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Science News for July 28, 2021


Using AI to predict suicidal behaviours in students

A study from McGill University and France uses AI to identify factors predicting suicidal behavior in students, finding self-esteem as a major predictor. Approximately 17% of students exhibited suicidal behaviors, highlighting the need for large-scale screening tools.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 28, 2021

Neandertal and Denisovan blood groups deciphered

Researchers analyzed Neandertal and Denisovan genomes to identify blood groups, confirming their African origin and Eurasian dispersal. The study also found evidence of low genetic diversity and possible demographic fragility, shedding light on the disappearance of Neandertals.

SourceCNRS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 28, 2021

Measuring conservation in a way that counts

A new study challenges the effectiveness of current conservation efforts in protected areas, suggesting that 'saving' biodiversity may not be accurately measured. The study's lead author argues that measures such as expanding protected areas and establishing national parks do not necessarily translate to real progress in conservation.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 28, 2021

Personally addressed emails designed with behavioral science can increase COVID-19 vaccine registration among vaccine-hesitant healthcare workers

A randomized trial found that individually addressed email reminders designed with behavioral science principles increased COVID-19 vaccination registration among healthcare workers, compared to those who did not receive an email. The emails led to more than twice as many registrations within three days.

SourceGeisinger Health System·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 28, 2021

Psychological consequences of Covid-19 in health care

A recent study by the University of Bonn highlights the psychological consequences of Covid-19 in healthcare workers, with over 20% experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety. The researchers found that a strong sense of coherence and social support were key protective factors against mental strain, emphasizing the importance of ti...

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 28, 2021

Berkeley Lab’s CAMERA leads international effort on autonomous scientific discoveries

Researchers are exploring autonomous discovery techniques to reduce data required for scientific discovery, enabling faster and more efficient exploration of multi-dimensional parameter spaces. The field is gaining traction across various disciplines, including physics, chemistry, biology, materials science, and more.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Reviews Physics·DateJul 28, 2021

Researchers identify powerful tool for analyzing large patient datasets

Immunology researchers from The University of Queensland have identified UMAP as a powerful tool for analyzing large patient datasets. This method performed significantly better than PCA in reducing the complexity of big data, enabling accurate patient stratification and clustering. The findings could lead to the adoption of targeted t...

SourceTranslational Research Institute·JournalCell Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 28, 2021

Novel method for fast 3D microscopy

Researchers at the University of Bonn have developed a novel method for fast 3D microscopy, allowing for precise tracking of non-labeled biological structures. This breakthrough enables new insights into cellular dynamics and has potential applications in fields such as bionics and understanding causes of infertility.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 28, 2021

Systematic differences across countries associated with use of COVID-19 non-pharmaceutical interventions; lockdowns decrease mobility while school closures have no effect

Researchers analyzed country-level health systems capacity and socioeconomic characteristics to understand delays in implementing COVID-19 non-pharmaceutical interventions. Lockdowns significantly reduced physical mobility, while national school closures had no significant impact.

SourceCenter for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy·JournalThe European Journal of Health Economics·DateJul 28, 2021

Imaging method predicts how well stem cells can differentiate into cardiac muscle cells

A new imaging technique developed by the Skala Lab can predict the efficiency of cardiomyocyte differentiation from human pluripotent stem cells, providing a non-invasive quality control method. The technique uses autofluorescence to measure metabolic activity and has been shown to be accurate in predicting outcome with high consistency.

SourceMorgridge Institute for Research·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 28, 2021

Not-so-blind mice can make strategic and acute visual choices

Researchers found that mice can make fine visual discriminations between slightly different lines, suggesting a more complex decision-making process than previously thought. The study's findings highlight the importance of considering non-perceptual biases in understanding animal behavior and decision-making strategies.

SourceRIKEN·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 28, 2021

Study suggests need to screen older adults for mental health symptoms as pandemic continues

A new study suggests that older adults, particularly women and those in fair or poor health, are more likely to experience worsened mental health symptoms during the pandemic. The study recommends screening for depression, anxiety, and sleep problems and connecting participants to treatment resources.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateJul 28, 2021

Off-target antibodies undermine HIV vaccine efforts

A recent study from Scripps Research found that proof-of-concept HIV vaccines generate off-target antibodies that degrade the vaccine's payload, hindering protection. The research provides critical insights for improving HIV subunit trimer vaccines and offers a promising avenue for design improvements.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalScience Advances·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 28, 2021

Machine learning and knowledge engineering uncovers significant role of elevated blood glucose in severe Covid-19

Researchers have identified a recurring trend of elevated blood glucose levels among those with severe Covid-19, which impairs lung immune defense and facilitates cytokine storm. Tight control and management of glycemia may be crucial for better outcomes, and metformin shows potential as a treatment option.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 28, 2021

Giant friction experiment at Kīlauea volcano

Researchers analyzed data from Kīlauea's caldera collapse to characterize friction at a large scale. The study confirms the role of slip-weakening distance in earthquake mechanics and provides insights into the physics governing caldera collapses.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 28, 2021

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia researchers develop “dimmer switch” to help control gene therapy

Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have developed a system that can fine-tune protein expression from gene therapy vectors, addressing the need for controlled dosing. The 'dimmer switch' uses alternative RNA splicing and an orally available small molecule to adjust levels of expression up or down as needed.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2021

Scientists trained a neural network to properly name organic molecules

Researchers from Skoltech and their colleagues developed a neural network that can efficiently generate IUPAC names for organic compounds in accordance with the IUPAC nomenclature system. The network, trained using the Transformer architecture, achieved an accuracy of nearly 99%, outperforming traditional rule-based solutions.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 28, 2021

A group’s moral values may help determine the likelihood of hate-motivated harmful acts

A study published in Nature Communications suggests that a county's moral values, particularly binding values, can predict the prevalence of hate groups and extreme behavioral expressions of prejudice. The research used geospatial modeling and psychological experimentation to analyze data from over 3,100 US counties.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 28, 2021

‘Less than 1% probability’ that Earth’s energy imbalance increase occurred naturally, say Princeton and GFDL scientists

Researchers at Princeton University and GFDL found that the Earth's energy balance sheet is out of equilibrium, leading to rising temperatures and extreme weather events. The study suggests that human activities are responsible for the observed changes in the energy imbalance.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 28, 2021

Another byproduct of the pandemic: Paranoia

A Yale study finds that pandemic-induced paranoia was particularly acute in states with low mask mandate adherence and increased acceptance of conspiracy theories. Increased feelings of paranoia were associated with erratic choice behavior and a higher likelihood of endorsing conspiracy theories.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateJul 28, 2021

Scientists release new AI-based tools to accelerate functional electronic materials discovery

Scientists developed new AI-based tools to identify and study materials exhibiting a metal-insulator transition (MIT), which could lead to faster and more energy-efficient microelectronic devices. The tools provide a freely available database, online classifier, and new features for characterizing these materials.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalChemistry of Materials·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 28, 2021

Breathing new life into fuel cells

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have discovered a new method to improve oxygen reduction in fuel cells using iron-based single-atom catalysts. This breakthrough could unlock a level of efficiency never before realized, enabling large-scale deployment of fuel cells and their nearly limitless potential applications.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Catalysis·DateJul 28, 2021

PCORI approves $254 million to fund 28 new research studies addressing urgent health problems

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) has awarded $254 million to fund 28 new research studies aimed at reducing health disparities in maternal morbidity, preventing youth suicide, and improving behavioral health outcomes. Four studies will assess interventions to improve prenatal care for Black women and their child...

One in four cancer patients lack sufficient immunity against measles and mumps, study finds

A recent study found that 25% of cancer patients lacked adequate protective antibodies against measles virus and 38% lacked adequate antibodies against mumps virus. The study suggests that increasing immunity at the community level is crucial to protect vulnerable populations, particularly young adults and stem cell transplant recipients.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·TypeObservational study·DateJul 28, 2021

Researchers identify a cellular defect common to familial and sporadic forms of ALS

A study published in Science Translational Medicine identified a common cellular defect in ALS that can be treated with an antisense oligonucleotide drug. Researchers found that the accumulation of CHMP7 protein in the nucleus leads to nuclear pore injury and TDP-43 mislocalization, ultimately causing cell death.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2021

Exploring blood types of Neanderthal and Denisovan individuals

A study analyzing ancient DNA has uncovered new information on the blood types of Neanderthals and Denisovans. The analysis reveals consistent African origins and increased vulnerability to diseases affecting fetuses and newborns, confirming previous evidence of low genetic diversity leading to eventual demise.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 28, 2021

First 3-D view of TB granulomas alters paradigm of their shape and formation

Researchers created a 3D view of diseased lung tissue using microCT to reveal that TB granulomas are complex and branched, with unique connections to airways. This has significant implications for treatment, including the potential for aerosolized drug delivery to reduce treatment times.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2021

New UW Medicine-BBI study identifies association between severity of preeclampsia and cell-free DNA

A new study published in Journal of the American Heart Association found a correlation between high cell-free DNA concentrations and markers of preeclampsia severity. Increasing amounts of circulating cell-free DNA were associated with earlier gestational age at delivery, worse systolic blood pressure, and maternal tissue injury.

SourceBrotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJul 28, 2021

Two strands are tougher than one

Researchers discovered that double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is substantially more chemically stable than single-stranded RNA (ssRNA), which has implications for its use in pesticides and understanding of viral behavior. The findings suggest storing dsRNA in high pH environments can provide extra protection against degradation.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 28, 2021

Ease access to opioid addiction medication, new research suggests

A new study recommends making methadone more widely available through office-based visits with primary care physicians to improve access and convenience for patients with opioid use disorder. This could reduce transportation costs and enhance treatment retention rates, but further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 28, 2021

Variations in climate conditions affect reproductive success of Antarctic krill, study finds

A new study from Oregon State University found that climate conditions significantly affect the reproductive success of mature female Antarctic krill. The researchers discovered a relationship between the condition of these females during spawning season and the proportion of juvenile krill in the population the following year.

SourceOregon State University·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 28, 2021

The quantum refrigerator

Researchers at TU Wien have invented a new cooling concept that combines thermodynamics and quantum physics to break low-temperature records. By using quantum effects to cool a cloud of ultracold atoms, they achieved temperatures closer to absolute zero than ever before.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPRX Quantum·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 28, 2021

The secret life of basking sharks

A new study using video recordings from animal-towed cameras reveals the secret life of basking sharks in Scottish waters. The research shows that the sharks engage in feeding, courtship and social behaviors, challenging previous assumptions about their solitary nature.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 28, 2021

New scanning technology could help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease using light

Researchers developed a non-invasive optical technique using spectroscopy to identify structural changes in the brain and diagnose Alzheimer's disease. The new technology has potential as a simple, completely non-invasive method of early detection and could also assess treatment effectiveness.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2021

ACC issues clinical guidance on ASCVD risk reduction in patients with persistent hypertriglyceridemia

The American College of Cardiology has issued clinical guidance on reducing ASCVD risk in patients with persistent hypertriglyceridemia, recommending lifestyle intervention and non-statin therapies. The guidance emphasizes the importance of individualized nutrition guidance for these patients.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 28, 2021

On eternal imbalance

Researchers have discovered a new theory that explains the behavior of quantum systems with long-range interactions. The theory predicts that these systems will settle into meta-stable states rather than reaching equilibrium, leading to unique effects such as spiral arms in galaxies.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 28, 2021

A blood test for your body clock? It's on the horizon

Researchers at University of Colorado Boulder have developed a blood test that can assess the timing of an individual's internal circadian clock, potentially leading to personalized medicine breakthroughs. The study found that analyzing a combination of molecules in a single blood draw can determine the timing of a person's biological ...

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalJournal of Biological Rhythms·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2021