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Science News for January 28, 2021


At-home swabs diagnose infections as accurately as healthcare worker-collected swabs

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 20 studies found that self- and caregiver swabs are effective at detecting multiple pathogens, with high sensitivity (91%) and specificity (98%) compared to healthcare worker-collected swabs. This approach offers advantages in reducing transmission risk, expenses, and discomfort for patients.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalJournal of Clinical Microbiology·DateJan 28, 2021

X-Ray tomography lets researchers watch solid-state batteries charge, discharge

A research team observed internal evolution of materials in solid-state lithium batteries using X-ray tomography. The operando synchrotron imaging revealed how dynamic changes at electrode interfaces determine battery behavior. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for improving the reliability and performance of solid-state batteries.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 28, 2021

Genetic analysis of symptoms yields new insights into PTSD

A recent study analyzing over 250,000 genomes identifies genetic similarities between PTSD and other mental health disorders, including anxiety and bipolar disorder. The research also suggests that certain medications used for other conditions may be effective in treating individual symptoms of multiple disorders.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 28, 2021

New gene variant linked to stroke

Researchers identified a new gene variant, MAP3K6, associated with cerebral small vessel disease and stroke in an extended Swedish family. This discovery may lead to better understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind early stroke and potential prevention strategies.

SourceLund University·JournalNeurology Genetics·DateJan 28, 2021

The Lancet Public Health: Ethnic health disparities among older adults in England equivalent to 20-year age difference, even before COVID-19

A new study finds that ethnic health disparities among older adults in England are significant, with certain groups experiencing worse quality of life than White British people. The study highlights the need for policy reform and long-term research to address structural and institutional racism.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·DateJan 28, 2021

Study details N439K variant of SARS-CoV-2

The N439K mutation in the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein confers resistance to serum antibodies and monoclonal antibodies, including those used in treatments. Researchers found that viruses with this mutation bind more strongly to the human ACE2 receptor, evading immunity while retaining infectivity.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJan 28, 2021

Fetal and neonatal therapies improve prognosis of congenital cytomegalovirus infection

Infants with symptomatic congenital CMV infection treated with a combination of immunoglobulin fetal therapy and neonatal therapy with antiviral drugs showed less severe aftereffects than those receiving only neonatal therapy. This integrated approach holds promise for reducing the number of children suffering from severe CMV infection.

SourceKobe University·JournalJournal of Reproductive Immunology·DateJan 28, 2021

Machine-learning to predict the performance of organic solar cells

Machine-learning algorithms are trained on large datasets to predict the performance of organic solar cells, identifying key parameters such as electronic gap and charge transport balance. This study demonstrates a new approach to predicting material efficiency, paving the way for further analytical models and more complex system under...

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateJan 28, 2021

Leading cardiovascular organizations call for urgent action to reduce air pollution

Four leading cardiovascular organizations call for structural actions to reduce air pollutants' harmful exposure, highlighting healthcare providers' crucial role in preventing illnesses. The statement emphasizes the importance of integrating air quality into disease management approaches and educating the public on clean air's benefits.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJan 28, 2021

New IOF position paper urges routine use of DXA-VFA in fracture liaison services

Vertebral fractures often remain undetected despite their significance as risk factors for future fractures. Routine use of VFA in fracture liaison services helps physicians detect unrecognized fractures and inform treatment decisions. The IOF position paper emphasizes the potential of improved detection of vertebral fractures within FLS.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateJan 28, 2021

Reconstruction shows increased global warming trends since 1850s

A newly merged global surface temperature dataset, including reconstructed land and marine measurements, reveals a consistent increased warming trend compared to previous estimations. The study provides evidence that the globe has warmed at a significantly faster rate than previously thought, with improved coverage of the Earth's surface.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJan 28, 2021

Generous parental leave leads to staff shortages, nursing home deaths

A Danish parental-leave program reduced hospital nurse employment by 15% and nursing home staff by 10%, leading to a decline in care quality and a significant increase in nursing home mortality rates. The study estimates that a one percent reduction in nurse employment increases one-year nursing home mortality among the elderly by 1.9%.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalThe Review of Economic Studies·DateJan 28, 2021

The Lancet: Study estimates that, without vaccination against 10 diseases, mortality in children under five would be 45% higher in low-income and middle-income countries

A new study estimates that vaccination against 10 major pathogens will have prevented 69 million deaths in low-income and middle-income countries between 2000 and 2030. Vaccination programs are expected to reduce mortality from these diseases by 72% for those born in 2019, with the greatest impact on children under five.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 28, 2021

Turning food waste back into food

Researchers at the University of California - Riverside discovered fermented food waste can boost beneficial bacteria in plants, increasing crop growth and resistance to pathogens. The treatment reduces carbon emissions from farming and has potential for sustainable agriculture practices.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalFrontiers in Sustainable Food Systems·DateJan 28, 2021

Wood formation can now be followed in real-time -- and possibly serve the climate of tomorrow

Researchers have developed a genetic engineering method to observe woody cell wall formation in plants, allowing them to better understand the mechanisms behind complex biological processes. This breakthrough could lead to the development of stronger construction materials with a smaller carbon footprint.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 28, 2021

Newly licensed autistic drivers crash less than other young drivers

A study found that young autistic drivers have lower rates of moving violations and license suspensions, as well as similar crash rates compared to non-autistic peers. However, they were more likely to be involved in crashes while making left- or U-turns and failing to yield for other vehicles or pedestrians.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJan 28, 2021

How coronavirus damages lung cells within mere hours

A Boston University research team mapped molecular activities in lung cells at the onset of coronavirus infection, revealing 18 FDA-approved drugs that could halt the virus' replication process. The discovery may lead to more effective therapeutic interventions and reduce deaths related to COVID-19 infections.

SourceBoston University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJan 28, 2021

Rumen additive and controlled energy benefit dairy cows during dry period

New research from the University of Illinois shows that consistent energy levels and rumen-boosting supplement monensin are ideal during the dry period for dairy cows. The study found no significant difference in cow performance or metabolic indicators between controlled-energy diets and variable energy diets.

Frequent cannabis use by young people linked to decline in IQ

A study found that frequent cannabis use by young people is associated with a decline in Intelligence Quotient (IQ) points over time. The decline was primarily related to reduction in verbal IQ scores, potentially affecting performance in school and future employment prospects.

SourceRCSI·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateJan 28, 2021

COVID-19: 1 in 3 adults anxious, depressed

A recent study found that COVID-19 is associated with increased psychological distress among adults, particularly women, younger adults, and those of lower socioeconomic status. The study suggests that outreach programs targeting these groups are crucial for mental health support during the pandemic.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 28, 2021

NTU study finds Singapore public less keen on drone use in residential areas than industrial zones

A study by NTU Singapore found that the Singapore public is more accepting of drones in industrial zones than residential areas. The research team identified fears and concerns, such as privacy loss and misuse of drones, as key factors influencing public acceptance. To improve acceptance levels, policymakers and regulators should adapt...

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalTechnology in Society·DateJan 28, 2021

Eyes reveal life history of fish

Scientists have created a technique using stable isotopic analysis of eye lenses to reveal a fish's life history and diet. The study found that fish on floodplains grew faster and had different dietary signatures than those in rivers or hatcheries, providing valuable insights for managing habitats and conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateJan 28, 2021

An ancient economy

A team of archaeologists has discovered that the Chumash Indians in California were using shell beads as currency around 2,000 years ago. The team's findings, published in the Journal of Anthropological Archaeology, challenge long-held assumptions about the origins of money in the Americas.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Anthropological Archaeology·DateJan 28, 2021

Machine-learning to predict the performance of organic solar cells

Researchers from Universitat Rovira i Virgili and Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona have combined experimental data with algorithms to enable an unprecedented predicting capability of the performance of organic solar cells. The study uses a new experimental method to generate large datasets, which are then used to train machi...

SourceUniversitat Rovira i Virgili·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateJan 28, 2021

Gender and spatial behavior

A Stanford study suggests that the increasingly gendered division of labor in human societies dramatically shaped how our species uses space and thinks about it. The research, published in Nature Human Behaviour, examines travel data from the Hadza people of Tanzania and finds that men and women occupy different worlds from a young age.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateJan 28, 2021

Study reveals cause of common Zika virus birth defect

A new study published in Nature Microbiology reveals how Zika virus causes brain calcification, a common birth defect associated with prenatal infection. The research team identified the proteins BMP2 and NS3 as central players in the development of calcifications, suggesting novel strategies to prevent this birth defect.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJan 28, 2021

How evolution can change science for the better

Researchers developed an agent-based model to analyze the priority rule in science, finding that excessive rewards for priority can lead to lower-quality research. However, reforms like scoop protection can help mitigate this issue. To further improve science, measures like preregistration and criticism of research plans can encourage ...

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateJan 28, 2021

Livestock workers face high MRSA risk

Research by Michigan State University finds that livestock workers are at high risk of acquiring antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The study highlights the importance of good hygiene practices and policies in minimizing the spread of livestock-associated MRSA.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalThe BMJ·DateJan 28, 2021