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Science News for November 2, 2020


Covid-19 "super-spreading" events play outsized role in overall disease transmission

A new MIT study found that Covid-19 super-spreading events, where one person infects many others, are more common than expected. The researchers developed a mathematical model that shows limiting gatherings to 10 or fewer people could significantly reduce the number of super-spreading events and lower overall infections.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2020

Scientists identify specific brain region and circuits controlling attention

A new study by MIT neuroscientists shows that the activity of norepinephrine-producing neurons in a single brain region, the locus coeruleus, controls both focus to ignore distractions and discipline to curb impulses. Stimulating LC activity improved attentional control tasks, while inhibiting it had the opposite effect.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2020

Malaria test as simple as a bandage

Researchers created a test device using protein biomarkers in dermal interstitial fluid, detecting malaria in 20 minutes and requiring no medical expertise or equipment. The patches could cost around $1 each and be adapted for other diseases with biomarkers in interstitial fluid.

SourceRice University·JournalMicrosystems & Nanoengineering·DateNov 2, 2020

Follow your gut: How farms protect from childhood asthma

A recent study by Helmholtz Munich researchers found that a diverse environmental microbiome, particularly in farm children, can protect against childhood asthma. The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in this protective effect, with certain bacteria producing short-chain fatty acids that may contribute to asthma protection.

Artificial night lighting has widespread impacts on nature

A study of over 100 studies found that artificial night-time lighting has a profound impact on animals and plants, reducing melatonin levels and altering hormone regulation. The effects were particularly strong in diurnal species, causing them to start their daily activities earlier, while nocturnal species saw reduced activity duration.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateNov 2, 2020

Vitamin D levels during pregnancy linked with child IQ

A recent study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that mothers' vitamin D levels during pregnancy were associated with their children's IQ scores. The study also identified significantly lower levels of vitamin D among Black pregnant women, emphasizing the need for targeted nutritional interventions to address health disparities.

SourceSeattle Children's·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateNov 2, 2020

More Republicans follow COVID guidelines when they're told it will protect themselves

A new study found that conservatives tend to focus on self-reliance and feel responsible for their own outcomes, while liberals take a community-minded view and prioritize the well-being of others. The research suggests that public health officials should tailor their messages to specific audiences, with more liberal messaging resonati...

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateNov 2, 2020

Secrets behind "Game of Thrones" unveiled by data science and network theory

Researchers used data science and network theory to analyze 'A Song of Ice and Fire', finding that character interactions are similar to real-life relationships and deaths appear random but reflect common events. The study suggests good writers work within psychological limits of the reader, making complex narratives relatable.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2020

Lack of understanding of common heart condition leads to missed treatment opportunities

A study published in the British Journal of General Practice found that poor awareness of Heart Failure with preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF) leads to missed diagnosis and treatment opportunities. The condition affects half of all heart failure cases in England, but frequently goes undiagnosed due to lack of understanding among clin...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·DateNov 2, 2020

New study reveals poisoning exposures in Australian schools

A new study found poisoning exposures in children and adolescents while at school are relatively common and increasing, requiring improved safety strategies to prevent preventable poisonings. The study highlights the need for school-based initiatives and programs to make the school environment safer for students.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateNov 2, 2020

To predict how crops cope with changing climate, 30 years of experiments simulate future

A 30-year review of climate experiments found that C3 crops' yields may increase by 18% with adequate nutrients and water, but quality losses and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases are also expected. Genetic solutions and bioengineering can help mitigate negative effects, but developing new crop cultivars is time-consuming.

A new curriculum helps surgical trainees comprehensively treat victims of firearm violence

A new curriculum at Washington University School of Medicine equips surgical residents with technical and non-technical skills to treat victims of firearm violence. The Anatomy of Gun Violence (AGV) curriculum includes training sessions, simulations, and discussions on the social context of firearm violence.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateNov 2, 2020

How the immune system remembers viruses

Researchers at Technical University of Munich found that memory T cells form earlier in the immune response than previously believed, contrary to current scientific opinion. This discovery has significant implications for vaccine development and could lead to improved vaccines with increased long-term effectiveness.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Immunology·DateNov 2, 2020

New research partnership

The launch of Neurotrauma Reports Null Hypothesis journal aims to promote balance in academic publications by publishing well-performed replication and negative studies. The initiative encourages researchers, funders, and publishers to report on important negative results with the same priority as positive results.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalNeurotrauma Reports·DateNov 2, 2020

Consequences of glacier shrinkage

Researchers studied a 2014 GLOF event in Ladakh, India, to understand the cause of rapid lake level rise. They found that increased glacial melting caused thawing ice cores to drain through subsurface tunnels without spilling over.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalNatural Hazards·DateNov 2, 2020

Starting kindergarten on the right foot

A new study by researchers at Université de Montréal found that kindergarten readiness is associated with better academic, psychological, and health outcomes in emerging adulthood. The study, published in Pediatrics, analyzed data from over 2,000 children born between 1997 and 1998 and found that kindergarten math skills and classroom ...

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateNov 2, 2020

Canada should approve HIV self-testing

Integrating HIV self-testing into Canada's health system could lead to better HIV detection and management, especially for underdiagnosed populations. The authors propose four factors for successful introduction, including rapid approval of WHO-approved tests and cost-effectiveness studies.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 2, 2020

What's for dinner? Dolphin diet study

A study of common dolphins in the Hauraki Gulf found declines in carbon values, suggesting a decrease in primary productivity or changes in prey selection. The research highlights the need for careful management of marine parks and surrounding environments to prevent overfishing and nutrient runoff.

SourceFlinders University·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·DateNov 2, 2020

Root bacterium to fight Alzheimer's

A novel class of compounds called rhizolutin has been discovered in a soil bacterium, Rhizolutin dissociates protein aggregates associated with Alzheimer's disease both in vivo and in vitro. The compound has been shown to reduce inflammatory processes and cell death caused by Aβ plaques in neuronal and glial cells.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 2, 2020

New insight into how brain neurons influence choices

A recent study by researchers at WashU Medicine has discovered that the activity of specific brain neurons encodes the value of options and determines final decisions. The findings have significant implications for understanding decision-making in mental health conditions such as addiction, depression, and schizophrenia.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateNov 2, 2020

New analysis method can lead to better cancer drugs

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a new DNA-based analytical method called NanoDeep, which enables the analysis of entire populations of cells. This breakthrough could lead to better drugs for breast and other cancers by providing a more detailed understanding of membrane protein organisation.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 2, 2020

Excessive alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased alcohol consumption in the United States due to stress and social isolation. Experts at McLean Hospital recommend educating people on managing stress without alcohol, drinking within safe limits during physical distancing, and recognizing signs of excessive use.

SourceMcLean Hospital·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateNov 2, 2020

Novel technique spotlights neuronal uptake of amyloid beta in Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at the University of California - Santa Cruz identify a specific segment of amyloid beta recognized by the cellular prion protein, which mediates its uptake into neurons and toxicity. This finding suggests targeting this process may be a promising approach for Alzheimer's drug development.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2020

Bats can predict the future, JHU researchers discover

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that bats use a combination of echolocation calls and head movements to predict the future position of their prey. This discovery enhances our understanding of auditory-guided behaviors in animals and humans, including sight-impaired individuals who rely on sound to navigate.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2020

Self-watering soil could transform farming

A new type of soil created by engineers at the University of Texas at Austin can pull water from the air and distribute it to plants, potentially increasing crop yields in previously inhospitable areas. The hydrogel soil retained up to 40% of its initial water quantity, outperforming sandy soils in dry areas.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalACS Materials Letters·DateNov 2, 2020

ACA's expansion of Medicaid improved maternal health

The ACA's Medicaid expansion improved preconception health indicators for low-income women, including increased health counseling and daily folic acid intake. While no changes were found in chronic condition prevalence or health behaviors, the expansion may help address risk factors for maternal and child health.

SourceNew York University·JournalHealth Affairs·DateNov 2, 2020

Fossils reveal mammals mingled in age of dinosaurs

A new study reveals that mammals developed social behavior much earlier than previously thought, interacting with dinosaurs in tightly packed clusters. The fossils, which are about 75.5 million years old, show evidence of multiple mature adults and subadults congregating, indicating a complex social structure.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateNov 2, 2020

A loan for lean season

Researchers found that small loans during the lean season led to higher quality of life, increased agricultural output, and greater wages. The study's results validated the importance of seasonal variability to rural farmers' livelihoods, highlighting the need for economic interventions that account for this factor.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateNov 2, 2020