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Science News for April 19, 2021


People have shaped Earth's ecology for at least 12,000 years, mostly sustainably

A new study reveals that most areas depicted as 'untouched' were actually inhabited and used by human societies for thousands of years, sustaining native biodiversity. The research supports empowering Indigenous peoples and local communities to promote long-term environmental stewardship and conservation.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 19, 2021

What does the study of domesticated birds tell us about the evolution of human language?

Research suggests that tolerance, cooperation, and reduced aggression in domesticated birds are linked to increased language complexity in humans. The study analyzed genomic, neurobiological differences between domesticated Bengalese finch and its wild relative, finding altered stress hormone balance and brain connectivity patterns.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateApr 19, 2021

Airbnb hosts in college towns hike up prices game days to deter rival fans

A new study by the University of California San Diego found that Airbnb hosts in college towns increase their listing prices during home football games against rival teams, resulting in a 78% reduction in rental income. This phenomenon is attributed to strong emotions involved in college football rivalries and financial constraints.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalReal Estate Economics·DateApr 19, 2021

Water muting with THz optoacoustics: A breakthrough for biomedical applications

Researchers have developed a novel method to detect and manipulate the terahertz optoacoustic signal of water, enabling sensitive detection of solutes like ions with an order of magnitude greater sensitivity than traditional spectroscopy. This breakthrough allows for nondestructive analysis of aqueous solutions and tissues, opening up ...

Paternal drinking before pregnancy, risk of birth defects

A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics examined the association between paternal drinking before pregnancy and the risk of birth defects in Chinese children. The research found a significant correlation, suggesting that fathers' consumption of alcohol prior to conception may pose a potential threat to fetal development.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateApr 19, 2021

Science and need -- not wealth or nationality -- should guide vaccine allocation and prioritization

A recent study emphasizes the importance of science and need in guiding COVID-19 vaccine allocation and prioritization. The authors argue that legal status should have no place in decisions about vaccine access and that poorer countries may not be able to widely vaccinate their populations until 2023.

Opioid vaccine in the works

Researchers are developing an opioid vaccine that targets fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, to reduce respiratory depression. The vaccine stimulates the body to create powerful antibodies that bind to opioid molecules, preventing them from reaching the brain and reducing overdose risk.

COVID-19 News from Annals of Internal Medicine

A liver transplant recipient was reinfected with SARS-CoV-2 111 days after initial diagnosis, using genomic sequencing to distinguish relapse from reinfection. Additionally, a study found people of color have substantially higher risks for hospitalization and intensive-level care for COVID-19 compared to White persons

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 19, 2021

Researchers find a way to mend a broken heart

A Monash University study has discovered a way to prevent and reverse the damage caused by broken-heart syndrome, also known as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. The breakthrough uses Suberanilohydroxamic acid to target genes and improve cardiac health.

SourceMonash University·JournalSignal Transduction and Targeted Therapy·DateApr 19, 2021

Learning about system stability from ants

A new type of collective behaviour in ants has been revealed by an international team of scientists. The ants use scaffolds to ensure traffic flow on sloped surfaces, resulting from individual sensing and decision-making without group-level communication. This simple yet effective mechanism may inspire designs for artificial systems.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 19, 2021

DNA robots designed in minutes instead of days

Researchers at Ohio State University developed a new software tool called MagicDNA that can design more complex DNA robots and nanodevices in a fraction of the time. The software allows for 3D design and simulation, enabling fine control over individual component properties and increasing the complexity of overall geometry.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 19, 2021

B cell activating factor possible key to hemophilia immune tolerance

A study by Indiana University School of Medicine researchers has found that B cell activating factor (BAFF) plays a role in the generation and maintenance of inhibitors in hemophilia A patients. Blocking BAFF with a combination therapy may induce tolerance in these patients, offering a potential solution to treatment failure.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 19, 2021

Sustainable chemical synthesis with platinum

Researchers have created a new catalyst that allows for more efficient and sustainable production of aromatic hydrocarbons using renewable sources like woody biomass. The catalyst reduces the need for high temperatures and pressures, minimizing energy costs and emissions.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Catalysis·DateApr 19, 2021

Researchers drill down to the core of wellbeing worldwide

A meta-analysis of 400+ clinical trials involving over 50,000 participants found that mindfulness, positive psychological interventions, and cognitive behavioural therapy can increase wellbeing across different groups. Consistent and prolonged practice is crucial for these interventions to be effective in improving wellbeing.

SourceFlinders University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateApr 19, 2021

Without major changes, gender parity in orthopaedic surgery will take two centuries

A recent study found that it will take over 200 years for women to reach parity in orthopaedic surgery, highlighting the need for substantial changes across education and leadership levels. The research emphasizes the importance of increasing representation of women in medical schools, residency programs, and subspecialty societies.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalClinical Orthopaedics and Related Research·DateApr 19, 2021

Adherence to CMS SEP-1 measures found to have variable effects on patient outcomes

A longitudinal study found that adherence to the Medicare Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock Early Management Bundle (SEP-1) had variable effects on sepsis treatment and patient outcomes. Researchers suggest that clinicians may have discretion in applying SEP-1 components to focus on aspects of care driving improvements in patient outcomes.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 19, 2021

3D deep neural network precisely reconstructs freely-behaving animal's movements

Researchers developed DANNCE, a 3D deep-neural network that can capture behavior and track movement in freely behaving animals from single video cameras. The tool has broad impact on animal behavioral studies, enabling standardized definitions of behaviors and tracing emergence of behavior over time.

Addressing and integrating social determinants of health effective in reducing blood pressure in pat

A study found that addressing social determinants of health improved blood pressure control in patients with diabetes or hypertension in Kenya. The intervention combined community microfinance groups with group medical visits reduced systolic blood pressure by 44% compared to standard care.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 19, 2021

Surpassing the lower limit on computing energy consumption

Researchers have found that using topological insulators in transistors could reduce switching energy by half and the overall energy used by each transistor by a factor of four. This breakthrough could lead to substantial reductions in computing energy consumption, as the industry continues to strive for sustainable technologies.

Sleep disorders and surgery: Anesthesia & Analgesia marks first decade of the Society of Anesthesia and Sleep Medicine

The Society of Anesthesia and Sleep Medicine celebrates its first decade of research achievements in the common ground between sleep and anesthesia. Studies examine the outcomes of patients with undiagnosed sleep disorders or breathing issues undergoing surgery, highlighting the potential for treating perioperative periods as opportuni...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalAnesthesia & Analgesia·DateApr 19, 2021

Association between hearing loss, physical activity

A study analyzed the association between hearing loss and level of physical activity among U.S. adults aged 60 to 69. The findings suggest a significant positive correlation, indicating that lower levels of physical activity may be associated with an increased risk of hearing loss in older adults.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 19, 2021

Where's my horse-sized rabbit?

A research team at Kyoto University investigated the fossil record and evolutionary history of lagomorphs to answer why they don't rival horse sizes. They found that larger herbivore competitors and energetic disadvantage hindered their growth, with body sizes of ungulates being a key predictor.

SourceKyoto University·JournalEvolution·DateApr 19, 2021

Single metasurface for simultaneous detection of SAM and OAM

A team of scientists has developed a single spin-decoupled metasurface that can distinguish between spatial angular moment (SAM) and orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes. The device exploits the geometric phase and dynamic phase to transform vortex beams into focusing patterns, enabling simultaneous detection of SAM and OAM.

NUS researchers discover protein that causes neurological complications in HFMD

Researchers at NUS have identified two new proteins that contribute to EV-A71's ability to invade the central nervous system, making them potential targets for treating severe HFMD cases. This discovery could lead to the development of more effective treatments, particularly for young children affected by this illness.

UK waters are home again to the bluefin tuna

Atlantic bluefin tuna numbers appear to be increasing in UK waters after a long period of decline. Researchers have documented this growth using data from citizen scientists, eco-tourism vessels, and fisheries records, revealing that these fish arrive in May and stay until January, with peak sightings between August and October each year.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalICES Journal of Marine Science·DateApr 19, 2021

Racial violence and the mental health of Black Americans

A new study analyzes the impact of highly publicized acts of racial violence on the mental health of Black Americans. Research suggests that experiencing racism, even vicariously, can harm mental and physical health, and that highly publicized anti-Black violence is strongly associated with poor mental health days among Black respondents.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 19, 2021