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Science News for November 10, 2020


Explaining the religious vote for Trump

Researchers found that Christian nationalist values among non-churchgoers were strongly tied to voting for Trump. In contrast, churchgoers' support for Trump was not influenced by their level of Christian nationalism. The study challenges the idea that the religious vote for Trump was driven by Christian leaders and institutions.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalSociological Forum·DateNov 10, 2020

High temperatures threaten the survival of insects

A new study from Lund University found that high temperatures can limit insects' ability to reproduce and tolerate changes in temperature. Insects, being cold-blooded, rely on external sources for body temperature regulation, making them vulnerable to overheating.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 10, 2020

Racial/ethnic minorities comprise small portion of patients referred with AL amyloidosis

A recent study found that racial/ethnic minorities comprise only a small percentage of patients with AL amyloidosis, despite being theoretically at higher risk. Younger age and more severe illness were observed among minority patients, who were also less likely to undergo aggressive treatment with stem cell transplantation.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalBlood Cancer Journal·DateNov 10, 2020

Mount Sinai develops machine learning models to predict critical illness and mortality in COVID-19 patients

Researchers developed machine learning models predicting critical events and mortality in COVID-19 patients using electronic health records. The models identified key drivers of critical illness, including acute kidney injury and elevated lactate dehydrogenase, and predicted outcomes at various time windows.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateNov 10, 2020

Swedish, Finnish and Russian wolves closely related

New research at Uppsala University reveals Swedish, Finnish and Russian wolves share a common genetic constitution, indicating a virtually pure origin from Finland and Russia. Genetic analysis of over 200 wolf samples found no evidence of hybridization with dogs in the Fennoscandian wolf population.

SourceUppsala University·JournalEvolutionary Applications·DateNov 10, 2020

Russian scientists created a chemical space mapping method and cracked the mystery of Mendeleev number

Researchers from Skoltech have created a universal approach for predicting material properties based on their chemical composition. By assigning a Mendeleev number (MN) to each element, they have shown that this system is more effective than empirical solutions in identifying promising compounds with unique properties.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateNov 10, 2020

Diseases of despair diagnoses increase in Pennsylvania

Research from Penn State Clinical and Translational Science Institute finds significant increases in diseases of despair diagnoses, including alcohol-, substance-, and suicide-related disorders. The rates increased by 37%, 94%, and 170% between 2007 and 2018, with the most substantial percentage increase among men ages 35 to 74.

SourcePenn State·JournalBMJ Open·DateNov 10, 2020

Life on ancient Earth and alien planets

Two University of Arizona research teams will explore the origins and evolution of life in the universe using $12 million NASA grants. Led by Betül Kaçar and Dániel Apai, the teams will investigate essential attributes of life and its relationship with metal elements on ancient Earth and potential habitability on alien planets.

Mining rocks in orbit could aid deep space exploration

A recent study suggests that bacteria can extract useful materials from rocks on Mars and the Moon, paving the way for new technologies to support human exploration and settlement. The findings also highlight the potential of microorganisms to enhance the removal of rare earth elements from lunar and Martian landscapes.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 10, 2020

Animal groups consider multiple factors before fighting

Researchers at the University of Exeter and Plymouth found that animal groups consider various factors, such as group cohesion, individual strength, and prize importance, before deciding to fight. This study highlights complexity in group conflicts and provides insights into conflict resolution in humans.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·DateNov 10, 2020

Getting single-crystal diamond ready for electronics

Researchers from Osaka University have successfully polished a single-crystal diamond wafer to near-atomic smoothness using plasma-assisted polishing, which could enable the material's use in high-performance power devices and heat sinks. The technique avoids damaging the crystal structure and preserves its chemical properties.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 10, 2020

Scientists use bacteria as micro-3D printers

Researchers at Aalto University have developed a technique to guide bacterial colonies into creating highly customized three-dimensional objects made of nanocellulose. The objects show great potential for medical use, including supporting tissue regeneration and replacing damaged organs.

SourceAalto University·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 10, 2020

New analysis finds lung cancer screening reduces rates of lung cancer-specific death

A meta-analysis of eight randomized clinical trials found that low-dose CT screening reduces lung cancer-caused death by 0.4%, translating to one preventable death per 250 at-risk adults. The study suggests the benefits may outweigh potential harms from overdiagnosis, aligning with US Preventive Services Task Force recommendations.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateNov 10, 2020

Simultaneous kidney transplant plus weight loss surgery safe for obese patients

A new study published in the American Journal of Transplantation shows that simultaneous robotic-assisted kidney transplant and weight loss surgery is safe for obese patients. The procedure resulted in a significant reduction in surgical complications and improved cardiac function, with all patients experiencing a substantial weight loss.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateNov 10, 2020

Tracking down the causes of heart attack

Studying arterial deposits, researchers found that activated immune cells accumulated on the interior arterial wall, causing damage to the arterial lining. This discovery suggests a misguided adaptive immune response is involved in heart attacks, holding promise for personalized treatments and prevention of clinical complications.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateNov 10, 2020

Puzzled otters learn from each other

Researchers observed Asian short-clawed otters solving food puzzles twice, several months apart, with the otters solving it 69% faster on average. This suggests a capacity for long-term memory and provides evidence of 'social learning,' where one otter's solution is quickly adopted by its closest friends.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateNov 10, 2020

Understanding declining teenage pregnancies in England

A recent study found that declining teenage pregnancy rates in England are related to local areas experiencing less youth unemployment, growing Black or South Asian teenage populations, and more educational attainment. The study also suggests that unaffordable housing and a lack of social housing contribute to lower conception rates.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalHealth & Place·DateNov 10, 2020

Two genes regulate social dominance

Scientists have identified two paralogous androgen receptor genes that control social status in African cichlid fish, shedding light on the molecular basis of social hierarchy. These findings suggest independent mechanisms for regulating coloration and behavior, providing a framework for studying human social dominance.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 10, 2020

Tackling teenage depression: Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Health System receive $4 million NIH grant to support search for biomarkers for severe depression

Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Health System are searching for biomarkers to predict the duration and severity of depression in adolescents. The goal is to identify teens who need more significant help with their depression, potentially leading to new treatments.

Methods developed by biorobotics engineers help make hydropower plants more fish-friendly

Researchers in the FIThydro project developed new assessment methods and technologies to reduce negative ecological effects of hydropower plants. They also created a decision support system to help operators plan and assess hydropower plants, taking into account environmental policy requirements and international regulatory guidelines.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalSustainability·DateNov 10, 2020

New primary care tool to prescribe referrals for community health and social services

A new primary care tool, CommunityRx-H3, has been implemented to prescribe referrals for community health and social services. The study found that practice facilitators play a key role in implementing quality improvement initiatives, but face barriers such as limited time and lack of integration with the EMR system.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateNov 10, 2020

The Lancet: Older adults are at greater risk of cardiovascular events than younger people, and benefit at least as much from cholesterol-lowering medications, two studies suggest

Two studies suggest that older adults aged 70 and over with elevated LDL cholesterol levels have the highest incidence of heart attacks and cardiovascular diseases. Cholesterol-lowering therapies, including statins, are as effective at reducing cardiovascular events in this age group as they are in younger people.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 10, 2020

Exoskeletons can reduce strain also in health care

A study found that exoskeleton vests can help nurses by reducing physical strain, but further development is needed to make them comfortable and safe. The technology has the potential to improve care work and alleviate musculoskeletal disorders.

SourceTampere University·JournalErgonomics in Design The Quarterly of Human Factors Applications·DateNov 10, 2020

Sweet taste reduces appetite?

A study found that consuming lactisole-supplemented sucrose increased energy intake and reduced serotonin levels in male subjects, suggesting a role for the sweet taste receptor in satiety regulation. The effect was not observed with glucose supplementation.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNutrients·DateNov 10, 2020

Taking a scalpel to opioid painkiller risks: New studies show progress and opportunity

A new study published in BMJ Quality & Safety shows significant reductions in opioid prescribing and consumption after surgery, with no increase in patient pain or satisfaction. The study's findings suggest that team-based approaches to reducing opioid use can lead to sustained success and improved patient outcomes.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalBMJ Quality & Safety·DateNov 10, 2020

Weighing space dust with radar

Researchers have successfully combined radar and optical observations to study interplanetary dust, gaining insights into meteor mass and composition. By correlating subtle signals in radar data with detailed optical information, scientists can now explore comets and aspects of solar system evolution.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPlanetary and Space Science·DateNov 10, 2020