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Science News for April 27, 2021


Middle East and North Africa: Heatwaves of up to 56 degrees Celsius without climate action

A new study predicts that ignoring climate change will lead to life-threatening heatwaves in the region, with temperatures reaching up to 56 degrees Celsius and affecting 600 million people. The research team recommends immediate climate change mitigation measures to avoid such extreme events.

SourceCMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·DateApr 27, 2021

'Smart shirt' takes a trip to space for science

Researchers developed a non-intrusive Bio-Monitor shirt to track astronauts' health during spaceflight, providing continuous measurements of heart rate, breathing rate, and physical activity. The study found significant reductions in physical activity during spaceflight, highlighting the potential for early warning systems.

Study reports links between blood types and disease risks

Researchers have found a link between certain blood types and increased risk of diseases such as kidney stones, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and bleeding conditions. A study scanning health data on over five million people revealed new connections and confirmed previously reported associations.

SourceeLife·DateApr 27, 2021

Study first to explore combined impacts of fishing and ocean warming on fish populations

A new study by the University of Melbourne found that combining fishing and ocean warming has a devastating impact on fish populations. The research, published in PNAS, discovered that four generations are needed for the effects to manifest, with strongest declines observed where large individuals were fished out.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 27, 2021

Nature provides inspiration for breakthrough in self-regulating materials

Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed a platform for interactive soft materials that can respond to external stimuli in predictable ways. By mimicking the natural oscillators found in animals, the team created a diverse array of oscillators that can move in unison and adapt to changes in light and temperature.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 27, 2021

Using big data to save babies

Researchers used machine learning to analyze data from preterm infants with BPD, identifying clusters that predicted comorbidities and rehospitalizations. This could lead to earlier and more precise diagnoses, enabling personalized treatments.

Exercise reduces risk of airway disease

A recent study published in Radiology found that regular exercise can reduce the long-term risk of bronchiectasis, a potentially serious airway disease. The study, which analyzed data from over 2,000 healthy young adults, found that preservation of cardiorespiratory fitness was associated with lower odds of developing bronchiectasis.

Heat-inactivation method successfully neutralizes coronavirus in less than a second

A team of researchers at Texas A&M University has successfully developed a heat-inactivation method that can neutralize the coronavirus in less than a second. This innovative approach uses high temperatures to break down the virus, providing a potential solution for mitigating the spread of COVID-19. The findings have significant impli...

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalBiotechnology and Bioengineering·DateApr 27, 2021

Climate crises in Mesopotamia prompted the first stable forms of State

Severe droughts prompted landowners to grant rights to non-elites, who promoted institutional changes through cooperation. Climate shocks also influenced agricultural activities and social orders in developing countries., Climate crises in Mesopotamia led to the development of cooperative relationships between elites and non-elites.

SourceUniversità di Bologna·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 27, 2021

Fishing in African waters

African waters contribute to global fish supply, generating $15 billion for Africa's GDP in 2011. However, climate change and pollution threaten fish stocks, raising concerns about sustainability. A new study uses AIS satellite data to describe spatial characteristics of African and foreign industrial fishing activities.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalFish and Fisheries·DateApr 27, 2021

The new EU climate target could phase out coal power in Europe as early as 2030

A new EU climate target of cutting emissions by 55% by 2030 will dramatically speed up the decarbonization of Europe's power sector, leading to a significant phaseout of coal power. Renewable energies are expected to contribute nearly three-quarters of power generation in 2030 and reach zero emissions in the power sector by 2040.

Switching to light

A team of scientists at the University of Freiburg has developed a new optogenetic tool called BLADE that allows for controlled expression of genes in Escherichia coli using blue light. This breakthrough simplifies biotechnology methods and enables targeted protein production and signaling process studies.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateApr 27, 2021

Don't go fracking my heart

A new study found that people living near fracking sites are at a higher risk of heart attacks, with rates increasing by 1.4-2.8% depending on age group and level of activity. The research also highlights the potential negative impact of fracking on cardiovascular health in rural communities.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateApr 27, 2021

Plasma acceleration: It's all in the mix

Researchers at DESY have achieved two critical milestones in developing innovative plasma accelerators. By combining nitrogen and artificial intelligence, they significantly reduced the energy distribution of accelerated electron bunches, a crucial property for various applications. The team also successfully used AI to optimize the ac...

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 27, 2021

Circadian clock in the mouse placenta

A study reveals that the mouse placenta's circadian clock regulates the expression and activity of ABCB1, a drug efflux transporter, in a 24h rhythm. This finding suggests that the timing of maternal treatment could be crucial to avoid non-desirable effects on foetal development during pregnancy.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalDevelopment·DateApr 27, 2021

Droperidol most effective sedation medication for agitation with less sides effects

A randomized trial found that droperidol was more effective than lorazepam or ziprasidone for sedation in patients with acute undifferentiated agitation. Additionally, it was associated with lower rates of respiratory depression compared to the other medications. The study suggests that larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateApr 27, 2021

Could corals use sound to communicate?

Researchers found evidence of sound-related genes in corals, which could enable them to use sound to interact with their environment. This discovery has significant implications for understanding coral communication and developing restoration and conservation projects to protect these critical ecosystems.

New approaches for teaching science remotely arise from the COVID-19 crisis

A new paper explores effective methods for teaching science remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic, including experiential hands-on activities, interactive labs, and environmental science research projects. These approaches enhanced student engagement, collaboration, and learning outcomes, despite the challenges of remote instruction.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Microbiology and Biology Education·DateApr 27, 2021

Life in a wheatbelt oasis

The study highlights the importance of creating and managing habitat oases to protect remaining species in threatened habitats. The research reveals that a diverse array of habitat types is critical for the survival and thrival of birds and other animals, such as the endangered Australian numbat.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalAustralian Journal of Zoology·DateApr 27, 2021

Five new insights in the fight against COVID-19

Researchers have made significant findings in the fight against COVID-19, including a link between long-term blood vessel problems and an increased risk of heart disease. Studies also suggest promising leads for antiviral treatments and potential therapies using stem cells, as well as changes in science education during the pandemic.

Lack of educational opportunities influence drug use for rural youth

A recent study by University of Missouri researcher Wilson Majee found that rural youth who lack access to education are more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as substance abuse. The study suggests that a combination of factors, including poverty, unemployment, and lack of resources, can create feelings of hopelessness and desp...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalHealth & Social Care in the Community·DateApr 27, 2021

Horizontal transmission can cause severe and persistent eye inflammation

A new study by Tokyo Medical and Dental University clinicians reveals that horizontal transmission is responsible for HTLV-1 uveitis, a severe eye inflammation. The patient was treated with corticosteroids, showing promise in managing the condition, but highlighting the need to consider infection route in diagnosis and treatment.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateApr 27, 2021

Incentives could turn costs of biofuel mandates into environmental benefits

Researchers argue that targeted policies and incentives are needed to promote perennial bioenergy crops over cheaper options, reducing nitrogen runoff and improving water quality. In contrast, a cellulosic ethanol mandate with the right policies could provide substantial economic and environmental benefits.

HPV vaccination in young adults

The study estimates that only about 24% of young adults aged 18 to 21 in the United States have been fully vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV). The low vaccination rate is a cause for concern given the significant health risks associated with HPV infection, including cervical cancer and other types of cancer.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateApr 27, 2021