity, identifying key features that indicate a successful or unsuccessful partnership. Couples who start with similar needs and maintain individual independence tend to stay together longest, while those with differing happiness levels are more li...

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateMar 3, 2020

Plasma-driven biocatalysis

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum developed a process to protect enzymes from plasma treatment, allowing for stable biocatalytic reactions with precise hydrogen peroxide dosing. This method improves the efficiency of traditional enzyme catalysis by reducing energy consumption and waste.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalChemSusChem·DateMar 3, 2020

Men can smell when a woman is sexually aroused

Researchers at University of Kent found that men can detect the scent of axillary sweat from sexually aroused women, which increases their sexual motivation. The study suggests that chemical signals released by women can elicit a stronger overall signal that enhances human communication.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateMar 3, 2020

Texas A&M researchers develop flooding prediction tool

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a comprehensive statistical framework to predict the evolution of floods in extreme situations like hurricanes. The algorithm considers underground drainage channels to provide an accurate representation of how floods propagate, enabling timelier emergency response.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalComputer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering·DateMar 3, 2020

Why is the female wallaby always pregnant?

Researchers discovered that female swamp wallabies are permanently pregnant throughout their lives due to two uteri, allowing for continuous embryonic development. This unique reproductive strategy enables females to return to oestrus in late pregnancy and conceive new embryos.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 2020

With 30,000 surveys, researchers build the go-to dataset for smallholder farms

A team of researchers developed a standardized survey tool to collect data on rural households. The Rural Household Multi-Indicator Survey (RHoMIS) includes over 30,000 interviews from 33 countries and provides insights into smallholder farming practices, climate change, and social inclusion.

Can't sleep? Prebiotics could help

Researchers found that prebiotic dietary fiber can influence gut bacteria and produce bioactive molecules that may modulate stress physiology and sleep. The study used mass spectrometry to analyze rats' fecal samples and found that those on the prebiotic diet had a different metabolome, including higher levels of fatty acids and sugars.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 3, 2020

Does your cat have degenerative joint disease?

A study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery has developed a screening checklist to help diagnose degenerative joint disease (DJD) in cats. The checklist, called the Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Screening Checklist, asks owners six questions about their cat's behavior and can be completed quickly by owners.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·DateMar 3, 2020

Wild boars provide archaeologists with clues to early domestication

Researchers found that captive wild boars developed greater muscle force than their natural counterparts, transforming them into 'bodybuilders'. This study provides a new methodology for archaeologists to analyze domestication processes and could aid in reintroducing captive-bred animals into the wild.

SourceCNRS·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMar 3, 2020

Tunnel fire safety

A new study assesses road tunnel fire safety mechanisms, finding that increased awareness and education can significantly reduce human life risks. The research highlights the importance of educating commuters on emergency protocols and evacuation procedures in response to a tunnel fire.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalASCE-ASME Journal of Risk and Uncertainty in Engineering Systems Part A Civil Engineering·DateMar 3, 2020

Pregnant women with depression are more than 3 times more likely to use cannabis

A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that pregnant women with depression are more than 3 times more likely to use cannabis. The study, based on nationally representative data, also revealed that depression increases vulnerability to cannabis use even among those who perceive substantial risk.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateMar 3, 2020

New lithium batteries from used cell phones

A research project at the University of Córdoba and San Luis University in Argentina successfully manufactured new lithium batteries from used cell phones. The team recovered graphite material, eliminating impurities and reorganizing its structure for new use, making up a quarter of the total weight of a lithium battery.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalChemSusChem·DateMar 3, 2020

Plastic from wood

Researchers have used X-ray analysis to study lignin, a byproduct of paper production, and its potential as a sustainable raw material for manufacturing bioplastics. The study reveals that different lignin fractions can be engineered to have varying properties, such as hardness or softness, making them suitable for specific applications.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalACS Applied Polymer Materials·DateMar 3, 2020

Less than 20% of Americans have rapid access to endovascular thrombectomy for stroke

Only 19.8% of Americans have rapid access to endovascular thrombectomy for stroke treatment, highlighting a significant unmet need in stroke care. Researchers evaluated two strategies to optimize access and found that the bypassing model could improve access by 16.7%, making it an optimal solution for resource-strapped areas.

Not only what you eat, but how you eat, may affect your microbiome

A recent study published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology found that re-initiating oral food intake after enteral nutrition alters the composition of both oral and gut microbiota. This alteration was associated with improved balance and function in the microbiome, particularly in fatty acid metabolism.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·DateMar 3, 2020

A novel cause of fatty liver in lean people

A novel cause of fatty liver disease has been discovered in lean individuals undergoing immune checkpoint blockade therapy. Researchers report a case of a woman who experienced severe inflammation of her subcutaneous fat and developed nonalcoholic fatty liver disease after treatment with the PD-1 inhibitor Nivolumab.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 3, 2020

A PLOS Medicine special issue devoted to refugee and migrant health

A recent study on Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh found that 64% had significant physical disabilities, while caregivers reported providing over 13 hours of care per day. Another study in the UK found that migrant mothers were less likely to visit emergency departments with their children, but those who did had higher utilization rates.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 3, 2020

Jellyfish help understand the timing of egg production

A new study in PLOS Biology identifies a regulator of jellyfish egg release, shedding light on the evolution of complex hormonal control in animals. The discovery sheds insight into how oocytes transform into eggs and may hold clues for understanding the link between sexual reproduction and nutrition in animals.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 3, 2020

For anxious spouses, a baby may be a rival

A new study found that partners with relationship anxiety before having a child are more likely to feel jealous of the baby. The research suggests that expectant parents should be aware of their relationship style before having their first baby, as this may help them deal with feelings more constructively.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateMar 3, 2020