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Science News for April 8, 2021


Fostered flamingos just as friendly

Researchers found that fostered flamingo chicks formed stable social ties and behaved like parent-reared birds after rejoining their species. The study provides valuable insights into the success of fostering for conservation breeding programs.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens·DateApr 8, 2021

'Pain is always a perception': Physical therapy can help prevent, treat opioid use disorder

A new model in physical therapy education aims to address opioid use disorder by incorporating topics such as women's health, pediatric care, and sports therapy. By understanding the complex interplay between physical activity, pain perception, and addiction, physical therapists can provide holistic care to patients across the lifespan.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalPhysical Therapy·DateApr 8, 2021

Supportive partners protect relationship quality in people with depression or stress

A new study by UMass Amherst researchers found that couples where one partner is responsive and supportive can maintain better relationship quality despite the other's depression or external stress. The study involved over 200 newlywed couples and found that responsiveness was associated with improved relationship outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateApr 8, 2021

A song of ice and fiber

Sandia National Laboratories has successfully analyzed the first seafloor dataset from under Arctic sea ice using a new underwater technique. The team detected natural and human-caused activities, including ice quakes and transportation activities, while also monitoring for climate signals and marine life.

Unique method to fabricate freeform structures of thermoplastics in microparticulate gels

Researchers at Singapore University of Technology and Design have developed a unique method to fabricate freeform structures of thermoplastics in microparticulate gels. This innovation uses immersion precipitation of polymer inks in microparticulate gels, enabling the creation of mechanically strong components without support materials.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalACS Applied Polymer Materials·DateApr 8, 2021

Higher rates of chronic pain in women linked to genetics

A new study published in PLOS Genetics has found that genetic differences may contribute to higher rates of chronic pain in women. The study analyzed genetic variants associated with chronic pain in 209,093 women and 178,556 men, revealing sex-specific differences in gene activity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateApr 8, 2021

Accelerated cellular aging associated with mortality seen in depressed individuals

A study found that cells from people with major depressive disorder (MDD) have accelerated DNA methylation clocks, indicating an increased risk of mortality. The researchers discovered that these changes persisted even after accounting for lifestyle factors, suggesting a potential biological mechanism underlying the condition.

SourceWalter Reed Army Institute of Research·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateApr 8, 2021

Association of symptoms of PTSD with posttraumatic psychological growth among US veterans during COVID-19 pandemic

A national survey of US veterans found that those with symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experienced positive psychological changes, including personal growth and appreciation for life, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study suggests a complex relationship between PTSD symptoms and posttraumatic psychological growth.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 8, 2021

Graphene: Everything under control

A team of scientists from Bielefeld and Berlin successfully controlled graphene's nonlinearity by applying modest electrical voltages, enabling efficient processing of high-frequency signals. This breakthrough paves the way for using graphene in THz frequency converters, mixers, and modulators.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 8, 2021

New test to study language development in youth with Down syndrome

A new test, expressive language sampling (ELS), has been validated as a reliable tool to measure communication development in youth with Down syndrome. The study found that ELS measures were generally valid and reliable across ages and IQ levels, demonstrating strong validity for vocabulary, syntax, and speech intelligibility variables.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders·DateApr 8, 2021

Altering traumatic memories

Texas A&M researchers have developed a method to indirectly retrieve and weaken fear memories, which could lead to more effective therapy for treating trauma. By reactivating traumatic memories through conditioning procedures, scientists can make them vulnerable to disruption.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 8, 2021

The fastest one wins

A team at the Indian Institute of Science developed a catalytic version of the Fischer indole synthesis that primarily produces one enantiomer. The reaction involves a dynamic kinetic resolution mechanism with a chiral catalyst, resulting in moderate yields and good to excellent enantiomeric selectivity.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 8, 2021

New pig brain maps facilitate human neuroscience discoveries

Researchers have updated a pig brain atlas, increasing its resolution and adding a new atlas for adolescent pigs. The updated atlases will enable more precise studies of brain development and the impact of nutritional interventions on human infants. With improved detail, researchers can now study brain development in pigs up to adulthood.

Children and Corona: More infections than reported cases during second wave in Germany

A German study found that preschool and school children were more infected with SARS-CoV-2 than previously reported cases during the second wave. Antibody tests revealed a significant increase in infections among both age groups, with antibody frequencies up to eight times higher than those reported via PCR testing.

Billboard and storefront ads for cannabis linked to problematic use in teens

A new study found that adolescents who frequently see billboard or storefront advertisements for recreational cannabis are more likely to use the drug weekly and have symptoms of a cannabis use disorder. Researchers used social media sites and apps to recruit 172 teens, ages 15 to 19, who lived in states with legal recreational marijuana.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateApr 8, 2021

Bacteria help plants grow better

A new study found that bacteria in the soil enhance plant growth by promoting lateral root formation and improving nitrogen absorption. This breakthrough could lead to more sustainable agriculture practices by reducing fertilizer use and environmental pollution.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Plants·DateApr 8, 2021

How did 500 species of a fish form in a lake? Dramatically different body clocks

Researchers identify a single nocturnal species of Lake Malawi cichlid that exhibits dramatic differences in body clocks, suggesting an acute response to light. The study reveals that nocturnal behavior is associated with increased eye size, providing insights into the molecular and neural basis underlying variation in nighttime activity.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateApr 8, 2021

Solar and wind power could mitigate conflict in northeast Africa

A new study suggests that expanding solar and wind power across the region could alleviate disagreements between Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt over Africa's largest hydropower plant. Integrating GERD operation with solar and wind power would provide regional win-win situations, benefiting all countries involved.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalNature Energy·DateApr 8, 2021

How to tame a restless genome

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory found that a protein called Asterix/Gtf1 suppresses small specific regions of mobile genetic elements by binding to tRNA molecules. This discovery could lead to understanding how cells protect themselves against these elements and potentially tame an overly restless genome.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 8, 2021

Chronic sinus inflammation appears to alter brain activity

Researchers found altered brain activity in individuals with chronic sinusitis, affecting neural networks that modulate cognition and response to external stimuli. Despite no significant clinical impairment, participants showed subtle brain region communication changes associated with attention decline and sleep disturbances.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·DateApr 8, 2021

Novel algorithm reveals birdsong features that may be key for courtship

Researchers have developed an algorithm to identify features of male zebra finch songs underpinning the distinction between courtship and non-courtship contexts. The study suggests a potential for 'bottom-up' approaches to drive discovery in vocal communication, uncovering previously unidentified features.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateApr 8, 2021

Heart failure and stroke rising in men under 40

A University of Gothenburg study found a significant increase in heart failure and stroke cases among men under 40 in Sweden, attributed to rising obesity rates and declining physical fitness. The study monitored over 1.2 million men for 20 years, revealing a sharp decline in heart attacks despite increasing obesity.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateApr 8, 2021

The tuberculosis pathogen releases its toxin by a novel protein transport system

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have discovered a novel protein transport system in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, allowing the release of its toxin, tuberculosis necrotizing toxin (TNT), into human macrophages. The study reveals that two small Esx proteins form pores in membranes to facilitate TNT secretion.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 8, 2021

Monuments that matter

A new open-access paper calls for archaeologists and history professionals to collaborate with marginalized communities to redress the harm perpetuated by colonialism. The authors suggest preserving damaged monuments alongside contextual exhibits highlighting acts of resistance against white supremacy, shifting attention from preservat...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalAmerican Antiquity·DateApr 8, 2021

Seeing quadruple

The discovery of 12 quadruply imaged quasars using machine-learning techniques will help determine the expansion rate of the universe and address mysteries like dark matter. Quasars are extremely luminous cores powered by supermassive black holes, providing a way to probe the intermediate range of the universe.

Religion follows patterns of politicization during COVID-19

Research reveals that religion can both protect mental health and constrain crisis response among certain groups, ultimately affecting public health efforts. Highly religious Americans, especially evangelicals, experienced less distress during the early days of COVID-19 but were less concerned about addressing the pandemic.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal for the Scientific Study of Religion·DateApr 8, 2021

Mars didn't dry up in one go

A French-US team has discovered that Mars' climate alternated between dry and wetter periods, with lake-deposited clays forming the base of Mount Sharp before drying up completely about 3 billion years ago.

SourceCNRS·JournalGeology·DateApr 8, 2021

Filling the gaps

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a frequency-based inpainting method that enables the use of both frequency and spatial information to generate realistic missing image portions. The technique outperforms state-of-the-art methods in quality metrics such as PSNR, SSIM, and L1.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Electronic Imaging·DateApr 8, 2021