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Science News for July 29, 2021


Diabetes Special Issue: Advances in Treatments, Still Hoping for a Cure

Despite major advances in diabetes treatments, nearly 50 million people lack access to insulin due to limited availability and poor affordability. Researchers discuss the need for coordinated efforts from multiple stakeholders to improve insulin availability and explore alternative therapies that can prevent or cure the disease.

A Highly-Accurate and Broadband Terahertz Counter Eyes "Beyond 5G / 6G"

The National Institute of Information and Communications Technology has developed a highly-accurate and wide-measurable band terahertz frequency counter. The counter's measurement uncertainty is less than 1 x 10^-16, making it suitable for various applications including high-resolution spectroscopy of ultracold molecules.

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·JournalMetrologia·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2021

I know the name, but cannot read it right: difficulties in reading recent Japanese names

A Tokyo University of Science researcher analyzed 8,000 infant names and found that common boys' name "大翔" has at least 18 readings, while girls' name "結愛" has at least 14. The study shows that parents use various readings, including non-existent ones, and abbreviate common readings.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·TypeContent analysis·DateJul 29, 2021

Tiny wireless device illuminates neuron activity in the brain

Researchers have developed a wireless, battery-free device that can illuminate neuron activity in the brain without penetrating the skull or tissue. This breakthrough technology has the potential to revolutionize treatments for conditions like epilepsy, chronic pain, and depression by enabling less invasive optogenetics experiments.

SourceUniversity of Arizona College of Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2021

Marine ecologists reveal mangroves might be threatened by low functional diversity of invertebrates

Marine ecologists found that mangroves have the lowest functional redundancy among resident fauna, indicating a high risk of ecological collapse. The study suggests that even modest local losses of invertebrate diversity could have significant negative consequences for mangrove functionality and resilience.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2021

Optimizing phase change material usage could reduce power plant water consumption

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a method to cool steam turbines using phase change materials, potentially reducing fresh water usage. By leveraging machine learning techniques, they created a system that can predict when and how much of the PCM will melt and freeze, maximizing cooling power and capacity.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Energy Resources Technology·TypeNews article·DateJul 29, 2021

Q-CTRL and University of Sydney announce machine learning technique to pinpoint quantum errors

Researchers at Q-CTRL and University of Sydney have developed a machine learning technique to identify sources of error in quantum computers. This technique enables hardware developers to pinpoint performance degradation with unprecedented accuracy, accelerating the development of useful quantum computers.

SourceHKA Marketing Communications·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2021

We are more forgiving when people close to us misbehave

A study published by the American Psychological Association found that individuals are more forgiving towards loved ones who misbehave, but this leniency comes at a cost. Participants reported feeling more shame and guilt when someone close to them committed an unethical act, while also feeling less anger and contempt towards family me...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2021

When stubborn bugs refuse to make drugs

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis used comparative metabologenomics to study the genomes of Streptomyces bacteria and identify key factors that influence drug production. The study found that fine-tuning of specific nucleotides can control antibiotic production, offering new insights for next-generation drug discovery.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2021

Astronomers discover how to feed a black hole

Researchers have discovered long narrow dust filaments that surround and feed supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies. These filaments could be the natural cause of darkening at the centers of many galaxies when nuclear black holes are active, providing a new perspective on their behavior.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeObservational study·DateJul 29, 2021

New study: Half of Americans living with diabetes may be consuming less than the recommended amount of protein, which is associated with greater physical limitations

A new study published in Nutrients highlights the importance of adequate protein intake for adults living with diabetes. The research found that nearly half of US adults with diabetes did not meet the daily recommended protein intake, leading to greater physical limitations and potentially increasing the risk of muscle loss.

SourceGCI Health NY·JournalNutrients·DateJul 29, 2021

Doctors’ complaint about promotion of harmful dairy products triggers an investigation

The American Academy of Family Physicians is investigating an 'educational' session promoting dairy products linked to increased risk of prostate cancer and other diseases disproportionately affecting African Americans. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine filed a complaint, citing standards set by the Accreditation Counci...

Researchers propose a method of magnetizing a material without applying an external magnetic field

Scientists at São Paulo State University discovered that compressing paramagnetic salts adiabatically can produce magnetization. The process aligns the particles' spins, resulting in a constant total entropy and magnetized system. This method has potential applications in investigating other interacting systems.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2021

High-precision frequency measurement

Researchers at ETH Zurich and partners have demonstrated a method to send precise reference frequencies via conventional telecommunications infrastructure, enabling chemical spectroscopy analyses that are 100 times more accurate than before. The approach uses the L band frequency, which is less congested by data traffic, allowing for h...

SourceETH Zurich·JournalOptics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2021

Pretreatment fatigue can mean worse survival outcomes for patients with cancer

Patients with cancer who experience clinically significant fatigue before treatment have shorter overall survival times and more side effects. Researchers analyzed four clinical trials testing lung and prostate cancer treatments, confirming that pretreatment fatigue may be an important prognostic factor in oncology.

SourceSWOG Cancer Research Network·JournalJCO Oncology Practice·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 29, 2021

Combined effects of masking and distance on aerosol exposure potential

Researchers at Mayo Clinic found that wearing masks and maintaining physical distance significantly reduce the spread of COVID-19. The study showed that both disposable paper medical masks and two-layer cloth masks were effective in blocking aerosol particles, with increased distance reducing particle counts to near baseline levels.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateJul 29, 2021

New research infuses equity principles into the algorithm development process

Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering develop a holistic view for machine learning in healthcare, incorporating data about communities and environments. They introduce a novel approach to understanding fairness relationships using causal inference, synthesizing a means to assess effects of sensitive macro attributes.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalNature·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 29, 2021

A sleep study’s eye-opening findings

A recent study conducted by MIT economists found that increasing nighttime sleep had no positive effects on work productivity, earnings, or overall sense of well-being among low-income workers in Chennai, India. However, short daytime naps did show significant improvements in these areas.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Quarterly Journal of Economics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 29, 2021

Hopkins Med News Update

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that hospitalized Black patients were diagnosed with aortic stenosis at half the rate of white patients, while Hispanic patients received treatment at a quarter of the rate. The study suggests racial differences may impact heart valve disease risk, highlighting the need for further exploration.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 29, 2021

York University planetary scientist puts Mars lake theory on ice with new study that offers alternate explanation

A new study published in Geophysical Research Letters suggests that smectites, a type of clay, are the most likely explanation for the bright radar reflections discovered at Mars' south polar cap. The research team used multiple lines of evidence to demonstrate that clays can explain all observations, putting the lake hypothesis on ice.

SourceYork University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 29, 2021

Equalizing the microbial research playing field

The KAUST Metagenomic Analysis Platform (KMAP) enables researchers worldwide to analyze massive microbial data, eliminating the need for advanced bioinformatics skills. KMAP allows scientists to identify proteins and enzymes with potential applications in various industries, such as agriculture and pharmaceuticals.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 29, 2021

Scientists invent a new information storage and processing device

Researchers at New York University created a new type of memory that stores and processes information similar to synapses and neurons in the brain. The device combines the unique properties of quantum materials with spintronic magnetic devices, offering promising advancements in artificial intelligence and neuromorphic computing.

SourceNew York University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2021

Presumed SARS-CoV-2 viral particles in human retina

Researchers discover presumed SARS-CoV-2 viral particles in the human retina of COVID-19 patients. The finding suggests a possible link between the virus and ocular clinical manifestations, highlighting the need for further investigation into the virus's effects on the eyes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateJul 29, 2021

HKU Ecologist applied a novel statistical method to analysing causal inference and revealed importance of climate change in controlling deep-sea biodiversity

A novel statistical method revealed the importance of climate change in controlling deep-sea biodiversity, with temperature being the primary driver. The study used long-term fossil records and Convergent Cross Mapping to detect causality, supporting evidence that climate change affects deep-sea ecosystems.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalBiology Letters·DateJul 29, 2021

Self-reported memory problems after COVID-19

Researchers found a significant increase in self-reported memory issues among COVID-19 patients with mild disease, compared to controls. Eight months post-infection, the prevalence of memory problems was higher in this group than in untested controls or those with negative test results.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 29, 2021

Biofertiliser for better farms

Scientists create biofertilizer made from fast-growing freshwater cyanobacterium Tolypothrix, which can fix nitrogen without additional fertilization. The production process offers a cheap and renewable source of nitrogen-rich fertilizer for degraded soils.

SourceFlinders University·JournalChemosphere·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2021

Caribbean asphyxiation

Researchers at Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute characterize an acute marine hypoxic event in the Caribbean, impacting brittlestars and corals. The study reveals a resilient microbial community that adapts to deoxygenation, providing insights into the historical context of such events.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJul 29, 2021

New versatile genetic test for lymphoid neoplasms supports personalized management of patients and further research

Researchers have developed a new integrative genetic test, LYNX, that analyzes standard and novel molecular markers in common lymphoid neoplasms. The test provides accurate detection of mutations, identification of large genome-wide chromosomal aberrations, and assessment of immunoglobulin and T-cell receptor gene rearrangements.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2021

First academic research paper co-published on Instagram shows legacy of one of Algeria’s most influential modern artists

The first research to be simultaneously co-published in an academic journal and on Instagram showcases the meaning and aesthetic value of Mohammed Racim's work, challenging his depiction as backward-looking. Professor William Gallois' research uses high-quality images to present Racim's artistic style, previously under-recorded.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe American Historical Review·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 29, 2021

Chasing the light from elusive ‘milky seas’: CSU researchers light a path toward unraveling mysteries of the ocean from space

Using nearly a decade of satellite data, researchers at CSU have detected the elusive ‘milky seas’ – a rare display of bioluminescence in the ocean. The study reveals that milky seas are not adequately explained by previous hypotheses and proposes new theories for their formation.

SourceColorado State University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 29, 2021

Depth of perception

Researchers discovered that PIEZO channels in plant cells are located deeper within the cell, in vacuole membranes, not along the plasma membrane as in animal cells. This finding sheds light on how plant cells perceive and respond to mechanical forces.

HR 8799 super-Jupiters’ days measured for the first time, gives a new spin on unraveling planet formation mystery

Astronomers have captured the first-ever spin measurements of HR 8799, revealing minimum rotation speeds of 10.1 km/s and 15 km/s for planets d and e, respectively. The findings provide new insights into planet formation and magnetic braking, hinting at a possible trend where lower mass planets spin faster.

SourceW. M. Keck Observatory·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·DateJul 29, 2021

Support for adults with autism

Researchers developed a new screening system to evaluate 'perspective taking' difficulties in autistic adults, using a simple questionnaire and short clips. The tool showed limitations in drawing inferences from stimuli are predictive of individuals' social-behavioural and interpersonal interaction difficulties.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2021

WSU researcher secures $2.3 million in NIH funding for metabolic research

A Wayne State University School of Medicine researcher has been awarded a $2.3 million grant to explore the mechanism by which circadian stress regulates RNA modification associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and hyperlipidemia. The study aims to shed light on developing therapeutics for lipid-associated metabolic disease.

Millet based diet can lower risk of type 2 diabetes and help manage blood glucose levels

A recent study published in Frontiers in Nutrition found that consuming millet as part of a daily diet can reduce blood glucose levels by 12-15% and help manage diabetes. The research, which analyzed data from over 1,000 human subjects across 11 countries, also found that millets have a lower glycemic index compared to other grains.

SourceInternational Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 29, 2021

Artificial Intelligence learns better when distracted

Researchers from the University of Groningen and Spain developed a method to train AI systems using distractions to improve image recognition. By analyzing how deep learning systems process images, they found that forcing the system's focus towards secondary characteristics can lead to better performance.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNeural Computing and Applications·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 29, 2021

Why uncertainty makes us change our behaviour – even when we shouldn’t

Research from UNSW Sydney found that unexpected uncertainty prompts people to adjust their behavior, even if it's not the best strategy. In contrast, gradual changes in uncertainty do not lead to significant behavioral shifts. The study suggests that understanding how people react to uncertainty can help overcome inertia and promote su...

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2021

Remember more by taking breaks

Researchers found that longer breaks between learning events lead to more stable activation patterns in the brain, allowing for better memory retention. This study provides insights into the neuronal processes behind the spacing effect, suggesting that taking breaks can slow down learning but improve long-term memory.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2021