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Science News for December 15, 2021


Benefits of cacao farms for birds and bats

Research found that cacao agroforestry systems support unique bird species in tropical dry forests, while bats are more abundant in these areas than in nearby forests. This suggests that cacao farms can serve as biodiversity-friendly oases, providing food and refuge for birds and bats.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalAgriculture Ecosystems & Environment·TypeObservational study·DateDec 15, 2021

Older people experience more positive and less negative emotions during the pandemic

A recent study found that older people experienced more positive and less negative emotions than younger people during the Covid-19 pandemic. This advantage was consistent across cultures and countries, with older adults better able to avoid situations that triggered negative emotions. The researchers suggest that this resilience is du...

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalPsychological Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 15, 2021

Prenatal exposure to phthalates damages reproductive tissue in female mice

A new study found that prenatal exposure to phthalates affects ovarian steroidogenesis and folliculogenesis in female mice offspring, leading to lower hormone levels and impaired fertility. The researchers discovered that phthalate mixtures can inhibit the expression of genes involved in hormone production.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalReproductive Toxicology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

Towards carbon neutrality: New synthesis method yields superior membrane for carbon capture and storage

Researchers from Japan have developed a new method to synthesize a pure Si-CHA membrane showing much higher CO2 separation performance than existing membranes. The key to this achievement is using a porous silica substrate instead of alumina, eliminating problems with pore size reduction and improving efficiency.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalMembranes·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

Cracking the mystery of nitrogen ice dynamics on Pluto

Researchers from CNRS and ENS de Lyon reveal the driver behind Pluto's Sputnik Planitia basin's flat polygons separated by narrow troughs, which is a sign of thermal convection within the icy mass. The process bears resemblance to ocean movements, not ice layer behavior on Jupiter and Saturn moons.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature·DateDec 15, 2021

Time lag between intervention and actual CO2 decrease could still lead to climate tipping point

A simplified mathematical model found a 'lag time' between human intervention and an actual decrease in CO2 levels, which could still lead to climate tipping points. The researchers used a system of stochastic delay differential equations to analyze various emission reduction and carbon capture strategies.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 15, 2021

Molecular switch for addiction behavior

A research team at Heidelberg University and Paris discovered a protein called Npas4 that regulates the structure and function of nerve cells controlling addiction behavior. Reducing Npas4 levels led to weaker responses to cocaine in mice, suggesting a biological basis for addiction.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalEMBO Reports·DateDec 15, 2021

KEYNOTE-811: Pembrolizumab combination as a potentially transformative treatment for HER2-positive gastric cancer

The KEYNOTE-811 trial demonstrates a significant improvement in objective response rate (74.4%) and tumor size reduction compared to trastuzumab and chemotherapy. The combination of pembrolizumab, trastuzumab, and chemotherapy markedly reduces tumor size and induces complete responses in some patients.

SourceVall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology·JournalNature·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 15, 2021

Now scientists can efficiently screen billions of chemical compounds to find effective new drug therapies

Researchers at USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences have created a process that increases the chances of finding effective drugs in a fraction of the time and at significantly less expense than current methods. V-SYNTHES, a virtual method developed by Vsevolod Katritch and colleagues, uses synthons to efficiently puzzle t...

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 15, 2021

Virtually guided exposure therapy improves outcomes in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder, preliminary study finds

A pilot study found that virtually guided prolonged exposure therapy reduced PTSD symptoms more effectively than traditional exposure alone, using real-time psychophysiology to tailor stress levels. Most patients saw a clinically significant reduction in their PTSD Checklist score after 10-12 sessions.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

Magnetism-induced topological transition in magnetic topological phase EuAs3 proved by SHMFF users

Researchers at Hefei Institutes of Physical Science and SHMFF demonstrated a magnetic ordering and external magnetic field can induce topological transition in EuAs3, featuring massive Dirac points, inverted bands, and topological surface states. The study explores the interaction between magnetism and electronic band structure topology.

Negative capacitance in topological transistors could reduce computing’s unsustainable energy load

Researchers have discovered that negative capacitance in topological transistors can switch at lower voltage, potentially reducing energy losses. This new design could help alleviate the unsustainable energy load of computing, which consumes about 8% of global electricity supply.

Making apple spirits taste better

Measuring apple liquors' conductivity can provide a more objective assessment of their processing, allowing for better flavor quality. The study found that monitoring conductivity during distillation can identify the best conditions for producing high-quality apple spirits.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Food Science & Technology·DateDec 15, 2021

Study shows how HIV copies itself in the body

Researchers discovered that HIV chooses its viral RNA genome based on a two-nucleotide difference, which could be targeted by new drugs. This finding has implications for future HIV treatments and is an important scientific step towards understanding the virus's replication process.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 15, 2021

Adults with positive facial expressions while eating vegetables help kids consume more than double the amount of vegetables – research

Research by Aston University psychologists found that children who watched adults eat green vegetables with positive facial expressions consumed more than double the amount of those vegetables. The study suggests that smiling while eating can encourage children to try and eat more, especially less popular vegetables like broccoli.

SourceAston University·JournalAppetite·TypeObservational study·DateDec 15, 2021

New study associates mask laws to reduction of COVID-19 deaths

Countries without face mask mandates experienced significantly higher COVID-19 deaths per million than those with mandates, according to a new study. Masks provided a supplementary layer of protection that could prevent unnecessary deaths.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 15, 2021

New study reveals how epithelial cells in the body naturally eliminate “precancerous” ones

Researchers have identified a novel immune-like mechanism by which healthy epithelial cells recognize and eliminate precancerous cells through a MHC class I-LILRB3 interaction. This process generates mechanical force to extrude the precancerous cells from the body, offering new hope for cancer prevention and treatment.

SourceWaseda University·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

One mutation or two? Researchers in Spain discover why some genes require one or two hits to promote cancer

A study by Spanish researchers has deciphered the landscape of third-order interactions in cancer, revealing that many genes involved in cancer may require one or two hits depending on other mutations. This discovery opens the way to more precise genetic diagnosis and new therapeutic targets.

A smart livestock farming solution

A team of researchers from the University of Groningen developed an AI-based system that can identify individual Holstein cows in a milking station based on their coat pattern. The system achieved a recognition rate of 99.7% and has several advantages, including non-invasiveness, cost-effectiveness, and scalability.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalExpert Systems with Applications·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 15, 2021

Ionic-liquid-modified non-precious metal catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction -- temperature effect

Researchers investigated the effect of temperature on Ionic-liquid-modified non-precious metal catalysts for oxygen reduction reactions, demonstrating that IL modification significantly increases ORR activity and stability, even at elevated temperatures. The study confirms the SCILL concept's potential in improving LTFCs.

NIH researchers identify potential AMD drugs with stem-cell based research tool

Researchers developed a dish-based model that replicates the characteristics of dry age-related macular degeneration, allowing them to screen over 1,200 drugs for their ability to slow or halt disease progression. Two drugs, Aminocaproic acid and L745, showed promise in inhibiting key phenotypes associated with AMD.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

Effective combination cancer treatment

Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute have discovered a combination of rapamycin and a radiopharmaceutical that can effectively inhibit tumour growth, improving treatment outcomes for medullary thyroid cancer. The new therapy uses mini-gastrin coupled with lutetium-177 to target cancer cells more efficiently.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalPharmaceutics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

New research in JNCCN raises concerns about clinical trial bias from undisclosed censoring

A recent study published in JNCCN found that 33 out of 81 studies lacked transparency on censoring, which can introduce bias and affect trial results. The researchers emphasize the need for improved transparency and reporting in clinical trials to ensure patients and clinicians make informed decisions.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateDec 15, 2021

Digital microscale electrochemical energy storage devices helps to build a fully connected and intelligent world

Researchers highlight importance of digital microscale electrochemical energy storage devices in building a fully connected and intelligent world. They discuss design principles, material selection, and fabrication processes for these devices, which are crucial for seamless integration with various electronic systems.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 15, 2021

Daylight causes road damage

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have discovered that visible light, particularly in the blue and green range, accelerates the oxidation of bitumen, leading to cracking and damage to asphalt. This unexpected finding highlights the importance of considering solar radiation in estimates for road durability.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalConstruction and Building Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

How oral cancer acquires radioresistance

A recent study has identified a new mechanism by which oral cancer cells acquire radioresistance through the transfer of microRNA, specifically miR-503-3p. This discovery brings hope for the development of new treatments for radiation-resistant oral cancer.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalJournal of Extracellular Vesicles·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

A potential protector against a mild heart attack’s aftereffects on metabolism

A study in mice suggests that transplanted brown fat can reduce type 2 diabetes risk factors after a heart attack by dampening gene activation linked to negative effects. The transplantation method could help researchers understand the mechanisms behind this protective effect and potentially lead to therapeutic applications.

SourceOhio State University·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

Overactive bladder and urinary incontinence worsen with age

A new study published in Menopause found that postmenopausal women aged 45-54 are more likely to develop overactive bladder syndrome. Stress urinary incontinence symptoms, however, increased with obesity and multiple births. The study suggests a significant association between age and menopause status with increased urinary symptoms.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 15, 2021

“Drink your peas!” – Benefits of supplementing cow milk with plant protein

Researchers from The Ohio State University developed a novel method to supplement cow milk with vegetable protein using readily available dairy processing equipment. This innovation combines the benefits of casein micelles with pea protein to create functional, multisourced dairy products that can help bolster declining fluid milk sale...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

Welsh kids' self-reported wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic differed by gender, ethnicity and deprivation, with younger children reporting the need for playing with friends and older students wanting support with anxiety and educational pressures

Younger children report need for social interaction, while older students seek support for anxiety and educational pressures. The study surveyed 6291 young people in Wales to understand factors influencing their wellbeing during the pandemic.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 15, 2021

UC study: Mindfulness can get wandering thoughts back on track

A recent University of Cincinnati study investigated how mindfulness affects mind wandering and found that while it can be effective in reducing mind-wandering thoughts, the results differ depending on the research methodology. The study suggests using computer-based testing methods to measure mind wandering for more reliable findings.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Cognitive Enhancement·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 15, 2021

Masks activate corona fear

An international study found that masks can evoke fears of Covid-19 in anxious individuals, leading to avoidance behavior. Younger people are more cautious than older counterparts, suggesting media consumption plays a role. Policymakers should focus on reducing mask-related dread to promote public acceptance.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalCognitive Research Principles and Implications·DateDec 15, 2021

Extensive use of smartphones by parents might damage toddler’s development and have far-reaching consequences

A recent study from Tel Aviv University found that mothers' smartphone use reduces toddler interaction by a factor of four. Reduced interaction can have far-reaching consequences on child development, including language and social skills. The study also found no significant difference between browsing smartphones and reading magazines.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalChild Development·DateDec 15, 2021

How to transform vacancies into quantum information

Scientists have made a breakthrough in controlling the formation of vacancies in silicon carbide, a semiconductor material. The team's simulations tracked the pairing of individual vacancies into a divacancy and discovered the optimal temperatures for creating stable divacancies. This discovery could lead to highly sensitive sensors an...

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 15, 2021

Innovative textile vents to release heat when you sweat

Researchers at Duke University developed a lightweight material that traps thermal energy when dry but opens tiny vents to let heat escape when a person starts sweating. The material has potential as a patch on clothing to help keep the wearer comfortable, expanding thermal comfort zones by 30%.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

Lundquist Institute investigator helps chart progress in clinical trial of patients with chemoresistant triple-negative breast cancer

A phase 1/2 clinical trial tested an L-NMMA and taxane combination in patients with chemoresistant TNBC, showing a remodeling of the immune environment in responders. The study's results warrant further investigation in larger trials to identify potential biomarkers for predicting response.

SourceThe Lundquist Institute·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 15, 2021

Biased signalling for better drugs

Researchers at PSI have developed a platform to measure biased signalling in G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), enabling selective therapeutic effects and fewer side effects. By testing specially designed bivalent ligands, they can bias signalling towards desired pathways.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

Global loss of floristic uniqueness

Researchers found that global databases revealed a net loss of regional floristic uniqueness due to the spread of alien plants. The study highlighted biogeographic factors like climate distance and anthropogenic factors such as shared administrative history contributing to homogenization of regional floras.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 15, 2021

Pandemic-related shifts in alcohol sales explored across 16 US states

An analysis of data from 16 US states reveals a major increase in wine and spirit sales during the COVID-19 pandemic, accompanied by changes in the relationship between alcohol sales and business visits. Sales of spirits and wine increased by as much as 20-40% in some states, while beer sales declined overall.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateDec 15, 2021

Study: Social connectedness essential for successful mental health interventions

Researchers found that successful mental health programs built on social connectedness, accountability, trust, and resilience can effectively address the needs of individuals with chronic health conditions. These elements are interconnected and crucial for developing effective interventions.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 15, 2021

Research published in AACR journal and presented at ASH identifies potential approach to mitigate CAR T-cell therapy toxicity

A novel approach may reduce the serious adverse effect of cytokine release syndrome associated with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. Supressing interferon gamma (IFNγ) appears to prevent activation of macrophages and other immune cells that drive the syndrome without impacting CAR T-cell efficacy.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalBlood Cancer Discovery·DateDec 15, 2021

What if we have to talk without moving our hands? A study shows whether there is any effect on speech

A study led by Alice Cravotta examined the impact of restricting hand gestures on speech. The researchers found that gesturing did not affect the fluency or acoustic characteristics of speech, but participants produced speech with different prosodic features when gesture production was prevented.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalSpeech Communication·TypeObservational study·DateDec 15, 2021

A study shows reactive electrolyte additives improve lithium metal battery performance​

Researchers from KAIST have developed a new technology to stabilize the electrode-electrolyte interface of lithium metal batteries, leading to improved performance and lifespan. The technology uses fluorine- and nitrogen-donating ionic additives to create a dual-layer solid electrolyte interphase.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalEnergy Storage Materials·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 15, 2021

A moth’s virtual reality

A team built a virtual reality system to study the search behavior of male silkmoths, revealing that accurate information from multiple modalities increases success rate. The system also showed a modulation of behavior based on environmental complexity.

SourceOsaka University·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

NIH study suggests women with disabilities have higher risk of birth complications and death

A recent NIH study found that pregnant women with disabilities have a significantly higher risk of severe pregnancy- and birth-related complications and death. Women with physical, sensory, or intellectual disabilities are more likely to experience preterm birth, hypertensive disorders, gestational diabetes, and cesarean delivery.

Recalled noncalcified lesions: ultrasound vs. ultrasound plus mammography

A prospective study found that ultrasound alone adequately completed the diagnostic evaluation of 71.2% of noncalcified lesions, diagnosed 92.1% of cancers, and yielded a sensitivity of 94.9%. Radiologists should consider performing ultrasound first for digital breast tomosynthesis-recalled noncalcified masses.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 15, 2021

Harmful boomerang: PFAS pollution in ocean comes back to land

A study by Stockholm University researchers found that PFAS from the ocean re-emitted into air with crashing waves significantly contribute to PFAS air pollution in coastal areas. The transportation of toxic substances from seawater to marine air via sea spray aerosols poses a significant threat to health and the environment.

SourceStockholm University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

Better identification of sesame in food packaging needed to avoid anaphylaxis

A recent study found that over 50% of products containing sesame did not declare it on the label, leading to accidental ingestion and allergic reactions. Clear and specific product labeling is essential for preventing adverse reactions, especially anaphylaxis, in food-allergic individuals.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·TypeSurvey·DateDec 15, 2021

Brain study on how to slow down climate change

Researchers at the University of Bern used brain stimulation to demonstrate that mentalizing with future climate change victims encourages sustainable behavior. The study found that stimulating an area of the brain involved in perspective-taking led to more sustainable decisions, suggesting potential benefits for climate communication.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalCortex·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

Stronger drought resistance of urban vegetation due to higher temperature, CO2 and reduced O3

A recent study found that urban vegetation has a stronger ability to withstand drought compared to rural areas. The researchers attribute this enhanced drought resistance to increased temperature and CO2 concentration, as well as reduced ozone levels in urban environments.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 15, 2021

Normal 6-month outcomes in babies of women with COVID-19 during pregnancy

A study from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago found that babies born to mothers with COVID-19 during pregnancy exhibited normal growth patterns and developmental milestones at 6 months. The research included 33 Latinx infants and showed no higher rate of developmental referrals than usual.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalJournal of Perinatal Medicine·DateDec 15, 2021

The heat is on: RIPE researchers show ability to future-proof crops for changing climate

Researchers at the University of Illinois and US Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service have developed a way to future-proof crops for changing climate conditions. By bypassing a common photosynthetic glitch, crops can withstand heat stress, reducing yield losses estimated at up to 40-50% in regions around the equator.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

Spot the difference: can AI generate plausible Christmas BMJ titles?

A study by The BMJ found that AI-generated titles were as attractive and entertaining to readers as real titles, with performance enhanced by human input. The AI generated titles were rated as having less scientific or educational merit than the real titles, but this difference became non-significant when humans curated the AI output.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateDec 15, 2021

Repurposed drug shows improved results with combined therapy for triple negative breast cancer

Researchers at Houston Methodist have discovered a new combination therapy that regresses tumor growth of triple negative breast cancer and prevents the cancer from spreading. The response rate using this therapy is about 50%, compared to 25-30% with older drugs, offering new hope for patients with hard-to-treat breast cancers.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 15, 2021

UNM scientists find climate-driven tree mortality and fuel aridity increase wildfire fuel availability

UNM scientists found climate-driven tree mortality and fuel aridity are increasing fuel availability, leading to bigger, more intense wildfires. This is due to drought stress, insect outbreaks, and temperature increases causing large areas of tree mortality and rising temperatures drying out forest fuels.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 15, 2021