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Science News for January 5, 2021


Neither liquid nor solid

Researchers at the University of Konstanz have discovered a new state of matter called liquid glass, which exhibits complex behavior. The particles in liquid glass are able to move but not rotate, leading to local clusters that obstruct each other and prevent an ordered state from forming.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 5, 2021

Climate change caused mangrove collapse in Oman

A University of Bonn study finds that climate change caused the sudden disappearance of mangroves on Oman's coastlines 6,000 years ago. The researchers suggest that a shift in the Intertropical Convergence Zone led to extreme stress on mangrove ecosystems due to increased salinization and drought.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalQuaternary Research·DateJan 5, 2021

Routine eye scans may give clues to cognitive decline in diabetes

A study found associations between retinal changes and memory problems in older people with type 1 diabetes. Researchers used routine eye scans to detect structural changes in the retina that may be linked to cognitive decline. The findings could lead to better understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other co...

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 5, 2021

Machine learning improves particle accelerator diagnostics

A new machine learning system can correctly diagnose particle accelerator component issues in near-real-time, providing operators with actionable information to mitigate problems. The system achieved accuracy rates of 85% for fault detection and 78% for fault type identification during its first two-week test.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·JournalPhysical Review Special Topics - Accelerators and Beams·DateJan 5, 2021

Novel method identifies areas most suitable for conservation of black lion tamarin

A novel method identifies areas most suitable for the conservation of the endangered black lion tamarin, considering both climate and landscape factors. The study used modeling to pinpoint areas with suitable forest cover and climate, indicating a need for targeted strategies in forest restoration to connect fragmented habitats.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalAmerican Journal of Primatology·DateJan 5, 2021

Drought of the century in the Middle Ages -- with parallels to climate change today?

Researchers identified a severe drought period in 1302-07 Europe, which shares similarities with the 2018 weather anomaly and recent climate trends. The study suggests that transitional phases in the climate are characterized by stable weather patterns, contributing to extreme events like the Great Famine of 1315-21.

Repeated ketamine infusions reduce PTSD symptom severity

A study conducted by researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai found that repeated ketamine infusions significantly reduced symptom severity in individuals with chronic PTSD. The improvement was rapid and maintained for several weeks afterwards, suggesting this may be a promising treatment option for PTSD patients.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateJan 5, 2021

Dental experts discover biological imbalance is the link between gum and kidney disease

Researchers at the University of Birmingham have discovered a biological imbalance between free radicals and antioxidant cells that links gum disease to chronic kidney disease. A 10% increase in gum inflammation reduces kidney function by 3%, highlighting the importance of periodontal care for patients with chronic kidney disease.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalJournal Of Clinical Periodontology·DateJan 5, 2021

Self-controlled children tend to be healthier middle-aged adults

A large study tracked 1,000 people from birth to age 45 and found that those with higher self-control as children were aging more slowly. Their bodies and brains were also healthier and biologically younger. Higher childhood self-control correlated with slower aging in multiple measures, including physiological signs of aging.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 5, 2021

Journal article reviews century of data showing COVID-19 likely to impact the brain

A century of data suggests SARS-CoV-2's expected long-term effects on the brain and nervous system will have chronic consequences on quality of life and independence. The study, funded by the Alzheimer's Association, aims to understand how COVID-19 increases risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and psychiatric conditions.

Protecting the global food supply chain

A new study published in Nature Food investigated how to ensure the food supply chain functions under environmental disruptions, highlighting key areas for future research. The researchers identified the need to understand the shape of a supply chain, evaluate simultaneous shocks, and quantify substitutions within supply chains.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Food·DateJan 5, 2021

Integrator: A guardian of the human transcriptome

The Integrator protein complex plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression by terminating non-productive transcription. This mechanism ensures the production of wasteful transcripts is limited while maintaining thousands of transcription start sites for potential functional genes.

SourceAarhus University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJan 5, 2021

ADDF presents vision of a consortium to accelerate research into speech and language biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease

A global research consortium is proposed to collect and share digital speech and language data to detect early signs of Alzheimer's. The consortium aims to create a comprehensive, harmonized repository of samples from diverse cohorts to develop biomarkers that can monitor disease progression.

SourceAlzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation·JournalExploration of Medicine·DateJan 5, 2021

HKUST Researchers Discover a Novel Mechanism of Recruiting Arf Family Proteins to specific subcellular localizations

The study reveals that N-terminal amphipathic motifs of certain Arf proteins determine their specific subcellular localization in a GTP-independent manner. This uncoupling of membrane association and activation may provide new insights for targeting proteins to specific intracellular locations.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 5, 2021

NSF funds a robot teleoperation system that could transform the manufacturing workforce

Researchers at Columbia University are developing a novel platform to enable factory workers to work remotely using a robot teleoperation system. The system will allow workers to specify high-level task goals without expert knowledge of the robot hardware and configuration, enabling greater job access for workers regardless of geograph...

Evolving the surgical microscope

The article reviews the development of surgical microscopes, from their introduction in 1921 to the latest advancements. Advanced technologies such as augmented reality displays, hyperspectral imaging, and robotic visualization platforms are increasing the capabilities of surgical microscopes. These improvements enable better visualiza...

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateJan 5, 2021

Heat treatment may make chemotherapy more effective

A new UCL study found that combining heat treatment with chemotherapy delivered via magnetic nanoparticles killed cancer cells more effectively than chemotherapy alone. The therapy showed synergistic effects, enhancing the effectiveness of both treatments when combined. Heat treatment can reduce side effects by targeting only cancer ce...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry B·DateJan 5, 2021

New clues to prostate cancer

Australian researchers have discovered a new mechanism by which prostate cancer cells can adapt and evolve into more aggressive forms, making them resistant to treatment. The study highlights the importance of targeting microRNA-194 to slow down and inhibit the growth of prostate cancer models with neuroendocrine features.

SourceFlinders University·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 5, 2021

Experts agree on new global definition of 'fermented foods'

Experts have agreed on a new global definition of fermented foods, specifying the differences between them and probiotics. The definition covers thousands of different types of fermented foods from around the world and provides a starting point for further research into their effects on human health.

SourceInternational Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics·JournalNature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology·DateJan 5, 2021

Hotels that promote women perceived as fairer, less discriminatory

Research suggests hotel companies that promote a woman over an equally qualified man are perceived as fairer and less discriminatory, leading to a stronger organizational culture and higher financial performance. The study found that women account for only 12% of all hotel leadership positions, despite making up the majority of the acc...

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalInternational Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management·DateJan 5, 2021

Sweat, bleach and gym air quality

A new University of Colorado Boulder study found that exercising individuals emit up to five times more chemicals from their body than sedentary people, which combine with bleach cleaners to form unknown airborne chemicals. The team detected a specific reaction product, N-chloraldimines, in gym air, raising concerns about indoor air qu...

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalIndoor Air·DateJan 5, 2021

In sight: A paradigm shift in materials characterization

Lehigh University researchers are transforming an aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) into a synchrotron facility, expanding scientists' ability to characterize material composition and bonding status down to the single-atom level. The new system will have capabilities up to ~13,000 eV and enable the i...