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Science News for November 25, 2020


Transcultural literacies and meaning-making through fanfiction

A study by Liudmila Shafirova, Daniel Cassany, and Carme Bach examines the creation and sharing of fanfiction, highlighting how fans develop transcultural literacies through amateur translation of a Russian novel into English. The research reveals the importance of online spaces for social practice and language learning.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalInternational Journal of Language Translation and Intercultural Communication·DateNov 25, 2020

What makes a happy couple, a happy family?

A new University of Rochester meta-analysis suggests that being psychologically flexible is a critical factor in maintaining happy family and romantic relationships. Higher levels of flexibility are linked to adaptive parenting strategies, lower child distress, and greater relationship satisfaction.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJournal of Contextual Behavioral Science·DateNov 25, 2020

New mechanism of pain control revealed

Researchers at Kyushu University have discovered a unique population of spinal cord astrocytes that produce pain hypersensitivity. Stimulation of noradrenergic neurons activates these astrocytes, leading to enhanced pain transmission. The findings suggest that suppressing astrocyte signaling may enhance the effect of chronic pain drugs.

SourceKyushu University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 25, 2020

Neuroscientists measure fans' reactions to the big game

A study published in Neuron found that surprise during sports viewing leads to changes in brain patterns, particularly in the prefrontal cortex and pupil dilations. The researchers also discovered a link between dopamine-rich regions and increased activity when subjects' preferred teams scored.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateNov 25, 2020

A growth mindset of interest can spark innovative thinking

Researchers found that people with a growth mindset of interest are more likely to generate ideas combining diverse fields, leading to higher-quality integrative solutions. This can help organizations create innovative products and services, as well as aid job seekers in adapting to changing fields.

SourceYale-NUS College·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateNov 25, 2020

Towards 6G wireless communication networks: vision, enabling technologies, and new paradigm shifts

The article outlines four key paradigm shifts for 6G wireless communication networks: global coverage through non-terrestrial networks, full spectrum exploration for increased data rates, AI-powered smart applications, and enhanced network security. The future of 6G promises faster and more secure communications, blurring the lines bet...

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Information Sciences·DateNov 25, 2020

Ice sheets on the move: how north and south poles connect

A new study by McGill University researchers demonstrates that changes in the Antarctic ice sheet were driven by melting ice sheets in the Northern Hemisphere. The team used numerical modeling and geological records to simulate simultaneous changes in sea levels and ice dynamics, revealing a complex connection between the two hemispheres.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·DateNov 25, 2020

New modified wheat could help tackle global food shortage

Researchers at the University of York have created a new modified wheat variety that produces grains up to 12% bigger than conventional varieties without decreasing grain numbers. This breakthrough could help meet the increasing global food demand, especially considering the need for a 50% increase in production by 2030.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNew Phytologist·DateNov 25, 2020

Almost like on Venus

The study found that Earth's early atmosphere was slightly oxidizing, with carbon dioxide as its main constituent, and had a surface pressure much higher than today due to the hot surface.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 25, 2020

Age not just a number: Causes of joint stiffness differ between older and younger adults

A study by Shibaura Institute of Technology found that non-muscle tissues, specifically nerves, contribute more to joint flexibility as individuals age. Researchers measured ankle ROM and tissue stiffness in young and old adults, revealing a correlation between nerve stiffness and increased ROM in older participants.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateNov 25, 2020

Extraction of largely-unexplored bodily fluid could be a new source of biomarkers

Researchers developed a microneedle-based technique to extract dermal interstitial fluid, which could provide valuable information for routine clinical monitoring and diagnostic testing. The study found that ISF contains unique compounds not found in blood samples, offering potential insights into skin exposure to products and pesticides.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 25, 2020

Air-sea coupling improves the simulation of the western North Pacific summer monsoon in the WRF4 model at a synoptic scale resolving resolution

The WRF4-LICOM model shows improved summer mean monsoon rainfall, circulations, and sea surface heat fluxes. Regional air-sea coupling enhances the simulated daily SST-rainfall relationship, offering a more accurate representation of the western North Pacific summer monsoon.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateNov 25, 2020

Phytoplankton disturbed by nanoparticles

Research finds that nanosilver disturbs the metabolism of algae, making their membranes more permeable and reducing photosynthesis. This can have significant impacts on the aquatic food chain and oxygen production. The study uses metabolomics to detect early changes induced by nanoparticles.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 25, 2020

Waste fishing gear threatens Ganges wildlife

Entanglement in waste fishing gear poses a significant threat to Ganges River wildlife, including critically endangered species like the three-striped roofed turtle and Ganges river dolphin. The study highlights the need for recycling systems and awareness-raising initiatives to mitigate plastic pollution.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateNov 25, 2020

New insights into how the CRISPR immune system evolved

Researchers at Aarhus University have discovered that a part of the CRISPR-Cas system originated from toxin genes in bacteria and archaea, providing new insights into its evolutionary process. The study reveals an ongoing battle between microorganisms and viruses, with the discovery of anti-CRISPR proteins blocking the immune system.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 25, 2020

Sniffing your way to the gym

A recent study by researchers at UC Riverside suggests that olfaction may play an important role in motivating mammals to engage in voluntary exercise. The study found genetic differences in the olfactory system between high-runner mice and control lines, which made them perceive smells differently.

Mapping out the mystery of blood stem cells

Researchers used genome-wide profiling to study the epigenetic landscape of human stem cells, revealing important information about gene regulation. They found differences in chromatin structures between long-term and short-term stem cells, which could improve understanding of cancer cell behavior and stem cell therapy.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateNov 25, 2020