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Science News for January 26, 2021


At three days old, newborn mice remember their moms

Researchers found that newborn mice can recognize their mothers and prefer them over unfamiliar mothers, a preference that lasts into adulthood. The ability to form these memories is linked to the CA2 region of the hippocampus and is essential for long-lasting social interactions.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 26, 2021

Addressing health disparities in diabetes requires a broader look at systemic racism

A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism highlights the need to address health disparities in diabetes by examining systemic racism and its impact on social conditions. The authors recommend implementing culturally and linguistically appropriate services, unconscious bias training, and value divers...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 26, 2021

Highly specific synaptic plasticity in addiction

A new study reveals that specific enzymes outside medium spiny neurons contribute to addiction plasticity, driving drug-seeking and extinction behaviors. The discovery highlights the importance of extracellular matrix remodeling in addiction and suggests novel molecules as potential targets for treatment.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJan 26, 2021

New study: Malaria tricks the brain's defence system

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have made a groundbreaking discovery about malaria, showing that the parasite can cross the blood-brain barrier using a mechanism employed by immune cells. This breakthrough provides new insights into the disease process behind cerebral malaria and its severe neurological consequences.

Children cannot ignore what they hear when detecting emotions

New research by Durham University reveals that young children rely heavily on auditory cues to detect emotions, rather than visual stimuli. The findings have implications for parents and educators managing home learning and may also shed light on emotional recognition in children with developmental challenges like autism.

SourceDurham University·JournalJournal of Experimental Child Psychology·DateJan 26, 2021

First direct band gap measurements of wide-gap hydrogen using inelastic X-ray scattering

Researchers have made the first direct measurements of the electronic band and gap of solid hydrogen up to 90 GPa using inelastic X-ray scattering. The study found that the electronic band gap decreased linearly from 10.9 eV to 6.57 eV as pressure increased, with a densification factor of 8.6.

Metamaterial tiles boost sensitivity of large telescopes

Researchers developed low-cost, mass-producible metamaterial tiles to absorb environmental emissions and improve telescope sensitivity. The tiles enabled unprecedented sensitivity in measuring the cosmic microwave background, transforming our understanding of the universe's beginning and evolution.

SourceOptica·JournalApplied Optics·DateJan 26, 2021

Prevalence, risk factors associated with self-reported psychological distress among children, adolescents during COVID-19 pandemic in China

A survey of Chinese school-age children and adolescents revealed a significant increase in self-reported psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Risk factors associated with psychological distress were also identified, including social isolation and parental concerns about child safety.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 26, 2021

Hybrid closed-loop insulin therapy improves glycemic control

The International Diabetes Closed-Loop (iDCL) Trial found that hybrid closed-loop insulin therapy significantly improved glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes. The use of this technology increased Time in Range by 13%, especially during nighttime hours, and reduced time spent at blood glucose levels above 180 mg/dL.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalDiabetes Technology & Therapeutics·DateJan 26, 2021

Extreme black holes have hair that can be combed

Researchers have discovered a phenomenon where extreme black holes exhibit 'gravitational hair', a measurable quantity that depends on the black hole's formation process. This finding violates the 'no hair' theorem, which states that all black holes are identical and can be fully characterized by their mass, spin, and charge.

SourceTheiss Research·JournalPhysical Review D·DateJan 26, 2021

Wirelessly rechargeable soft brain implant controls brain cells

Researchers developed a wireless, rechargeable soft brain implant that can be controlled wirelessly by a smartphone, allowing seamless chronic neuromodulation. The device uses micrometer-sized LEDs to manipulate target neurons in the deep brain, enabling real-time brain control and reducing the burden on patients for long-term use.

Increase in minimum wage will save infant lives, study shows

A new study published in Preventive Medicine found that increasing the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 per hour can reduce infant deaths by up to 1.8% annually in large U.S. cities, saving over 1,400 infant lives annually. States preempting city and county governments from raising the minimum wage contribute to these infant deaths.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateJan 26, 2021

Ludwig Cancer Research study reveals how certain gut bacteria compromise radiotherapy

Researchers found that two families of gut bacteria interfere with radiotherapy in mice, reducing the effectiveness of treatment. The study identified a short-chain fatty acid called butyrate as the key compound responsible for this effect, which interferes with the activation of cytotoxic T cells and dendritic cells.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJan 26, 2021

LSD may offer viable treatment for certain mental disorders

Researchers at McGill University have discovered a possible mechanism that contributes to LSD's ability to increase social interaction, activating serotonin receptors and AMPA receptors in the prefrontal cortex. The findings could lead to the development of novel therapies for anxiety and autism disorders.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 26, 2021

Hospital worker flu shots could mean fewer deaths

A study by University of Georgia researchers found that state laws promoting flu vaccinations for hospital workers can substantially reduce the number of influenza-related deaths. States with vaccination mandates saw an average reduction in mortality of about two deaths per 100,000 persons, primarily among older adults.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 26, 2021

To combat false news, correct after reading

Researchers found that fact-checking labels, when attached to online news headlines, are more effective when shown immediately after participants read the headlines. This approach reduced people's misclassification of those headlines by 25.3 percent, compared to 8.6 percent and 5.7 percent with other timing methods.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 26, 2021