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Science News for May 18, 2020


COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers from University Hospital of Toulouse treated a severely ill patient with COVID-19 using tocilizumab, a biological agent targeting inflammatory cytokines. The patient showed dramatic improvement in respiratory outcomes, suggesting potential benefits for patients with the most severe forms of COVID-19.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 18, 2020

Gestures heard as well as seen

Researchers found that gesturing while speaking affects the sound of a person's voice, adding acoustic emphasis. The study suggests that gestures carry additional information about bodily tension and motion, contradicting traditional views on language.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 18, 2020

COVID-19: Managing mental health with yoga

New research from the University of South Australia shows that movement-based yoga can significantly improve mental health for individuals with a range of mental disorders. The study, which examined 19 studies across six countries, found incremental benefits with increased yoga practice.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateMay 18, 2020

How climate killed corals

A study by Kris Karnauskas found that a marine heatwave followed by a terrestrial one, exacerbated by global warming, led to the massive coral bleaching event. The warm water persisted for months, causing extensive damage to the ecosystem and drastically changing species composition.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 18, 2020

Should schools go screen-free

A study by Dr. Pooja Tandon found that 33% of middle schools and 69% of high schools do not restrict phone use during these times. Limiting phone use is believed to decrease screen exposure, improve focus in the classroom, and promote physically active play.

SourceSeattle Children's·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 18, 2020

Fly on the wall

Scientists used virtual reality to simulate a naturalistic environment for insects, revealing their ability to use perspective and motion parallax to locate food sources. The study also showed that airflow cues play a crucial role in orienting flies, especially in the absence of visual cues.

SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 18, 2020

Egregious emissions

A new study published in Environmental Research Letters reveals that a small percentage of industrial facilities are responsible for the majority of toxic pollution year after year. The researchers analyzed data from over 25,000 facilities across 322 manufacturing industries and found that only 1,116 can be characterized as 'super poll...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMay 18, 2020

Not all multiple sclerosis-like diseases are alike

Scientists discovered that patients with certain inflammatory demyelinating diseases have auto-immune antibodies against myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), which is thought to be important in maintaining the myelin sheath's structural integrity. This finding suggests that therapeutic strategies need to be individualized for pat...

SourceTohoku University·JournalBrain·DateMay 18, 2020

Double helix of masonry -- Researchers discover the secret of Italian renaissance domes

Researchers at Princeton University and University of Bergamo analyzed how famous Renaissance domes were built without shoring or forms, quantitatively proving physics behind their structure. The study reveals forces that allow structures to be self-supporting, advancing modern construction techniques and potential environmental benefits.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalEngineering Structures·DateMay 18, 2020

Trends in tropical cyclone intensity

Tropical cyclones have increased in intensity over the past four decades, with wind speeds of at least 100 knots rising by approximately 15% between early and latter halves of record. The increase corresponds to a statistically significant rate of 8% per decade, consistent with physical theory and numerical simulations.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 18, 2020

Exoplanet climate 'decoder' aids search for life

Cornell University astronomers have developed a practical model to tease out climate clues for potentially habitable exoplanets. By analyzing the effects of planetary surface color and light from its host star, they can calculate a climate, providing valuable insights into the detectable spectra of Earth-like planets.

SourceCornell University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 18, 2020

Direct control of dendritic cells for tracking and immune modulation

Dendritic cells can be labeled using an engineered sugar molecule that is taken up by the cells and displayed on their surfaces, allowing them to track DCs in vivo. The researchers also developed a system to modulate the behavior of DCs via click chemistry, which has great promise for treating cancer and other diseases.

Factors associated with firearm suicide risk

Researchers identified sociodemographic factors associated with firearm suicide risk in US adults, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. The study found that certain demographic characteristics increased the likelihood of firearm suicide, emphasizing the importance of addressing these factors.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 18, 2020

Cavity-causing bacteria assemble an army of protective microbes on human teeth

A team from the University of Pennsylvania and Georgia Tech discovered that cavity-causing bacteria, Streptococcus mutans, are encased in a protective community of other microbes forming a unique spatial organization. This structure is crucial to how they cause tooth decay and can be used to target the pathogenic core of dental biofilms.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 18, 2020

Mars: Where mud flows like lava

A team of researchers recreated Martian conditions in a low-pressure chamber, observing the flow of mud that behaves similarly to pahoehoe lava flows on Earth. The study confirms sedimentary volcanism is possible on Mars, prompting a reevaluation of geological structures previously attributed to lava flows.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 18, 2020

Study traces brain-to-gut connections

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute have identified neural pathways connecting the brain to the stomach, suggesting a bidirectional communication network that influences digestion and gut health. This discovery provides new insights into common gut disorders and may lead to the development of brain-based therapies.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 18, 2020

Long-term data show hurricanes are getting stronger

A study analyzing nearly 40 years of hurricane satellite imagery found a global increase in maximum sustained winds, consistent with expectations of how hurricanes respond to a warming world. The research built on previous work identifying trends in hurricane intensification and poleward migrations of hurricanes.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 18, 2020

The malaria parasite P. vivax can remain in the spleen upon expression of certain proteins

Research reveals that malaria parasite P. vivax adheres to human spleen cells via variant proteins, allowing it to hide from the immune system and evade elimination. This finding suggests a double role for the spleen in malaria pathology and opens new avenues for vaccine targets and exposure markers.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 18, 2020

SWOG researchers go digital at ASCO20 Virtual Scientific Program

Researchers from SWOG will make 31 digital presentations at the ASCO20 Virtual Scientific Program, reporting on trials involving chemotherapy regimens, financial toxicity, and multiple myeloma treatments. The studies found that pre-surgery chemotherapy can be done safely and has good outcomes regardless of the drugs used.

SourceSWOG·DateMay 18, 2020

Emissions from road construction could be halved using today's technology

Researchers from Chalmers University of Technology found that emissions from road construction could be halved using today's technology, including transport optimisation, recycling and reuse of excavation masses, material efficiency and design optimisation. The study also highlights the importance of replacing cement clinker as a binde...

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·DateMay 18, 2020

Arts-based method to detect school bullying

Researchers developed a graphical vignette method to assess bullying episodes in schools, allowing kids to express their opinions freely. The study found that this approach can provide an outlet for schoolchildren to formulate what's important to them personally, promoting openness and cooperation.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalInternational Journal of Qualitative Methods·DateMay 18, 2020

AI unlocks rhythms of 'deep sleep'

A new AI-powered algorithm has revolutionized the analysis of deep sleep patterns by automating the detection of K-complexes. The tool, developed by Flinders University researchers, outperforms human scoring methods in speed and accuracy, providing a more comprehensive understanding of sleep health.

SourceFlinders University·JournalSLEEP·DateMay 18, 2020

Persistence of cold-water biodiversity

Researchers found that specialized cold-water invertebrate communities have persisted through time even after deglaciation, suggesting that high-altitude streams and snow-fed water sources are key to preserving mountain biodiversity. The study used biological and glacier retreat data from Glacier National Park to support these findings.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 18, 2020

Stretch and flow: Research sheds light on unusual properties of well-known materials

Scientists have combined experiments with simulations to reveal new insights into the flow behavior of elasto-visco-plastic materials. Their research highlights the importance of including elasticity in future models, which is crucial for understanding how these materials behave under different conditions.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 18, 2020

From digital to optical

Researchers from ITMO University have successfully created an all-optical switch based on a metal-organic framework, which can be synthesized in vitro and is useful for developing ultrafast optical memory cells. The switch operates faster, more efficiently, and consumes less energy than traditional electronic devices.

SourceITMO University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMay 18, 2020

High hopes for new-age rubber

Researchers have discovered a new kind of rubber and catalyst that can be used to make flexible, repairable, sustainable objects. The new rubber material can be completely repaired and returned to its original strength in minutes, even at room temperature, with an amine catalyst.

SourceFlinders University·JournalChemical Science·DateMay 18, 2020

COVID-19: Lessons to learn about the first 4.0 pandemic

The study reveals the coincidence of biological and social factors, including the Chinese New Year celebrations and increased international mobility, which amplified the outbreak. The authors also emphasize the importance of addressing environmental alterations and human activities related to wild animals to prevent future pandemics.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·DateMay 18, 2020

BrainHealth Research advances understanding of differences in effects of cannabis use

A recent study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found sex-related differences in the effects of cannabis use on brain activity and subjective response. Neural activity primarily underlies response to cannabis cues, with no differences between male and female users, while female users exhibit more intense subjective craving.

SourceCenter for BrainHealth·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateMay 18, 2020

US inroads to better Ebola vaccine

Researchers at Flinders University and US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Disease have developed a highly protective Ebola vaccine that appears to be effective against lethal infections in mice. The vaccine, combined with an Advax™ adjuvant, shows promise for preventing future Ebola outbreaks in Africa.

SourceFlinders University·JournalVaccine·DateMay 18, 2020

Light drives injection

Researchers develop a molecular light switch to control the T3SS injectisome, enabling precise and efficient protein delivery into host cells. This technology has potential applications in biotechnology and medicine, including tumor therapy.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 18, 2020