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Science News for August 11, 2021


Fine aerosols emitted during talking and singing may play a crucial role in COVID-19 transmission: Singapore study

A new study found that fine aerosols generated during talking and singing can contain more viral particles than coarse aerosols, highlighting the importance of reducing exposure to these particles in indoor environments. The research suggests that these aerosols may play a significant role in SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateAug 11, 2021

Less is more: 'Reduction' allows for cleaner and more efficient catalytic reactions

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a high-yield synthesis pathway through reduction of rhodium complexes, enabling the addition of electron-deficient boron groups to arenes. This new strategy uses a cyclopentadienyl-rhodium-based catalyst and produces arylboronates with high yields and cleaner conditions.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

Pumping iron: Inhibition of key pathway promotes iron-dependent cell death in pancreatic cancer cells

Researchers have discovered that inhibiting the GOT1 enzyme can promote ferroptosis, a type of programmed cell death, in pancreatic cancer cells by conserving nutrients and releasing iron stores. This study provides a new potential therapeutic target for treating pancreatic cancer.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

What does ride-hailing mean for parking?

Researchers investigate associations between ride-hail trips and on-street parking occupancy in Seattle, predicting decline if ride-hail demand exceeds 2.24 times the 2016 average. Flexible parking policies can manage changes driven by ride-hailing, but cities must plan ahead.

SourcePortland State University·JournalCase Studies on Transport Policy·DateAug 11, 2021

More pepper, please

Researchers found that pepper plant fruit scents contain complex mixtures of volatile organic compounds, including alpha-caryophyllene and 2-heptanol, which attract specific bat species. The study suggests bats use these chemical signals to select ripe fruits and find the specific Piper species they eat most.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

Study shows differences in rapidly processing sensory feedback among people with autism spectrum disorder

A study of over 200 individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) found key differences in their fine motor control and eye movements compared to neurotypical peers. The research highlights the importance of considering multiple systems, including feedback and feed-forward systems, in understanding sensorimotor deficits in ASD.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalMolecular Autism·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 11, 2021

Rare new orchid species just discovered in the Andes

In Ecuador's northwestern Andes, researchers from WSL and Aves y Conservation identified three new endemic orchid species, including Lepanthes microprosartima and Lepanthes caranqui. These rare species are threatened by habitat destruction and human activities, prompting conservation efforts to protect them.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalPhytoKeys·DateAug 11, 2021

Will COVID-19 become a mostly childhood disease?

New modeling results suggest that COVID-19 may behave like common-cold coronaviruses, affecting mostly young children who have not been vaccinated or exposed. The overall burden from this disease is expected to decline due to lower severity in children.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 11, 2021

Stanford researchers develop a better way to track methane in the skies

A new model developed by Stanford researchers provides a more accurate baseline for tracking methane emissions from oil and gas operations. The model, which uses bottom-up approach with component-level data, closely approximates top-down inventories and highlights specific activities that should be targeted for remediation or regulation.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 11, 2021

Younger children in a school class at greater risk of long-term negative outcomes like low educational achievement and substance misuse

New research from King's College London found that younger children in a school class are more likely to experience low educational achievement, substance misuse disorder, and depression. However, ADHD symptoms may be less of a concern for these young students.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateAug 11, 2021

Science alone won’t save humpback dolphins

The Indian Ocean humpback dolphin is on the brink of extinction with fewer than 500 individuals remaining in South African waters. A multi-stakeholder approach is necessary to address the cumulative effects of human activities, including coastal construction and pollution, which are impacting population numbers.

SourceStellenbosch University·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeContent analysis·DateAug 11, 2021

Researchers link brain memory signals to blood sugar levels

A new study published in Nature found that brain signals known to help memories form may also regulate metabolism and lower blood sugar levels. Researchers discovered that clusters of hippocampal neurons firing in cycles, called sharp wave ripples, were followed by decreases in blood sugar levels, possibly through the release of hormones.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

Understanding lung damage in patients with COVID-19

Researchers used a hamster model to study COVID-19 lung damage, discovering that the immune system's response plays a crucial role in disease progression. They found that certain cells involved in lung immunity ingest the virus, triggering an inflammatory response that can be brought under control by T cells.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateAug 11, 2021

A fast, accurate system for quickly solving stubborn RNA structures from pond scum, the SARS-CoV-2 virus and more

A new system developed at Stanford University and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory determines the 3D structures of RNA-only molecules with high resolution, applying it to a ribozyme from pond scum and a piece of viral RNA from SARS-CoV-2. The study reveals tiny pockets in the viral RNA that could be targeted for COVID-19 treatments.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 11, 2021

Like humans, apes communicate to start and end social interactions

A study published in iScience found that apes purposefully use signals to start and end interactions, similar to human politeness. The researchers observed that the social dynamics between interacting apes affected the communication efforts used, with closer bonobo pairs showing shorter entry and exit phases.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·TypeObservational study·DateAug 11, 2021

Getting oxygenated blood to exercising muscles

Researchers at ETH Zurich discovered that exercise promotes the formation of thin blood capillaries in muscles by stimulating cell division of endothelial cells with high levels of ATF4. These 'metabolically primed' cells are activated to form new vessels, leading to improved blood supply to exercising muscles.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeNews article·DateAug 11, 2021

New COVID-19 vaccine moves ahead

A South Australian-developed SARS-CoV-19 vaccine has shown promising results in early animal testing, confirming its safety and effectiveness in preventing COVID-19 lung infection. The vaccine, named COVAX-19, incorporates an adjuvant derived from a plant sugar called inulin.

SourceFlinders University·JournalVaccine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

Study shows privilege, politics influence vaccine’s racial disparity

Researchers found that socioeconomic privilege and political ideology play a significant role in racial disparities in COVID-19 vaccination rates. Counties with higher median incomes displayed lower disparities, while county-level educational disparities had a greater impact on unequal vaccination rates.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 11, 2021

Alginic acid improves artificial bones, study shows

A study published in the Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine found that alginic acid improves artificial bones by increasing porosity, compressive strength, and setting time. The addition of alginic acid to calcium phosphate cement enhances its mechanical properties, allowing for more effective bone replacement.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalJournal of Materials Science Materials in Medicine·TypeNews article·DateAug 11, 2021

A COVID-19 vaccine strategy to give the body ‘border protection’

A new research strategy enhances COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness by providing 'border protection' immunity in the nose, mouth and blood. The approach involves suppressing an enzyme that breaks down both pathogens and immune cells, resulting in a robust antibody response and improved protection against infections.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

World-first COVID vaccine booster randomized clinical trial in transplant patients proves third shot is very effective

A randomized clinical trial of third dose COVID-19 vaccine booster for transplant patients shows improved antibody levels and neutralizing antibodies, as well as a robust T-cell response. The study found that the third dose was safe and well-tolerated, with minimal side effects.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 11, 2021

Study: Domestic control of COVID-19 takes priority over international travel bans

A new study suggests that taming domestic transmission of COVID-19 should be prioritized over international travel bans. Researchers found that domestic transmission mechanisms have a limited effect on total confirmed cases in China, but can exponentially magnify the effects of importation if not controlled.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 11, 2021

Characteristics of patients With sunburn

Researchers analyzed claims data to identify key demographic characteristics of patients receiving a sunburn diagnosis. The study found that patients with sunburn tend to be older, female, and have a history of previous sunburns or skin cancers.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateAug 11, 2021

World-first COVID vaccine booster randomized clinical trial in transplant patients proves third shot is very effective

A world-first clinical trial has shown that a third dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine booster is highly effective in protecting transplant patients. The study found that 55% of participants developed antibodies against the virus after receiving the third dose, compared to just 18% in those who received a placebo.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 11, 2021

Pusan National University scientists report single-step synthesis of solid-state sensors for detecting explosives

Researchers have successfully synthesized AIE-active nanoparticles in a single step, producing fluorescent sensors that can detect nitroaromatic compounds with high sensitivity. The novel solid-state sensors show quenching of fluorescence emission on contact with PA, enabling fast and accurate detection of explosives.

SourcePusan National University·JournalDyes and Pigments·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

Study of coral reefs of Pacific Gilbert Islands could provide sneak preview into effects of climate change-induced heat stress globally

Researchers studied Pacific Gilbert Islands coral reefs, a natural laboratory for climate change-induced heat stress. The study found that coral reefs in the region exhibit resistance and resilience to multiple stressors, but are still recovering after over a decade of environmental pressures.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateAug 11, 2021

Human Lyme Borreliosis and Puumala hantavirus infection incidence follow rodent abundance variations in Northern Europe

A study found associations between bank vole abundance variations and Lyme Borreliosis and Puumala hantavirus infections in Northern Europe. The abundance of rodents influences the incidence of these diseases, with Puumala hantavirus infection following rodent abundance fluctuations with a couple of months time lag.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 11, 2021

Southwest National Primate Research Center and Texas Biomed receive continued full accreditation from lab animal care association

The Southwest National Primate Research Center and Texas Biomedical Research Institute have received continued full accreditation from the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) for their exceptional animal care. The institution houses over 2,500 nonhuman primates, including pathogen-free rhesus...

Enabling the next generation of organic solar cells

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered a new way for energy to move in organic materials, allowing for faster conversion of sunlight into electrical power. This fundamental mechanism, called transient exciton delocalization, enables efficient energy transport in organic semiconductors.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

Engineers uncover the secrets of fish fins

A team of engineers discovered that the unique design of fish fins, with layered structures made up of stiff and soft materials, enables them to achieve remarkable dexterity and flexibility. This finding could lead to new materials and technologies for robotic applications and aircraft design.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

Tuning gold nanoclusters for targeted gastric cancer therapy

Gold nanoclusters have emerged as a promising material for cancer nanomedicine due to their excellent biocompatibility and efficient renal clearance. The researchers designed multifunctional AuNCs with a therapeutic component and targeting action, demonstrating the potential for targeted gastric cancer therapy.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalACS Nanoscience Au·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 11, 2021

A robotic fish tail and an elegant math ratio could inform the design of next- generation underwater drones

University of Virginia researchers design a simple way to implement a tunable stiffness strategy in robots, enabling efficient swimming at varying speeds. The approach, inspired by the natural adaptability of fish, uses a programmable artificial tendon to adjust tail stiffness in real-time.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

Anatomy of an earthquake series

A new study published in Nature Communications reveals that seismicity at the Castor gas reservoir was triggered by pore pressure diffusion and the failure of loaded asperities on a shallow fault. The research identified three phases of the crisis, including a fast backward migration of earthquakes that resulted in the largest tremors.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateAug 11, 2021

The Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology study examines thin film surface symmetries

Researchers at GIST develop a non-contact, nondestructive approach to characterize crystal structures in thin films, shedding light on surface symmetries in SrRuO3. The technique offers a platform for structural characterization of surfaces and interfaces using optical techniques.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalApplied Surface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

AI DBT impact on mammography post-breast therapy

A single-center retrospective study found that AI-CAD reduced recall rates and improved accuracy compared to digital mammography (DM) and DBT. The study showed lower recall rates and higher accuracy for DM with AI-CAD, indicating a practical addition to lowering false-positive findings.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 11, 2021

Machine learning analysis identifies 50 conserved genes in both Drosophila fruit flies and humans strongly associated with neurological aging, suggesting potential for further aging-related studies using fruit flies as a model organism

A machine learning analysis has identified 50 genes strongly associated with neurological aging in both Drosophila fruit flies and humans. The study suggests that fruit flies could be used as a model organism to further investigate aging-related processes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

How Hypoxia Influences Spatial Gene Expression Variations in Pancreatic Cancer

Researchers discovered that hypoxia induces regional variations in gene-expression patterns in pancreatic cancer, with specific subpopulations of cancer cells surviving under hypoxic conditions. These findings suggest a link between hypoxia and aggressive tumor behavior, highlighting the need for targeted treatments.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalCancer Biology and Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

17-year study of children associates poverty with smaller, slower-growing subcortical regions

A 17-year study found that children who experienced poverty in preschool had smaller volumes of certain subcortical brain regions, including the hippocampus and thalamus. The researchers also found that these children showed slower growth in these regions over time, leading to poorer cognitive and behavioral outcomes in adulthood.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·TypeObservational study·DateAug 11, 2021