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Science News for August 12, 2021


UVA materials science engineers strive to reduce emissions from aircraft engines

Researchers created a duplex bond coat approach that extends the life of engine components, protecting them from chemical reactions and water vapor. The new coating system uses ytterbium disilicate and hafnium oxide to create a stable and durable barrier against high temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalActa Materialia·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2021

Analysis can predict individual differences in cardiovascular responses to altered gravity

A study by Texas A&M University researchers has developed a simulation-based approach to accurately predict the effects of altered gravity on an individual-by-individual basis. The approach identifies key factors influencing cardiovascular responses and increases accuracy and saving time compared to traditional methods.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·TypeNews article·DateAug 12, 2021

HKUST scientists discover new mechanisms of activity improvement on bimetallic catalysts for hydrogen generation and fuel cells

Researchers at HKUST have revealed how surface ruthenium atoms improve hydrogen evolution and oxidation activities on platinum, opening a new venue for rational design of more advanced catalysts. This discovery rules out widespread theories and opens directions for future design of high-performance bimetallic electrocatalysts.

New study disproves “fast carbs make you fat” claim

A comprehensive analysis of data on nearly two million adults found that high-glycemic foods are neither more nor less likely to lead to weight gain than low-glycemic foods. The study suggests that carbohydrate quality, rather than glycemic index, is a more important factor in determining body weight.

SourceThe Cyphers Agency·JournalAdvances in Nutrition·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 12, 2021

Team of disease ecologists documents person-to-person spread of antimicrobial-resistant plague

A recent study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases documents the person-to-person transmission of antimicrobial-resistant pneumonic plague in an outbreak in rural Madagascar. The AMR strain was resistant to streptomycin but susceptible to co-trimoxazole, and all patients treated with antibiotics survived.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateAug 12, 2021

Dolphins get 40s flab, too

A Duke University-led study found that bottlenose dolphins burn calories at a lower rate with age, similar to humans. The researchers measured the dolphins' average daily metabolic rate using the 'doubly labeled water method,' finding that older dolphins used 22% to 49% fewer calories each day than expected for their body weight.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2021

TV ads inspire investment interest

A new study by Cornell University reveals that TV ads significantly influence retail investors' decisions, leading to increased online searches and stock trading volumes. The study found that certain types of ads, such as those airing during prime-time hours or for financial sector products, generated the strongest investor response.

SourceCornell University·JournalManagement Science·DateAug 12, 2021

Adoptive cell therapy plus checkpoint inhibitors show promise in non-small cell lung cancer

Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute found that combining checkpoint inhibitors with adoptive cell therapy improves treatment outcomes for patients with non-small cell lung cancer. The study showed promising anti-tumor activity, with 11 out of 16 patients experiencing tumor regression.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 12, 2021

New insights into how daily energy expenditure changes over the human lifespan

A new study documents distinct changes in daily energy expenditure throughout the human lifespan, from birth to old age. The research, based on a large cohort of humans, reveals that energy expenditure varies significantly across life stages, with rapid increases during infancy and childhood, followed by a plateau through adulthood.

A mobility-based approach to optimize pandemic lockdown strategies

A new approach to modeling COVID-19 spread incorporates real-time data on people's movements, showing promise for optimal lockdown policies. The study suggests a balance between controlling the pandemic and minimizing economic costs can be achieved through mathematical models and Google mobility data.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 12, 2021

More than one in ten COVID-19 patients infected in hospital in first pandemic wave

A study published in The Lancet found that at least 11.1% of COVID-19 patients in 314 UK hospitals were infected after admission, with rates rising to 16-20% in mid-May 2020. Researchers attributed the high transmission rates to limited facilities for case isolation, diagnostic testing challenges, and airborne transmission.

SourceLancaster University·JournalThe Lancet·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 12, 2021

Genetic enigma solved

A team of researchers has cracked the code on dog coat color patterns by identifying five distinct genetic variants that cause different colors. These variants originated in an extinct species and were introduced into modern dogs through hybridization events.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2021

CDC’s “honor system” mask guidance threatened vulnerable communities

A CDC mask guidance update in May 2021 ignored realities that left vulnerable communities exposed to increased transmission of COVID-19. The guidance relied on the honor system to ensure unvaccinated individuals wore masks, but experts say this approach was flawed due to lack of verification methods.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 12, 2021

Skin cells from frontotemporal dementia patients may prove useful in revealing disease mechanisms and in biomarker and drug research

Researchers discovered that skin fibroblasts from FTD patients exhibit pathological RNA foci, p62 protein-containing vesicles, and defective energy metabolism, which could lead to the development of novel biomarkers and treatments. These findings may also be useful in testing drug effects on FTD patients.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalMolecular Neurobiology·DateAug 12, 2021

Harnessing sunlight to fuel the future through covalent organic frameworks

Researchers highlight the potential of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) in solar-to-fuel production, converting sunlight into hydrogen and other fuels. COF-based photocatalysts have shown promising properties, including improved catalysis and electron delocalization, making them a viable solution for future energy needs.

SourceShoolini University·JournalCoordination Chemistry Reviews·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 12, 2021

Advanced glycation end products and cognitive impairment in schizophrenia

A study found that plasma pentosidine levels, a marker of advanced glycation end products, were significantly associated with impaired processing speed in schizophrenia patients. The results suggest that reducing AGEs may contribute to improving cognitive function and promoting recovery in patients with schizophrenia.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 12, 2021

Batters move their heads to keep their eyes on the ball

Researchers found that batters keep their eye on the ball but move their head to direct their gaze. The study suggests that this movement may help reduce visual calculations needed for accurate bat placement. Further investigation is needed to determine if eye-gaze-based training can improve batting performance.

SourceOhio State University·JournalOptometry and Vision Science·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 12, 2021

Black students disproportionately disciplined with suspensions and detentions in elementary school

A study of over 11,000 elementary school students found Black children are 3.5 times more likely to receive detentions or suspensions than their white peers, even after controlling for socioeconomic factors. This disparity suggests individual biases and systemic racism may be contributing to the findings.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateAug 12, 2021

A leap in understanding

A study published in PNAS uses CRISPR technology to understand how genetic mutations cause hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The research found that specific mutations can lead to changes in the movement of myosin proteins, which are essential for heart contraction. This new understanding has implications for preventing and treating HCM.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 12, 2021

Remember: A personal dosimeter is waiting in your first aid kit!

Scientists from the Institute of Nuclear Physics PAS discovered that medicines like painkillers can be used as makeshift emergency dosimeters due to their composition and standardization procedures. This method is more personal and easier than previous methods, which require breaking down expensive devices.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalIEEE Sensors Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2021

NIH award to tackle early infant morbidity due to increasing incidences of food allergies

A Wayne State University researcher has been awarded a $1.93 million NIH grant to investigate the impact of maternal immunoglobulin D on infant immune protection against food allergies. The study aims to elucidate the mechanisms of placental IgD transfer and its potential as a prophylactic fetal immune education cue.

UMD associate professor awarded $1.5 million to examine the role of copper in heat generation and fat burning, with implications for human health

The University of Maryland associate professor will use genetics, cell biology, and pharmacology to examine the mechanisms of copper transport and its connection to thermogenesis and fat burning. The research aims to improve human health by understanding how copper relates to hypothermia, obesity, and diabetes.

Crystals made to fit

Researchers have developed a novel type of soft hybrid ultramicroporous material that can change its pores to allow acetylene molecules to fit in perfectly. The material binds acetylene with unusual strength and allows for highly selective separation from other gases.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2021

Researchers identify neurons involved in overdose deaths

Researchers identified a group of neurons in the brainstem that plays a key role in opioid-induced respiratory depression, which causes overdose deaths. Blocking these receptors can restore breathing during an overdose, offering potential new treatment targets.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2021

Is it always right to save the lives of premature babies? A radical proposal.

A new proposal aims to enable parents to participate in decision-making about life-saving treatment for premature infants. This balance is crucial as treatment can do great harm, while without it, the infant dies. Guidelines vary between countries, with some allowing treatment up to gestational week 23.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalThe American Journal of Bioethics·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 12, 2021

Origins of mutation

A new study has pinpointed nine processes that lead to most human genetic mutations, including inaccurate DNA copying and chemical damage. The research analyzed 400 million rare DNA variants and identified a set of biological processes responsible for heritable human mutations.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 12, 2021