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Science News for March 6, 2020


Neuroscientists discover new structure of important protein in the brain

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have successfully mapped a novel conformation of LeuT, a bacterial protein similar to neurotransmitter transporters. This discovery sheds light on the mechanism of these proteins and may lead to better drugs for treating conditions such as ADHD, depression, and epilepsy.

Older beetle parents 'less flexible'

Researchers found that younger females adapt their reproductive strategy based on the size of the carcass available, while older females consistently put high effort into reproduction. This age-dependent plasticity in parental care allows younger beetles to conserve resources for future reproductive opportunities.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateMar 6, 2020

Showing robots how to do your chores

Researchers at MIT developed a system called PUnS that lets robots plan and perform complex tasks like setting a dinner table under uncertain conditions. The system enables robots to weigh multiple requirements and choose the most likely action, based on a 'belief' about probable specifications for the task.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Robotics and Automation Letters·DateMar 6, 2020

Music intervention and mindfulness reduces the effect of mental fatigue

A new study found that music-intervention (binaural beats) and 4 weeks of daily mindfulness training significantly reduced the effect of mental fatigue on sustained attention. The experienced mindfulness group performed better than others, indicating that practicing mindfulness helps focus and handle stressful situations.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Cognitive Enhancement·DateMar 6, 2020

How communication about environmental issues can bridge the political divide

A new study from Ohio State University suggests that communication about environmental issues can help bridge the political divide by appealing to moral foundations. The researchers found that conservative moral messaging was more effective at increasing support for transitioning away from fossil fuels among conservatives, especially w...

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology·DateMar 6, 2020

How drones can hear walls

Researchers have developed an algorithm that uses the transit time of sound waves to assign echoes to specific walls. The drone's six degrees of freedom are sufficient for optimal microphone placement, reducing ghost wall detection. This innovation opens a new pathway towards practical applications in various fields.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalSIAM Journal on Applied Algebra and Geometry·DateMar 6, 2020

SARS influencing response to novel coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic in Singapore

The article highlights key areas of review for diagnostic radiologists, vascular and interventional radiologists, nuclear medicine and molecular imaging specialists, as well as radiographers and nursing units. It emphasizes the need for rapid sharing of accurate information, infection prevention, and control knowledge, and emotional ma...

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateMar 6, 2020

NASA satellite offers urban carbon dioxide insights

A new NASA/university study uses satellite data to track carbon dioxide emissions in 20 major cities worldwide, revealing that densely populated cities tend to emit less CO2 per person. However, exceptions exist, such as cities with major power generation facilities and affluent areas with high rates of driving.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMar 6, 2020

Confusing standards lead to extra sugar in kids' breakfast cereals

A new study found that breakfast cereals marketed to children often contain more sugar per ounce than intended due to inadequate industry guidelines. Many companies participating in self-regulation programs like CFBAI fail to promote lower-sugar options, leading parents to unknowingly consume excessive sugar.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateMar 6, 2020

Machine sucks up tiny tissue spheroids and prints them precisely

Researchers at Penn State developed a novel bioprinting technique that uses aspiration-assisted printing to place tiny tissue spheroids in precise locations, enabling the creation of homogeneous and heterocellular tissues. This method has potential applications in regenerative medicine, drug screening, and microphysiological systems.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 6, 2020

The impact of energy development on bird populations

A new study reveals energy development has negative impacts on sage-grouse reproduction, affecting their ability to nest and raise chicks. The study's findings emphasize the importance of preserving sagebrush habitats when positioning renewable and non-renewable energy projects to balance species conservation with energy demands.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateMar 6, 2020

A multi-dimensional optical storage medium: Photostimuable LiGa5O8: Mn2+ glass ceramic

Scientists have developed a new photostimuable LiGa5O8: Mn2+ glass ceramic medium for three-dimensional volumetric optical data storage, enabling expanded storage capacity and improved information security. The material's high transparency and controlled crystallization lead to a highly ordered nanostructure with low bit error rates.

Making puffer fish toxin in a flask

Researchers have introduced a novel total synthesis method for tetrodotoxin, a strong nerve toxin with potential as a pain reliever for cancer treatment. The new route enables easy and reliable production of the compound.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 6, 2020

Argonne's pioneering user facility to add magic number factory

The Argonne Tandem Linac Accelerator System (ATLAS) is being upgraded with a new capability to produce beams of heavy atomic nuclei consisting of 126 neutrons, a 'magic number', for nuclear structure and astrophysics research. This upgrade will help scientists test a reigning theory on the formation of heavy elements.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms·DateMar 6, 2020

One species to four: New analysis documents new bird diversity in the Pacific

International team parses Pacific Robin populations across South Pacific islands into several distinct species, revealing complex relationships and major conservation implications. The study highlights the importance of understanding biodiversity units for effective conservation, particularly for small, isolated island populations.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalJournal of Avian Biology·DateMar 6, 2020

Aggressive features in some small thyroid tumors increase the risk for metastasis

A study of 30,180 patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma found that nearly 20% had pathological signs of aggressive disease, increasing the risk of distant metastasis. The research emphasizes the need for new preoperative tests to identify high-risk tumors and thorough patient counseling on all treatment options.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMar 6, 2020

Topology protects light propagation in photonic crystal

Researchers have successfully observed topologically protected light waves propagating along a special boundary in a photonic crystal, unaffected by sharp corners or imperfections. This breakthrough enables the development of optical chips with enhanced reliability and potential for quantum information transfer.

SourceAMOLF·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 6, 2020

What women really want

Researchers at the University of Göttingen investigated whether changes in a woman's menstrual cycle affect her preferences for men's behavior. The study found that women find all men slightly more attractive when fertile and perceive flirtier men as more attractive for short-term relationships, but less attractive for long-term ones. ...

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 6, 2020

Healthcare innovators focus on 'quality as a business strategy' -- update from Journal of Healthcare Quality

The Journal for Healthcare Quality has published a special issue on quality as a business strategy, featuring six innovative approaches to improving healthcare. These programs include improving clinical documentation, assessing the costs of pressure injuries, and implementing bundled payments for joint replacement.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal for Healthcare Quality·DateMar 6, 2020

Recovering phosphorus from corn ethanol production can help reduce groundwater pollution

Researchers developed a process to recover 80-90% of phosphorus from dried distiller's grains with solubles (DDGS), reducing excess phosphorus in manure and minimizing algae production. The process is estimated to add $1 million annually in revenue for ethanol plants, while improving environmental sustainability.

Endangered species on supermarket shelves

A study published in Science Advances found nearly 50% of retail eel products in Hong Kong supermarkets contained endangered European eel. The investigation exposed a surprising prevalence of illegally traded glass eels from Europe, posing a significant threat to the species' survival.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 6, 2020

Space lettuce

Researchers at Kennedy Space Center successfully grew red romaine lettuce in space onboard the International Space Station, demonstrating its safety and nutritional value. The study found that space-grown lettuce was similar to Earth-grown controls in terms of composition but showed increased levels of certain nutrients and antioxidants.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateMar 6, 2020

Fire from the sky

Researchers discover cosmic impact evidence at Abu Hureyra archaeological site in northern Syria, dating back to the earliest human settlement. The impact is believed to have caused destruction and burning of the settlement nearly 12,800 years ago.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 6, 2020