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Science News for January 12, 2021


Enlightening dark ions

Researchers at University of California - Santa Barbara have created a new way to detect dark ions using laser-cooled radium molecules. This breakthrough allows for precise measurements of ion motional frequency and mass, enabling sensitivity to time symmetry violations in quantum mechanics.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 12, 2021

Artificial intelligence puts focus on the life of insects

Scientists are using AI to identify insects at supernatural speed, opening up new possibilities for discovering unknown species and tracking their life across space and time. Insects have diverse life histories and roles in ecosystems, making manual observation and counting a time-consuming process.

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 12, 2021

Formula predicts ideal dose of stem cells to cure HIV

A mathematical model developed by researchers predicts that autologous gene-edited stem cell transplants could achieve viral control after antiretroviral therapy withdrawal. The conditions required for this include a sufficient dose of edited stem cells and allowing them to repopulate the blood before ART is stopped.

SourceeLife·DateJan 12, 2021

New promising antibodies against SARS-CoV-2

Researchers at the University of Bonn have developed four nanobodies that effectively target the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, offering a promising therapeutic option. These nanobodies can be produced in large quantities and are less likely to cause unwanted complications, making them an attractive alternative to traditional antibodies.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience·DateJan 12, 2021

Gut microbes may antagonize or assist in anorexia

Researchers found that gut microbes in anorexia patients are less diverse and more abundant in 'harmful' species. Transferring fecal samples from anorexia patients to mice resulted in similar symptoms, suggesting a link between gut bacteria and anorexia symptoms. Targeting the microbiome may be a viable treatment for anorexia.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·DateJan 12, 2021

Suicide among individuals with autism spectrum disorder

A study examining national register data from Denmark found individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have higher rates of suicide attempts and completion compared to those without ASD. Potential risk factors for suicidal behavior in individuals with ASD were identified in the research.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 12, 2021

DNA in water used to uncover genes of invasive fish

A new technique using environmental DNA analysis reveals nuanced information about invasive round goby fish populations, allowing for population estimates and origin prediction. The method has the potential to overcome logistical challenges in studying elusive species, improving conservation outcomes.

SourceCornell University·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateJan 12, 2021

Wives bore the brunt of child care during the shutdown

A study found that during the COVID-19 shutdown, more than a third of couples relied on women to provide most or all child care. Egalitarian strategies, such as alternating work days and needs-based alternation, were associated with better outcomes for couples, including lower marital tension and improved job performance.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateJan 12, 2021

How anorexia nervosa alters body awareness

Research found that patients with anorexia nervosa unconsciously assess their proportions to be larger than they actually are, leading to a distorted body schema. Virtual reality and cognitive behavioral therapy may help correct this distortion by influencing the representation of the body.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateJan 12, 2021

Singing a tumor test song

A new technique, vocal passive elastography (V-PE), uses ultrasound imaging and singing to determine the presence of a tumor in the thyroid gland. By analyzing the speed of shear waves created by vibrations from a person's voice, researchers can measure the elasticity of surrounding tissue.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJan 12, 2021

Organizations collaborate to develop international von Willebrand Disease guidelines

The American Society of Hematology, International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis, National Hemophilia Foundation, and World Federation of Hemophilia have developed joint clinical practice guidelines for von Willebrand Disease (VWD). The guidelines provide recommendations for diagnosis and management, including the use of injecta...

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·JournalBlood Advances·DateJan 12, 2021

SARS-CoV-2 can infect neurons and damage brain tissue, study indicates

A recent study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine found that SARS-CoV-2 can directly infect brain cells, leading to devastating consequences such as localized ischemia and cell death. The researchers also discovered that the virus's ability to invade the central nervous system may be related to its neurological symptoms.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJan 12, 2021

Scientists have synthesized an unusual superconducting barium superhydride

Researchers from Russia, China, and the US have synthesized a new superconducting compound, BaH12, with an unusually high hydrogen content. The compound exhibits room-temperature superconductivity due to its molecular structure, marking significant progress in understanding potential room-temperature superconductors.

Master designers: Architects of the brain revealed

Researchers at Kanazawa University have made significant discoveries about the mechanisms behind brain column formation. They found that planar cell polarity (PCP) and Wnt signaling pathways play key roles in creating these three-dimensional structures, which are essential for proper brain development.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 12, 2021

Spatial distribution of planktonic ciliates in the western Pacific Ocean: Along the transect from Shenzhen (China) to Pohnpei (Micronesia)

The study examines the spatial distribution of planktonic ciliates in the western Pacific Ocean, focusing on a transect from Shenzhen to Pohnpei. Ciliate abundance is positively correlated with phosphate and pico-sized pigmented eukaryotes, while biomass is related to heterotrophic nanoflagellates and chlorophytes.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalMarine Life Science & Technology·DateJan 12, 2021

Hospitals must help their own COVID long-haulers recover, experts argue

A multidisciplinary team of experts calls for medical institutions to support and promote the safe return to work for all health care workers disabled from lingering COVID-19 symptoms. Current national guidelines focus on infection status, leaving institutions to establish their own policies or for employees to opt for medical leave.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateJan 12, 2021

North Carolina simplifies medicaid enrollment, improves coverage for pregnant women

After simplifying full Medicaid enrollment under the ACA standards, North Carolina saw a doubling of low-income women qualifying for full Medicaid during pregnancy. The state's changes led to a decrease in Medicaid enrollment for Pregnant Women program, highlighting the importance of streamlined access to crucial health services.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 12, 2021

New technology reveals fast and slow twitch muscle fibers respond differently to exercise

Scientists at the University of Copenhagen have developed a new technology that allows researchers to study muscle biology on a detailed level. The study found that fast and slow twitch muscle fibers respond differently to exercise training, with hundreds of proteins expressed uniquely in each type. This discovery has implications for ...

No-till practices in vulnerable areas significantly reduce soil erosion

Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a modeling framework to estimate soil erosion in the Drummer Creek watershed. The study found that even partial changes in tilling practices can have significant results, with vulnerable areas seeing a near-70% reduction in soil loss and sediment yield.

No disassembly required: Non-destructive method to measure carrier lifetime in SiC

Researchers at Nagoya Institute of Technology have developed a new non-destructive method to measure carrier lifetime in SiC, allowing for the study and adoption of SiC in ultrahigh-voltage applications. This technique enables the measurement of carrier lifetimes within thick voltage blocking layers without destroying the sample.

SourceNagoya Institute of Technology·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateJan 12, 2021

No limit to cardiovascular benefits of exercise, study finds

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found a significant inverse association between physical activity and the occurrence of cardiovascular disease, with participants in highest quartiles showing substantial risk reduction. The study used data from 90,211 UK Biobank participants and found no threshold for this association.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 12, 2021

Tweaking AI software to function like a human brain improves computer's learning ability

Artificial intelligence can learn new visual concepts faster using a technique that mirrors human visual learning, improving its ability to quickly recognize objects from sparse data. The approach enables computers to leverage prior learning and simplify complex visual concept representations, leading to improved learning efficiency.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalFrontiers in Computational Neuroscience·DateJan 12, 2021

Healthcare Nutrition Council leads the way on medical food discussions

A recent publication in Current Developments in Nutrition shares the historical and regulatory context of medical foods and perspectives on their role in the future. The Healthcare Nutrition Council's Medical Foods Workshop highlighted key considerations for patient access and product innovation, driving consensus on terms and definiti...

SourceKellen Communications - NY·JournalCurrent Developments in Nutrition·DateJan 12, 2021

Boomerang performance is on par with internal employees who never left the firm, new paper finds

A new paper by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that reentry of boomerang employees improves their compensation, satisfaction, and organizational commitment compared to matched internal hires. However, the researchers did not find a difference in performance ratings between boomerangs and internal hires.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalHuman Resource Management·DateJan 12, 2021

Shortening college athlete COVID quarantine may boost adherence without increasing risk

A recent study published in MMWR found that shortening the length of COVID-19 quarantine for college athletes can increase compliance without increasing risk. The analysis showed that nearly 49% of positive test results occurred within the first two days of quarantine, and the positivity rate decreased over time.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalMMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report·DateJan 12, 2021

New treatment allows some people with spinal cord injury to regain hand and arm function

Researchers at the University of Washington developed a new treatment that uses skin-surface stimulation to help people with spinal cord injuries regain hand and arm mobility. After a five-month training program, six participants showed significant improvements in hand function, which lasted for up to six months after treatment ended.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·DateJan 12, 2021