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Science News for August 5, 2021


Major Atlantic ocean current system might be approaching critical threshold

A new study suggests that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is losing stability and may be approaching a critical threshold. The AMOC plays a crucial role in regulating Europe's temperatures and weather patterns, and its collapse could have severe global implications.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 5, 2021

C-Crete Technologies’ deep learning methods cast wide net for discovery of novel hybrid organic-inorganic materials

Researchers at C-Crete Technologies have developed a method that utilizes deep learning to quickly predict and design novel hybrid organic-inorganic materials, offering improved materials design for various industries. By feeding quantum mechanics calculations to layered machine learning based on artificial neural networks, they can un...

SourceC-Crete Technologies·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 5, 2021

New PIDS-IDSA guideline on bone infections in children addresses key diagnostic and treatment questions

The new guideline recommends invasive diagnostic tests but acknowledges their potential infeasibility, instead focusing on clinical improvement to transition to oral therapy. It provides thoughtfully reasoned recommendations based on current evidence to help clinicians identify and manage bone infections.

SourcePediatric Infectious Diseases Society·JournalJournal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 5, 2021

Long-term monitoring shows protected areas safeguard bird populations and support federal and state mandates

A new study by Point Blue Conservation Science found that protected areas in central coastal California effectively safeguard bird populations from decline. The research analyzed population trends of 14 bird species and found that 9 had better population trends within protected areas compared to average trends outside.

SourceAmerican Ornithological Society Publications Office·JournalOrnithological Applications·DateAug 5, 2021

Fitness apps keep us moving

Flinders University researchers found that more than half of Australians reported a decline in physical activity during the COVID-19 lockdown, but fitness apps were used by over half of respondents. The study highlights the importance of social support, self-efficacy, and motivation in using physical activity apps to maintain engagement.

SourceFlinders University·JournalPsychology of Sport and Exercise·TypeObservational study·DateAug 5, 2021

Now how did that get up there?

Researchers discovered three phases of growth that explain how cetaceans shift their nasal passage from a parallel to an angled orientation. This finding provides insight into the developmental process and could inform our understanding of cetacean evolution.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Anatomy·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2021

Helping India’s smallholder farmers

A University of Delaware study found that diversifying nutritional strategies is key to improving diets for India's smallholder farmers. The researchers suggest individual-level and community-level approaches, such as growing diverse crops or sharing produce at local markets.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 5, 2021

Counting pandemic behavior to inform public health decisions

Researchers developed a new method to analyze video segments from live streams and estimate the prevalence of mask wearing. The protocol was successfully learned in under an hour and found reliable estimates of mask-compliance, with the potential to provide useful results for decision-makers within 48 hours.

SourceSociety for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc.·JournalDisaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness·TypeContent analysis·DateAug 5, 2021

The science is in: Craft beer is unique

Research using mass spectrometry proteomics identified distinct proteins in craft beers compared to mass-produced brews. The study found that single-brewery analysis revealed significant differences between beer styles, suggesting the use of unique yeast strains or brewing processes.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateAug 5, 2021

No signs of brain injury post-acute COVID-19

A recent study from University of Gothenburg found that all participants achieved normalization of CNS injury biomarkers, regardless of previous disease severity or persistent neurological symptoms. This suggests that post-COVID-19 neurological sequelae are not due to active brain injury, contradicting previous findings.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 5, 2021

Scientists reverse a key hallmark of motor neurone disease in the laboratory

Researchers at The Francis Crick Institute successfully reversed a key hallmark of motor neurone disease by blocking the activity of an enzyme called VCP. This breakthrough, published in Brain Communications, suggests that the abnormal accumulation of proteins involved in RNA regulation might be a factor contributing to the disease.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalBrain Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2021

Lab-grown beating heart cells identify potential drug to prevent COVID-19-related heart damage

A team of scientists at the University of Cambridge has developed a lab-grown model of heart cells that mimic the behavior of real heart cells and are vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The researchers showed that an experimental peptide drug, DX600, can prevent the virus from entering the heart cells and reduce levels of infection.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2021

Sticky toes unlock life in the trees

Researchers found that lizards with sticky toepads prevail in the arboreal environment, accessing new resources unavailable to padless lizards. This evolutionary advantage enables them to stay in trees and rarely leave, whereas padless species often transition to ground life.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalSystematic Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 5, 2021

NUS researchers link neurodegenerative disease protein to defective cholesterol metabolism

Researchers from NUS have discovered that brain cells rely on the TDP-43 protein to maintain the myelin sheath, which is crucial for neuron insulation. The study suggests that restoring cholesterol levels through drug intervention could be a novel therapeutic approach for diseases associated with TDP-43.

Far out: Why political parties go to extremes

A recent study modelled social, economic, and personal factors influencing voters and parties to identify four key levers that tip the balance towards political extremes. Social contagion and macro-economic factors such as employment and economic growth play a significant role in driving polarization.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalJournal of Economic Behavior & Organization·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 5, 2021

Heat-related symptoms affected one-quarter of Americans during summer of 2020

A new study found that one-quarter of Americans suffered from heat-related symptoms in 2020, with women, low-income households, and non-white populations most vulnerable. The research also revealed that the pandemic exacerbated existing vulnerabilities, making it harder for people to access cooling centers and medical care.

Herbal medicines demonstrate potency against bartonella, a disease-causing pathogen, according to new lab study

A new lab study finds that three herbal medicines - Chinese skullcap, Cryptolepis, and Japanese knotweed - have high activity against bartonella henselae and Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria causing Lyme disease. The findings suggest these herbs may be effective in treating tick-borne infections, including babesiosis.

SourceTellMed Strategies·JournalInfectious Microbes & Diseases·DateAug 5, 2021

When provided personalized health resources, patients often share with others

Researchers discovered that almost half of patients who received personalized information about community resources shared them with at least one other person. Individuals in poorer health were more likely to report sharing the information, and those who visited or used a resource on their list were also more likely to share it.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJournal of the Association for Information Science and Technology·DateAug 5, 2021

Neural network detects protein-peptide binding sites to kick-start peptide drug discovery

Researchers have developed a neural network model called BiteNetPp to detect protein-peptide binding sites, enabling the design of peptide-based drugs. The model consistently outperforms existing methods and can analyze a single protein structure in under a second, making it suitable for large-scale studies.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalJournal of Chemical Information and Modeling·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 5, 2021

Astonishing diversity: Semiconductor nanoparticles form numerous structures

Researchers have observed the self-organisation of lead sulphide nanoparticles in real time, revealing a surprising diversity of structures. The team used X-ray scattering to study how the particles assembled into ordered superlattices, finding that the final structure depends on factors such as solvent type and ligand density.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalChemistry of Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2021

Two PrEP medications are now available. Equally safe/effective. The biggest difference? The price tag.

A new study found that only 7% of patients who switched from Truvada to Descovy had a documented clinical reason for doing so, highlighting the need for cost-effective PrEP options. The significant price difference between the two medications may be a major barrier to broad and equitable PrEP use in the US.

SourceHarvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute·JournalOpen Forum Infectious Diseases·DateAug 5, 2021

Brain-inspired highly scalable neuromorphic hardware presented​

Researchers at KAIST have developed a brain-inspired highly scalable neuromorphic hardware by co-integrating single transistor neurons and synapses. This innovation dramatically reduces hardware cost and accelerates the commercialization of neuromorphic hardware, enabling its application in mobile and IoT devices.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience Advances·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 5, 2021

Positive Aerin Medical AERWAY study results published showing effectiveness of VivAer® for nasal obstruction patients with nasal valve collapse

The AERWAY study published in the Journal of Otolaryngology and Rhinology found significant symptom improvements in patients treated with VivAer for nasal airway obstruction due to nasal valve collapse. The non-invasive treatment modality remodels tissue in the nasal valve, providing long-term relief from nasal congestion.

SourceAerin Medical·JournalJournal of Otolaryngology and Rhinology·DateAug 5, 2021

Robotic scanner automates diagnostic imaging in the eye

Researchers at Duke University developed a robotic imaging tool that can automatically detect and scan patients' eyes for eye diseases, producing clear images in under 50 seconds. The system uses optical coherence tomography and is designed to be safe and accessible for optometrist offices, primary-care clinics, and emergency departments.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2021

Polymer coating accelerates fuel production

Researchers from University of Tsukuba and Osaka University developed a polymer-coated metal catalyst that accelerates CO2 conversion into formate, a useful carbon-based fuel. The PEG-coated Sn catalyst showed a 24 times higher formate production rate than conventional Sn plate electrodes.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalACS Catalysis·DateAug 5, 2021

Up to 85 per cent of historical salmon habitat lost in Lower Fraser region

Researchers have mapped out the extent of habitat loss for salmon in the Lower Fraser River, revealing that up to 85% of historical floodplain habitat has been lost due to infrastructure. The study found that over 1,200 barriers block access to approximately 2,224 kilometers of streams, a major contributor to current salmon declines.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalEcosphere·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 5, 2021

SCAI releases proceedings from expert consensus roundtable on renal denervation treatment for use in hypertension patients

Renal denervation (RDN) may complement medical therapy and lifestyle interventions for patients with uncontrolled hypertension. The procedure has shown consistent reductions in blood pressure in sham-controlled trials, highlighting its potential as a device-based therapy.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateAug 5, 2021

Eye injuries after Port of Beirut blast

The study describes a range of eye injuries resulting from the Port of Beirut blast, including conjunctival lacerations and foreign body injuries. Researchers highlight the need for emergency care and medical attention for those affected.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateAug 5, 2021

Rice expert: Using carbon is key to decarbonizing economy

Pasquali proposes splitting hydrocarbons to produce clean hydrogen energy and solid carbon materials, which could replace materials with large carbon footprints. This transition would generate robust growth in manufacturing jobs and improve production efficiency.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 5, 2021

New study finds frequent shedding of infectious pathogens in healthcare settings outside patient rooms

A six-month observational study found significant MRSA shedding during outpatient visits and appointments, with 38.5% of carriers shedding MRSA to the environment. The presence of a culture-positive wound was the only factor significantly associated with shedding.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·TypeObservational study·DateAug 5, 2021

The first real snapshot of algal bloom toxins in Lake Erie

A new study by Ohio State University provides the most accurate estimates of microcystin toxins in Lake Erie's western basin, revealing fluctuating concentrations over short distances. The research emphasizes the importance of frequent data collection to improve water safety and forecasting for the lake's estimated 11 million people.

SourceOhio State University·JournalHarmful Algae·TypeObservational study·DateAug 5, 2021

Stem cell-derived corneal endothelial cells, a possible alternative to donor-tissue in transplant surgeries

Researchers developed a sustainable source of corneal endothelial cells from pluripotent stem cells, reversing corneal transparency loss and promoting regrowth in rabbits and monkeys. The study suggests that stem cell-derived CECs may be a viable treatment option for patients with corneal endothelial dysfunction.

SourceInternational Society for Stem Cell Research·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateAug 5, 2021

Toxin sponges may protect poisonous frogs and birds from their own poisons, study suggests

Researchers have discovered that toxic animals produce 'toxin sponges' to mop up deadly toxins and prevent them from binding to vital proteins. This alternative autoresistance strategy may offer a general means of toxin protection, including the development of antidotes against various toxic agents.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of General Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2021

AI knows where your proteins go

Researchers from Nara Institute of Science and Technology developed a machine learning program that accurately predicts the location of proteins related to actin in cells. The program achieved a high degree of similarity with actual images, showing promise for future applications in cell analysis and artificial cell staining.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·DateAug 5, 2021

Surprising insights into the migration pattern of world’s farthest-migrating species

Researchers found that Arctic terns take similar routes on both southbound and northbound migrations, with coastal routes driven by food availability and oceanic routes influenced by wind. The study's findings suggest the establishment of mobile marine protected areas to conserve Arctic tern populations.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·TypeObservational study·DateAug 5, 2021

Tourist-tourist rapport: SFU expert on why it matters

A new study by Simon Fraser University researchers found that building rapport among tourists can significantly increase satisfaction with guided group tours. The study identified four key aspects of tourist-tourist rapport and showed that high levels of rapport lead to improved overall experience, while low levels decrease satisfactio...

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalTourism Management·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2021

Organ transplant recipients significantly protected by COVID-19 vaccination

A recent study published in Transplant Infectious Disease found that COVID-19 vaccination provides strong protection against the virus for solid organ transplant recipients, with an almost 80% reduction in symptomatic cases. The study examined data from over 2,150 transplant patients and showed that nearly 70% of vaccinated patients re...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalTransplant Infectious Disease·DateAug 5, 2021

Scientists mail freeze-dried mouse sperm on a postcard

Researchers in Japan have created a method to preserve mouse sperm by freeze-drying it on a plastic sheet, enabling easy transportation via postcard. The 'sperm book' stored at -30°C, can hold thousands of sperm samples, and the mailing method has shown promising results with high offspring rates.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2021

Seeing (infra)red: Researchers develop software to enhance infrared imaging-based cancer diagnosis

A team of Beckman researchers developed software to boost infrared imaging-based cancer diagnosis, enhancing image resolution and accelerating recording speeds. The software integrates data analysis and reduces limitations associated with IR imaging, making it faster and more accurate.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalChemometrics and Intelligent Laboratory Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 5, 2021

Superflares may be less harmful to exoplanets than previously thought, study shows

A new study published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society found that superflares on red dwarf stars occur at high latitudes, near the star's poles, which means they are not directed towards orbiting exoplanets. This reduces the danger to planetary atmospheres and habitability.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeObservational study·DateAug 5, 2021

How innovative DNA from pills could snare drug syndicates

Researchers at Flinders University have developed a method to recover DNA from the surface of capsules containing illicit drugs, such as MDMA. This breakthrough enables law enforcement agencies to potentially link various drug seizures around the world and identify suspects through DNA profiling.

SourceFlinders University·JournalForensic Science International·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2021

Mixing a cocktail of topology and magnetism for future electronics

Researchers explore joining topological insulators with magnetic materials to achieve quantum anomalous Hall effect, promising building blocks for low-power electronics. The 'cocktail' approach allows tuning of both magnetism and topology in individual materials, enabling operation closer to room temperature.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 5, 2021

Zoonotic threats must be integrated into global health security planning, say experts

Global health practitioners urge integrating surveillance of zoonotic diseases into health security intelligence systems to effectively handle future pandemics. Companion, zoo, and shelter animals pose significant risks due to limited monitoring and stress levels, leading to potential transmission of animal infections to humans.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 5, 2021

Imagination exercise helps people get a grip on real pandemic risks

A Duke University study found that combining risk data with an imagination exercise helps participants make more realistic decisions about their own risky behaviors. The intervention, now integrated into a publicly accessible data dashboard, aims to improve public health decisions during the pandemic.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2021

A more complete molecular picture of lung squamous cell carcinoma comes into view

A comprehensive molecular map of lung squamous cell carcinoma has identified potential new drug targets, including the gene NSD3, and highlighted immune regulation pathways that could help cancer evade immunotherapies. The study's findings have also revealed metabolic dysregulation and crosstalk between different cellular processes.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalCell·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 5, 2021

To advance human rights, consult neuroscience

Researchers at Brown University introduce 'dignity neuroscience,' arguing that universal rights are rooted in human brain science. The concept posits five core elements - agency, autonomy, and self-determination; freedom from want and fear; uniqueness; and unconditionality - which reflect fundamental features of the human brain.

SourceBrown University·JournalAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 5, 2021

COVID-19 boost for baby sleep

A new study published in Sleep Medicine has found that the COVID-19 pandemic brought about increased infant sleep duration and decreased daytime drowsiness in parents. However, it also introduced more screen time for babies and mild increases in depressive symptoms among parents.

SourceFlinders University·JournalSleep Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 5, 2021

Antibody findings spark ideas for pan-coronavirus vaccine

Scientists identified five human monoclonal antibodies that can neutralize multiple beta-coronaviruses by targeting a conserved structure in the spike protein. These antibodies showed promise in reducing viral load and enhancing immune responses in hamsters, providing potential inspiration for broadly protective vaccines.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2021