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Science News for July 21, 2021


A novel method for the rapid repair of peripheral nerve injuries

Researchers at Bar-Ilan University have developed a novel method for rapid repair of peripheral nerve injuries using nerve guidance conduits filled with engineered aligned collagen gels and NGF-coated magnetic particles. This technique has shown improved axon growth and functional motor restoration in rats with peripheral nerve injury,...

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJul 21, 2021

Cell couriers deliver clue to cancer metastasis

Researchers have discovered that increased levels of protein Tumour Protein D54 can increase and decrease the movement of cancer cells, suggesting its potential role in tumour spread. The study found that reducing or increasing this protein's expression affects cell migration, with higher levels leading to more metastasis.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJul 21, 2021

Toward one drug to treat all coronaviruses

Researchers have identified highly conserved sequences in viral proteins that could make them effective drug targets. The study found two promising sites: one overlapping the RNA binding site of nsp13 and another containing the catalytic site of nsp12, both involved in viral RNA replication and transcription.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateJul 21, 2021

Residential proximity to oil and gas drilling linked to lower birthweights in newborns

A new study from Oregon State University found that infants born within 3 kilometers of oil and natural gas drilling facilities in Texas had slightly lower birthweights than those born before drilling began. After accounting for other potential factors, the study found a significant association between living near an active drilling si...

SourceOregon State University·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJul 21, 2021

To save a species, check its ID

A new decision tree tool has been developed to differentiate the endangered salt marsh harvest mouse from its abundant look-alike, the western harvest mouse. The tool uses machine learning to analyze characteristics such as belly color and tail hair, allowing for accurate identification with high accuracy.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalCalifornia Fish and Wildlife Journal·DateJul 21, 2021

Print perovskite solar cells

Researchers provide a systematic overview of printing technologies for scaling up perovskite solar cells, highlighting the key role of ink engineering in achieving high-quality thin films. The study also discusses the technical feasibility of printing additional layers and presents progress on roll-to-roll printing and stability issues.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJul 21, 2021

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected our dreams?

The COVID-19 pandemic has been shown to affect our sleep patterns, with a higher number of awakenings and difficulty falling asleep reported during lockdown. In contrast, post-lockdown periods saw an increase in dream recall and more lucid dreams, with people also reporting more dreams related to crowded places.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Sleep Research·DateJul 21, 2021

Kids eat more fruit and vegetables with longer seated lunch time

Research from the University of Illinois found that children eat more fruits and vegetables with longer seated lunch times. The study suggests that policies requiring at least 20 minutes of seated lunch time can help achieve this goal, particularly for children from low-income families who may not have resources to bring their own lunch.

Awareness without a sense of self

A recent study published in PLOS ONE explores the experience of pure consciousness during meditation, identifying 12 key factors that characterize this state. These findings provide insight into human consciousness and have implications for further research, including potential applications beyond meditation practices.

Association between COVID-19 exposure, self-reported compliance with public health guidelines among essential employees at an institution of higher education

A study evaluated self-reported protective behaviors and SARS-CoV-2 infection rates among in-person employees during the first six months of the pandemic. The research found a significant association between COVID-19 exposure and reduced compliance with public health guidelines.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 21, 2021

YiPing Chen wins IADR Distinguished Scientist Award in Craniofacial Biology

YiPing Chen, a renowned developmental biologist, has made significant contributions to the understanding of genetic control and molecular regulation of mammalian organ development. He is recognized for his work on genetic regulation of tooth development and cleft palate, which have improved our knowledge of craniofacial biology.

Caroline Shiboski wins IADR Distinguished Scientist Award in Oral Medicine

Caroline Shiboski, a renowned oral medicine expert, has been awarded the IADR Distinguished Scientist Award for her groundbreaking research on immune dysfunction and its effects on oral health. Her work has led to significant advances in understanding and treating conditions like Sjögren's Syndrome and HIV-related oral diseases.

Chromosomes separation under focus

A UNIGE team has identified important regulatory mechanisms of the protein responsible for chromosome separation. The study reveals that inhibitory proteins block separase activity by occupying sites that recognize the cohesin substrate, preventing cleavage.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature·DateJul 21, 2021

Large-scale study finds greater sedentary hours increases risk of obstructive sleep apnea

A large-scale study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that higher levels of physical activity and lower levels of sedentary behavior are associated with a lower risk of obstructive sleep apnea. The study suggests that promoting an active lifestyle may have substantial benefits for both prevention and treatment of OSA.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateJul 21, 2021

Daniel McNeil 2021 recipient of the IADR Distinguished Scientist Award in BEHSR

Daniel McNeil, a renowned psychologist at West Virginia University, has been recognized with the IADR Distinguished Scientist Award in Behavioral Epidemiologic and Health Services Research. His work focuses on psychosocial factors, pain, dental fear, anxiety, and phobia, making significant contributions to our understanding of health.

Toxic facility relocation depends on community pressure

New research from the University of Illinois explores how community characteristics impact the relocation of toxic-releasing facilities. The study found that facilities are more likely to move from communities with high population density, income, and education levels, while moving into those with lower socioeconomic status.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists·DateJul 21, 2021

Smokeless tobacco used more by pregnant women in South East Asia than non-pregnant women

A study from the University of York found pregnant women in South East Asia are more likely to use smokeless tobacco than non-pregnant women. This increased risk is associated with poor birth outcomes. The findings highlight the need for awareness-raising campaigns and preventive interventions among low socio-economic status women.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateJul 21, 2021

Toxicity testing on the placenta and embryo

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a new chip-based test that incorporates the placenta into embryotoxicity assessments. The test detects indirect damage to embryos by analyzing stress responses of human placental cells to toxic substances.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Biology·DateJul 21, 2021

New in the Hastings Center Report, July-August 2021

Clinical ethicists discuss activist language and its impact on healthcare crises, including triage policies and racial disparities. The article highlights four calls to action: recognizing barriers, supporting antiracism work, advocating for policy change, and engaging in institutional activism.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateJul 21, 2021

City-funded housing repairs in low-income neighborhoods associated with drop in crime

Investing in structural home repairs in historically segregated, low-income neighborhoods has been associated with reduced crime rates and improved public health. Research from the University of Pennsylvania found that total crime dropped by 21.9% on blocks where homes received repairs through a city-funded program.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 21, 2021

How do wind turbines impact Golden Eagles?

A study published in Ibis found that Golden Eagles avoid wind turbines due to habitat loss, affecting their suitability inside and outside of wind farms. The largest impact of wind farms was the loss of Golden Eagle habitat, which could be mitigated by incorporating the findings into wind farm planning.

SourceWiley·JournalIbis·DateJul 21, 2021

Most people find allergy information on food labels unclear

A study of consumers with food allergies found that less than half understood allergy information on food labels, attributing varying levels of comprehensibility assessments. Precautionary statements have little value for consumers and may lead to inappropriate dietary restrictions or risk-taking behavior.

SourceWiley·JournalClinical & Experimental Allergy·DateJul 21, 2021

The frequency of misattributed paternity in Sweden

Researchers analyzed 1.95 million family units, finding a low overall rate of misattributed paternity (1.7%) with rates closer to 1% in recent decades. The study's findings suggest that misattributed paternity is unlikely to have significant effects on hereditary condition studies.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateJul 21, 2021

This is how the visual system shows us a more persistent world

A study published in Nature Communications reveals the visual system retains information from moving images, providing a consistent representation of surroundings. The researchers found that neuronal responses in deeper layers of the visual cortex exhibit 'perceptual constancy' and 'intrinsic persistence', ensuring stable encoding and ...

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 21, 2021

The challenge of capturing carbon

Current carbon capture technologies require significant energy output, making them less than optimal. Researchers are working on developing more efficient methods using solid sorbents and membranes, which already show promise in concentrated CO2 emissions sites.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJul 21, 2021

Dynamic heart model mimics hemodynamic loads, advances engineered heart tissue technology

Researchers have created a dynamic model that accurately recreates hemodynamic loads on engineered heart muscle tissues, providing unprecedented insights into how genetics and mechanical forces contribute to heart muscle function. This breakthrough model allows for the study of various heart diseases with genetic mutations, development...

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 21, 2021

Genome editing meets marsupials

The study contributes to deciphering genetic background of unique marsupial characteristics by creating genetically modified opossums. The researchers successfully edited a gene responsible for body pigments, producing albino offspring with inherited genes.

SourceRIKEN·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 21, 2021

Patricia Miguez wins AADR Procter & Gamble Underrepresented Faculty Research Fellowship

Patricia Miguez, a tenure-track Assistant Professor at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, has won the AADR Procter & Gamble Underrepresented Faculty Research Fellowship. The fellowship supports her research on the extracellular matrix and its modifications in health and disease, with a focus on craniofacial region.

How readily does COVID-19 spread on school buses?

A study in the Journal of School Health monitored 1,154 students for asymptomatic COVID-19 cases during high community transmission. The researchers found no transmission linked to bus transportation, despite near-capacity operations with universal masking and ventilation.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of School Health·DateJul 21, 2021

New study shows Transcendental Meditation reduces emotional stress and improves academics

A new randomized controlled trial found that Transcendental Meditation significantly improved emotional stress symptoms, quality of sleep, and English Language Arts academic achievement in high school students. The study showed that meditation was more effective than sustained silent reading in improving academic outcomes.

Researchers reverse emphysema in mice by injecting blood vessel wall cells

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have discovered that injecting mice with pulmonary endothelial cells can reverse the symptoms of emphysema. The study found that targeting endothelial cell function may represent a strategy for treating patients with advanced COPD or emphysema. Injecting healthy lung endothelial cells and/or inhibi...

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 21, 2021

'Backpacking' hedgehogs take permanent staycation

A recent study published in the New Zealand Journal of Ecology found that alpine-based hedgehogs hibernate in the same areas they used in summer and do not migrate to lower elevations. This discovery suggests that hedgehogs are residents in these zones, rather than just visitors.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalNew Zealand Journal of Ecology·DateJul 21, 2021

Fully renewable energy feasible for Samoa - Otago study

A University of Otago study reveals that high proportions of renewable generation coupled with energy storage is technically and economically viable for Samoa's electricity system. The results show that setting targets below 100% and considering biomass options can make renewable energy more attractive and affordable.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·DateJul 21, 2021

The need for nuance in carbohydrate recommendations

A new perspective piece highlights the need for a more complex approach to defining carbohydrate quality, considering nutrient intakes, balanced diets, and environmental impact. The authors propose several potential quality indices, including whole-grain, fiber, and protein content, to establish a standardized metric.

SourceFoodMinds LLC·JournalAdvances in Nutrition·DateJul 21, 2021

The weather forecast for Venus

Scientists use infrared sensors to study the nighttime weather of Venus, discovering that north-south winds run in the opposite direction at night. This observation could help build more accurate models of the Venusian weather system and provide insights into Earth's weather patterns.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature·DateJul 21, 2021

Nanostructures enable record high-harmonic generation

Engineered nanostructures overcome problems in gas-based high-harmonic generation, enabling scientists to observe molecular dynamics with a single laser shot. The record-breaking conversion efficiency covers a wide range of photon energies, opening up new opportunities for studying matter at ultrahigh fields.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 21, 2021

Microbes play role in corn 'hybrid vigor'

Research at North Carolina State University reveals that soil microbes significantly impact heterosis, or hybrid vigor, in corn plants. In experiments with sterile bags and field tests, hybrid lines outperformed inbred lines due to microbial effects on root growth and biomass.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 21, 2021

Self-collected saliva and courier service -- A feasible diagnostic strategy for COVID-19

A new saliva collection method involves self-collection by licensed dentists followed by mailing to a laboratory, demonstrating feasibility for large-scale analysis. This approach offers a cost-effective alternative for COVID-19 diagnostics, preserving saliva samples for up to 7-10 days at room temperature with stabilizers.

Who eats the invaders?

Native Mediterranean species have been found to prey on the invasive Pacific red lionfish and silver-cheeked toadfish, suggesting direct human management measures are needed to control their populations. The study documents native predators for both species, including loggerhead turtles and dolphinfish.

SourceUniversity of Malta·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateJul 21, 2021