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Science News for July 26, 2021


Plant root-associated bacteria preferentially colonize their native host-plant roots

Researchers found that plant root-associated bacteria prefer to colonize their native host plants, rather than non-native ones, with increased competitiveness and persistence. This host preference is driven by the formation of species-specific niches and differential transcriptional reprogramming of plant roots.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJul 26, 2021

Cultural biases impact native fish, too

A study published in Fisheries Magazine explores how colonialist attitudes toward native fishes were rooted in elements of racism and sexism, leading to overfishing and degradation of native species. The study recommends shifting to a new paradigm that's more inclusive and beneficial to all fish and people.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalFisheries·TypeSurvey·DateJul 26, 2021

The mechanics of puncture finally explained

Researchers developed a mechanical theory to determine the critical force required for needle insertion in soft materials like skin, discovering that tissue toughness and needle radius play crucial roles. The model provides quantitative predictions and may impact future technology like self-administered disposable pads with microneedles.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids·DateJul 26, 2021

Quitting smoking after lung cancer diagnosis may extend life without cancer recurrence

A prospective cohort study found that quitting smoking after being diagnosed with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer can slow disease progression and decrease mortality. Patients who quit smoking lived longer overall, had a longer time to death from lung cancer, and experienced improved survival without cancer recurrence.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 26, 2021

Comb construction in honey bees

Researchers analyzed over 19,000 comb cells built by 12 colonies and found that worker bees adapt their building behavior to overcome various challenges, such as merging unaligned cells. The study suggests that honeybees are skilled architects rather than automatons, capable of solving complex problems through creative solutions.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2021

New tool for early identification of COVID-19 surges

A new tool called CHOTS, or COVID-19 HotSpotting Score, can forecast impending surges of COVID-19 admissions as much as 6 weeks before they occur. Developed by Kaiser Permanente researchers, CHOTS uses data from routine clinical care to identify early signs of a large community spread of infectious diseases.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalBMJ Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 26, 2021

Estimating the true number of COVID-19 infections

A study used Bayesian framework to estimate viral prevalence based on available data sources, finding approximately 60% of infections may have gone unreported. The model suggests the estimated true number of infections is far below potential herd immunity thresholds and that immunization can achieve herd immunity without fatalities.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2021

Misplaced trust: When trust in science fosters pseudoscience

A new study reveals that people who trust science are more likely to believe and disseminate false claims containing scientific references. In contrast, reminding them of the value of critical evaluation reduces belief in false claims. The findings have implications for curbing misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateJul 26, 2021

Prehistoric microbiome and transition to agriculture

Reconstruction of ancient oral microbiomes from the Upper Paleolithic to the Neolithic Periods in Southern Europe reveals a significant expansion of microbial species with the transition to agriculture. The studies sequenced ancient DNA from dental calculus, finding a dominant Anaerolineaceae species that diversified geographically.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2021

New approach for cell therapy shows potential against solid tumors with KRAS mutations

Researchers at University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine developed a new technology for cellular immunotherapy that targets KRAS mutations in lung, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers. The therapy uses human cells to mobilize an immune system attack on mutated KRAS tumors and shrink them.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 26, 2021

Leader effectiveness may depend on emotional expression

A new study suggests that emotional expression plays a significant role in leadership effectiveness. Women are seen as more effective leaders when they express calm and happy emotions, whereas men are viewed negatively when expressing negative emotions. The study's findings have implications for leaders to manage their emotions to maxi...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Organizational Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateJul 26, 2021