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Science News for February 18, 2021


Blueprint for fault-tolerant qubits

Researchers at Forschungszentrum Jülich and RWTH Aachen University have proposed a circuit for quantum computers that inherently protects against common errors through passive error correction. This design enables the creation of a large number of qubits, crucial for building a universal quantum computer.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalPhysical Review X·DateFeb 18, 2021

Magnetic attraction: Breakthrough test for malaria

A new test has been developed to detect the magnetic properties of malaria-infected blood, which could help eliminate the disease. The test, called rotating-crystal magneto-optical detection (RMOD), was field-tested on nearly 1000 suspected malaria patients in Papua New Guinea and showed promising results.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 18, 2021

Increasing temperatures will hit meat and milk production in East Africa

Climate change is projected to worsen heat stress conditions in East Africa, impacting dairy cattle, beef cattle, sheep, goat, pigs, and poultry. Implementing well-targeted climate adaptation strategies, such as breeding heat-tolerant animals and providing adequate water access, is crucial to mitigate the effects of rising temperatures.

LHC/ATLAS: A unique observation of particle pair creation in photon-photon collisions

The ATLAS experiment at the LHC has observed the creation of particle pairs from interacting photons, a unique and rare process. The detection was made possible by the AFP spectrometers, which track protons slightly deflected from the main beam, providing insight into the physics of high-energy collisions.

Study examines aspirin and statin use among older Americans

A study analyzing 11,392 U.S. adults aged 50+ found that many take aspirin despite lack of benefit, while others miss out on statins after cardiovascular events. The authors emphasize the need for healthcare providers to educate patients and promote safer prescribing practices

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateFeb 18, 2021

Study: Preschoolers with higher cardiorespiratory fitness do better on cognitive tests

A new study found that preschoolers with higher cardiorespiratory fitness perform better on cognitive tests and other measures of brain function, including academic ability tasks and attention skills. The research suggests that the relationship between physical activity and brain health is evident even in early childhood.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Clinical Medicine·DateFeb 18, 2021

Ultrafast electron dynamics in space and time

Scientists have made a breakthrough in tracing electron transfer processes at metal-molecule interfaces, allowing for the observation of electron excitation pathways in real-time. This achievement has fundamental implications for optimizing interfaces and nanostructures, potentially leading to new technologies.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalScience·DateFeb 18, 2021

South American lizard's blood pressure mechanism is more efficient at cool temperatures

Researchers found that the black and white tegu lizard's baroreflex mechanism is more efficient at lower temperatures, relying on vascular adjustments rather than heart rate alterations. This discovery provides new insights into the physiology of ectothermic animals and paves the way for further research on novel applications.

(Re)Shaping cities to combat inequality

Research from the Complexity Science Hub found that urban planning can directly influence social network formation and socio-economic equality. Towns with evenly distributed social networks tend to have lower economic inequality, while those with fragmented networks exhibit higher disparities.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 18, 2021

Internet trends suggest COVID-19 spurred a return to earlier values and activities

During COVID-19, internet trends revealed a surge in community-oriented values, with words like 'help' and 'sacrifice' increasing on Twitter. The pandemic also inspired people to adopt basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter, as seen in Google searches for terms like 'grow vegetables' and 'sewing machine'.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalHuman Behavior and Emerging Technologies·DateFeb 18, 2021

Wolves prefer to feed on the wild side

A recent study found that wolves in Mongolia primarily feed on wild ungulates like Siberian roe deer, contrary to previous research suggesting a diet of mainly grazing livestock. The researchers believe this shift may be due to the availability of easier and less dangerous prey in near-natural regions.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalMammalian Biology·DateFeb 18, 2021

Two distinct pathways leading to the development of septic shock pave the way for personalized medicine in sepsis

Researchers identified two distinct pathways leading to septic shock, involving bioactive Adrenomedullin (bio-ADM) and Dipeptidyl peptidase 3 (DPP3). Early diagnosis with biomarker-guided approaches shows promising results in personalized medicine for sepsis treatment. New diagnostics are available for rapid detection of these biomarkers.

Sourcesphingotec GmbH·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 18, 2021

Older adults and antibiotics: Study shows healthy attitudes but unhealthy practices

A study found that older adults understand the risks of overusing antibiotics, but many still use them incorrectly. Over 91% of respondents are cautious about using antibiotics, yet nearly 56% believe doctors overprescribe them, while 34% think antibiotics can help with viral illnesses like colds and flu.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateFeb 18, 2021

Mount Sinai researchers identify mechanisms that are essential for proper skin development

Researchers found that Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) and Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) maintain the skin-specific gene expression pattern necessary for proper development of the skin. The study suggests that targeting both complexes may be a more effective form of treatment for certain cancers.

New crystalline ice form

Researchers at the University of Innsbruck have elucidated the crystal structure of exotic ice XIX, a new ordered variant of high-pressure ice VI. This breakthrough discovery reveals new insights into the electrical properties of these unusual ice forms and paves the way for further experimentation to study their properties.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 18, 2021

Pre-existing immunity protects against airborne spread of flu viruses

A study found that pre-existing immunity against previous flu infections can protect individuals from airborne transmission of seasonal flu viruses. The researchers used the ferret model and discovered that even short exposure times can lead to efficient transmission, but prior immunity provides a significant barrier to infection.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateFeb 18, 2021

Petroleum engineers of Samara Polytech developed a unique test facility

Petroleum engineers at Samara Polytech created a test facility that recreates physical parameters of a deposit located at different depths. The facility allows for the simulation of pressure and temperature conditions, enabling the accurate determination of rock mechanical properties such as hardness, elasticity, and plasticity.

SourceSamara Polytech (Samara State Technical University)·JournalConstruction of Oil and Gas Wells on Land and Sea·DateFeb 18, 2021

The mass of Cygnus X-1's black hole challenges stellar evolution models

A new study using the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) has refined the distance to Cygnus X-1 and found its black hole mass to be approximately 21 solar masses, exceeding current stellar evolution models. This massive black hole suggests that lower mass loss through stellar winds during progenitor star evolution may have occurred.

Human impact on solar radiation levels for decades

A recent study found that human activities, particularly air pollution, are the primary cause of fluctuations in global dimming and brightening. Surface solar radiation increased after economic collapse and improved air quality regulations, suggesting a link between human-induced aerosols and climate changes.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 18, 2021

Stabilization technology for wireless communications for manufacturing systems

Researchers at NICT and TOYOTA have successfully implemented stabilization technology for wireless communications in manufacturing systems. This technology allows for real-time visualization of the wireless environment and coordinated control of different systems, detecting unregistered terminals and suppressing radio congestion. The s...

Boys who play video games have lower depression risk

A new study published in Psychological Medicine found that boys who regularly play video games at age 11 are less likely to develop depressive symptoms three years later. In contrast, girls who spend more time on social media appear to develop more depressive symptoms. The study suggests that different types of screen time can positive...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateFeb 18, 2021

Certain factors are linked with an elevated risk of bone fractures

A new study followed 30,446 middle-aged individuals and found that older age, female sex, and low leisure-time physical activity are associated with a higher likelihood of experiencing a fracture. The study highlights the importance of these factors in public health initiatives for fracture prevention.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateFeb 18, 2021

Study reveals a new potential mechanism underlying loss of muscle mass during menopause

A new study found that estrogen deficiency during menopause leads to altered microRNA signalling in skeletal muscle, potentially activating cell death pathways and resulting in muscle wasting. The study suggests resistance training may be beneficial for maintaining muscle mass and power in middle-aged women.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalExperimental Gerontology·DateFeb 18, 2021

UCLA study finds combination therapy suppresses pancreatic tumor growth in mice

Researchers at UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found that high type I IFN signaling is present in a subset of pancreatic tumors, leading to decreased NAD and NADH levels. The combination of IFN signaling and NAMPT inhibitors showed promising results in suppressing tumor growth and reducing liver metastases in mice.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2021

Explainable AI for decoding genome biology

An interdisciplinary team of biologists and computational researchers designed a neural network named BPNet that can interpret regulatory code by predicting transcription factor binding from DNA sequences with unprecedented accuracy. The model revealed novel insights, including a rule governing the binding of the well-studied transcrip...

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 18, 2021

Quantum computing: when ignorance is wanted

Researchers have developed a new quantum computation protocol that allows for homomorphic quantum encryption, enabling secure delegation of computations without compromising data privacy. The protocol's security improves with increasing complexity of calculations.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·Journalnpj Quantum Information·DateFeb 18, 2021

Promoting and protecting human milk and breastfeeding during COVID-19

Global findings from a University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing researcher highlight concerns about the impact of COVID-19 on birth outcomes and breastfeeding establishment. The article emphasizes the importance of prioritizing evidence-based lactation education, care, and technical assistance to protect human milk and breastfeeding.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalFrontiers in Pediatrics·DateFeb 18, 2021

The Lancet Healthy Longevity: Study finds racial and ethnic disparities in flu vaccine uptake among people aged 65 and older in the USA

A new study published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity found significant racial and ethnic disparities in the uptake of seasonal flu vaccines among people aged 65 and over in the USA. Among those who received a vaccine, minorities were 26-32% less likely to receive the High Dose Vaccine, which is more effective in older adults.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Healthy Longevity·DateFeb 18, 2021