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Science News for November 30, 2020


Deep-sea volcanoes: Windows into the subsurface

Research at Brothers submarine arc volcano reveals distinct microbial communities shaped by magmatic gases and hydrothermal fluids, highlighting the complexity of subsurface geology in forming high biodiversity. Over 90 new bacterial and archaeal families are discovered, providing insights into life's evolution on Earth.

SourcePortland State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 2020

Cortex over reflex: Study traces circuits where executive control overcomes instinct

A new study by MIT neuroscientists demonstrates that neurons in the anterior cingulate cortex project connections into an evolutionarily older region called the superior colliculus, overriding its basic commands for reflexive movement. The research shows how inhibitory control from the ACC modulates the SC's response to facilitate exec...

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 30, 2020

Fit gamers challenge 'fat' stereotype, new esports research

A new study by Queensland University of Technology found that esports players are up to 21% healthier than the general population, with many engaging in over an hour of physical exercise per day. The research also showed that top esports players were significantly more physically active and less likely to smoke or drink daily.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateNov 30, 2020

How does the spider spin its self-assembled silk?

Scientists at Kyoto University have discovered a new method for producing artificial spider silk by combining acidification and liquid-liquid phase separation. This breakthrough could lead to the development of sustainable, high-strength fibers with potential applications in manufacturing.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 30, 2020

Raman holography

Researchers have developed a new method called Raman holography, which uses surface-enhanced Raman scattering to image and analyze single particles in three dimensions. This technology has the potential to revolutionize fields such as live cell imaging and anti-counterfeiting.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 30, 2020

How we learn words and sentences at the same time

Adults can acquire a complex language through cross-situational statistical learning, solving the chicken-and-egg problem of word meaning and sentence structure. By keeping track of associations between words and scenes across hundreds of trials, learners can figure out word meanings and roles in sentences.

SourceLancaster University·JournalCognition·DateNov 30, 2020

Researchers explore population size, density in rise of centralized power in antiquity

A University of Maine-led team developed a model, Power Theory, which suggests that demography played a crucial role in the transition from egalitarian hunter-gatherer societies to centralized authority. The researchers found a correlation between population density and size, and the change in power dynamics in early Peruvian societies.

SourceUniversity of Maine·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateNov 30, 2020

Bacteria in iron-deficient environments process carbon sources selectively

Researchers at Northwestern University found that bacteria in low-iron environments reroute their metabolic pathways to favor producing iron-scavenging compounds. This study provides insights into the impact of iron on carbon cycling in bacterial cells, with implications for ecosystem health and environmental biotechnology.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 2020

Transportation of water into the deep Earth by Al-phase D

Al-phase D mineral discovered to transport and host water up to 1200 km in lower mantle, improving stability against pressure and temperature. Researchers measured sound velocities and density of Al-phase D using synchrotron X-ray techniques, providing clear understanding of seismic velocities of hydrous rocks.

SourceEhime University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 30, 2020

A shapeshifting material based on inorganic matter

Researchers at RIKEN develop a material that can change from soft to hard and back again in response to temperature changes, mimicking the properties of sea cucumbers. The material's structure is manipulated using electrostatic repulsion and gold nanoparticles, enabling rapid and reversible shape shifts.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 30, 2020

Lower current leads to highly efficient memory

Researchers have developed a gallium arsenide-based ferromagnetic semiconductor that can act as memory by quickly switching its magnetic state in the presence of an induced current. The new material suppresses instability and lowers power consumption, offering highly efficient memory.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Electronics·DateNov 30, 2020

New cyberattack can trick scientists into making toxins or viruses -- Ben-Gurion University researchers

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University have discovered a new end-to-end cyber-biological attack that can trick scientists into generating dangerous toxins in their labs. The attack uses malware to interfere with biological processes within the victim's lab, exploiting weaknesses in biosecurity screening protocols and cybersecurity controls.

Fingerprints' moisture-regulating mechanism strengthens human touch - study

Human fingerprints have a self-regulating moisture mechanism that helps avoid dropping objects, enabling the development of better prosthetic limbs and virtual reality environments. By regulating skin moisture, fingerprints maximize friction on various surfaces, giving primates an evolutionary advantage in dry and wet conditions.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 2020

Air pollution spikes linked to lower test scores for Salt Lake County third graders

A new study found that frequent peak air pollution exposure was associated with reduced math and English language arts test scores for third graders in Salt Lake County. Chronic exposure also had an impact on test scores, but the effect disappeared when controlling for social disadvantage factors.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateNov 30, 2020

Killer electrons in strumming sky lights

A team of researchers led by Nagoya University has discovered that killer electrons, resulting from the pulsating aurora, could be involved in ozone destruction. The high-energy electrons are believed to cause damage when they penetrate satellites, and their presence in the middle atmosphere is associated with the pulsating aurora.

SourceNagoya University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 30, 2020

When businesses behave badly

A study found that firms tend to follow the pecking order theory, drawing down internal funds before relying on debt financing after negative E&S incidents. Firms with high CSR reputation are better able to cushion the impacts of such incidents. Financially constrained firms react differently due to limited access to equity markets.

How SARS-CoV-2 reaches the brain

A team of researchers from Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin have studied how SARS-CoV-2 reaches the brain and found that it enters through nerve cells in the olfactory mucosa. The virus is also transported via blood vessels to reach the brain, which may contribute to neurological symptoms such as loss of smell or taste in COVID-19 ...

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 30, 2020

Warbler coloration shaped by evolution via distinct paths

Two genes involved in plumage coloration have evolved through distinct processes: ASIP, which produces melanin, and BCO2, which produces carotenoid pigments. The researchers found evidence of introgression, where genes from one species were transferred to another, contributing to the warblers' diverse colors.

SourcePenn State·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 30, 2020

The surprising grammar of touch

A new study reveals that DeafBlind signers use tactile grammatical structures to convey meaning, suggesting alternative pathways for language development. Researchers analyzed the conventionalization of protactile phonology in US DeafBlind communities, finding consistent patterns in hand articulation and grammar assignment.

SourceLinguistic Society of America·JournalLanguage·DateNov 30, 2020

Gut microbes: a key to normal sleep

A study published in Scientific Reports found that mice without gut microbes had altered sleep patterns, including increased REM and non-REM sleep episodes. The researchers discovered that gut microbes play a crucial role in producing neurotransmitters like serotonin, which regulate sleep-wake cycles.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 30, 2020

Unexpected similarity between honey bee and human social life

A team of researchers discovered detailed similarities between the social networks of honey bees and humans, which can be explained by new theoretical modeling. The study reveals individual differences between honey bees, just like humans, and shows that these patterns are universal across species.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 2020

Sustainable regenerated isotropic wood

Researchers have developed a sustainable material called regenerated isotropic wood (RGI-wood) from surface nanocrystallized wood particles. RGI-wood boasts improved mechanical properties, fire retardancy, and electromagnetic shielding capabilities compared to natural wood and petroleum-based plastics.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateNov 30, 2020

Is it better to give than receive?

A University of California, Davis study found that children who experienced compassionate love from their mothers were more willing to give up tokens for others. The study also showed that being generous had a calming effect on the children, reinforcing the behavior and promoting prosocial orientation.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateNov 30, 2020

Racial disparities in dementia in US

A nationwide analysis of dementia incidence from 2000 to 2016 reveals significant racial disparities in the US, with Black and Hispanic populations more likely to develop dementia than White Americans. The study suggests that targeted interventions are needed to address these disparities.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateNov 30, 2020

Astronomical instrument hunts for ancient metal

Researchers have developed a new instrument that can analyze the chemical signatures of distant quasars, providing insight into the origins of metals like iron. By studying these ancient galactic cores, scientists hope to refine their understanding of the early universe and its role in forming the elements necessary for life.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateNov 30, 2020

Hitting the quantum 'sweet spot': Researchers find best position for atom qubits in silicon

Australian researchers have located the 'sweet spot' for positioning qubits in silicon, essential for developing robust interactions between qubits. The team used scanning tunnelling microscope (STM) lithography techniques to precisely place phosphorus atoms and create reproducible, strong and fast interactions.

Cancer survivors at higher risk of hospitalization or dying from flu

A recent study found that cancer survivors are more likely to be hospitalized or die from seasonal influenza and have a greater chance of severe COVID-19 outcomes. The researchers suggest that this group should be prioritized for vaccination against both diseases, with the risk persisting for at least 10 years after cancer diagnosis.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalEClinicalMedicine·DateNov 30, 2020

Plastic contaminants harm sea urchins

New research finds that plastics in seawater can cause deformities and developmental problems in sea urchin larvae due to chemical leaching. The study highlights the importance of reducing plastic pollution and finding alternatives to replace harmful additives.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateNov 30, 2020

Heart disease risk in women increases leading up to menopause; early intervention is key

The menopause transition is a time of increasing heart disease risk for women, with significant changes in cardiometabolic and vascular health occurring during this phase. Early intervention strategies, such as hormone therapy and lifestyle modifications, are crucial to maintaining healthy heart function and reducing cardiovascular risk.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateNov 30, 2020

Does your pain feel different in English and Spanish?

A recent study by Morgan Gianola and colleagues found that bilingual Hispanic/Latino participants experienced more intense pain when speaking the language of their stronger cultural identity. Physiological responses to pain also played a larger role in determining pain ratings among more Hispanic-oriented bilinguals.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalAffective Science·DateNov 30, 2020

Magnetic vortices come full circle

Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute report the discovery of three-dimensional magnetic 'vortex rings' within a tiny pillar made of gadolinium cobalt. These structures, consisting of doughnut-shaped vortices, provide fundamental insight into intricate nanoscale structures inside bulk magnets.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 30, 2020

Older adults with dementia exhibit financial 'symptoms' up to six years before diagnosis

A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Federal Reserve Board of Governors found that individuals with dementia miss payments on bills as early as six years before diagnosis. Financial symptoms like missed payments and subprime credit scores are unique to dementia and can be used as early predictors.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateNov 30, 2020

Surprising trove of sorghum diversity discovered in Australia -- but it's disappearing fast

Researchers discovered a surprising trove of wild sorghum relatives in Australia, offering potential solutions to combat drought and extreme heat. However, these economically important plants are in peril due to habitat destruction, invasive species, and climate change, highlighting the need for urgent conservation efforts.

Dream reports during the COVID 19 pandemic

A new Brazilian study found that dreams during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown are related to mental suffering and fear of contagion. The computational assessment of dream reports used in the study reveals these emotional connections.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 30, 2020

Recycled concrete could be a sustainable way to keep rubble out of landfi

A five-year study by University of British Columbia Okanagan researchers found that recycled concrete performs as well as conventional concrete, with comparable strength and durability. The innovative material can be a 100% substitute for non-structural applications and may eventually replace traditional construction methods.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalConstruction and Building Materials·DateNov 30, 2020

Business closures, partial reopenings due to COVID-19 could cost the US $3-$5 trillion GDP

A new USC study finds that the COVID-19 pandemic could result in net losses of $3.2 trillion and up to $4.8 trillion in U.S. Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) over two years. The study's findings depend on factors such as business closures, gradual reopening processes, infection rates, and fatalities.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalEconomics of Disasters and Climate Change·DateNov 30, 2020

Liver cirrhosis: Disease progression

A recent study by MedUni Vienna found that blood biomarkers for systemic inflammation increase with liver cirrhosis stages, predicting complications in asymptomatic patients. The severity of portal hypertension also correlates with levels of inflammatory markers, increasing mortality risk.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateNov 30, 2020