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Science News for September 2, 2020


Globalization is reweaving the web of life

Researchers found that introduced species have increased mutualistic relationships seven-fold over the past 75 years, reducing ecosystem stability. As geographic isolation breaks down, regions with distinct species combinations are linked, leading to the loss of unique co-evolutionary trajectories.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature·DateSep 2, 2020

Gamifying interventions may improve mental health

A new randomized control trial found that gamifying mobile mental health intervention content improved resilience and reduced attrition. The study showed significant benefits in both resilience and anxiety measurements after five weeks, with the game group retaining 21% more participants than other groups.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 2, 2020

Zooming in on dark matter

A recent study published in Nature has zoomed in on dark matter haloes of varying masses, revealing a surprising similarity in their internal structure. The research team used supercomputers to simulate the evolution of the universe and found that even small haloes have dense centers and spread-out outer regions.

Why naming neurons can help cure brain disease

A unified classification of diverse cell types in the cerebral cortex has been proposed by a Columbia-led team, which could shed light on how our brains work and potentially lead to treatments for diseases. The new system uses single-cell RNA sequencing and can be updated regularly using algorithms.

SourceColumbia University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateSep 2, 2020

Pharma aims to make a better CBD

Researchers are developing CBD-based treatments for chronic inflammatory diseases, such as lupus and multiple sclerosis. Pharmaceutical companies are also working to enhance the potency of CBD by creating more potent derivatives that can be absorbed by the body.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateSep 2, 2020

Researchers identify five types of cat owner

Researchers found distinct categories of UK cat owners, including 'conscientious caretakers' and 'freedom defenders', with differing views on cat welfare and wildlife conservation. The study aims to find a win-win solution for managing cats that benefit both pets and the environment.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateSep 2, 2020

A 'bang' in LIGO and Virgo detectors signals most massive gravitational-wave source yet

Researchers have detected a signal from the most massive black hole merger observed in gravitational waves, producing an 'intermediate-mass' black hole with a mass of up to 1,000 solar masses. The merger released energy equivalent to eight suns and has raised questions about the formation of such massive black holes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 2, 2020

Guilt by dissociation: Study sheds light on serotonin in autism

Researchers at Florida Atlantic University have made significant progress in understanding the role of serotonin in autism. The study found that a specific mutation in the serotonin transporter protein can lead to altered serotonin levels and behavior changes, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms of autism. Further work is neede...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalFrontiers in Molecular Neuroscience·DateSep 2, 2020

Familial incarceration negatively impacts mental health for African American women

Research reveals familial incarceration has a significant impact on mental health for African American women, leading to elevated psychological distress and depressive symptomology. Employment and social roles can alleviate the burden, contrary to previous studies that only examined parents or children of incarcerated individuals.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateSep 2, 2020

Insights into behavior during chimney tops 2 fire could improve evacuation planning

Research at National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) found that people's sense of danger lowers when exposed to smoke, leading to a false sense of security. The most critical factor for evacuation decisions is perceived risk, with increasing perceptions leading to increased likelihood of evacuation.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalInternational Journal of Wildland Fire·DateSep 2, 2020

Using tattoo ink to find cancer

Using tattoo ink and food dyes, researchers have developed new imaging contrast agents that can illuminate cancers, allowing for better differentiation between cancer cells and normal adjacent cells. This breakthrough aims to improve early cancer detection and localization.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalBiomaterials Science·DateSep 2, 2020

Overlap between immunology of COVID-19 and obesity could explain the increased risk of death in people living with obesity, and also older patients

Research suggests that the immunological disturbances found in COVID-19 and obesity overlap, contributing to increased disease severity and mortality. Fat cells accumulate fat and become larger during weight gain, resulting in chronic low-grade inflammation in obesity.

Editors' Choice in Science: an unusual superconductor

Researchers at Peking University discovered a new type of superconductor that remains stable in ambient conditions, exhibiting large critical magnetic fields and strong spin-orbit coupling. This macro-size system with out-of-plane spin polarization has great potential for superconducting electronic and spintronic applications.

SourcePeking University·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 2, 2020

In a mite-y bit of trouble

The extinction of mites, crucial to ecosystems worldwide, is occurring at an alarming rate, threatening environmental health and species survival. Human activities such as habitat destruction and climate change exacerbate the issue.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalAustral Ecology·DateSep 2, 2020

Climate change could increase rice yields

A new study suggests that climate change may increase rice yields in Japan and other tropical areas due to longer growing seasons. Researchers found that combining a normal harvest time with a high cutting height can lead to higher yields in rice ratooning, a farming practice where the crop is cut and regrown.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy·DateSep 2, 2020

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that COVID-19 infection fatality ratios vary significantly by age, race, ethnicity, and sex. The overall noninstitutionalized infection fatality rate was 0.26%, with higher rates among older adults and non-whites, particularly those aged 60 or older, who had an IFR of 1.71%.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 2, 2020

Zooming in on dark matter

The study found that small dark matter haloes have a similar internal structure to larger ones, with smaller clumps orbiting in their outer regions. This could help identify these small objects individually or collectively through future gamma-ray observatories.

SourceDurham University·JournalNature·DateSep 2, 2020

'No, you go first'

A study published in Biology Letters found that house sparrows can learn from each other's behavior and become more daring when approaching new objects. After being paired with a more confident partner, cautious birds were 2.6 times more likely to feed near a new object.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalBiology Letters·DateSep 2, 2020

Partnership leverages evidence-based practices to improve long-term care quality

A US-Canada partnership, Seniors Quality Leap Initiative (SQLI), has shown improvements in pain management and overall quality of care for long-term care residents. By leveraging collective expertise and sharing evidence-based practices, SQLI aims to enhance both quality of care and quality of life for its residents.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJournal of the American Medical Directors Association·DateSep 2, 2020

Rapid HIV, HCV testing at drug detoxification centers led to higher test result delivery

A study found that rapid testing for HIV and HCV at drug detoxification centers led to a higher number of positive test results compared to laboratory-based testing. This approach has the potential to improve healthcare access for individuals with substance use disorders, reducing the risk of transmission and improving treatment outcomes.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateSep 2, 2020

Possible blood-clotting mechanism in COVID-19 found

Researchers at Uppsala University found that a key mechanism of clot formation in COVID-19 may be activation of the complement system, triggered by elevated mannose-binding lectin (MBL) levels and activity. MBL can contribute to a massive activation of the blood coagulation system, resulting in thrombosis.

SourceUppsala University·JournalThrombosis and Haemostasis·DateSep 2, 2020

New study on migration success reinforces need for monarch butterfly milkweed habitat

A recent analysis of tagged monarch butterflies' migration from the US to Mexico found no decline in migration success and contradicts the theory that increased mortality during migration is driving population decline. The study highlights the importance of creating new habitat for milkweed, a crucial plant for monarchs' survival.

SourceIowa State University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateSep 2, 2020

PLOS Special Collection launch: Populations HRSA serves

The HRSA Special Collection examines key challenges faced by populations served by the Health Resources and Administration, including maternal depression, newborn screening, and regional disparities in Black infant mortality. Research findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address these issues.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 2, 2020

Making more of methane

Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) have developed a new method to directly convert methane into commercial products, bypassing multiple energy-intensive stages. The breakthrough uses a molybdenum-zeolite catalyst and identifies two potential activation pathways for carbon-hydrogen bonding.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 2, 2020

Political ads have little persuasive power

A new Yale University study found that political ads have consistently small persuasive effects across various characteristics, including tone, timing, and audience partisanship. The study showed that positive ads work no better than attack ads in influencing voter preferences, regardless of the candidate or party.

SourceYale University·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 2, 2020

Health and social workers divided over whether childhood obesity should be considered a child protection issue, suggests study

A study suggests that childhood obesity should be considered a child protection concern, but disagreements persist among professionals. The research highlights the need for professional guidelines to address the issue, as inconsistent threshold judgments and personal values influence decision-making.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·JournalThe British Journal of Social Work·DateSep 2, 2020

Attacking tumors directly on identification

Scientists have identified a promising new system to attack tumors directly by combining a small biomolecule with a toxic metal complex. The molecule's luminescent properties allow for detection within cells and demonstrate its toxic effect, paving the way for further research into this innovative theranostic system.

Origin of a complex life form revealed

Researchers at McGill University have discovered that bacteria and carpenter ants collaborated to alter the development of the ant embryo, creating a single complex life form. The study reveals that this integration occurred in a series of steps, with the bacteria exploiting existing genetic loci within the ant embryos.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·DateSep 2, 2020

Ambient light alters refraction in 2D material

Scientists at Rice University have created a two-dimensional material with unique optical characteristics that can be controlled by ambient light. This innovation has the potential to aid the development of 3D displays, virtual reality, and lidar systems for self-driving vehicles.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 2, 2020

Effect of dexamethasone on days alive, ventilator-free in patients with COVID-19, acute respiratory distress syndrome

A randomized clinical trial found that intravenous dexamethasone plus standard care increased the number of days patients were alive and free from mechanical ventilation. The study involved 299 patients with moderate or severe acute respiratory distress syndrome due to COVID-19, and the results suggest a potential treatment benefit.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateSep 2, 2020

Kidneys infected with hepatitis C can be safely transplanted into healthy recipients

Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital have successfully treated hepatitis C-infected kidneys in transplant patients using glecaprevir and pibrentasvir. The study shows that early antiviral intervention can cure the virus without serious side effects, paving the way for a significant increase in organ availability.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 2, 2020