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Science News for January 11, 2021


Galaxy mergers could limit star formation

A new study by Durham University and colleagues suggests that galaxy mergers could shut down star formation in the early universe, affecting galaxy growth. The researchers observed a massive galaxy, ID2299, which ejected half of its gas into the intergalactic medium due to the merger.

SourceDurham University·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJan 11, 2021

Experiences of underrepresented graduate students in STEM

Research on chemistry PhD students reveals women from historically marginalized groups have fewer positive interactions with advisors and less financial support. Despite this, students from underrepresented groups are more likely to express commitment to scholastic goals when supported by faculty members from similar backgrounds.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 11, 2021

2D compound shows unique versatility

A new 2D compound made of antimony and indium selenide exhibits unique properties depending on its polarization by an external electric field. This allows for potential applications in solar energy and quantum computing, with the material being relatively simple to make.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateJan 11, 2021

Turbo boosters for the immune system

Researchers led by Olaf Groß will test the effectiveness of their IMMUNOSTIM compounds in boosting cancer treatment and vaccine efficacy. The team aims to develop a new class of immune-activating drugs that can enhance the body's natural defense against infectious diseases.

Are autism drugs on the horizon?

Researchers have identified a genetic mutation linked to autism that affects brain function and development. The study found that the mutation impacts brain cells, leading to hyper-social behavior and learning disabilities in mice. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments targeting the cerebellum's neural processes.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 11, 2021

Chloroplasts on the move

Researchers have discovered a new pathway for intercellular exchange of large cell structures, enabling genetic material to be transferred between plants. This process allows for the creation of new plant species and has implications for crops like bread and durum wheat.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 11, 2021

Race in clinician documentation

Researchers analyzed medical records for racial bias in clinician documentation, finding evidence of disparities based on race and ethnicity. The study highlights the need for improved training and education to address racial biases in healthcare.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJan 11, 2021

Small towns are bigger than we think

A new study by FAO and University of Twente reveals that small cities and towns play a significant role in shaping food systems, social development, and economic growth. The research highlights the need for greater coordination between urban and rural administrative authorities to address unequal access to services and employment oppor...

SourceFood and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 11, 2021

Towards Exawatt-class lasers

A new design concept aims to increase laser peak power by compressing pulse duration instead of increasing energy, pushing the record to the Exawatt class. The design uses a two-beam pumped WNOPCPA and carefully optimized phase-matching to avoid pump interference.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 11, 2021

Instead of pushing students entrepreneurship, they should be helped to make a better decision

Recent research suggests that traditional entrepreneurship education may not be effective in motivating students to pursue entrepreneurial careers. A new study by two researchers found that students' life goals play a crucial role in their decision-making process regarding entrepreneurship. By facilitating an understanding of these lif...

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalJournal of Business Venturing·DateJan 11, 2021

This tree snake climbs with a lasso-like motion

Researchers discovered that invasive brown tree snakes on Guam can use a novel, lasso-like locomotion to climb smooth vertical cylinders. This new mode of locomotion has important implications for understanding the snakes and conservation practices aimed at protecting birds from them.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 11, 2021

Zombie movies prepared you for the pandemic

Researchers found that individuals who enjoyed zombie and apocalyptic movies before the pandemic were better equipped to deal with it. Immersing oneself in fiction can serve as mental rehearsal for real-life events, according to the study published in Personality and Individual Differences.

SourcePenn State·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateJan 11, 2021

COVID-19 news fromAnnals of Internal Medicine

Researchers developed saliva-based testing as a sensitive alternative to nasal swabs. High demand for PPE revealed society's dependence on forced labor during the pandemic. No association was found between COVID-19 mitigation strategies and risk of preterm births or stillbirths. A new case report suggests a potential link between SARS-...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 11, 2021

Rice 'flashes' new 2D materials

Researchers at Rice University have successfully created metastable metallic nanoparticles from dichalcogenides, which can be used in electronics and optics. The process involves applying a high electrical charge to rapidly raise the material's temperature, producing a new class of highly valued materials.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 11, 2021

Study finds Dense Breast Notification legislation has not met all desired goals

A new study suggests that Dense Breast Notifications (DBNs) have achieved partial success in informing women about their breast density, with higher rates of notification and discussions with providers in states with mandated DBN laws. However, the study also found disparities in knowledge and awareness among women of different race/et...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Radiology·DateJan 11, 2021

ACP releases comprehensive framework to address disparities and discrimination in health care

The American College of Physicians (ACP) has released a comprehensive framework to address disparities and discrimination in healthcare, proposing policy recommendations to enhance quality and effectiveness for all patients. The framework also discusses specific contributors to health disparities and steps to improve them.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 11, 2021

Pediatric hospitalizations for COVID-19

Researchers analyzed COVID-19 hospitalization trends in 22 states to assess severity and spread of the virus in pediatric population. The study found significant variations in hospitalization rates across states, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to prevent further transmission.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJan 11, 2021

Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica Bvolume 10, issue 11 publishes

This special issue of Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B investigates the impact of tumor microenvironment on drug delivery systems for cancer treatment. Featured papers discuss various strategies to enhance specificity, target tumor-associated macrophages and manipulate immune-vascular crosstalk.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalActa Pharmaceutica Sinica B·DateJan 11, 2021

Uncovering basic mechanisms of intestinal stem cell self-renewal and differentiation

Researchers improved understanding of intestinal stem cells' renewal and differentiation into specialized cell types. They identified a specific Wnt/planar cell polarity pathway regulating intestinal stem cell self-renewal and lineage decisions, crucial for treating diseases like diabetes and colorectal cancer.

Research shapes safe dentistry during Covid-19

Research reveals that aerosol-generating procedures like fillings and root canal treatment can spray aerosol particles large distances, contaminating areas up to 5 meters away. The study found that dental suction decreases contamination, making it a suitable time to clean surgeries after procedures.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalJournal of Dentistry·DateJan 11, 2021

Global decline of insects

Recent studies document striking patterns of insect biodiversity loss, with many populations decreasing at annual rates of 1-2% a year due to human activities such as agriculture. However, some species are increasing in abundance and geographic distribution in temperate and Arctic areas.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 11, 2021

Use of telehealth jumped as pandemic shutdown began

The study found that almost half of people undergoing treatment when the pandemic began reported using some form of telemedicine. Researchers also noted that use of telehealth for behavioral health conditions was lower among women, older adults, and those with less than a high school education.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJan 11, 2021

Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica Bvolume 10, issue 12 publishes

This issue of APSB features studies on the anticancer effects of berberine, baicalein's potent antivirus ability against HSV-1, and a new class of PDE10A inhibitors for treating PAH. Additionally, several articles explore innovative drug delivery systems and novel targets for cancer therapy.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalActa Pharmaceutica Sinica B·DateJan 11, 2021

Impacts of climate change on our water and energy systems: it's complicated

Researchers developed a framework to evaluate climate change adaptations for water and energy systems, finding that conserving water can alleviate electricity grid stress. The study applied this framework to California, highlighting two possible adaptation pathways: one energy-intensive and another that saves both water and energy.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJan 11, 2021

Carbon monoxide reduced to valuable liquid fuels

Rice University engineers have created a process that converts carbon monoxide directly into acetic acid, a widely used chemical agent. The electrochemical process uses nanoscale copper cubes and solid-state electrolytes to produce highly purified acetic acid with up to 98% purity.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 11, 2021

Laser harmony

Researchers have developed a femtosecond laser with unprecedented precision and stability, allowing for the observation of chemical transformations inside cells and the creation of ultra-thin layers on microchips. The laser's harmonic mode locking system enables precise control over pulse frequencies, opening up new avenues for applica...

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Lightwave Technology·DateJan 11, 2021

NIH study suggests using cannabis while trying to conceive may reduce pregnancy chances

A recent NIH study found that women who use cannabis while trying to conceive are around 40% less likely to get pregnant each month. The study of over 1,200 women aged 18-40 with one or two miscarriages found no difference in miscarriage rates but noted differences in reproductive hormones involved in ovulation.

New process more efficiently recycles excess CO2 into fuel, study finds

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new electrochemical reaction using polymers to improve CO2-to-ethylene conversion efficiency. The study found that the new polymer-entrained electrodes produced more stable chemical intermediates, resulting in up to 87% ethylene production, surpassing previous reports.

Rice model offers help for new hips

The study incorporates fluid dynamics and roughness of joint surfaces to evaluate artificial hips, aiming to advance the design of more robust prostheses. The model could help clinicians personalize hip joints for patients depending on gender, weight, age, and gait variations.

SourceRice University·JournalBiotribology·DateJan 11, 2021

Higher coffee intake may be linked to lower prostate cancer risk

A pooled data analysis suggests that drinking several cups of coffee daily may be associated with a lower risk of developing prostate cancer. The study found that each additional daily cup was linked to a relative risk reduction of nearly 1%, with the highest intake group showing a 9% lower risk compared to the lowest.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateJan 11, 2021

K-State medical director contributes to research behind updated CDC quarantine guidance

A team of researchers, including K-State's Kyle Goerl, analyzed data from 1,830 quarantined college athletes and found that the risk of COVID-19 transmission decreases after 10 days of quarantine. The study suggests that shortened quarantine periods may be effective in reducing transmission if people follow important mitigation measures.

SourceKansas State University·JournalMMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report·DateJan 11, 2021

Material for future electronics: New method makes graphene nanoribbons easier to produce

Russian researchers have proposed a new synthesis method for high-quality graphene nanoribbons, which has a higher yield and is cheaper than the current method. The new approach uses nickel as a substrate and produces multilayer films of nanoribbons, which can be easily separated into individual monolayers.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateJan 11, 2021

Concerning drop in the number of people with mental health problems seeking help revealed

Research reveals a significant drop in people seeking help for mental illness and self-harm during the first UK lockdown, with treatment gaps greatest for working-age individuals and those from deprived areas. The study found that anxiety disorders decreased by 47.8% and antidepressant prescriptions dropped by 36.4%.

Breakthrough on diarrhea virus opens up for new vaccines

Researchers at Umeå University have made a significant discovery about the diarrhea virus, revealing its ability to survive acidic stomach environments and infect intestines. This understanding could lead to the development of new vaccines, potentially given in edible form, and has implications for tackling diseases like COVID-19.

SourceUmea University·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 11, 2021