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Science News for April 20, 2021


Study reveals roadmap of muscle decline with age

A comprehensive study in mice reveals a roadmap of muscle decline with age, identifying key molecular mechanisms and potential new treatments. Klotho supplementation improved muscle strength in old but not oldest-old mice, suggesting earlier intervention may prevent declines.

SourceeLife·DateApr 20, 2021

Fast brainwave oscillations identify and localize epileptic brain

Researchers have discovered that fast brainwave oscillations can pinpoint brain tissues responsible for epileptic seizures. The collaborative research leverages noninvasive EEG technology to automatically identify high-frequency oscillations and epileptiform spikes, which are key links related to epilepsy.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 20, 2021

Explanations in online symptom checkers could improve user trust

Researchers at Penn State found that providing explanations for online symptom checker recommendations can increase user confidence and trust in the diagnosis. The study showed that users were more likely to trust the symptoms checker when they received clear explanations of how the system generated its probable diagnoses and suggestions.

Rock glaciers will slow Himalayan ice melt

New research suggests Himalayan rock glaciers, which account for 1/25 of glacial ice, will resist global warming more than traditional 'true' ice glaciers. These slow-moving glaciers are well-insulated and contain about 51 cubic kilometers of ice.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateApr 20, 2021

Astronauts' mental health risks tested in the Antarctic

Researchers found continuous declines in positive emotions among astronauts at two Antarctic stations, without a bounce-back effect after returning home. Positive emotions such as satisfaction and enthusiasm are crucial for thriving in high-pressure settings, and interventions targeting these may reduce psychological risk.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalActa Astronautica·DateApr 20, 2021

Filling federal oversight gaps

The withdrawal of federal regulation on smaller transboundary waters has left individual states with the responsibility to fill in the gaps, but evidence suggests this may not lead to desired outcomes. Research highlights the flaws in the 2020 Navigable Waters Protection Rule's economics analysis and the failure to account for economic...

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalScience·DateApr 20, 2021

Researchers raise alarm over stalled adoption of biotechnology to improve food security

A team of researchers calls on governments worldwide to support the adoption of biotechnologies to improve crop production and combat climate change. They argue that societal acceptance of technologies like gene editing is a major obstacle, highlighting the need for effective communication and advocacy to gain public confidence.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalTrends in Plant Science·DateApr 20, 2021

'Undruggable' cancer protein becomes druggable, thanks to shrub

A chemist at Purdue University has found a way to synthesize a compound that can fight a previously 'undruggable' cancer protein with benefits across various cancer types. The compound, curcusone D, was discovered in a shrub native to North America and has shown potent anti-cancer activity against breast cancer cells.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 20, 2021

Brain-on-a-chip would need little training

Researchers at KAUST developed a brain-on-a-chip that can learn real-world data patterns without extensive training, leveraging spiking neural networks and spike-timing-dependent plasticity model. The system is more than 20 times faster and 200 times more energy efficient than other neural network platforms.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Networks and Learning Systems·DateApr 20, 2021

Better marketing for a better world

This special issue of the Journal of Marketing explores how marketing can contribute to a better world by examining its impact on outcomes beyond financial performance. It highlights research on topics like sustainability, economic empowerment, health, and prosocial giving.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateApr 20, 2021

Green energy technology

Versogen, a UD spinoff company, has developed patented membrane technology to produce low-cost green hydrogen at scale using a new class of low-cost electrolyzer technology. This technology aims to decarbonize heavy industries and reduce industrial carbon emissions in an environmentally responsible way.

Is social media use a potentially addictive behaviour?

Research at University of Strathclyde suggests frequent social media use is not necessarily linked to addiction, contradicting previous studies on attentional bias. The study tested participants' attention towards specific apps and found no association with self-reported addictive severity or established measures of engagement.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalJournal of Behavioral Addictions·DateApr 20, 2021

Understanding our restoring force

A research team led by Michigan State University found that restoration benefits outweigh detriments from land use history two-to-one. Despite the benefits, restoration could not erase all of farming's lasting effects. The study provides insights for ecologists to target restoration efforts effectively.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 20, 2021

AI agent helps identify material properties faster

A team of researchers has developed an AI agent called Crystallography Companion Agent (XCA) to analyze X-ray diffraction data and identify material properties faster. The agent collaborates with scientists to perform autonomous phase identifications, overcoming traditional neuronal network overconfidence.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Computational Science·DateApr 20, 2021

Can extreme melt destabilize ice sheets?

Researchers at Stanford University used a new approach to analyze radar data to show that extreme melt events can create persistent structural changes in the ice sheet, reducing its ability to store meltwater. This change can lead to slippery conditions on the ice bed and speed up the ice sheet's melting.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 20, 2021

New biomaterial regrows blood vessels and bone, RCSI research

Scientists have developed a new biomaterial that regrows both blood vessels and bone, potentially providing an alternative to current systems. The biomaterial was inspired by the natural way in which bone defects regenerate and uses a mechanobiology-informed approach to promote both angiogenesis and osteogenesis.

SourceRCSI·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateApr 20, 2021

Review summarizes known links between endocrine disruptors and breast cancer risk

A comprehensive systematic review of epidemiological research found a link between certain endocrine-disrupting chemicals and increased breast cancer risk. For example, DDT, PCBs, and PFOA were associated with higher breast cancer incidence in some studies, while phytoestrogens like genistein showed potential protective effects.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalCritical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition·DateApr 20, 2021

Crucial action needed for coral reefs

Over 500 million people rely on coral reefs for protection and resources, but these ecosystems are threatened by global warming. A team of scientists recommends a massive energy transition as the most effective action to limit coral reef decline, with international political support necessary.

SourceCNRS·JournalBiological Conservation·DateApr 20, 2021

Designing healthy diets - with computer analysis

A new mathematical model developed by Chalmers University of Technology can predict how different bacteria interact and affect the intestinal microbiome. The model was tested on two clinical studies, one involving Swedish infants and another adults in Finland, showing high accuracy in predicting multiple variables.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 20, 2021

Human land use wasn't always at nature's expense

A study combining global maps of population and land use with biodiversity data reveals effective environmental stewardship by Indigenous and traditional peoples. Human transformation of terrestrial nature has been long-standing, contradicting the assumption that development is inherently destructive.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 20, 2021

The COVID-19 is a unique opportunity to move towards more sustainable and equitable society

The COVID-19 crisis has emphasized the need to adapt to global environmental changes, with researchers highlighting the importance of shifting societal priorities from economic growth to human well-being and environmental health. A sustainable transition requires a cohesive and inclusive society where people adhere to collective action...

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalSustainability Science·DateApr 20, 2021

Reliably detecting cocoa off-flavors

A team of scientists has identified key odorants responsible for musty and moldy-smoky cocoa flavors using a molecular sensory science concept. The research provides an objective method to assess fermented cocoa's sensory quality based on odorant concentrations, benefiting the food industry with reliable identification of off-flavors.

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateApr 20, 2021

2D nanomaterial MXene: The perfect lubricant

Researchers from TU Wien and international partners discovered MXene's exceptional properties as an ultra-durable dry lubricant, reducing friction to one sixth and withstanding 100,000 movement cycles without issues. Its heat resistance and independence from atmosphere and temperature make it suitable for various industrial applications.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 20, 2021

Gold digger: Neural networks at the nexus of data science and electron microscopy

Researchers at Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience used machine learning to develop Gold Digger software that can accurately identify gold particles bound to specific proteins of interest. The software uses a deep learning approach to distinguish gold particles from shadow artifacts with near-human level accuracy.

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 20, 2021

Probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus shows promise for treating inflammatory bowel disease and other intestinal inflammation disorders

Researchers found that probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus strain LA1 generates a rapid and sustained enhancement of the intestinal barrier, effectively treating intestinal inflammation. The study also showed that LA1 can prevent colonic inflammation formation and promote healing in mice with induced colitis.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateApr 20, 2021

Specialized technique captures unique protein structures in neuropathy disorders

Researchers have developed a specialized technique to capture unique protein structures associated with neuropathy disorders, such as Charcot Marie Tooth and Dejerine-Sottas syndrome. The technique, ion mobility-mass spectrometry (IM-MS), reveals that an unstable mutant version of the PMP22 protein forms a stable complex called a dimer.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 20, 2021

Research brief: Improving drug efficacy against prostate cancer and related bone growths

Researchers developed a system to deliver nucleotide-based drugs more effectively into primary tumor tissue and bone metastases, improving their clinical efficacy. The study found that iRGD-liposomes significantly enhanced the ability of antisense oligonucleotides to inhibit prostate cancer growth and prolong tumor suppression.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateApr 20, 2021

Examining clinician burnout

Researchers investigated the association of clinician burnout with clinician type, sex, work culture and use of electronic health records. The study found that burnout is more prevalent among certain types of clinicians and in work cultures with heavy reliance on technology.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 20, 2021

How the language you speak aligns to your genetic origins and may impact research on your health

A recent study has found that South-Eastern Bantu-speaking groups are genetically diverse, with distinct languages and histories, and cannot be treated as a single entity in disease research. This discovery may lead to more accurate genetic analysis and better understanding of complex diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 20, 2021

URI oceanographers reveal links between migrating Gulf Stream and warming ocean waters

A recent study by URI researchers shows that the Gulf Stream's position relative to the Grand Banks of Newfoundland can predict rapid warming of the Northwest Atlantic Shelf. The team used satellite data to observe the mechanism behind these changes, which block the southwestward transport of cold water and lead to marine heat waves.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateApr 20, 2021