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Science News for October 28, 2020


Shot of alcohol can help an irregular heartbeat

A combination approach of catheter ablation and ethanol infusion significantly reduced atrial fibrillation recurrence rates, with 49% remaining free from AFib after six months. This finding supports the use of the Vein of Marshall Ethanol for Untreated Persistent Atrial Fibrillation (VENUS) trial's treatment as a first-line therapy.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalJAMA·DateOct 28, 2020

A new RNA catalyst from the lab

Scientists at the University of Würzburg have developed a ribozyme that can transfer methyl groups to target RNAs, shedding light on an interesting aspect of evolution. The discovery may mimic a ribozyme that could have been lost in nature, and has potential applications for understanding RNA structure and function.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature·DateOct 28, 2020

Weak equivalence principle violated in gravitational waves

Research reveals that quantum particles can break a key principle of classical physics when passing through gravitational waves, opening up new possibilities for advanced materials and devices. This finding has significant implications for the development of gravitational wave detectors and potential energy harvesting technologies.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal C·DateOct 28, 2020

Artificial intelligence (AI)-aided disease prediction

The article discusses emerging applications of AI-related medicine, including novel diagnostic approaches, metadata analytical methods, and AI-aided treatment applications in preclinical and clinical uses. New progress in AI-aided disease prediction holds tremendous potential for future clinical use.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalBIO Integration·DateOct 28, 2020

Performance test for neural interfaces

Neural interface electrodes play a crucial role in studying the nervous system and developing potential treatments for diseases. A new set of guidelines has been established to standardize the testing of these electrodes, enabling transparent reporting and promoting an efficient scientific process.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Protocols·DateOct 28, 2020

Workplace interruptions lead to physical stress

A recent study by ETH Zurich researchers found that workplace interruptions lead to increased cortisol levels and physical stress. Participants who received chat messages from superiors during a task reported better emotional and cognitive responses to stress.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology·DateOct 28, 2020

Giant lizards learnt to fly over millions of years

Scientists used a new method to show that pterosaurs gradually improved their flight performance over millions of years, adapting their body shape and size to use 50% less energy. The study also revealed that one group of pterosaurs, azhdarchoids, did not improve their flying abilities despite growing in size.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalNature·DateOct 28, 2020

A drop in temperature

Researchers have found a significant decline in average body temperature among healthy adults worldwide, with a drop of 0.09°F per year over the past two decades. The study, conducted in Bolivia and the US, suggests that improved hygiene, clean water, vaccinations, and medical treatment may be contributing factors.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Mathematical Sciences Advances and Applications·DateOct 28, 2020

Let's (not) stick together

Researchers examined Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains in cystic fibrosis patients, revealing unique mucus properties that contribute to antibiotic resistance and immune evasion. The study's findings could lead to the development of more effective mucolytic drugs.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateOct 28, 2020

Cut chores and kill chill time: new advice to boost children's academic achievement

New research from the University of South Australia found that lower light physical activity is related to better numeracy and literacy skills in children. Parents can boost their child's academic success by ensuring they get enough sleep, exercise, and study time, as excessive light physical activity can displace these activities.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalHealth Education & Behavior·DateOct 28, 2020

Understanding long-term trends of stressors on koala populations

A 29-year analysis of koala rescue data in New South Wales highlights the impact of increased human activities and bushfires on koala populations. Disease, particularly chlamydia, was found to be a major stressor, with incidents increasing over time, while release rates dropped and euthanasia rates rose.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 28, 2020

Reforestation plans in Africa could go awry

A new study warns that massive African reforestation efforts could harm ecosystems, as the biomes are divided into distinct types with unique tree species. The researchers analyzed 753 sites in both environments, finding that rainfall, seasonality, and temperature are key environmental factors.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 2020

Nucleus accumbens recruited by cocaine, sugar are different

Researchers found that the nucleus accumbens recruited by cocaine use are largely distinct from those recruited by sucrose, offering a potential solution for treating substance use disorders without affecting biologically adaptive seeking of reward. The study identified specific neuronal ensembles and cell types involved in each response.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateOct 28, 2020

Reduction by reduction: Novel approach to mitigating chromium contamination in wastewater

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science create a novel approach to reducing chromium toxicity in wastewater through the chemical reaction of reduction, employing photocatalysts like titanium oxide and copper complexes. The method has high efficiency and is reusable, providing a promising technology for environmental regulation.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalNew Journal of Chemistry·DateOct 28, 2020

Paracetamol poisonings up

Researchers at ETH Zurich found a link between the increased availability of high-dose paracetamol tablets and a rise in poisoning cases. The study suggests that limiting pack sizes and promoting lower doses could help minimize accidental overdoses.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 28, 2020

Burning biomass fuels at home led to 32% of premature deaths from inhaling fine particles in China in 2014

A new study found that burning biomass fuels like wood and crop residues contributes to 32% of premature deaths due to inhaling fine particle pollutants in China. Residential energy use, especially indoor emissions, pose significant health risks, with indoor PM2.5 concentrations being 3 times higher than outdoor air concentrations.

How hard is it to vote in your state?

A new analysis identifies US states that make voting easiest and those that make it more challenging. States like Oregon, Washington, Utah, Illinois, and Maryland offer convenient options such as online registration, early voting, and mail-in voting.

SourceNorthern Illinois University·JournalElection Law Journal Rules Politics and Policy·DateOct 28, 2020

Study finds seabird ecosystem shift in Falkland islands

A study led by University of Wyoming researcher Dulcinea Groff found that seabird populations in the South Atlantic are shifting their habitats due to climate change, with many species moving to new breeding grounds. The research also highlights the importance of nutrients from seabird guano for maintaining tussac grasslands.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 28, 2020

Waiter! This soup is not fly

New research highlights barriers to adopting insect-based food, including Western consumer acceptance and safety concerns. The larvae offer a high-quality protein source with zinc, iron, and calcium content comparable to meat.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalComprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety·DateOct 28, 2020

Fish banks

A new model forecasts that strategically placing marine protected areas can improve fish populations and increase local catch. The research suggests that protecting an additional 5% of the ocean could boost future catches by 9-12 million metric tons.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 2020

Menstrual dysfunction is more common among young athletes than among non-athletes

A recent study found that young Finnish athletes experience higher rates of menstrual dysfunction compared to non-athletes. However, athletes reported lower levels of body weight dissatisfaction. The study suggests that low energy availability may contribute to menstrual dysfunction in young athletes.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateOct 28, 2020

Answer to Darwin's question

A study of young cichlid species in Nicaraguan crater lakes found that new species can arise within a few hundred years through the involvement of many genes. This contradicts previous theories suggesting that speciation is a slow process driven by simple genetic changes.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature·DateOct 28, 2020

Adults with endocrine disorders have an increased risk of heart disease

The Endocrine Society's Clinical Practice Guideline emphasizes the importance of evaluating high cholesterol and triglycerides in adults with endocrine disorders. The guideline provides recommendations for managing lipid abnormalities and cardiovascular risk in patients with hypothyroidism, menopause, and Cushing's syndrome.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateOct 28, 2020

The chemistry behind self-driving cars

A new article explains how chemistry can help develop materials necessary for fully autonomous vehicles, including efficient batteries and structural materials. Safety features such as sensors and nonstick coatings are also crucial to reducing maintenance and enhancing safety.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateOct 28, 2020

Mountain gorillas are good neighbours - up to a point

New research by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and University of Exeter reveals that mountain gorilla groups are more likely to be friendly with each other when they meet again, even if they had split over a decade earlier. This behavior is similar to human friendships and may help the group share limited space and resources.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateOct 28, 2020

Socio-demographic determinants of overweight and obesity among mothers in South Africa

Research in rural South Africa identifies socio-economic factors as key drivers of overweight and obesity among mothers. The study found that decision-making authority, income level, and family size significantly affect women's health, highlighting the need for evidence-based policies to tackle the region's obesity epidemic.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Public Health Journal·DateOct 28, 2020

Direct observation of a single electron's butterfly-shaped distribution in titanium oxide

Researchers at Nagoya University have directly observed the spatial distribution of a single valence electron in titanium oxide, revealing a butterfly-shaped distribution. The new Fourier synthesis method, called core differential Fourier synthesis (CDFS), can determine orbital states in materials regardless of their physical properties.

SourceNagoya University·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateOct 28, 2020

The National Human Genome Research Institute publishes new vision for human genomics

The National Human Genome Research Institute has published its 2020 Strategic Vision, which describes cutting-edge research priorities and opportunities in human genomics. The vision identifies four focus areas: guiding principles, sustaining and improving genomic research, breaking down barriers, and compelling biomedicine projects.

JNIS: brain-computer allows patients with severe paralysis to text, email, bank

Researchers developed a fully implantable wireless medical device that enables patients with severe paralysis to control computers, smartphones, and other devices without open brain surgery. The Stentrode brain-computer interface restored freedoms for individuals with disabilities, such as texting, emailing, shopping online, and banking.

SourceSociety of NeuroInterventional Surgery·JournalJournal of NeuroInterventional Surgery·DateOct 28, 2020

Smart fluorescent molecular switches based on boron-based compounds

Scientists have created extremely stable fluorescent molecular switches that can be controlled electrochemically, using a particular redox active anion. These systems show large reversible fluorescence modulation and are soluble in many organic solvents, making them suitable for applications in biosensing, imaging, and drug delivery.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateOct 28, 2020