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Science News for February 17, 2021


Hide-and-seek can lead to higher drug prices

A study by the University of Zurich found that 63% of drugs with rebates granted in Switzerland have low clinical benefits, while 49% have no significant benefit. The research highlights the need for transparent cooperation between European countries to improve drug pricing and patient access.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·DateFeb 17, 2021

Global mapping projects aid humanitarian organisations

A study by Heidelberg University researchers found that over 60 million buildings and four million roads were added to OpenStreetMap between 2008 and 2020, primarily in low- and medium-human development regions. However, these areas still account for only a small percentage of mapped data due to socio-economic and demographic factors.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 17, 2021

High patient uptake for text message system monitoring opioid use in real-time

A study at the University of Pennsylvania found that 61% of opioids prescribed to patients after orthopedic procedures went unused. The text message system showed high patient uptake, with 88% responding on the fourth day and 95% on the 21st day. Patients reported a decrease in pain levels without using most of the prescribed opioids.

Modeling a better catalyst for PIBSAs

Researchers have developed a computational model to improve the production of polyisobutenyl succinic anhydrides (PIBSAs) for auto industry formulations. The study reveals the detailed mechanism of Lewis acid-catalyzed reactions, enabling faster and more efficient synthesis with reduced energy input.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry·DateFeb 17, 2021

More sustainable recycling of plastics

Researchers at the University of Konstanz have created a more energy-efficient chemical recycling method for polyethylene-like plastics, recovering around 96% of the starting material. The new process uses 'breaking-points' to deconstruct molecular chains into smaller building blocks, making it suitable for 3D printing applications.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature·DateFeb 17, 2021

New study evaluates the advancement of ecology from a 2D to 3D science

A new study co-led by Arizona State University's Greg Asner explores the advancement of ecology from a 2D to a 3D science, leveraging remotely sensed 3D information to provide new ecological insights. The research has potential applications in addressing challenges associated with integrating dynamic oceanographic information and bette...

On the quest for other Earths

Researchers have discovered a potential Earth-like planet in the Alpha Centauri star system using unprecedented sensitivity data collection methods. The team's findings suggest that this exoplanet may be located in a habitable zone where liquid water could form.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 17, 2021

Dennis tamed the protein from hell in seven years

A team of researchers from Aarhus University successfully understood why a very extended structure is crucial for an essential protein from the human immune system. The study offers new opportunities to adjust the immune system's activity both up and down, with potential applications in cancer treatment and autoimmune disease therapy.

Quickly identify high-performance multi-element catalysts

Researchers from Ruhr-Universität Bochum and University of Copenhagen developed an approach to predict optimal composition and confirm accuracy with high-throughput experiments. The strategy enables identification of complex mechanisms at surfaces consisting of five chemical elements, overcoming limitations of previous catalysts.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 17, 2021

An mRNA vaccine for cancer immunotherapy

Researchers have developed a hydrogel that slowly releases mRNA nanoparticles, activating T cells and stimulating antibody production in mice with melanoma. The treatment causes tumors to shrink and prevents metastasis, demonstrating great potential for long-lasting cancer immunotherapy.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 17, 2021

Most European countries ignore patients with severe mental illness in COVID vaccine strategy

A survey of 20 European countries found that only 4 prioritize COVID vaccinations for individuals with severe mental disorders. The authors call for coordinated action to protect these vulnerable patients. Many countries do not mention mental health in their vaccination priority guidance, leaving patients at risk.

SourceEuropean College of Neuropsychopharmacology·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateFeb 17, 2021

Haotian Wang named Sloan Research Fellow

Haotian Wang, a chemical and biomolecular engineer at Rice University, has been selected as a 2021 Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellow for his outstanding contributions to the field of electrochemistry. He will receive a two-year grant of $75,000 to advance his research on electrocatalysis and sustainable chemicals production.

Neural network could help clinicians look for 'ugly duckling' pre-cancerous skin lesions

A neural network system analyzes photographs to rank and distinguish suspicious skin lesions, suggesting it can aid clinicians in spotting precancerous marks during clinical visits. The platform's performance was demonstrated with a sensitivity and specificity of 90.3% and 89.9%, respectively, in identifying 'ugly duckling' lesions.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 17, 2021

A new, clearer insight into Earth's hidden crystals

Scientists have discovered that the high silica content in ancient rocks formed in the Earth's mantle is linked to a significant change in the planet's interior around 2.5 billion years ago. This boundary may have been caused by changes in the mantle's flow, leading to the loss of extremely high temperatures.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 17, 2021

Silencing the alarm

Researchers found that an enzyme from tomato fruitworm caterpillars causes stomatal closure in plants, inhibiting defensive emissions like airborne plant volatiles. This study may yield insights into plant stress tolerance and potential strategies for improving crop resilience to climate change.

SourcePenn State·JournalNew Phytologist·DateFeb 17, 2021

Electrons living on the edge

Scientists used theoretical calculations to predict electronic states in topological insulators excited with laser beams, generating Dirac states that can act as if massless. This discovery may pave the way for new computers systems that waste less energy.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 17, 2021

Fueling the future: Novel two-polymer membrane boosts hydrogen fuel cell performance

Researchers have created a new anion exchange membrane that overcomes the drawbacks of previous membranes, exhibiting excellent mechanical strength, chemical stability, and conductivity. The membrane's high overall performance was demonstrated in a fuel cell test, showing stable operation for 300 hours with high power density.

SourceIncheon National University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateFeb 17, 2021

One in 10 Ohio women thought abortion illegal amid attempts to ban at 6 weeks

A new study from Ohio State University found that one in 10 Ohio women thought abortion was illegal due to legislative attempts to ban the practice at six weeks gestation. Women with lower socioeconomic status and those already facing structural barriers to reproductive healthcare were more likely to believe it was illegal.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateFeb 17, 2021

Changing livestock in ancient Europe reflect political shifts

A study published in PLOS ONE found that political structure and economic conditions played a major impact on choosing livestock in ancient Europe. The research analyzed data from 101 archaeological sites across the northeastern Iberian Peninsula, revealing significant changes in livestock use over time.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 17, 2021

Helping Congress get the most from research

A new study by Penn State researchers demonstrates that facilitating researcher-policymaker interactions can influence legislators' thinking about policy issues and drafting legislation. Participating legislative offices sponsored more bills containing research language, and members showed a modest increase in believing research eviden...

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 17, 2021

Columbia researchers uncover altered brain connectivity after prolonged anesthesia

A study published in PNAS documents changes associated with prolonged anesthesia in the brains of mice, revealing significant alterations in synaptic architecture. The findings support reports of post-hospital cognitive dysfunction and suggest a physical link between cognitive impairment and prolonged medically induced coma.

SourceColumbia University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 17, 2021

You snooze, you lose - with some sleep trackers

A study by West Virginia University found that top sleep trackers can accurately measure total sleep time and sleep efficiency, but struggle with sleep staging accuracy. Researchers tested eight commercial sleep trackers and found that some devices overestimated or underestimated sleep metrics, while others were unable to quantify slee...

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalNature and Science of Sleep·DateFeb 17, 2021

Latinx youth's helping behavior tied to cultural processes as well as parenting practices

A new longitudinal study examines relations between parenting, culture, and prosocial behaviors in U.S. Mexican youth, finding both universal and culturally-specific factors contribute to fostering helpful behavior. Cultural practices like ethnic socialization and familism values play a crucial role in supporting prosocial development.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateFeb 17, 2021

Climate change and suppression tactics are critical factors increasing fires

A recent study highlights the complex relationship between climate change and forest management in driving wildfires. Climate change is found to be the primary driver of increasing fires in some ecosystems, while fire suppression dominates in others. The research reveals that local responses to these factors can vary greatly within ind...

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Reno·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateFeb 17, 2021

To reduce stunting in India, space out births

Adequate birth spacing may help alleviate stunting in Indian children, according to a Cornell University study. The study found that when children are born at least three years after their older siblings, the height gap between them disappears.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 17, 2021

A peptide that inhibits virus transmission among ferrets may point to a promising treatment

A newly engineered peptide has been shown to prevent virus transmission among ferrets when given two days prior to co-housing with infected animals. The peptide's stability and effectiveness in reducing infection rates make it a promising candidate for developing an intranasal prophylaxis treatment against SARS-CoV-2 in humans.