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Science News for September 14, 2020


Hostility linked with higher risk of death after second heart attacks

A recent study published in the European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing found that heart attack patients who exhibit hostile behavior are at a higher risk of dying from a second heart attack. The study, which included over 2,300 heart attack survivors, suggests that improving hostile behaviors could be a positive move for patients.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing·DateSep 14, 2020

City-dwelling mosquito and malaria risk in Africa

A study suggests that urban mosquito species Anopheles stephensi could spread to dozens of cities across Africa, putting millions at higher risk of contracting malaria. The authors used location data and spatial models to predict the spread of this Asian mosquito species in Africa, identifying 44 highly suitable locations.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 14, 2020

Predicting the slow death of lithium-ion batteries

A new algorithm developed by Stanford University scientists can accurately predict the remaining storage capacity and charge level of lithium-ion batteries in real-time. This innovation has the potential to enable smaller battery packs and greater driving ranges in electric vehicles, reducing costs and environmental impact.

SourceStanford University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Control Systems Technology·DateSep 14, 2020

Embryos taking shape via buckling

Researchers from UNIGE have successfully demonstrated that cellular tissues deform through buckling, a phenomenon that could be crucial for understanding embryo development. By recreating the process in vitro and analyzing the mechanical properties of artificial embryos, the team provided quantitative proof of the hypothesis.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateSep 14, 2020

How to harness the power of biosolids to make hydrogen

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a patented technology that harnesses the power of biosolids to produce hydrogen from wastewater, providing a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to existing methods. The approach traps carbon emissions while producing clean fuel, offering a true environmental and economic win.

SourceRMIT University·JournalInternational Journal of Hydrogen Energy·DateSep 14, 2020

Antarctica: cracks in the ice

Researchers have investigated the emergence and development of cracks in glaciers, revealing a feedback process that accelerates fractures and weakening. This process is key to determining the stability of ice sheets and their contribution to rising sea levels.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 14, 2020

The expanding aims of high schools in the 21st century

A Boston College study found that 95% of Massachusetts high schools altered their mission statements between 2001 and 2019, with a focus on students' emotional development, cognitive development, and civic development. The research also showed an increase in career preparation and environmental challenges as school objectives.

SourceBoston College·JournalJournal of Education & Social Policy·DateSep 14, 2020

Gun laws in neighboring states affect state gun deaths, new evidence

A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that weaker gun laws in neighboring states are associated with increased gun deaths in adjoining states. The researchers analyzed 578,022 firearm deaths over a 17-year period and found that stronger state gun policies were linked to decreased firearm deaths.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateSep 14, 2020

Citizens help scientists demonstrate value of protected areas in biodiversity hotspots

A new study shows that protected areas are effective in conserving rare and threatened bird species, particularly those with small ranges or specialized forest habitats. The research used citizen science data from eBird to analyze over 2.6 million bird observations from 7,000 observers across eight tropical biodiversity hotspots.

New study explores if flirting is real and shows it can work

A new study published in the Journal of Sex Research found that internal states, such as romantic or sexual interest, can be conveyed nonverbally through facial expressions. Researchers identified specific facial cues, including a head turn and smile, as representative of flirting, which men are able to recognize with high accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalThe Journal of Sex Research·DateSep 14, 2020

Doctors get plenty of advice on starting treatment; this could help them know when to stop

A new study provides a framework for guideline developers to offer specific guidance on right-sizing care, including when to start and stop treatments or screening. The recommendations are tailored for adult primary care and aim to reduce unnecessary testing and treatment, improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateSep 14, 2020

Neural cartography

Researchers demonstrate a new x-ray microscopy technique called x-ray holographic nano-tomography (XNH) that can image large volumes of brain tissue at high resolutions. This technique, combined with artificial intelligence-driven image analysis, enables the comprehensive cataloging of neurons and tracing of individual neurons from mus...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateSep 14, 2020

Animals' magnetic 'sixth' sense may come from bacteria, new paper suggests

Researchers propose a hypothesis that animals use magnetotactic bacteria in a symbiotic relationship to gain a magnetic sense, which could improve human navigation and inform ecological research. The study found evidence of magnetotactic bacteria associated with various animal species, including sea turtles, birds, and mammals.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateSep 14, 2020

Certain coping strategies can help offset pandemic's mental health hits

Researchers at Penn State found that certain coping techniques, such as wearing masks and focusing on self-care, were associated with positive mental health outcomes during the pandemic. These strategies, along with protecting oneself from COVID-19 and seeking support, can help bolster mental health.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateSep 14, 2020

Hints of life on Venus

Astronomers have discovered phosphine in the clouds of Venus, leading to speculation about the presence of microbial life. Calculations suggest that terrestrial organisms would need to operate at 10% of their maximum productivity to produce the observed quantity of phosphine.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalNature Astronomy·DateSep 14, 2020

IU researchers trace the outlines of two cultures within science

A study by Indiana University researchers reveals two distinct scientific cultures within the movements of open science and reproducibility. Open science is associated with more prosocial language, increased participation from women and underrepresented groups, and a culture that promotes transparency and collaboration.

SourceIndiana University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 14, 2020

New study from MD Anderson and BridgeBio's Navire Pharma shows SHP2 inhibition overcomes multiple therapeutic-resistance mechanisms in lung cancer

A preclinical study from MD Anderson and BridgeBio's Navire Pharma shows that SHP2 inhibition can overcome osimertinib resistance in lung cancer. The study found that IACS-13909 suppressed tumor cell proliferation and caused tumor regression in various activated kinase-driven models.

Expansion of rice agriculture in Southeast Asia

The study found that paddy rice farming and grasses increased significantly between 2,700 and 2,000 years ago, indicating anthropogenic deforestation and expansion of rice agriculture in southern China and Southeast Asia. Over the past 3,000 years, coastal landscapes expanded coinciding with suitable land for growing rice.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 14, 2020

Some but not all US metro areas could grow all needed food locally, estimates study

A study by Tufts University researchers estimates that some but not all US metro areas could grow all the food they need locally, based on population, geography, and diet. The modeling study suggests that reducing animal products in the diet can increase the potential to produce sufficient food for a metro area.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateSep 14, 2020

Facebook anniversaries inspire reflection, nostalgia

A new study from Cornell University finds that Facebook anniversaries, like birthdays, prompt users to reflect on time and patterns in their lives. This tradition stems from newspapers' 'on this date' lists, which encourage people to put time into perspective by remembering significant events.

SourceCornell University·JournalNew Media & Society·DateSep 14, 2020

Guidance balances staph infection prevention in critically ill infants with family contact

A new white paper from the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America provides targeted screening and decolonization strategies to prevent Staphylococcus aureus infections in critically ill infants. The guidance balances infection prevention with the need for skin-to-skin contact with parents and siblings.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateSep 14, 2020

Magnetic field with the edge!

A team of Indian and Japanese physicists have overturned the six-decade old notion that giant magnetic fields in plasma evolve from small scales. Instead, they originate at macroscopic scales defined by the boundaries of electron beams, leading to a new understanding of magnetic fields in astrophysical scenarios and laser fusion.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateSep 14, 2020

You can train your brain to reduce motion sickness

Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a training tool to reduce motion sickness susceptibility by over 50% using visuospatial exercises. This method has shown promise in both driving simulators and on-road experimentation, with potential applications in autonomous vehicles and other domains.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalApplied Ergonomics·DateSep 14, 2020

Touch-and-know: Brain activity during tactile stimuli reveals hand preferences in people

Researchers distinguish between brain activities of right-handers and left-handers using functional near-infrared spectroscopy, revealing asymmetry in response to passive touch stimulations. The study may have implications for brain-computer interfaces, rehabilitation robotics, and cognitive enhancement treatments.

The intricate protein architecture linked to disease

Researchers at the University of Leeds have visualised the structure of amylin fibrils, a key player in type 2 diabetes, and discovered an intricate architecture that makes some sequences more prone to aggregation. This finding suggests a potential explanation for the rapid onset of disease in individuals with early-onset type 2 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateSep 14, 2020

Reducing nitrogen with boron and beer

Researchers from the University of Würzburg have developed a method to convert nitrogen to ammonium at room temperature without using transition metals. The key to this process is the use of boron and water, which enables sequential reactions that bring the team close to producing ammonia.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Chemistry·DateSep 14, 2020

Possible marker of life spotted on venus

A team of international researchers has detected phosphine gas in Venus' clouds, a potential biosignature indicative of life. The finding is significant as it rules out natural non-biological processes that could produce the same amount of phosphine.

SourceESO·JournalNature Astronomy·DateSep 14, 2020

Smart virus

Researchers at HSE University have discovered microRNA molecules that can bind to coronavirus genomes, slowing down their replication and potentially allowing the virus to delay an active immune response. The study found four families of human miRNAs with binding sites for all seven types of human coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2.

A warm Jupiter orbiting a cool star

Astronomers have detected a Jupiter-sized planet, TOI-1899 b, orbiting a low-mass star, providing insights into the formation of giant planets. The discovery was made possible by the Habitable-zone Planet Finder spectrograph and offers a unique opportunity to study the properties of warm Jupiters.

On the road to conductors of the future

Scientists have introduced a new finding about hydrogen sulfide, producing superconducting structures at relatively high temperatures. The discovery uses stoichiometric H3S produced by heating elemental sulfur with excess hydrogen under pressure.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 14, 2020