Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for February 22, 2021


Traditional hydrologic models may misidentify snow as rain, new citizen science data shows

A new study published in Frontiers in Earth Science uses citizen science data to identify the temperature cutoff between rain and snow in winter storms in the Lake Tahoe region of the Sierra Nevada. The results show that a warmer temperature threshold of 39.5°F may be more accurate for predicting precipitation in this region.

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalFrontiers in Earth Science·DateFeb 22, 2021

Magnetic effect without a magnet

Researchers find giant Hall effect in material Ce3Bi4Pd3, exceeding theoretical predictions by a thousand times. The effect is caused by complex electron interactions and the Kondo effect, leading to unexpected potential for next-generation quantum technologies.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 22, 2021

Focus on the positive to improve classroom behavior

A University of Missouri five-year study found that focusing on positive encouragement in the classroom reduces disruptive behavior and improves students' academic and social outcomes. The study implemented a classroom behavior management training intervention, resulting in decreased disruptions and increased student engagement.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Educational Psychology·DateFeb 22, 2021

Brain seasonality: Bean bug neurons need biological clock gene for seasonal egg-laying

Researchers from Osaka University have discovered that insect neurons promoting egg-laying require a circadian clock gene for day length-dependent responses. This study provides new insights into the importance of biological clocks in regulating seasonal physiological functions like reproduction and temperature tolerance in insects.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 22, 2021

Steady now: Unfortunate timing and rate of change may be enough to tip a climate system

A model study suggests that abrupt shifts in ocean currents could occur decades before anticipated due to rate-induced tipping. This could lead to drastic changes in agriculture, biodiversity, and the economy. The findings highlight fundamental limitations in climate predictability and emphasize the need to limit CO2 emissions.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 22, 2021

Tweaking corn kernels with CRISPR

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have successfully applied CRISPR to increase corn kernel numbers by targeting promoter regions that regulate gene activity. This technique holds promise for increasing crop yields per acre and making agriculture more sustainable.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Plants·DateFeb 22, 2021

UConn researcher offers lessons learned from a pre-pandemic study of telemedicine use

A pre-pandemic study on telemedicine use in a California senior living community found that despite low intervention uptake, residents valued avoiding emergency room visits due to wait times and costs. However, frontline staff perceived the program as not valuable, highlighting the need for cultural shifts among healthcare professionals.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateFeb 22, 2021

Don't focus on genetic diversity to save our species

New research suggests that genetic diversity is not a reliable predictor of species survival and highlights the importance of habitat protection in saving species. Scientists found that most genetic diversity within a genome is neutral and not correlated with overall genetic diversity.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 22, 2021

For breakthroughs in slowing aging, scientists must look beyond biology

Recent studies highlight the need to incorporate behavioral and social science alongside biological mechanisms in aging research. Behavioral and social factors are causal drivers of biological aging, with influences on healthspan and longevity being large and meaningful. Researchers emphasize the importance of including these factors i...

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalAgeing Research Reviews·DateFeb 22, 2021

Controlling deflection in construction beams

Engineers from Erbil Technical Engineering College report on the effect of applied load intensity, steel reinforcement index amount and concrete strength on beam depth-span ratio. The study suggests modifying ACI codes to include additional parameters, enabling engineers to control beam deflection within defined limits.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Civil Engineering Journal·DateFeb 22, 2021

Study could explain tuberculosis bacteria paradox

Researchers found a genetic mechanism in Mycobacterium tuberculosis that allows the bacterium to respond to stress rapidly and in manner that is 'history-dependent.' The study suggests this mechanism may be key to understanding tuberculosis latency, a global health problem affecting 2-3 billion people.

SourceRice University·JournalmSystems·DateFeb 22, 2021

Politics and the brain: Attention perks up when politicians break with party lines

A new study by University of Nebraska-Lincoln psychologist Ingrid Haas found that humans process politically incongruent statements differently, with stronger neurological responses for inconsistent positions. Participants showed increased activity in brain regions involved in cognitive function when reading statements deviating from p...

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateFeb 22, 2021

A dynamic forest floor

A mathematical model reveals how two radically different communities coexist beneath California's iconic kelp forests. The model accounts for the growth rate and mortality of algae and invertebrates, as well as the lifecycle of giant kelp and sunlight availability. This dynamic foundation species allows competing groups to dominate at ...

New sensor paves way to low-cost sensitive methane measurements

Researchers developed a new sensor using interband cascade light emitting device (ICLED) to detect methane concentrations as low as 0.1 parts per million. The ICLED-based sensors could be used to monitor emissions from livestock and dairy farms, and enable more accurate climate crisis monitoring.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateFeb 22, 2021

Plant responses to climate are lagged

A study by German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) found that plant species often respond to climate drivers months or even years later than previously assumed. The research analyzed 76 studies on 104 plant species and discovered that climate conditions during dormant seasons can have significant effects on plants.

International study finds increased COVID-19 mortality among adults with Down syndrome

A new study found adults with Down syndrome are roughly three times more likely to die from COVID-19 than the general population. The study's results have implications for preventive and clinical management of COVID-19 patients with Down syndrome, highlighting the need to prioritize individuals with this genetic condition for vaccination.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalEClinicalMedicine·DateFeb 22, 2021

Life from Earth could temporarily survive on Mars

Researchers at NASA and German Aerospace Center sent microbes to Earth's stratosphere, replicating Martian conditions, to test their endurance. The study found that some microorganisms, such as spores from the black mold fungus, could survive high UV radiation and desiccation during space travel.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateFeb 22, 2021

Female heart disease patients with female physicians fare better

A systematic review found that female patients treated by female physicians experience better outcomes, while those treated by male physicians face higher mortality rates. The study suggests that increasing gender diversity in the physician workforce and improving training on patient-centered communication can help combat disparities.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 22, 2021

The Milky Way may be swarming with planets with oceans and continents like here on Earth

Researchers from the GLOBE Institute at University of Copenhagen found that water may be present during planet formation, applicable to Earth, Venus, and Mars. The study suggests that planets with similar building blocks and temperature conditions as Earth may have oceans and continents.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalJournal of Mathematical Sciences Advances and Applications·DateFeb 22, 2021

New technique reveals switches in RNA

Scientists have developed a method to visualize and quantify alternative structures of RNA molecules, identifying a conserved structural switch in the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This technique has implications for understanding viral replication and potential targets for antiviral therapy.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Methods·DateFeb 22, 2021

UH receives $5 million to combat HIV/AIDS epidemic

The University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work research center has received $5 million in funding from Gilead Sciences, Inc. to continue its work combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the South. Led by Assistant Professor Samira Ali, the SUSTAIN Center focuses on improving frontline care and access for marginalized communities.

Toddler sleep patterns matter

A recent study published in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine suggests that inconsistent sleep schedules in toddlers are associated with higher body mass index (BMI) percentiles. Researchers found that children from households living at or below poverty levels had more inconsistent sleep onset times, leading to higher BMI percentages.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateFeb 22, 2021

Polymer film protects from electromagnetic radiation, signal interference

Engineers at the University of California, Riverside developed a flexible film that combines excellent electromagnetic shielding with ease of manufacture, promising for high-frequency communication technologies. The film, made from a polymer matrix filled with bundles of quasi-one-dimensional van der Waals materials, demonstrates excep...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 22, 2021

State legislation related to abortion services

A recent survey study examined changes in abortion policies among US states from 2017 to 2020. The findings showed that state laws on abortion services have become increasingly complex, with some states expanding access to abortion and others imposing strict restrictions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 22, 2021

High fructose diets could cause immune system damage

A new study published in Nature Communications found that high fructose diets can cause the immune system to become inflamed, leading to damage and increasing the risk of disease. The research also suggests a link between fructose consumption and obesity, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

SourceSwansea University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 22, 2021

New model helping identify pregnant women whose previous kidney injury puts them, babies at risk

Scientists developed a rodent model to understand and identify young pregnant women who have previously suffered kidney injuries, which can lead to complications such as preeclampsia and low birthweight. The model suggests that even years after the injury, some women may still experience renal insufficiency during pregnancy.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 22, 2021

Study suggests teacher-student bonds may be especially important for homeless kids

A recent study of homeless preschoolers found that strong teacher-child relationships are crucial in predicting healthy behaviors and emotional well-being. The study discovered that 70% of children were well-adjusted and exhibited positive behaviors, while the remaining 30% struggled with behavioral challenges.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Education for Students Placed at Risk (JESPAR)·DateFeb 22, 2021

A research team identifies a metabolic footprint associated with the perception of satiety

A research team has discovered a metabolic footprint associated with the perception of satiety, revealing that higher concentrations of glycine and linoleic acid are linked to increased satiety. The study involved 140 volunteers with overweight and obesity, showing that certain metabolites in the blood can predict postprandial satiety.

SourceUniversitat Rovira i Virgili·JournalNutrients·DateFeb 22, 2021

Patient page: Teen vaping

The article provides valuable insights into identifying signs of teen vaping, ways to prevent it, and strategies for supporting addicted teens. Parents can take proactive steps by understanding the warning signs and knowing how to approach their child about this growing concern.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateFeb 22, 2021

Rice's Yingyan Lin receives NSF CAREER Award

Yingyan Lin, an assistant professor at Rice University, has received a $400,000 NSF CAREER Award to develop more efficient deep learning hardware accelerators. Her goal is to push forward ubiquitous intelligent devices and green artificial intelligence, addressing the gap between complex algorithms and limited resources.

Screening for macrocyclic peptides

Researchers designed a simple screening assay based on competitive binding to identify peptide candidates with high binding affinity for ubiquitin. The dimers of cyclic peptides were found to be more potent than control peptides and induced cell death in live cancer cell lines.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 22, 2021

Distorting memories helps the brain remember

New research published in JNeurosci found that recalling similar memories triggers divergent brain activity patterns, resulting in better memory performance. This study suggests that the brain exaggerates differences between similar events, which can be advantageous in distinguishing between similar things and preventing confusion.