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Science News for July 12, 2021


When a single tree makes a difference

A new study from American University found that individual trees can help mitigate urban heat, particularly in evening hours. The research showed that neighborhoods with at least half of the area covered by canopy were 1.4 degrees Celsius cooler than those with few trees.

SourceAmerican University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJul 12, 2021

Transport in 2050: Safer, cleaner and cost efficient?

A Cornell University-led team projects that vehicle electrification, driverless cars, and ride sharing could prevent 5,500 premature deaths and save $58 billion annually in the US by 2050. The study also finds that vehicle electrification is the most important piece for carbon mitigations and health benefits.

SourceCornell University·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·DateJul 12, 2021

Genome editing for food: how do people react?

A study of online surveys from five countries reveals that genome editing is generally viewed as beneficial for crops but raises concerns about animal welfare. The research found four distinct groups: strong supporters, supporters, neutrals, and opponents, with 21% strongly supporting the technology.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalAgriculture and Human Values·DateJul 12, 2021

Songbirds like it sweet!

Researchers found that songbirds can sense sweetness regardless of their primary diets, with the ability emerging early within the songbird radiation. The team identified the molecular basis of this ability and found that it has been conserved in nearly half of all birds living today.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalScience·DateJul 12, 2021

Having a nice glass of French wine?

A new study from the University of California, Davis, found that France's Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) system led to a significant increase in market value for French wines. The AOC system created production standards and mandatory tasting requirements, allowing wine growers to improve quality and be rewarded for it.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEuropean Economic Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 12, 2021

MaxDIA -- taking proteomics to the next level

The new MaxDIA software provides a computational workflow for data-independent acquisition proteomics, combining library-based and library-free approaches. This enables highly sensitive and accurate data analysis for thousands of proteins, opening up new possibilities for medical applications in personalized medicine.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJul 12, 2021

COVID-19 News from Annals of Internal Medicine

A recent study in Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for healthcare workers is strongly justified due to the higher mortality rate of SARS-CoV-2 compared to influenza. The authors propose strategies to increase employee acceptance and overcome vaccine hesitancy, emphasizing the importance of protec...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 12, 2021

Sea-level rise may worsen existing Bay Area inequities

Researchers found that coastal communities in San Mateo County are at risk of financial instability from flooding, with lower-income households disproportionately affected. The study's new methodology aims to provide a human-centered approach to risk assessment, focusing on the residents most likely to lose their livelihoods when water...

Two-thirds of romantic couples start out as friends, study finds

A new study found that nearly 75 percent of research on relationship beginnings focused on romance between strangers, while only eight percent examined friendships-to-romance transitions. The study analyzed data from over 1,900 university students and crowdsourced adults, finding a strong correlation between friends-first initiation an...

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJul 12, 2021

Coastal ecosystems worldwide: Billion-dollar carbon reservoirs

Coastal ecosystems worldwide are estimated to have a significant impact on the global economy, with countries like Australia and Indonesia storing large amounts of carbon. The study found that these countries generate annual welfare gains of around $26.4 billion from reduced climate change costs, while other nations like India and Chin...

Promising new research on aggressive breast cancer

A new study published in PNAS has identified a protein called AXL as a crucial player in hypoxia, which promotes cancer progression and resistance to treatment. By blocking the action of this protein, researchers observed improved recovery of blood vessels and revitalization of the tumour's immune environment.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 12, 2021

Teaching sound topological tricks

The study presents a phononic crystal that enables robust topological states at three dimensions, allowing for diverse wave steering applications. The researchers demonstrated the ability to engineer negative refraction of sound waves and utilize topological hinge states as transport channels.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateJul 12, 2021

India national school meal program linked to improved growth in children of beneficiaries

A new study by researchers at the International Food Policy Research Institute found that women who received free meals in primary school have children with improved linear growth. The Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme, the largest school feeding program in the world, has been shown to have long-term benefits on nutrition.

SourceInternational Food Policy Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 12, 2021

Immune system 'clock' predicts illness and mortality

The study found that a single-number quantitative measure, the inflammatory-age score, tracks well with a person's immunological response and the likelihood of incurring aging-related diseases. Blood levels of CXCL9, a cytokine secreted by certain immune cells, contribute more powerfully than any other clock component to the inflammato...

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature Aging·DateJul 12, 2021

Lead exposure and adult personality

Researchers surveyed over 1.5 million adults across Europe and the US to examine potential links between childhood lead exposure and adult personality traits. The study found that those with higher childhood lead levels were less agreeable and more neurotic, while those from areas with cleaner air were more conscientious.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 12, 2021

Fear of rejection vs. joy of inclusion: Faith communities from LGBTQ+ perspectives

A study by West Virginia University researchers found that LGBTQ+ people can benefit from faith communities, experiencing a sense of indescribable joy and relief from inclusion. However, the fear of rejection poses significant psychological stress, leading to 'minority stress' with detrimental effects on physical and mental health.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalSpirituality in Clinical Practice·DateJul 12, 2021

Sussex mathematicians develop ground-breaking modelling toolkit to predict local COVID-19 impact

A new modelling toolkit predicts local COVID-19 impact with unprecedented accuracy, using local hospital data to inform healthcare demand and capacity planning. The Halogen toolkit is available for other local authorities to use, enhancing their ability to predict infection levels and guide public health decisions.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateJul 12, 2021

New technique reduces nicotine levels, harmful compounds simultaneously in tobacco

Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a new technique to alter plant metabolism, reducing harmful chemical compounds, including nicotine and carcinogenic N-nitrosonornicotine (NNN), while promoting beneficial traits like antioxidant-rich anthocyanins. The findings could be used to improve the health benefits of crops.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Advanced Research·DateJul 12, 2021

Mapping extreme snowmelt and its potential dangers

Researchers mapped extreme snowmelt events across the US over 30 years, finding that unusually warm temperatures drive most cases. Machine learning revealed regional differences in moisture transport, with Pacific Northwest and northeastern US experiencing rain-driven extreme snowmelt.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateJul 12, 2021

Urban areas with high levels of air pollution may increase risk of childhood obesity

A study of over 2,000 children in Barcelona found that living in urban areas with high levels of air pollution, noise, and traffic was associated with higher body mass index and a higher likelihood of being overweight or obese. The researchers proposed several mechanisms, including air pollution's potential to disrupt molecular mechani...

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·DateJul 12, 2021

Naturally abundant venom peptide from ants can activate a pseudo allergic pathway unravelling a novel immunomodulatory pathway of MRGPRX2

A research team has identified a naturally abundant venom peptide from ants that can initiate an immune response via a pseudo-allergic receptor MRGPRX2. The study reveals a novel pathway for this receptor, showing P17 induces infiltration of monocytes at the injected site by activating MRGPRX2.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJul 12, 2021

People given 'friendly' bacteria in nose drops protected against meningitis

Researchers have successfully used nose drops containing genetically modified friendly bacteria to protect against meningitis, showing strong and long-lasting immune responses. The new method, which exploits the natural presence of non-pathogenic Neisseria lactamica in the nose, has potential applications beyond meningitis prevention.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 12, 2021

The fine nose of storks

Researchers discovered that storks are attracted to the smell of freshly cut grass, using their sense of smell to locate food sources. This finding suggests that the sense of smell may play a greater role in other birds than previously thought, contradicting previous assumptions about bird behavior.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 12, 2021

Near the toys and the candy bars

A recent study by Dr. Yael Bar-Zeev at Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that tobacco companies are exploiting loopholes to market IQOS products near toys, candy, and schools, targeting young consumers. The audit revealed that 70% of stores selling IQOS were within 300 meters of high schools.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateJul 12, 2021

Officers' tone of voice reflects racial disparities in policing

A study published by the American Psychological Association found that police officers' tone of voice conveys less warmth, respect, and ease when speaking to Black male drivers during routine traffic stops. This subtle negativity contributes to a downward cycle of distrust between police and the Black community. The researchers suggest...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJul 12, 2021

Sweet success: CABBI demonstrates first precision breeding of sugarcane with CRISPR-Cas9

Recent innovations by University of Florida researchers at CABBI demonstrate the first successful precision breeding of sugarcane using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. This technique allows for precise changes in genes and introduces superior versions, potentially increasing productivity and sustainability.

Teardrop star reveals hidden supernova doom

Astronomers have discovered a rare teardrop-shaped star system that will eventually become a Type Ia supernova. The system, HD265435, is comprised of a hot subdwarf and a white dwarf star orbiting each other closely, with the white dwarf being as heavy as our Sun but slightly smaller than Earth's radius.

SourceW. M. Keck Observatory·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJul 12, 2021

Awareness and use of sick leave

Approximately 8 million US employees used FFCRA emergency sick leave within the first 6-8 months. Unmet sick leave needs tripled during the pandemic, with women exhibiting a higher risk, and college graduates, Asian-Americans, and native-born employees being more likely to know about and use the benefit.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 12, 2021

New research reveals how the impact of ENSO on Asian-Western Pacific climate would change under global warming

A new study published in the Journal of Climate found that about 23% of uncertainty in WNPAC projection is attributed to El Nino amplitude change, while 77% comes from non-amplitude change related to El Nino decaying pace. The research highlights the importance of considering other El Nino characteristics in climate system projections.

Humans can learn from animals and insects about impact of climate change

A group of researchers studied how animals modify their habitats in response to climate change and found that understanding these modifications can improve predictions of climate change's effects on species. The study highlights the importance of understanding how animals adapt to changing environments, which can inform strategies for ...

SourceStellenbosch University·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 12, 2021

Symbionts sans frontieres: Bacterial partners travel the world

A new study reveals that some bacterial symbionts of bivalves have traveled the globe and established partnerships with host species across diverse habitats. This finding challenges previous concepts of symbiont acquisition and highlights the remarkable flexibility in this partnership, which benefits both hosts and symbionts.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 12, 2021

Sea-level rise solutions

The study reveals that seawalls can increase flooding and incur significant damages, while strategic flooding areas can absorb increased water and avoid damage. Bay Area communities need to coordinate their approaches to sea-level rise adaptation to find solutions that benefit the whole bay.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 12, 2021

New study may offer treatment guidance for MIS-C

A new study has found that treating children and adolescents with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) with intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) and glucocorticoids reduces the risk of serious short-term outcomes, including cardiovascular dysfunction. The study analyzed data from over 596 patients and showed a significan...

SourceRutgers University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 12, 2021

Childhood lead exposure may adversely affect adults' personalities

A new study by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that childhood lead exposure may lead to less mature and less healthy personalities in adulthood. Adults who grew up in areas with higher levels of atmospheric lead had lower levels of conscientiousness and agreeableness, and higher levels of neuroticism.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 12, 2021