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Science News for January 18, 2021


A 'super-puff' planet like no other

Researchers found that WASP-107b's massive gas envelope could form easily with a less massive core than previously thought, contradicting classical models of gas-giant planet formation. The discovery has significant implications for our understanding of exoplanet formation and the variety of planets in the universe.

Tracking the evolution Maxwell knots

Maxwell knots are peculiar solutions to the Maxwell equations, with unique electric and magnetic field line structures. The study suggests these knotted field lines may move in a special manner, preserving their knot nature, and could be integrable, linking them to other mathematical models.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal C·DateJan 18, 2021

Rethinking spin chemistry from a quantum perspective

A team from Osaka City University developed a quantum algorithm that can accurately calculate energy differences between the electronic ground and excited spin states of open-shell molecular systems. This breakthrough enables efficient calculations for complex molecules, potentially revolutionizing chemical and industrial applications.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalChemical Science·DateJan 18, 2021

COVID-19 news fromAnnals of Internal Medicine

A recent study found that mortality rates decreased among critically ill COVID-19 patients over time. In contrast, experts from NIAID emphasized the importance of using data to encourage vaccine uptake. Meanwhile, a hospital essay describes a Ransomware attack during the pandemic, highlighting the challenges faced by healthcare profess...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 18, 2021

A massive advance in spectrometry

Scientists at Kanazawa University developed a new method to study the neutralization of excess charges during mass spectrometry, which can lead to more accurate results. The team used a combination of continuum and molecular dynamics simulations to model the effect of adding molecules of the opposite charge to neutralize excess charge.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateJan 18, 2021

UCI researchers: Climate change will alter the position of the Earth's tropical rain belt

A study published in Nature Climate Change finds that climate change will alter the position of the Earth's tropical rain belt, with a northward shift expected in the Eastern Hemisphere and a southward shift in the Western Hemisphere. This shift may lead to increased drought stress in some regions and intensified flooding in others.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 18, 2021

Cyber-evolution: How computer science is harnessing the power of Darwinian transformation

Researchers in Arizona State University's Biodesign Center explore how evolutionary computation simulates nature's evolution principles, enabling machines to find novel solutions to complex problems. The study highlights six hallmarks of Darwinian evolution and demonstrates progress in applying these features to AI and engineering design.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateJan 18, 2021

Primary care physicians account for a minority of spending on low-value care

Research suggests that primary care physicians play a smaller role in high-value spending than previously thought, with most PCPs contributing less than 9% of low-value spending per patient. Genetic testing is also limited in predicting disease in healthy individuals, highlighting the need for caution in its use as a preventive tool.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 18, 2021

Lasers & molecular tethers create perfectly patterned platforms for tissue engineering

Scientists at the University of Washington develop a technique to modify biological polymers with protein-based biochemical messages, triggering cell behavior. The approach uses near-infrared lasers to attach proteins to scaffolds made from collagen or fibrin, creating intricate patterns that control cell growth and signaling.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 18, 2021

Low-carbon policies can be 'balanced' to benefit small firms and average households

A new study finds that low-carbon policies can be designed to benefit local firms and lower-income families, while also promoting innovation and competitiveness. The researchers analyzed over 7,000 studies to identify the most effective policy combinations that balance environmental goals with social and economic considerations.

No insect crisis in the Arctic - yet

A new study reveals that rare Arctic insect populations are declining, while more common species are thriving due to climatic changes. Climate-driven shifts in growing seasons and permafrost thawing may be key factors contributing to these trends.

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 18, 2021

Latch, load and release: Elastic motion makes click beetles click, study finds

Researchers studied the forces behind click beetles' signature clicking maneuver, discovering that they utilize snap-buckling and elastic recoil to release energy. The study provides insights into extreme motion, energy storage, and release in small animals like trap-jaw ants and mantis shrimps.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 18, 2021

Purely organic hole transporter

Scientists have developed a novel, doped-free hole-transporting layer for perovskite solar cells, achieving 21% power conversion efficiency and improved durability in humid air. The new material outperforms reference materials and protects the perovskite organic cell from degradation.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 18, 2021

A trap for nematodes

Scientists at the University of Bonn have identified a mechanism by which the immune system attacks filarial larvae, releasing DNA that forms a web around the larvae and traps them. The Dectin-1 receptor plays a key role in triggering this process, known as ETosis.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 18, 2021

New discovery in breast cancer treatment

Researchers have found that androgen receptor activation by natural androgens or a new drug has potent anti-tumour activity in all estrogen receptor positive breast cancers, even those resistant to current treatments. This study provides new evidence for an alternative treatment strategy.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 18, 2021

Of the honey bee dance

Researchers found that despite diverse signals in the waggle dance among honey bee species, responder bees perceive messages similarly, using comparable vantage points. The team studied three Indian species, finding similar behavior and preference for optimal viewing spots, with some species having more followers.

SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateJan 18, 2021

Scientists produce the first in-vitro embryos from vitrified African lion oocytes

Researchers at the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research have successfully produced in-vitro embryos from vitrified African lion oocytes, demonstrating a promising method for genetic resource banking. The study showed that half of the vitrified oocytes matured, with seven early embryos developing, providing hope for the conse...

Cosmic beasts and where to find them

Two giant radio galaxies have been discovered in a small patch of sky, exceeding the size of the Milky Way. The discovery was made possible by the MeerKAT International Gigahertz Tiered Extragalactic Exploration (MIGHTEE) survey, which revealed these cosmic beasts with unprecedented sensitivity.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJan 18, 2021