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Science News for October 26, 2020


COVID-19 and the athletic heart

A recent study investigated approach for return to play in athletes of various age groups after recovering from COVID-19. The findings highlight the importance of gradual resumption of physical activity and stress testing to ensure safety.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateOct 26, 2020

Researcher found female candidates are more likely to discuss the economy than males

A University of Colorado Denver study found significant differences in rhetoric between male and female candidates, particularly in discussing economic issues. Female candidates were more likely to focus on education, environment, and gun violence on their campaign websites, as well as discuss taxes and worker wages on social media. Th...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Denver·JournalPolitics &amp Policy·DateOct 26, 2020

Hidden losses deep in the Amazon rainforest

A recent study by Louisiana State University researchers found that the Amazon rainforest is experiencing a decline in biodiversity, with certain bird species showing significant drops in population. The study, which analyzed data from over 35 years and 55 sites, suggests that climate change may be driving this trend.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalEcology Letters·DateOct 26, 2020

A molecular break for root growth

Researchers have discovered a molecular break that controls the length of plant roots, influenced by hormones ethylene and karrikin. The study found that the protein SMAX1 acts as a molecular break for ethylene production, stimulating long root growth and short root hairs.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2020

Air pollution, green space and built environment characteristics may influence body mass index durin

A large longitudinal study found that exposure to air pollution during early childhood may lead to an increase in body mass index (BMI), while living in areas with greater green space and a more favorable built environment mix may be associated with a decrease in BMI. The study analyzed data from nearly 80,000 children and suggested th...

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateOct 26, 2020

Ultrasounds show impact of COVID-19 on the heart

Researchers found diverse cardiac structural damage in COVID-19 patients, including right ventricular dysfunction, regional left ventricular wall motion abnormalities, and diffuse left ventricular dysfunction. These abnormalities were associated with worse prognosis and mortality compared to troponin elevations alone.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateOct 26, 2020

Single brain region links depression and anxiety, heart disease, and treatment sensitivity

A new study suggests that targeting a single brain region called the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC) could lead to better outcomes for people with depression and anxiety. Over-activity in sgACC underlies several key symptoms of mood and anxiety disorders, but an antidepressant only successfully treats some of the symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 26, 2020

Phytoplasma effector proteins devastate host plants through molecular mimicry

A team of biologists discovered that phytoplasma effector proteins interact with specific molecules in plant hosts, causing developmental abnormalities and devastating changes. The research found that the effector proteins adopt a structure similar to their target host molecules, allowing them to bind and cause harm.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateOct 26, 2020

New genes related to autism spectrum disorder

Researchers at the University of Barcelona have identified new genes in the BEX/TCEAL cluster that are related to autism spectrum disorder and other neurological diseases. The study used animal models to describe molecular mechanisms involved in the development of the neocortex in humans and other placental mammals.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalGenome Biology·DateOct 26, 2020

Coronavirus volunteers: Greater satisfaction thanks to online platforms

A study by the University of Basel found that online platforms have a positive impact on volunteer mobilization, willingness, and satisfaction. Volunteers who were more afraid of catching the virus experienced higher satisfaction through boosts in self-confidence. The findings suggest that online platforms can channel oversupply and re...

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly·DateOct 26, 2020

Most dentists have experienced aggression from patients

A new study by NYU College of Dentistry found that half of US dentists experienced verbal or reputational aggression in the past year, while nearly a quarter endured physical aggression. The rates of patient aggression toward dentists are high and comparable with those reported in other health care settings.

SourceNew York University·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·DateOct 26, 2020

DNA sleuths target ivory poachers

A new DNA test developed by Flinders University can accurately determine the legal status of seized ivory samples, even in highly degraded state. The technique has shown 100% identification accuracy and correct assignment in the legal status of 227 highly degraded ivories.

SourceFlinders University·JournalInternational Journal of Legal Medicine·DateOct 26, 2020

Scientists establish NanDeSyn Database to support international cooperation on industrial microalgae

The NanDeSyn Database collects and integrates functional genomics data for industrial microalgae, including genome sequences, gene annotations, and transcriptomes. This will facilitate research cooperation among the global Nannochloropsis community to develop the microalgae as a chassis for photosynthetic production of oils.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateOct 26, 2020

Healthcare as a climate solution

A new analysis reveals that improving healthcare in rural Indonesia reduced incentives for illegal logging, resulting in a 70% decline in deforestation and over $65 million worth of avoided carbon emissions. The innovative clinic model provides a blueprint for preserving biodiversity while reducing poverty and illness.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2020

Solar hydrogen: let's consider the stability of photoelectrodes

Researchers have conducted the first operando stability study of high-purity BiVO4 photoanodes during photoelectrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Using in-situ plasma mass spectrometry, they determined a useful parameter called the stability number (S), which can be used to compare and assess the stability of photoelectrodes.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·DateOct 26, 2020

Medicine and grief during the COVID-19 era

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing difficulties with grieving in the US. Healthcare professionals, who are particularly vulnerable to burnout, report increased levels of grief and despair, leading to concerns about their well-being.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateOct 26, 2020

For pregnant women with heart disease, multidisciplinary care may be essential

A recent study conducted at Columbia University Irving Medical Center suggests that multidisciplinary cardio-obstetrics teams can improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce hospital readmission rates among pregnant women with cardiovascular disease. The study found low rates of maternal and fetal complications, as well as a lower rate of ho...

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateOct 26, 2020

Rice rolls out next-gen nanocars

Researchers at Rice University have designed new nanocars with permanent dipole moments to increase their speed and drivability on a gold surface. The cars, weighing 114 atoms, will be driven via the internet by teams worldwide, competing in the 2022 international Nanocar Race.

Odds are good for unique 2D compound

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a unique 2D material that enables the valleytronics phenomenon, touted as a possible platform for information processing and storage. The material has been found to be scalable and less susceptible to environmental degradation.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 26, 2020

Global 'BiteMap' reveals how marine food webs may change with climate

A new study maps the appetites of coastal predators, showing that rising temperatures can shape entire communities of predators and alter biodiversity. The global 'BiteMap' was created using handmade squid baits called 'squid pops,' which were used to entice fish and crabs to reveal their feeding patterns.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2020

The Darwinian diet: You are what you eat

Researchers studied attine ants and their fungal crops, finding that the ants' ability to target specific nutritional needs evolves as they develop more advanced farming practices. The findings suggest that humans can learn from nature's agricultural systems, which prioritize nutritional sustainability over industrial-scale production.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateOct 26, 2020

How to figure out what you don't know

New research from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory highlights the importance of model evaluation in neuroscience. By building and comparing several models of neural signaling, researchers found that good predictive power does not necessarily indicate a model's representation of real neural networks.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateOct 26, 2020

3D printing the first ever biomimetic tongue surface

Researchers at the University of Leeds have developed a biomimetic tongue surface using 3D printing, replicating the complex texture and mechanical properties of a human tongue. The new technology enables testing of oral processing properties of food, nutritional technologies, and pharmaceuticals without relying on human trials.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 26, 2020

Earth's niobium and core formation

Researchers report that niobium readily dissolves in iron under high temperatures and pressures consistent with the Earth's core formation. This finding supports core formation models suggesting that the core did not form under highly reducing or oxidizing conditions, but rather was constrained by the sequestration of niobium.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2020

Hard physical work significantly increases the risk of dementia

A new study from the University of Copenhagen reveals that people doing hard physical work have a 55-per cent higher risk of developing dementia. Despite previous findings suggesting physical activity reduces dementia risk, this study highlights the importance of 'good' form of physical activity.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateOct 26, 2020

Tracking plague across Eurasia

A study analyzing genomic sequences from historical plague victims suggests that a wildlife reservoir in Eurasia, near Europe's edge, may have seeded epidemics. The research also reveals a common strain responsible for the 1722 Great Plague of Marseille and separate introductions to Scandinavia and the Caucasus region.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2020

Artificially sweetened drinks may not be heart healthier than sugary drinks

Research from the American College of Cardiology found that high consumption of both sugary and artificially sweetened drinks is associated with a higher risk of heart disease. The study analyzed data from over 104,000 participants and found that consuming either type of beverage increased the risk of cardiovascular disease.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateOct 26, 2020