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Science News for November 16, 2020


Scientists discover a new mineral

Researchers at St Petersburg State University have discovered a new mineral called petrovite with unique properties that make it promising for use in sodium ion batteries. The mineral's structural type is suitable for ionic conductivity, which could lead to the development of more efficient cathode materials.

SourceSt. Petersburg State University·JournalMineralogical Magazine·DateNov 16, 2020

Looking inside the glass

A team of researchers from The University of Tokyo used electron spectroscopy and computer simulations to study the internal atomic structure of aluminosilicate glass. They found intricate structures that have not yet been analyzed by scientists, including complex coordination networks among aluminum atoms within phase-separated regions.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateNov 16, 2020

Study pinpoints target for managing inflammation, promoting tissue repair

A study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that targeting the BCAP protein could help control overactive immune responses and promote tissue repair in inflammatory diseases. The researchers suggest that modulating BCAP activity could be used to dampen inflammation and accelerate response against tumors.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 16, 2020

Macronutrient supply and mortality rates

A global study found that macronutrient supplies are associated with lower mortality rates across different age groups. The researchers discovered that the optimal diet composition for reducing mortality risk varies significantly depending on age, with specific ratios of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates recommended for each life stage.

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

Chronic alcohol use reshapes the brain's immune landscape, driving anxiety and addiction

Research finds that chronic alcohol exposure compromises brain immune cells, fueling anxiety and excessive drinking in mice. Boosting IL-10 signaling reverses aberrant effects, reducing anxiety-like behaviors and motivation to drink. This study provides a new framework for therapeutic intervention, targeting anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProgress in Neurobiology·DateNov 16, 2020

Low levels of choline in pregnant Black American women associated with higher levels of stress

A study found that low choline levels in pregnant Black American women are associated with higher levels of stress and a greater risk of premature birth. Women with lower choline levels were more likely to deliver prematurely, which can increase the risk of later mental health problems for their children.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalSchizophrenia Bulletin·DateNov 16, 2020

New optical method paves way to breath test for cancer biomarker

Researchers have developed a sensitive optical method to detect formaldehyde in exhaled breath, which could lead to an inexpensive and fast way to screen for lung and breast cancer. The new approach uses multipass spectroscopy with optical fringe quenching technique, allowing detection of formaldehyde at low concentrations.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateNov 16, 2020

Health care workers most at risk for COVID-19

A Rutgers study found that nursing staff had the highest rate of COVID-19 infections among health care workers. Health care workers with direct patient contact and those caring for multiple patients with suspected or confirmed cases were more likely to test positive.

SourceRutgers University·JournalBMC Infectious Diseases·DateNov 16, 2020

Key patient insights the missing link in understanding COVID-19 and its mutations

A new study by CSIRO and partners found that most COVID-19 genome data lacks relevant patient information, hindering the fight against the virus. The researchers developed a standardised data collection template to capture critical patient data, enabling scientists and clinicians to build a more complete picture of COVID-19's impact on...

SourceUniversity of York·JournalTransboundary and Emerging Diseases·DateNov 16, 2020

New phase of modeling the viscous coupling effects of multiphase fluid flow

Researchers led by Kyushu University have developed a new method to explore key phenomena associated with multiphase fluid flow in porous materials, overcoming the limitation of viscous coupling effects. The new approach combines pore network modeling and lattice Boltzmann simulations, allowing for accurate capture of viscous coupling ...

SourceKyushu University, I2CNER·JournalAdvances in Water Resources·DateNov 16, 2020

Orbits of ancient stars prompt rethink on Milky Way evolution

A study of ancient star orbits reveals unexpected patterns, contradicting previous assumptions about the Galaxy's metal-poor stars. The research, conducted by a team of astronomers, found that some of these stars orbit in previously unpredicted paths, similar to the Sun's path within the disk.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3D (ASTRO 3D)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateNov 16, 2020

TAVR is dominant form of aortic valve replacement, outcomes steadily improving in the US

Since its 2011 approval, TAVR has become the leading choice for aortic valve replacement in the US, with increasing volumes and improved outcomes. The STS/ACC TVT Registry data show significant reductions in mortality, stroke rates, and length of stay, while pacemaker implantation rates remain stable.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 16, 2020

Key source of memories

A team of scientists has identified a region of the thalamus as a key source of top-down information, which is essential for processing sensory signals in the context of past experiences. This discovery sheds light on how the brain encodes and retrieves memories, particularly in cases of brain disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalScience·DateNov 16, 2020

New Fred Hutch-led trial shows no benefits of dairy foods for blood sugar regulation

A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming dairy foods did not directly affect blood sugar levels in people with metabolic syndrome. However, participants on a full-fat dairy diet gained weight and those on low-fat or full-fat diets experienced reduced insulin sensitivity.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateNov 16, 2020

Reversal of glial scar tissue back to neuronal tissue through neuroregenerative gene therapy

Researchers have developed a novel neuroregenerative gene therapy that converts glial cells back into functional neurons, reversing glial scar tissue. This treatment also promotes brain recovery in mouse models of ischemic stroke and Huntington's disease, offering a promising solution to the glial scar problem.

Could robots for sex, friendship improve our aging society?

A new paper argues that robots designed for older adults can provide essential human values like social interaction, emotional fulfillment, and bodily integrity. The author suggests that Western cultures' narrow view of sex as lust needs to be challenged, and that robots can enable people to experience physical affection and self-respect.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalJournal of Medical Ethics·DateNov 16, 2020

Study shows geographic shift in U.S. social mobility

A recent study on US social mobility found that regions have shifted unevenly over the last century, with some areas scoring high in social mobility while others score low. The study, led by Arizona State University's Dylan Connor, tracked 2 million children from childhood to adulthood and found that urban Midwest areas have struggled ...

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 16, 2020

Cosmic flashes come in all different sizes

Scientists have confirmed that magnetars, extreme stars with strong magnetic fields, generate fast radio bursts (FRBs). The discoveries were made using four European radio telescopes and provide new insights into the origins of FRBs. The research aims to pin down how these extreme stars create brief blasts of radiation.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Astronomy·DateNov 16, 2020

'Alarming' COVID-19 study shows 80% of respondents report significant symptoms of depression

A national survey of over 1,000 young US adults finds alarming levels of loneliness associated with significant mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, substance use, and addiction. The study emphasizes the importance of providing access to psychological help and promoting social connectedness to address these problems.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Psychoactive Drugs·DateNov 16, 2020

Scientists map and forecast apex predator populations at unprecedented scale

Researchers developed statistical methods to track and forecast wildlife populations across borders, revealing detailed dynamics of entire populations across large spatial scales. The study's findings provide new insights into wildlife management and conservation efforts for species like brown bears, grey wolves, and wolverines.

SourceNorwegian University of Life Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 16, 2020

Better than money? In-kind payments incentivize farmers to conserve agrobiodiversity

A new study found that in-kind payments successfully encouraged farmers to cultivate and conserve rare crops and varieties. The innovative payment scheme, known as Payment for Agrobiodiversity Conservation Services (PACS), has been well-received by farmers and policymakers in four Latin American countries.

Analysis paves way for more sensitive quantum sensors

Theoretical researchers at the University of Chicago have found a way to make quantum sensors exponentially more sensitive by harnessing a unique physics phenomenon. This breakthrough could lead to improved detection and diagnosis of diseases, prediction of natural disasters, and exploration without digging.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 16, 2020

Boosted signal

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have developed a new approach to boost NMR signal detection in previously 'invisible' regions. By using dynamic nuclear polarization with transition metal vanadium, they have created hyperfine DNP spectroscopy, which offers a broader frequency range and can analyze local chemistry around transition metals.

Study identifies patients with lung cancer most likely to respond to immunotherapy

Researchers found patients with a particular type of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) B44 were more likely to benefit from immunotherapy in melanoma but not non-small cell lung cancer. The study identified mutations driving the different responses, paving the way for better patient stratification and potential therapy design.

Randomized trial of laparoscopic, open liver surgery found no difference in long-term survival ou

A randomized controlled trial comparing laparoscopic and open liver surgery for patients with resectable colorectal liver metastases found no significant difference in 5-year survival outcomes. The study suggests that the laparoscopic approach may provide better short-term outcomes but does not jeopardize oncologic outcomes.

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

New drug can improve fertility in women with reproductive health problems

A new study finds that a drug called MVT-602 can improve fertility in women with reproductive health problems by targeting the kisspeptin hormone system. The drug's longer duration of action allows for less frequent dosing, offering improved treatment options for conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome and hypothalamic amenorrhea.

SourceImperial College London·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 16, 2020

New method brings physics to deep learning to better simulate turbulence

Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a new method that combines machine learning and physics to simulate turbulent flow, allowing for more accurate predictions in aerospace engineering. This method has the potential to improve design efficiency and reduce costs in industries such as air travel and spacecraft development.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalJournal of Computational Physics·DateNov 16, 2020