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Science News for February 24, 2021


Quantum systems learn joint computing

Researchers at Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics successfully interconnected two qubits over a 60-meter distance, enabling the first prototype of a distributed quantum computer. The breakthrough opens up a new development path for distributed quantum computing, potentially leading to more powerful systems.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateFeb 24, 2021

Cellular seafood

Researchers detail nine steps for cell-based seafood to deliver environmental benefits, including developing a viable product and driving down demand for wild-caught seafood. However, achieving conservation outcomes is a complex process with many hurdles, including getting consumers to adopt the new product.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalFish and Fisheries·DateFeb 24, 2021

Study finds human-caused North Atlantic right whale deaths are being undercounted

A recent study published in Conservation Science and Practice found that known deaths of critically endangered North Atlantic right whales account for only 36% of the true death toll. The study analyzed data on whale encounters, animal health, serious injuries, and necropsies to determine undercounting of human-caused mortalities.

SourceNew England Aquarium·JournalConservation Science and Practice·DateFeb 24, 2021

Chimpanzees unite against a common enemy

Researchers at Kyoto University found that chimpanzees become more cohesive and engage in affiliative behaviors when threatened by out-groups, similar to humans. This suggests that intergroup competition may have led to the evolution of cooperation and tolerant relations in large groups.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 24, 2021

New shape-changing 4D materials hold promise for morphodynamic tissue engineering

Researchers developed novel hydrogel-based 4D materials that can change shape in response to physiological stimuli, supporting high cell densities and mimicking natural tissue development. These materials have potential for bioengineering blood vessels, organs, and studying biological processes involved in early development.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateFeb 24, 2021

UM scientists achieve breakthrough in culturing corals and sea anemones cells

Researchers at the University of Miami have successfully cultured cells from coral and sea anemones for up to 12 days, opening new avenues for studying evolutionary biology and human health. The breakthrough uses antibiotic treatment to prime tissues before culture, allowing for longer and more robust cell cultures.

Childhood ADHD, risk of developing psychotic disorder

A comprehensive study combining data from 1.8 million participants found a significant association between childhood ADHD and the subsequent development of psychotic disorders. The research suggests that children with ADHD may be at higher risk of developing psychosis later in life.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateFeb 24, 2021

Research addresses the complex problems of malaria

Lauren Childs and her team have developed a mathematical model that shows providing multiple blood meals to female mosquitoes can increase the transmission of malaria. The study suggests reducing mosquito egg production could also accelerate parasite growth, shortening the incubation period.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateFeb 24, 2021

Story tips from Johns Hopkins experts on Covid-19

A study published in JAMA Neurology suggests that large bone marrow cells called megakaryocytes may be responsible for the lingering aftereffects of severe COVID-19 cases, including brain fog. The researchers found evidence of megakaryocytes in the brains of patients who died from COVID-19 and believe they may reduce blood flow to the ...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateFeb 24, 2021

From melody to language

A study examining over 67,000 infant vocalisations found that babies as young as one month old produce complex melodies, laying the foundation for later speech. The research suggests that infants' brains mature rapidly and undergo 'preparatory' development before birth to enable melody production.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 24, 2021

A gearbox for tumor cell identity changes

Researchers at Max Delbréck Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association have made significant findings on the role of chromatin modulators in tumor cell identity changes. By using a combination of CRISPR and molecular reporter technology, they found that chromatin proteins significantly influence how tumor cells change t...

Effects of face masks on speech recognition

Respirator and cloth masks increase difficulties in recognizing speech amidst background noise. Surgical masks have no negative effect on communication., Researchers found face masks negatively affect speech recognition in noisy settings.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 24, 2021

Captive chimpanzees may unite against a common enemy

Captive chimpanzees display cohesive behaviors such as physical closeness and play when exposed to recorded calls of unknown chimp species. This response indicates an innate ability to form alliances, suggesting a complex social structure in captive chimps.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 24, 2021

Optimality in self-organized molecular sorting

The study reveals that the propensity to molecular aggregation is the main control parameter of the sorting process, with an optimal value ensuring maximum speed. This finding has implications for understanding the origin of pathologies like cancer and developing targeted therapies.

SourcePolitecnico di Torino·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 24, 2021

Red light put moths in the mood

A new study published in Frontiers in Genetics shows that dim red light enhances the mating and egg-laying behaviors of yellow peach moths by selectively activating a genetic pathway related to olfaction. This increase in sensitivity is made possible due to the unique properties of odorant binding proteins secreted by auxiliary cells s...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Genetics·DateFeb 24, 2021

Buckyballs on DNA for harvesting light

A novel type of organic light-harvesting supramolecule based on DNA is synthesized to improve the quantum efficiency of electron-hole pair production. The supramolecule's 3D structure persists in both liquid and solid phases, outperforming traditional electron donors and acceptors.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Chemistry·DateFeb 24, 2021

The risks of communicating extreme climate forecasts

A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers argues that extreme climate forecasts can be counterproductive, leading to public distrust in climate science. The study analyzed 79 climate-caused apocalypse predictions and found that many have expired without consequence, undermining the credibility of such forecasts.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalInternational Journal of Global Warming·DateFeb 24, 2021

Study identifies strengths and challenges of responding to dual disasters

A new study investigates how hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic affect each other and disaster response in southern Louisiana. Community-based organizations face new challenges, including reduced financial resources and service delivery constraints due to protocols to prevent SARS-CoV-2 spread.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateFeb 24, 2021

New study suggests supermassive black holes could form from dark matter

A new theoretical study suggests that supermassive black holes could form directly from dark matter in high-density regions, contradicting current understanding of their formation. This proposal has key implications for cosmology and the early Universe, potentially explaining how supermassive black holes grew so quickly.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateFeb 24, 2021

With a pinch of salt: How reliable are existing studies on microplastics in table salt?

A systematic review of published papers on microplastics in table salt found significant variability in reported data due to differences in measurement and identification methods. The study highlights the need for standardized protocols to ensure reliable health-relevant results and accurately quantify human exposure to microplastics.

SourceIncheon National University·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·DateFeb 24, 2021

Abnormal sodium levels in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 predict death or respiratory failure

Researchers found that hospitalized COVID-19 patients with low sodium levels are twice as likely to need intubation or advanced breathing support, while those with high sodium levels are three times more likely to die. Sodium measurements can inform doctors about which patients are at high risk of deterioration and death.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 24, 2021

Professor developing indoor COVID-19 detector

Professor Gerardine Botte has received a $999,047 grant from the U.S. Department of Defense to develop an indoor COVID-19 sensor that can detect traces of SARS-CoV-2 in air. The sensor has already demonstrated fast detection capabilities in saliva and water, and the goal is to extend this technology for air collection.

Tool that more efficiently analyzes ocean color data will become part of NASA program

Researchers developed a machine learning-powered platform, OC-SMART, to process ocean color in satellite images, solving a 30-year-old problem in retrieving data from coastal regions and open ocean areas. The tool provides useful data on chlorophyll concentrations and phytoplankton presence, helping to understand the ocean's state.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·DateFeb 24, 2021

Scientists describe earliest primate fossils

The study documents the discovery of Purgatorius fossils, which are estimated to be 65.9 million years old, providing insight into primates' evolution and diversification after the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event. The findings suggest that primates likely emerged by the Late Cretaceous period and lived alongside large dinosaurs.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateFeb 24, 2021

Measuring carbon nanotubes taken up by plants

Researchers developed a way to measure levels of specific carbon nanotubes in plant tissues using programmed thermal analysis. This method can detect small amounts of carbon nanotubes in leaves, stems, and roots, providing crucial insights into their environmental fate and potential human exposure.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateFeb 24, 2021

Semaglutide paired with intensive behavioral therapy showed triple weight loss vs placebo

In a groundbreaking 68-week study, semaglutide combined with intensive behavioral therapy resulted in an average weight loss of 16% for participants, exceeding one-third who lost 20% or more of their baseline weight. The treatment also showed significant improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors and marked metabolic benefits.

New technology shows potential to improve potency and durability benefits in gene therapy

Researchers have developed an immune tolerance platform called ImmTORTM to overcome challenges in gene therapy, including immunogenicity and durability. The addition of ImmTOR nanoparticles to AAV vectors has shown potential to enhance efficacy, safety, and durability by mediating more efficient transgene expression.

SourceLifeSci Public Relations·JournalJournal of Mathematical Sciences Advances and Applications·DateFeb 24, 2021

Slutpage visits may be common among US college students

A survey of US college students found that one in three students may be viewing digital groups sharing nude or semi-nude photos without consent. The study suggests that university sexual violence prevention education should include discussions on these sites to address objectifying attitudes and justify sexual violence.

SourceSpringer·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateFeb 24, 2021

Most women receive inappropriate treatment for urinary tract infections

A study of private insurance claims data found nearly half of women with uncomplicated urinary tract infections received the wrong antibiotics and three-quarters received prescriptions for longer than necessary. Rural areas tend to have inappropriately long treatment durations, which can lead to adverse events and antibiotic resistance.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateFeb 24, 2021

Changes in writing style provide clues to group identity

A new study shows that people's writing styles reflect the norms of the social group they belong to. Researchers analyzed online forum posts from parents and feminists to demonstrate their method, finding an accuracy of 70% in detecting which group identity was active. This discovery has implications for understanding how people switch...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBehavior Research Methods·DateFeb 24, 2021

Sulfur: the consequences

A team of scientists found that sulfur metabolism plays a crucial role in the transition from single-celled to multicellular organisms. By manipulating sulfur levels, they were able to induce or prevent the formation of multicellular aggregates in the slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum. This discovery has significant implications for ...

Celebrating Black chemists and chemical engineers

The American Chemical Society highlights the achievements of Black scientists in chemistry and chemical engineering, including drug discovery, biomedical engineering, and sustainable energy. The special issue showcases their work and calls for greater recognition and inclusion in the science enterprise.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateFeb 24, 2021

Gut health and mood genetically entwined

A link between depression and stomach ulcers has been confirmed in the world's largest study of genetic factors in peptic ulcer disease, involving nearly half a million people. Genetic variations associated with an increased risk of peptic ulcer disease have also been identified.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 24, 2021

'Miracle poison' for novel therapeutics

A team of researchers from Harvard University has successfully evolved custom proteases that can target specific proteins with high selectivity, opening up new possibilities for neuroregeneration, growth hormone regulation, and cytokine storm treatment. The technology uses phage-assisted continuous evolution to generate bespoke protein...

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateFeb 24, 2021

DV survivor elder abuse risk

A new study found that women who survived domestic violence are more vulnerable to elder abuse, with 6.4% reporting past experience and significantly poorer psychological wellbeing. This highlights the need for clinical monitoring and ongoing support for survivors as they age.

SourceFlinders University·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateFeb 24, 2021

Reactivating aging stem cells in the brain

A study by University of Zurich researchers reveals that increasing lamin B1 levels in aging mice stem cell division improves, leading to increased new neurons. The findings offer hope for future therapies targeting neurogenesis in older individuals or those with degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateFeb 24, 2021

New discoveries on the containment of COVID-19 finds travel bans are of limited value

A new study published in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface suggests that reducing individual activity through social distancing is far superior in controlling the dissemination of Sars-CoV-2. The research found that limiting personal mobility through travel restrictions and similar tactics is effective only in the first phases...

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateFeb 24, 2021

Scientists map the brain of a nematode worm

Researchers created a detailed brain map of C. elegans, uncovering modular structure and variation in neural circuits that complement core circuitry found across animals. The study's findings suggest the worm's brain processes information through layers, with convergence of different neural circuits enabling integration and coordination.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature·DateFeb 24, 2021

What to do when a mammogram shows swollen lymph nodes in women just vaccinated for COVID

Radiologists at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed an approach to manage swollen lymph nodes on mammograms in women who have recently received COVID-19 vaccinations. The approach aims to reduce delays in vaccinations and breast cancer diagnoses while reassuring patients that the swelling is a normal response to vaccination.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateFeb 24, 2021

Many genes associated with the risk of coronary artery disease act through the liver

A new study reveals that over one third of genetic variants associated with coronary artery disease regulate liver-specific genes involved in cholesterol metabolism. Researchers pinpoint the causal single nucleotide polymorphisms and target genes mediating the risk, expanding our understanding of the disease's mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateFeb 24, 2021