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Science News for April 14, 2021


Artificial intelligence for space

Researchers at University of Würzburg are developing AI technology to analyze images from Mars and other planets, detecting previously unknown anomalies such as circular holes and geysers. The project aims to train AI on board a small satellite in space to learn independently and report discoveries back to Earth.

ACMG Foundation/David L. Rimoin Inspiring Excellence Award honors Catherine A. Ziats, MD

Catherine A. Ziats, MD, received the David L. Rimoin Inspiring Excellence Award for her platform presentation on alterations in respiratory epithelial gene SPDEF and severe disease responses to COVID-19 infection. The award recognizes her contributions to advancing our understanding of host genetic factors associated with severe COVID-19.

3D-printed material to replace ivory

A team from TU Wien and Cubicure has developed a novel 3D-printed material called 'Digory' that can be used as a substitute for ivory in restoring art objects. The new material is processed in a hot, liquid state and hardened with UV rays to create a deceptively authentic-looking ivory substitute.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalApplied Materials Today·DateApr 14, 2021

Dynamical machine learning accurately reconstructs volume interiors with limited-angle data

Researchers at MIT have developed a dynamical machine learning approach to tackle the challenge of reconstructing object interiors from limited-angle data. The method exploits sequential information to improve reconstructions, achieving promising results in weak and strong scattering conditions.

Your neighborhood may affect your brain health

Research suggests that social and economic conditions in neighborhoods can affect brain health, with people living in disadvantaged areas showing faster decline on cognitive tests and more brain shrinkage on scans. The study's findings may indicate the earliest stages of dementia and highlight the importance of monitoring for early signs.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateApr 14, 2021

The ACMG Foundation presents 2021 Pfizer/ACMG Foundation Next Generation Fellowship Awards

Christina Tise, MD, PhD, and Daniel Pomerantz, MD, have been selected as recipients of the 2021 Pfizer/ACMG Foundation Next Generation Fellowship Awards to pursue postgraduate training in clinical laboratory biochemical genetics and medical biochemical genetics. The awards support their one-year fellowships at Stanford University and C...

The American public is responsible for identifying over a quarter of new invasive species

A new study by Resources for the Future found that at least 27% of new invasive pests in the US were initially detected by members of the public. The researchers suggest leveraging the public's role to improve early detection and control of invasive species, which cause significant economic and environmental harm.

SourceResources for the Future (RFF)·JournalConservation Science and Practice·DateApr 14, 2021

New in the Hastings Center Report, March-April 2021

Family clustering is a confirmed phenomenon associated with COVID-19, causing extreme emotional and physical distress among family members. The article provides strategies for patients, doctors, nurses, and families to navigate this challenging situation, including addressing guilt and shame stemming from transmission of the disease.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateApr 14, 2021

ER visits for suicidal behavior declined during the first 8 months of pandemic, U-M study shows

A University of Michigan study found that emergency room visits related to suicide attempts and self-harm decreased by 40% during the first eight months of the pandemic. The decline was observed despite initial concerns about an increase in suicidal behavior during a worldwide crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateApr 14, 2021

Women describe specific techniques to increase their own pleasure

A nationally representative survey of US women identified four techniques to increase pleasure during vaginal penetration: Angling, Rocking, Shallowing, and Pairing. These techniques were previously unnamed in the literature, but provide language for women to communicate and advocate for their sexual pleasure.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 14, 2021

Suicide risk among nurses, physicians

A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry estimated the risk of suicide among nurses and physicians compared to the general population. The study found that these professionals are at a significantly higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateApr 14, 2021

Counting pedestrians to make pedestrians count

A new model developed by MIT's Andres Sevtsuk can estimate pedestrian journeys and trip distribution, providing a solution for planners and developers to better understand foot traffic in cities. The model uses network analysis and real-world data to calculate pedestrian flows, which can be applied to various urban settings.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Planning Association·DateApr 14, 2021

Auxin makes the spirals in gerbera inflorescences follow the Fibonacci sequence

Researchers have found that the spirals in gerbera inflorescences follow the Fibonacci sequence, with the number of left- and right-winding spirals determined by consecutive Fibonacci numbers. The study used X-ray tomography and confocal microscopy to examine how auxin levels influence the patterning of floral primordia.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2021

Study sheds more light on use of oxytocin during labour

A recent study published in The BMJ found that discontinuing oxytocin stimulation during induced labour may lead to a reduced risk of uterine hyperstimulation and abnormal fetal heart rate. This finding suggests that routine discontinuation of oxytocin stimulation could be beneficial in settings with limited monitoring resources.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateApr 14, 2021

Interlayer exciton formation, relaxation, and transport in TMDs van der Waals Heterostructures

Research on interlayer excitons in TMDs vdW heterostructures reveals ultrafast formation, long population recombination lifetimes, and intriguing spin-valley dynamics. The properties ensure good transport characteristics and pave the way for potential applications in efficient excitonic devices.

Lab study solves textbook problem: How cells know their size

A recent study from Dartmouth College has uncovered the mechanism behind how cells determine their size, a crucial process that regulates cell division in growing organisms. The research found that histone H3 plays a key role in this process, releasing an enzyme called Chk1 to bind with another protein and stop cell multiplication.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 14, 2021

Making waves in oceanography

A new theory explains how suspended sediment particles mysteriously move upward on submarine canyon slopes, defying gravity. This discovery helps understand biogeochemical cycles at continental margins and feeding behavior of suspension feeders like baleen whales and krill.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Marine Systems·DateApr 14, 2021

New study reveals charge transfer at interface of spinel oxide and ceria during CO oxidation

A recent study has unveiled a new principle that active charge transfer at the interface between non-noble metals can enhance the catalytic performance of complex oxide catalysts. The researchers found that CeO2-deposited spinel oxide nanocubes exhibited a 12-times higher CO oxidation rate than pristine Co3O4 NCs.

Cultivating Matsutake, valuable edible fungi

Researchers at Shinshu University successfully cultivated matsutake mushrooms by germinating spores and inducing mycelia in the soil of Japanese red pine roots. This breakthrough could lead to an artificial cultivation technique for these valuable edible fungi, addressing declining natural habitats.

SourceShinshu University·JournalMycorrhiza·DateApr 14, 2021

Using sound waves to make patterns that never repeat

Mathematicians and engineers at the University of Utah have developed a method to create quasiperiodic structures using ultrasound waves, which could lead to customizable materials. The researchers created a pattern similar to a Penrose tiling by arranging carbon nanoparticles in an octagonal setup.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 14, 2021

New study reveals brain basis of psychopathy

A Finnish study found that psychopathic criminal offenders and well-functioning individuals with similar traits have altered brain structure and function in emotional regulation areas. The more psychopathic characteristics a person has, the more their brain resembles that of psychopathic criminals.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateApr 14, 2021

Most differences in DNA binding compounds found at birth in children conceived by IVF not seen in early childhood, NIH study finds

A NIH study found that newborns conceived through IVF had certain chemical modifications to their DNA, but these changes were not seen in early childhood. The study also found no differences in growth and development for this group.

HSE University researchers track language abilities of russian children with ASD

A study published in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders describes the language abilities of Russian children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at various linguistic levels. The researchers found significant differences between groups in all subtests, except for the simplest word repetition. Children with ASD had lower accu...

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateApr 14, 2021

Mystery canine illness identified

A 2019-2020 canine vomiting outbreak was identified as a variant of canine enteric coronavirus (CeCoV), affecting male dogs more than females. A national surveillance system is being developed to monitor canine health.

SourceLancaster University·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateApr 14, 2021

Magic mushroom compound performs at least as well as leading antidepressant in small study

In a small study, psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, was found to be at least as effective as a leading antidepressant medication in reducing depressive symptoms. The results showed that depression scores decreased more quickly and were greater in magnitude in the psilocybin group compared to the escitalopram group.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 14, 2021