Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for July 7, 2021


For neuroscientists and researchers in general, a checklist for eliminating gender bias

A comprehensive checklist for eliminating gender bias in academia is provided by researchers Anaïs Llorens and Athina Tzovara. The study highlights various forms of gender bias, including their impact on women's careers, work-life balance, and mental health. By implementing this checklist, individuals can remedy these biases and create...

Igniting plasmas in liquids

Researchers develop underwater plasmas using high-voltage pulses, creating extreme conditions with pressures and temperatures similar to the Pacific Ocean's deepest point. The ignition process challenges conventional theories and demonstrates the potential for re-oxidising catalytic surfaces in electrochemical cells.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJul 7, 2021

Newly diagnosed HIV infection in an 83-year-old man--research highlights older populations still at risk

An 83-year-old man was diagnosed with HIV after experiencing fever and weight loss. He was treated with antiretroviral therapy and achieved an undetectable viral load. The case highlights the importance of targeting older adults for HIV testing, as they are often diagnosed late and at higher risk of death.

Faulty memories of our past whereabouts: The fallacy of an airtight alibi

A study examined how humans remember past locations using GPS tracking and sound recordings. Participants' memories were often incorrect, especially when events were similar or involved similar sounds/movements, highlighting the fallacy of an airtight alibi. The findings have implications for alibi generation and investigation strategies.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 7, 2021

CWRU receives $1.2M W.M. Keck Foundation grant to determine ecological factors affect the evolution of our ancestors

A global team led by Case Western Reserve University's Beverly Saylor will investigate how ecological factors influenced the evolution of early human ancestors using advanced technology. The project aims to gain a more granular understanding of two fossil sites in Ethiopia and their distinct records of the human genus' early predecessors.

Atmospheric acidity impacts oceanic ecology

New research reveals that increased atmospheric acidity is disrupting the ecological balance of oceans by altering nutrient transport and productivity. The study found that atmospheric acidity affects the quantity and distribution of nutrients delivered to the ocean, leading to a direct fertilizing effect on marine phytoplankton.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 7, 2021

Greater investment and innovation in educating children about environmental issues needed to help future generations respond to the climate emergency, experts urge

Environmental education provision needs significant support and investment to address the complex issues of the climate emergency. Experts argue that governments must direct more funding to education innovation, making environmental education a cornerstone for social and environmental changes.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEnvironmental Education Research·DateJul 7, 2021

Harnessing AI to discover new drugs

Researchers at ETH Zurich used AI to identify target molecules of natural substances, paving the way for a new class of pharmaceutical agents. The algorithm successfully predicted human receptors and enzymes that interact with natural compounds, leading to the discovery of simpler, cheaper alternatives.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJul 7, 2021

Scientists home in on recipe for entirely renewable energy

Researchers from Trinity College Dublin have made significant progress in developing a recipe for entirely renewable energy by splitting water to produce green hydrogen. The team has identified nine earth-abundant metal combinations as highly promising leads for experimental investigation, with chromium, manganese, and iron standing ou...

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateJul 7, 2021

Mapping urban greenspace use with cellphone GPS data

A study published in PLOS ONE found that urban greenspace use is correlated with demographics, with women, older adults, and ethnic minority groups spending more time outdoors. The authors used GPS data from cell phone apps to track users' visits to local green spaces, revealing significant effects on trip duration and distance.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 7, 2021

Cutting through noise for better solar cells

Researchers use cross-correlation noise spectroscopy to identify crucial electrical noise signals in silicon solar cells, pinpointing physical processes causing energy loss and lower efficiency. The technique allows for precise measurement of noise and removal of detector noise, enabling the detection of smaller noise signals.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 7, 2021

Slow music in tunnels can keep drivers focused and safe

A virtual reality study found that slow music played as background throughout the tunnel reduces drivers' nervousness and fatigue, while sirens are most effective when played at entry points and during emergencies. The combination of slow music with occasional sirens is proposed as a best solution to improve road safety.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJul 7, 2021

Muscle relaxants largely ineffective for low back pain

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that muscle relaxants have a small effect on reducing pain intensity in the short term, but this effect is not clinically meaningful. The use of muscle relaxants may also increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness and nausea.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJul 7, 2021

Ancient Islamic tombs cluster like galaxies

A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that ancient Islamic tombs in Sudan are distributed according to large-scale environmental factors and small-scale social factors. The tombs cluster around central 'parent' points, likely representing older tombs of importance, with smaller scale distribution influenced by nearby older structures.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 7, 2021

Not only humans got talent, dogs got it too!

A new study published in Scientific Reports found that a handful of dogs learn multiple toy names effortlessly, despite struggling with object labels. The research suggests that talent in a specific field may not be exclusively human, with gifted word learner dogs displaying exceptional learning capacity.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 7, 2021

The reproductive advantages of large male fish

Researchers found that larger male mosquitofish are preferred by females and produce more sperm. They also excel at driving off rivals and using forced mating strategies due to their small size and agility. The study analyzed 36 studies and provided new insights into the relationship between body size and reproductive success in fish.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateJul 7, 2021

Factors associated with deaths in US ICE detention facilities

A study examining US ICE detention facility deaths from 2011 to 2018 found that inadequate healthcare, poor living conditions, and mental health issues were key factors contributing to these deaths. The study highlights the need for improved healthcare and living conditions in ICE facilities to prevent unnecessary deaths.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 7, 2021

Gender pay gap means fewer female candidates on the ballot

A new study finds that electoral districts with a larger gender pay gap tend to have fewer female candidates, as voters' biases against women candidates can lead to lower vote shares. The Parity Law has had limited impact in reducing this disparity, with parties strategically allocating female candidates to less competitive districts.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJournal of the European Economic Association·DateJul 7, 2021

New AI tech for early detection of prostate cancer

A new AI-powered diagnostic tool can spot asymptomatic prostate cancer in routine CT scans, allowing for earlier diagnosis and improved treatment outcomes. The technology, developed at RMIT University, has been shown to perform better than human radiologists in detecting cancerous growths.

SourceRMIT University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 7, 2021

Machine learning tool sorts the nuances of quantum data

A Cornell University-led team developed a machine learning tool called Correlation Convolutional Neural Networks (CCNN) to parse quantum matter and make distinctions in the data. CCNN can identify relationships among microscopic properties that are impossible to determine at the scale of quantum systems.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 7, 2021