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Science News for December 1, 2021


When variations in Earth's orbit drive biological evolution

Scientists found that variations in Earth's orbit drive cycles of higher and lower diversity in coccolithophore size and shape, with rhythms of 100 and 400 thousand years. This influence may have played a role in ancient climates and climate variations during past warm periods.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature·DateDec 1, 2021

Which COVID-19 vaccine works better?

The study found that the Moderna vaccine offered a lower risk of documented infection (21% reduced), symptomatic COVID-19 (44% reduced), hospitalization (55% reduced), ICU admission (10% reduced), and death (2% reduced) compared to the Pfizer vaccine. The results suggest that either vaccine is effective, but Moderna may be slightly mor...

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeNews article·DateDec 1, 2021

Land availability and wealth requirements shape family systems and economic structures

A new mathematical model suggests that environmental pressures, particularly land availability and wealth requirements, influence the development of family systems worldwide. The researchers found four primary family system types: pairs of extended or nuclear families with equal or biased wealth inheritance.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 1, 2021

Financial incentives help pregnant women to quit smoking

A French trial found that financial incentives improved pregnancy outcomes for smokers, with a 16% increase in continuous abstinence rate compared to no vouchers. Participants who received progressively higher financial rewards had lower nicotine withdrawal symptoms and fewer relapses.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 1, 2021

SWOG researchers identify group of breast cancer patients who can skip chemo

A large clinical trial has found that postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer and a 21-gene recurrence score of 25 or lower can safely skip chemotherapy. In contrast, premenopausal patients with positive nodes and low RS scores benefit from chemotherapy.

SourceSWOG Cancer Research Network·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 1, 2021

Unconventional T cells promote immunity to malaria

A new study reveals that gamma delta T cells play a critical role in promoting clinical protection against malaria. The unique T cell receptor on these cells enables them to recognize and tolerate Plasmodium falciparum parasite fragments, providing a vital component of an effective immune response.

SourceMonash University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 1, 2021

Research jointly led by HKUST and HKBU unlock biogeographical secrets of deep-sea limpets

A research team has unveiled four distinct habitat-linked genetic groups of deep-sea limpets in the Northwest Pacific, shedding light on their historical population divergence and contemporary gene flow. The study's findings have implications for marine biodiversity conservation and environmental management, providing a scientific basi...

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2021

Researchers develop model for treating HIV/AIDS, depression

A new study demonstrates the effectiveness of training nurses to deliver cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help people with depression and uncontrolled HIV adhere to their medication regimen. Patients who completed CBT-AD sessions were more than 2.5 times more likely to achieve undetectable viral loads.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalJournal of the International AIDS Society·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 1, 2021

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and artificial intelligence (AI) can detect early signs of tumor cell death after novel therapy

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a method to detect early signs of tumor cell death using MRI and AI, allowing for non-invasive monitoring of cancer treatment. This approach has shown promise in detecting treatment-responsive regions in mouse brain tumors and healthy human brains.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateDec 1, 2021

Why cannabis smells skunky

Researchers discovered a new family of prenylated volatile sulfur compounds responsible for the characteristic skunky smell of cannabis. The findings suggest these compounds could have medicinal properties and are being investigated further.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Omega·DateDec 1, 2021

Beads of glass in meteorites help scientists piece together how solar system formed

Scientists have made new discoveries about the early solar system using meteorite glass beads. By analyzing the isotopic compositions of elements in these beads, researchers were able to determine that massive shockwaves passing through the nebula caused the extreme heating and cooling necessary for chondrule formation.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2021

Lunar radar data uncovers new clues about moon’s ancient past

A team of scientists has discovered a thick layer of paleoregolith on the lunar surface, which could provide insight into the Moon's early asteroid impact and volcanic history. The findings suggest the paleoregolith formed much faster than previously estimated, with implications for understanding meteoric activity in the solar system.

SourcePenn State·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 1, 2021

COVID-19 mobile robot could detect and tackle social distancing breaches

A new COVID-19 mobile robot detects social distancing breaches in crowds and encourages people to move apart using a novel system that employs Deep Reinforcement Learning and Frozone algorithm. The robot also incorporates a thermal camera for contact-tracing efforts, ensuring privacy protection and de-identification.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 1, 2021

Research reveals new evidence that sugary beverage tax impacts are sustainable, effective

Two new studies published by researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago show that sugar-sweetened beverages taxes are effective and sustainable in reducing consumption. The Seattle data analysis found a 59% tax pass-through rate, a 22% reduction in volume sold of taxed beverages, and a net 19% reduction in grams of sugar sold fr...

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 1, 2021

Major life events influence level of physical activity, may negatively impact heart health

A new American Heart Association scientific statement highlights how major life events, such as starting school or entering retirement, can negatively impact physical activity levels and heart health. The statement emphasizes the need for proactive measures to address this issue and provides guidance for healthcare professionals to pro...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateDec 1, 2021

Unorthodox “exercise in a pill” could offer simple solution for at-risk patients

A team of Australian researchers has made significant breakthroughs in understanding the benefits of exercise on retinal health and function. By identifying unique molecular signals, they aim to develop a supplement that can harness these benefits for patients who are unable to engage in physical activity.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalClinical and Experimental Ophthalmology·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 1, 2021

Improving a different kind of mobile network

A novel dynamic event-triggered scheduling approach is proposed to solve the platooning control problem, demonstrating effective trade-off between performance and efficient communication. The researchers aim to further investigate resource-efficient control strategies to preserve satisfactory operational performance.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateDec 1, 2021

Which role models are best for STEM? Researchers offer recommendations in new analysis

A new analysis provides guidelines for deploying effective role models to encourage learning across diverse populations. The study suggests that features like perceived competence, similarity, and attainability of success are key to motivating students, while portraying extreme levels of role model competence can backfire.

SourceNew York University·JournalInternational Journal of STEM Education·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 1, 2021

Study finds parental stress as a contributing factor linking maternal depression to child anxiety and depressive symptoms

A secondary analysis found a bi-directional relationship between mother's mental health symptoms and child's mental health symptoms, with parental stress as the mediating factor. The study suggests that lowering parental stress is vital for families where mothers and children exhibit symptoms of anxiety and depression.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 1, 2021

Satellites to enable monitoring of CO2 emissions

Researchers have developed a model that can calculate individual countries' carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel burning using space observations. This could lead to more accurate national CO2 emission inventories, helping to achieve the Paris Agreement's 1.5-degree target and reduce global warming.

SourceLund University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateDec 1, 2021

Shining new light on elusive flying bats

An international research team developed a novel sampling method called 'bat point counts' to detect and count flying bats. The new technique showed that insect-eating bats are more common than previously thought in oil palm plantations, playing a significant role in suppressing insect pests.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalEcology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2021

Policy interventions could help farmers economically survive in vulnerable regions

Researchers found that without policy interventions, smallholder farmers in Nepal will lose a quarter of their incomes by 2050 due to climate change. However, providing farmers with financial tools like cash transfers and access to insurance can improve household income and reduce inequality.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 1, 2021

Hydrogen produced from offshore wind in China can help Japan reach its greenhouse gas emissions goals

A team of researchers explored the possibility of producing hydrogen from offshore wind in China and delivering it to Japan at a cost competitive with the country's future projections. The study found that Chinese-produced hydrogen could supply Japan's net-zero transition needs by 2030, even under a high-cost scenario.

Better public health messaging is needed to improve vitamin D intake and status within the black community, says a new study

Researchers found that over 37% of African Caribbean individuals in the UK Biobank had vitamin D deficiency, with insufficient levels prevalent among more than 95% of the black community population. Public health messaging is needed to promote vitamin D supplementation and intake of food rich in vitamin D.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalNutrients·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 1, 2021

Climatic changes and overfishing depleted Baltic herring long before industrialization

A new study reveals that commercial fish stocks, including cod and herring, have been depleted for centuries due to overfishing and environmental changes. The research uses historical sources to show that the Baltic herring population collapsed in the 16th century, with a similar decline observed in cod stocks today.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalHansische Geschichtsblätter·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 1, 2021

Deep learning dreams up new protein structures

A team of researchers, including those from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the University of Washington, have developed a neural network that can predict protein shapes with high accuracy. The network was trained on random protein sequences and generated 2,000 new proteins, many of which were successfully produced in the lab.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 1, 2021

Scientists may have solved an important part of the mystery of ultra-rare blood clots linked to adenovirus-based COVID-19 vaccines

An international team of scientists has discovered a molecular mechanism behind the rare blood clots linked to adenovirus-based COVID-19 vaccines. The study suggests that the viral vector and platelet factor 4 (PF4) interaction may trigger an immune response, leading to blood clots in a small number of people.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 1, 2021

International study reveals COVID-19 vaccination rates among people living with HIV

An international study has revealed that COVID-19 vaccination rates among people living with HIV are similar to those in the general population, but vary significantly across geographic regions. The overall vaccination rate was found to be 55%, with higher rates in high-income countries and lower rates in Sub-Saharan Africa.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateDec 1, 2021

Texas astronomers discover strangely massive black hole in Milky Way satellite galaxy

Astronomers at UT Austin's McDonald Observatory have discovered a massively dense black hole at the center of dwarf satellite galaxy Leo I, revealing an unprecedented mass ratio between the galaxy and its central black hole. This finding shakes up our understanding of galaxy evolution and dark matter distribution.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateDec 1, 2021

Viral evolution in animals could reveal future of COVID-19

A recent study by Colorado State University researchers found that COVID-19 can evolve and spread rapidly among animal species after infection from humans. The team analyzed mutation types occurring in cats, dogs, ferrets, and hamsters, discovering a broad range of viral variants that emerged and became prevalent.

SourceColorado State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2021

$4.6 million NIH grant to study mechanical ventilator protocols for COVID and other critically-ill ICU patients

The $4.6 million NIH grant will help implement a telehealth-enabled audit and feedback process to monitor adherence to recognized standards of care in 14 Intermountain Healthcare ICUs. This study aims to reduce the time patients spend on mechanical ventilators, improving lung protective mechanical ventilation best practices.

SourceIntermountain Healthcare·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 1, 2021

Intelligent transistor developed at TU Wien

Scientists at TU Wien have developed a novel germanium-based transistor with the ability to perform different logical tasks, offering improved adaptability and flexibility in chip design. This technology has potential applications in artificial intelligence, neural networks, and logic circuits that work with more than just 0 and 1.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2021

Widespread vaginal condition could lead to emergency caesarean section

A new study by researchers at the University of Copenhagen found that an imbalance in vaginal bacteria is associated with a higher risk of emergency caesarean section. The study analyzed 1,396 samples from 736 pregnant women and discovered that those with greater levels of imbalance were more likely to deliver via C-section.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalClinical Microbiology and Infection·DateDec 1, 2021

Headwater refuges

A team studied wildfire impacts on streams in parts of the Los Padres National Forest, finding that stream headwaters serve as refuges for aquatic species during fires and droughts. The study's findings suggest that protecting these areas is crucial for maintaining watershed resilience and biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalFreshwater Science·DateDec 1, 2021

Eye imaging technology breaks through skin by crossing beams

Duke researchers developed a method to increase the depth of view of optical coherence tomography (OCT), allowing for clear images from beyond a millimeter beneath the skin's surface. The new technique, known as dual-axis OCT, tilts the light source and detector to collect more scattered light from deep tissues.

SourceDuke University·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2021