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Science News for February 4, 2021


An optical coating like no other

A team at the University of Rochester has created a novel optical coating that can simultaneously reflect and transmit light of the same wavelength, a breakthrough that could improve the efficiency of solar energy devices. The Fano Resonance Optical Coating (FROC) technology enables precise control over color and could lead to signific...

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateFeb 4, 2021

Study links brain cells to depression

A new study found a reduced number of astrocytes in the brains of depressed adults compared to non-depressed individuals. The study suggests that targeting these cells may lead to improved treatment options for depression.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·DateFeb 4, 2021

Studies use mathematics to analyze the semantics of dream reports during the pandemic

A study published in PLOS ONE analyzed dream reports from 67 subjects produced during the pandemic, finding a higher prevalence of negative emotions and terms related to cleanliness and contamination. The researchers used natural language processing tools and mathematics to extract semantics, highlighting the continuity between dreams ...

Nickel phosphide nanoparticle catalyst is the full package

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a stable and reusable nickel phosphide nanoparticle catalyst that exhibits high activity and selectivity in the hydrogenation of glucose to sorbitol. The catalyst produces D-sorbitol with yields over 99%, making it suitable for sustainable, low-cost production in various industries.

SourceOsaka University·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateFeb 4, 2021

How metal atoms can arrange themselves on an insulator

Researchers at Bielefeld University have successfully arranged individual metal atoms on an insulator surface at room temperature. The ordered structure is created because the molybdenum acetate molecules align precisely with the charge distribution on the calcite surface, firmly anchoring them in place.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 4, 2021

Clients of female sex workers should be targeted for HIV prevention and treatment in South Africa

A new study in South Africa found that male clients of female sex workers contribute significantly to HIV transmission, with a rate of 6.9% over a decade. Increasing treatment among these individuals could reduce transmission by up to five times, making them a key focus for HIV prevention and treatment efforts.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of the International AIDS Society·DateFeb 4, 2021

The Lancet Public Health: Weekly testing and two-week isolation most cost-effective strategy to control spread of COVID-19 in high transmission areas, US study suggests

A US study published in The Lancet Public Health journal suggests that weekly COVID-19 testing with a two-week isolation period is the most cost-effective strategy to mitigate the spread of the virus in high-transmission areas. Monthly testing and one-week isolation are more cost-effective when transmission rates are low to moderate.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·DateFeb 4, 2021

Book developed at Cincinnati Children's helps identify risks of reading difficulties

A new screening tool, The Reading House (TRH), assesses early literacy skills in preschool-age children and has been validated as a potential identifier of reading difficulties. TRH measures core skills predictive of reading success and identifies relationships between screened skills and early brain development in the brain.

Human immune cells have natural alarm system against HIV

Researchers at WashU Medicine have identified a potential way to eradicate latent HIV infection by triggering a natural alarm system in human immune cells. The strategy targets the activity of a specific HIV protein, rather than its appearance, and has shown promise with certain drugs that force the protein to become active.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience·DateFeb 4, 2021

Help for borderline personality disorder

A new study found that people with BPD are becoming more knowledgeable about the disorder and available treatments, but may still face significant challenges in finding appropriate help. Experts highlight the need for improved services, including public subsidies for specialized services and increased training for health professionals.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing·DateFeb 4, 2021

Even in same desert location, species experience differences in exposure to climate warming

A new study reveals that despite living in the same Mojave Desert location, mammal and bird communities experience different exposures to climate warming. Small mammals have remained relatively stable, while bird occupancy and species richness have declined dramatically due to their limited ability to mitigate rising temperatures.

Spicy perfection isn't to prevent infection

A new study from Australian National University suggests that spicy foods are more commonly used in hot climates, but finds no clear reason for this trend. The researchers analyzed over 33,000 recipes and found a significant relationship between spice use and life expectancy, as well as other health outcomes.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateFeb 4, 2021

Student astronomer finds galactic missing matter

A student astronomer has developed a method to track down the Milky Way's missing matter using distant galaxies as 'locator pins'. The technique detects radio sources that have passed through a cold clump of gas, revealing a massive, invisible cloud about 10 light years from Earth.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateFeb 4, 2021

Synthesized very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids improved retinal function in mice

Synthesized very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (VLC-PUFAs) have been shown to increase lipid levels in the retina and improve visual function in both normal and defective ELOVL4 mice. The study opens up a new area of research, raising questions about oral administration, blood transport, and selective targeting to the retina.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2021

Solving chronic pain during intercourse

A study published in the journal Pain identifies specialised ion channels involved in transmitting pain signals from the female reproductive tract. The research provides novel findings that could lead to improved treatment options for women experiencing chronic pelvic pain associated with endometriosis and vulvodynia.

SourceFlinders University·JournalPain·DateFeb 4, 2021

A new tool in the search for axions

Researchers have developed a new method to detect axions, which are thought to make up 26% of the universe's energy content. The BASE collaboration used ultra-sensitive detectors in Penning trap experiments to set new limits on axion-photon coupling.

SourceRIKEN·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 4, 2021

Mysterious organic scum boosts chemical reaction efficiency, may reduce chemical waste

Researchers found that a previously overlooked phenomenon in chemical reactions can boost efficiency and reduce waste. The discovery, led by University of Illinois researcher David Flaherty, involves the formation of an organic residue that acts as a surface redox mediator, increasing reaction rates and hydrogen peroxide production.

Switching nanolight on and off

Researchers at Columbia University have developed a platform to control layered crystals using light, producing imaging capabilities beyond common limits. The discovery provides insights for optical quantum information processing and aims to solve difficult problems in computing and communications.

SourceColumbia University·JournalScience·DateFeb 4, 2021

Surprising new research: We're more like primitive fishes than once believed

A recent genome mapping study by the University of Copenhagen found that our common fish ancestor, which lived 50 million years ago, already carried genetic codes for limb-like forms and air breathing. This discovery challenges the long-held belief that limbs and lungs evolved separately during the vertebrate transition from water to l...

Dual treatments help PTSD and depression

A sequential approach to treating comorbid PTSD and major depressive disorder has shown promising results in a randomized control trial. The study found that combining Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Behavioral Activation Therapy (BA) led to meaningful reductions in PTSD and depression severity.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Anxiety Disorders·DateFeb 4, 2021

Hidden world just below the surface

Surface slicks off West Hawai'i harbor an astounding array of marine life, including over 112 species of commercially and ecologically important fishes. These 'bioslicks' form an interconnected superhighway of nursery habitat, attracting tons of young fishes with dense concentrations of food and shelter.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 4, 2021

Measuring melting ice

University of Delaware Assistant Professor Carlos Moffat studies coastal systems and glacial ice retreat to understand global sea level rise. He will investigate freshwater discharge and its impact on ocean circulation and marine organisms.

Ensuring healthy family mealtimes is important - and complicated

A new study from the University of Illinois highlights the complexities of healthy family mealtimes, identifying three distinct family profiles with varying levels of food security and mealtime organization. The research emphasizes the importance of addressing multiple aspects of family risk patterns to promote healthy eating habits.

Factors, rate of nurse burnout in US

A study estimated the US nurse burnout rate and identified key factors associated with leaving the profession. The research found that nurses who experienced emotional exhaustion were more likely to consider leaving their jobs.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 4, 2021

The proton conduction mechanism in protic ionic liquids

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the proton conduction mechanism in protic ionic liquids, a key component in fuel cells. The study reveals that the mechanism shifts from proton hopping to vehicle mechanism with increasing acidity, enabling the development of new hydrogen ion conductors.

SourceNiigata University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry B·DateFeb 4, 2021

Charge radii of exotic potassium isotopes challenge nuclear structure theory

Researchers from University of Jyväskylä studied nuclear charge radii of exotic potassium isotopes using collinear resonance ionization spectroscopy. The results showed that the potassium isotope with a neutron number of 32 does not conform to magic neutron number criteria, challenging current understanding of nuclear forces.

Deforestation is stressing mammals out

Researchers found higher levels of glucocorticoid stress hormones in animals from smaller forest patches, indicating chronic stress. The study highlights the impact of habitat destruction on wildlife, particularly in fragmented landscapes.

SourceField Museum·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 4, 2021