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Science News for February 16, 2021


Out of this world: U of I researchers measure photosynthesis from space

Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a model to accurately calculate GPP in bioenergy crops using satellite data. The SLOPE GPP product explains 85% of spatial and temporal variations in GPP, overcoming previous inefficiencies in image-based, time-based, and latency precision.

Role of diet in risk of colorectal cancer

A new study published in JAMA Network Open examined the association between diet and colorectal cancer risk. The research found that a diet high in processed foods and added sugars is linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 16, 2021

Biotech fit for the Red Planet

Scientists have successfully grown cyanobacteria using Martian gases and regolith, a breakthrough that could make long-term missions to Mars sustainable. This discovery uses Anabaena cyanobacteria as a model organism, demonstrating their ability to thrive in low-pressure environments.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateFeb 16, 2021

3D model shows off the insides of a giant permafrost crater

Researchers from Skoltech and Russian Academy of Sciences have surveyed the newest known 30-meter deep gas blowout crater on the Yamal Peninsula, forming a 3D model to study its structure and composition. The 3D model reveals a unique underground cavity with an elliptical shape and a circular dome, providing clues about the crater's en...

How to improve gender equity in medicine

Addressing gender inequity requires a multi-pronged approach, including embedding equity principles in policies, communicating gender statistics, and championing structural change. Implementing flexible schedules, non-gendered parental leave, and career support will help realize equity in pay and opportunities for all.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 16, 2021

Harnessing socially-distant molecular interactions for future computing

Researchers have discovered that individual molecules on a metal surface can interact with each other over large distances, potentially revolutionizing the field of computing. This phenomenon has significant implications for the development of new electronic and optoelectronic technologies based on organic molecules and 2D materials.

Groundwater recharge rates mapped for Africa

A recent study has quantified groundwater recharge rates across Africa using ground measurements, helping to identify the sustainability of water resources. The results show that approximately 2% of all groundwater storage is replenished in Africa every decade, and recharge can occur even in semi-arid areas.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateFeb 16, 2021

How bacteria hunt bacteria

Researchers studied bacterial predation behavior in Myxococcus xanthus, revealing a mix of direct contact and protein-based killing methods to tackle different prey types. The findings provide insights into dynamic interactions in bacterial communities, paving the way for future antibacterial strategy development.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateFeb 16, 2021

Star employees get most of the credit - and blame

Research by Cornell University's ILR School found that collaborating with a star employee reduces non-star employees' credit and gains in professional status during successful collaborations. However, it can mitigate or outweigh the loss of professional status associated with collaborative failure.

SourceCornell University·JournalPersonnel Psychology·DateFeb 16, 2021

Slow motion precursors give earthquakes the fast slip

Scientists at Cornell University have discovered a connection between slow-motion fault slips and fast earthquakes, finding that 'slow slips' precede dozens of large magnitude 7 earthquakes. These precursory slips are directly involved in starting the earthquake and migrate towards where the fast slip begins.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 16, 2021

ASHP publishes reports exploring pharmacy's role in future of healthcare delivery

The ASHP published two landmark reports articulating a futuristic vision for pharmacy practice, including expanded roles and optimized medication use. The reports outline opportunities for pharmacy leaders to advance patient-centered care and population health, and recommend adopting the HVPE framework and Pharmacy Forecast report.

SourceASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists)·JournalAmerican Journal of Health-System Pharmacy·DateFeb 16, 2021

Insights from complexity science: More trust in self-organization needed

A new study combines complexity science and social risk management to understand the impact of globalization, digitalization, and sustainabilization on societal coherence. The research finds that rapid shifts in public opinion and the emergence of populist movements can pose a threat to diversity and cohesion.

Cytoglobin: key player in preventing liver disease

Cytoglobin has been identified as a key player in delaying liver fibrosis progression in mice. The enhancement of CYGB on hepatic stellate cells or intravenous injection of recombinant CYGB suppresses liver damage and cirrhosis. This discovery holds promise for developing new anti-fibrotic therapy for human chronic liver diseases.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalHepatology·DateFeb 16, 2021

A glimpse into the formation of mitoribosome

A recent study published in the EMBO Journal has provided new insights into the formation of mitoribosomes, revealing a complex network of assembly factors that shield the sensitive ribosomal core. The researchers identified five key assembly factors that are conserved across different species, including humans.

SourceScience For Life Laboratory·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateFeb 16, 2021

Molecular imaging determines effectiveness of novel metastatic breast cancer treatment

Researchers used positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with 18F-fluoroestradiol to predict response to a novel treatment for ER-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer patients. The study found that higher baseline 18F-fluoroestradiol uptake was associated with longer progression-free survival.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateFeb 16, 2021

Challenge of the summer rainfall forecast skill in China: A possible solution

A new study analyzes the relationship between the Mongolian cyclone and the South Asian high, finding that their coupling accounts for 66% of seasonal rainfall anomalies in China. The research suggests that enhancing summer rainfall forecast skill in China can be achieved by analyzing these phenomena in the upper-level atmosphere.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateFeb 16, 2021

Geisel study examines variation in intensity of fracture-associated prescription drug use

A new Geisel-led study found substantial regional variation in the intensity of fracture-associated drug (FAD) use among long-term care facility residents, with areas experiencing higher FAD use having higher hip fracture rates. The study analyzed Medicare data and prescription records, revealing a 12% difference in FAD prescribing ran...

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateFeb 16, 2021

A boost for plant research

Scientists at the University of Würzburg have successfully applied optogenetic methods in tobacco plants, enabling non-invasive manipulation of intact plants or selected cells by light. This breakthrough allows researchers to study molecular mechanisms of plant growth processes in detail.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Plants·DateFeb 16, 2021

Genetic study of Lewy body dementia supports ties to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases

A genetic study of Lewy body dementia suggests that the disease is caused by a spectrum of problems seen in both Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Five genes have been identified as critical to the development of Lewy body dementia, with variations in these genes also linked to increased risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

Answer quickly to be believed

A study published by the American Psychological Association found that response speed is an important cue on which people base their sincerity inferences. Participants rated delayed responses as less sincere than immediate ones, regardless of the question's seriousness.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateFeb 16, 2021

Leaders valued over managers, regardless of fit

A recent study from Cornell University-led research highlights the risk of overvaluing prototypical leaders and undervaluing management skills. Participants preferred to hire a CEO with strong leadership qualities over those with more managerial expertise, despite the organization's need for management skills.

SourceCornell University·JournalAcademy of Management Discoveries·DateFeb 16, 2021

Getting the lead in

Scientists from Argonne National Laboratory have developed a new anode material using lead and carbon that outperforms current graphite anodes with twice the energy storage capacity. The new design enables stable performance during cycling and improves overall battery efficiency.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateFeb 16, 2021

Crocodile evolution rebooted by Ice Age glaciations

A recent study led by McGill University found that the Pacific and Caribbean crocodile populations have been separated for approximately 100,000 years, contradicting previous expectations of 3 million years. This discovery was made possible by reconstructing Ice Age sea levels and analyzing genetic variations in the crocodiles' genomes.

SourceMcGill University·JournalEvolution·DateFeb 16, 2021

Bacteria and algae get rides in clouds

Researchers from Rutgers University discovered that clouds can carry bacteria and algae, which could impact human health and ecosystems. The study found various types of algae, including cyanobacteria, in cloud water and rainwater collected from France, highlighting the need for further research on these microorganisms.

SourceRutgers University·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateFeb 16, 2021

Sloshing quantum fluids of light and matter to probe superfluidity

An Australian-led team of physicists successfully created sloshing quantum liquids, revealing wavy motion and superfluid properties. The experiment provided insights into the speed of sound and potential effects on superfluidity, shedding light on a promising hybrid light-matter system for ultra-low-energy electronics.

Evolution's game of rock-paper-scissors

Researchers identified a nontransitive evolutionary sequence in a 1,000-generation yeast experiment. The study found that an evolved clone outcompetes its recent ancestor but loses to a distant ancestor due to multilevel selection acting on both the yeast nuclear genome and an intracellular RNA virus.

Breakthrough in organic chemistry: Asymmetric syntheses of useful, unique chiral compounds

Researchers have developed a method to synthesize N-C axially chiral compounds, which have promising applications in medicine and agriculture. The team's breakthrough enables the creation of highly enantioselective syntheses using chiral catalysts, leading to potentially useful compounds with therapeutic properties.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalAccounts of Chemical Research·DateFeb 16, 2021

Global poliovirus risk management and modeling

The global polio eradication initiative is facing setbacks due to ongoing outbreaks in Afghanistan and Pakistan, despite significant progress made since 2015. The recent special issue of Risk Analysis evaluates the GPEI strategies and finds that the initiative was off track even before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted immunization activ...

SourceSociety for Risk Analysis·JournalRisk Analysis·DateFeb 16, 2021

New Australian fossil lizard

A team of researchers from Flinders University and the South Australian Museum discovered a new species of skink, Proegernia mikebulli, in the Namba Formation deposits. The fossil, named after Professor Mike Bull, is Australia's oldest known lizard, dating back to 25 million years ago.

SourceFlinders University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateFeb 16, 2021