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Science News for October 19, 2020


Criteria to predict cytokine storm in COVID-19 patients identified by Temple Researchers

Temple researchers developed and validated predictive criteria to identify COVID-19 patients at risk of developing a cytokine storm, which can lead to life-threatening organ damage. The six criteria relate to inflammation, cell death, tissue damage, and electrolyte imbalance, and were validated in two cohorts of patients.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateOct 19, 2020

Gut bacteria in multiple sclerosis: Probiotic or commensal, good or bad?

A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that Lactobacillus reuteri, a commonly used probiotic, can exacerbate multiple sclerosis in mouse models. The research suggests that gut microbiome balance is crucial in chronic diseases and that a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment may not be effective.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 19, 2020

Natural killer cells also have a memory function

Researchers found that one third of human liver NK cells can remember viruses and respond specifically to them, making them an interesting target for prophylactic use in the fight against infections. This subset of NK cells exhibits a unique gene expression profile and could be used for specific vaccination strategies.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalScience Immunology·DateOct 19, 2020

Mouthwashes, oral rinses may inactivate human coronaviruses

Researchers found that several nasal and oral rinses had a strong ability to neutralize human coronavirus, suggesting these products could reduce virus spread by COVID-19-positive individuals. The 1% baby shampoo solution inactivated over 99.9% of the virus after a two-minute contact time.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Medical Virology·DateOct 19, 2020

NUS study reveals severe air pollution drives food delivery consumption and plastic waste

A NUS study found that poor outdoor air quality in China drives consumers to use food delivery services, resulting in increased plastic waste from packaging. The study revealed a strong causal link between air pollution and plastic waste, with a 100 μg/m³ increase in PM2.5 levels raising food delivery consumption by 7.2%.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateOct 19, 2020

Fighting fire with data

A University of Pittsburgh professor is utilizing optimization techniques to find effective solutions for mitigating forest fires. The project aims to predict when and where fuel treatment methods should be implemented to best control wildfires.

Frère Jacques, are you sleeping?

A study published in Nature Human Behaviour found that American infants relaxed when played unfamiliar and foreign-language lullabies. The researchers discovered universal elements of songs that produced relaxation effects independently of experience, supporting the idea that there is something universal about lullabies.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateOct 19, 2020

Creating perfect edges in 2D-materials

Scientists at Chalmers University of Technology develop a new method for controlling the edges of two-dimensional materials, resulting in extremely sharp and atomically precise patterns. This breakthrough enables the creation of perfect edges in 2D materials, opening up new possibilities for nanoscience and technology.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 19, 2020

Odors as navigational cues for pigeons

Researchers have identified volatile organic compounds used for olfactory navigation by homing pigeons, generating regional olfactory maps that can be used as a compass to return home from unfamiliar sites. The study provides evidence for the existence of suitable regional chemical gradients in the air.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 19, 2020

What lies between grey and white in the brain

A multidisciplinary team has successfully visualized superficial white matter in living human brains using high-field MRI. The study reveals that this region contains significant amounts of iron, necessary for myelination, which can occur throughout lifespan but is predominant during development.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 19, 2020

Astrophysics team lights the way for more accurate model of the universe

Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas have developed a self-calibration method to remove contamination from gravitational lensing signals, allowing for more accurate measurements of key cosmological parameters. This breakthrough has significant implications for understanding dark energy and the structure of the universe.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateOct 19, 2020

Biochar helps hold water, saves money

A new study from Rice University shows that biochar can help farmers save money by retaining water in sandy soils, with potential irrigation savings of over 50%. The research provides formulas for farmers to estimate water-holding capacity and irrigation cost savings.

The line of succession

A specific region of messenger RNAs plays a crucial role in brain cell function. The study reveals an unusual EXAR (EXon-Activated Rescue) mechanism that secures this process, using ELAV and FNE proteins to determine neuronal transcript signatures.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalMolecular Cell·DateOct 19, 2020

Smarter models, smarter choices

Researchers developed a new mathematical framework that leverages uncertainty and expert knowledge to create more accurate and efficient computer models. This method provides guarantees on model performance and can lead to breakthroughs in renewable energy, battery technology, and other fields.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 19, 2020

Nursing home residents with cognitive impairment more likely to be admitted to hospital

A study from Regenstrief Institute and Indiana University School of Medicine found that nursing home residents with cognitive impairment are more likely to be admitted to the hospital after an emergency department visit. The factors most associated with discharge back to the facility were falls, trauma or fracture, bleeding, and pain.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 19, 2020

Projecting favorable perceptions of space

Project Man in Space, initiated by social psychologist Donald Michael in 1955, aimed to capture public opinion on space exploration. The program's research revealed strong interest in Sputnik and influenced public support for new initiatives, but also perpetuated utopian narratives that obscured military applications.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Anthropological Research·DateOct 19, 2020

Children with autism, ADHD have more doctor and hospital visits during infancy

Research from Duke University Medical Center found that children with autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder visit doctors more often in their first year of life. This suggests a potential new method for identifying the conditions earlier, which could lead to improved outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 19, 2020

CVIA has just published a new issue, Volume 5 Issue 1

The latest issue of Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications (CVIA) features research articles on COVID-19, including a study predicting death in severe patients. The journal also publishes papers on the impact of ventricular pacing and Marfan syndrome diagnosis.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateOct 19, 2020

How rain can move mountains

Researchers used cosmic clocks to measure river erosion rates in the Himalaya, finding that rainfall plays a critical role in shaping mountain landscapes. The study's findings provide valuable insights into natural hazards and have important implications for land-use management and infrastructure maintenance.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 19, 2020

CRISPR-induced immune diversification in host-virus populations

A new study reveals that CRISPR-induced immune diversification in host-virus populations leads to the emergence of weighted-nestedness immunity structure, enabling hosts to control virus diversification. This structure is crucial for understanding eco-evolutionary dynamics and designing stable microbial populations.

More than 'just a fish' story

Researchers identify genetic diversity among Neosho and Northern smallmouth bass subspecies, emphasizing importance of origin when stocking streams to avoid 'genetic swamping.' The study's findings could inform fisheries management strategies to preserve native populations and prevent dominant subspecies from outcompeting others.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalConservation Genetics·DateOct 19, 2020

Driver of the largest mass extinction in the history of the Earth identified

A new study reconstructs the Permian-Triassic boundary event, revealing that massive volcanic activities in Siberia triggered the extinction of 95% of ocean life. The team used fossil brachiopod shells to analyze isotopes and simulate Earth's processes, concluding that warming and acidification led to catastrophic consequences.

High pressure is key for better optical fibers

Researchers from Hokkaido University and the US used computer simulations to show that high pressure can reduce light scattering in silica glass fibers by over 50%. This could enable longer distance data transmission without amplification, revolutionizing global communication.

SourceHokkaido University·Journalnpj Computational Materials·DateOct 19, 2020

A trillion turns of light nets terahertz polarized bytes

Researchers at Rice University and Politecnico University have demonstrated the first nanophotonic platform capable of manipulating polarized light 1 trillion times per second. The platform uses plasmonic metasurfaces to exploit ultrafast electronic mechanisms, enabling faster data transmission rates.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 19, 2020

Brain circuit biomarkers to predict response to treatment for neuropsychiatric disorders

Researchers identify distinct functional connectivity patterns in brain circuits using EEG, enabling subtyping of patients independent of clinical diagnosis. These patterns can predict treatment outcomes, with some subtypes responding better to psychotherapy or medication while others benefit from non-invasive TMS treatment.

SourceCohen Veterans Bioscience·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateOct 19, 2020

Hand-held device reads levels of cancer biomarker

Researchers at McMaster University have developed a prototype for a hand-held device that can read the levels of a cancer biomarker, similar to a blood-sugar monitor. The device simplifies cancer testing by allowing patients to collect samples at home and providing accurate results in minutes.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateOct 19, 2020

New evidence to guide the practice of blood transfusions in children with severe malari

A new study led by ISGlobal found that blood transfusions can increase the survival of children with severe malaria, even at higher haemoglobin levels than recommended thresholds. In cases with complications, such as impaired consciousness or acidosis, transfusion improved survival even at high haemoglobin levels.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalThe Lancet Haematology·DateOct 19, 2020

SARS-CoV-2 infection rates in skilled nursing facilities

Researchers examined asymptomatic and presymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection rates in skilled nursing facilities across the US, revealing significant variation in case counts by county. The study highlights the importance of considering local COVID-19 prevalence when evaluating infection control strategies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateOct 19, 2020

The Milky Way galaxy has a clumpy halo

The Milky Way's circumgalactic medium (CGM) has a disk-like geometry, with denser areas where stars are forming and material is being traded between the galaxy and the CGM. The discovery provides insight into the galaxy's formation and evolution, as well as its interaction with the surrounding universe.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalNature Astronomy·DateOct 19, 2020

Significant link found between air pollution and neurological disorders

A large-scale study found significant associations between air pollution and an increased risk of hospital admissions for several neurological disorders. The research analyzed data from over 63 million US adults and linked fine particulate pollution with higher rates of Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and other dementias.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateOct 19, 2020

An ultrasonic projector for medicine

Researchers have developed a chip-based technology that generates high-resolution sound profiles with intense sound pressure. This allows for more effective and easier ultrasound therapy, potentially benefiting patients with cancer, brain conditions, and other diseases. The technology also enables the creation of organoid models for dr...

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 19, 2020

New evidence found of the ritual significance of a classic Maya sweat bath in Guatemala

Archaeologists discovered a rare and unusual collection of artifacts at a Classic Maya sweat bath in Guatemala, suggesting the structure was embodied by an amphibian goddess. The offering included human remains, juvenile animals, and stone tools, indicating the community's attempt to appease the goddess for survival.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalCambridge Archaeological Journal·DateOct 19, 2020

Detecting early-stage failure in electric power conversion devices

A study published in IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics detects the earliest stages of failure in silicon carbide power electronics through real-time acoustic monitoring. The researchers found that increasing acoustic emission signals correspond to progressive damage to aluminum ribbons, allowing for early warning of device failure.

SourceOsaka University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Power Electronics·DateOct 19, 2020