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Science News for July 8, 2021


Collective battery storage beneficial for decarbonized world

A new study suggests that collective battery storage can significantly reduce the cost of providing load smoothing and peak shaving services to households. By sharing batteries or having one per 20 houses, households can provide essential grid services while reducing individual costs, a key finding published in Energy & Buildings.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalEnergy and Buildings·DateJul 8, 2021

Experts recommend a varied and moderate consumption of sushi limiting quantities of tuna

A research group from Universitat Rovira i Virgili analyzed the concentration of toxic elements in various sushi types, finding higher levels of arsenic and mercury in maki and nigiri. They recommend adults limit tuna-based sushi to 8 pieces a day, while infants can have 3 pieces, citing methylmercury as a major concern

SourceUniversitat Rovira i Virgili·JournalFood and Chemical Toxicology·DateJul 8, 2021

EHR alerts go unread, do not lead to deprescribing of medicines linked to dementia

A study led by Regenstrief Institute found that most electronic health record (EHR) alerts attempting to deprescribe high-risk medications linked to dementia went unread, raising questions about their effectiveness. The goal was to facilitate the deprescribing of anticholinergics through both provider and patient-based alerts.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJul 8, 2021

Study identifies genetic risks for suicide death in individuals with bipolar disorder

A new study found that diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or genetic predisposition to PTSD is associated with increased risk of suicide death among individuals with bipolar disorder. The research suggests that understanding the genetic contribution to PTSD can help identify different strategies for suicide prevention.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateJul 8, 2021

New Alzheimer's treatment targets identified

Researchers at WashU Medicine have identified potential new treatment targets for Alzheimer's disease, focusing on defective proteins and existing FDA-approved drugs. The study provides hope for clinical trials to begin sooner, targeting brain damage caused by amyloid buildup.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 8, 2021

How can counselors address social justice amid climate change?

The article discusses how counselors can promote environmental justice during the Anthropocene era. Counselors can use their skills to educate communities on the climate crisis, process environment activists' grief, and advocate for marginalized communities. This framework of environmental justice helps counselors understand the dispro...

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Multicultural Counseling and Development·DateJul 8, 2021

A summary of myocarditis cases following COVID-19

Researchers analyzed 41 studies on myocarditis in COVID-19 patients, finding median age of 43.4 years and male predominance. The study highlights the importance of healthcare professionals knowing about this cardiac complication to prevent sudden worsening of patient conditions.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Clinical Practice·DateJul 8, 2021

When bosses are abusive, how employees interpret their motives makes a difference: study

A new UBC Sauder School of Business study shows that employees' perceptions of their supervisor's motivations significantly influence their emotional responses, leading to different behaviors. When subordinates believe their leaders are pushing them to improve performance, they experience guilt, which triggers more positive organizatio...

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateJul 8, 2021

Do I buy or not?

Pleasure-seekers tend to buy impulsively when in a positive state, but can suppress impulse with minimal note reminder. Security-oriented individuals need time and often look for 'no impulse buying' reminders to act.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 8, 2021

Newborns to three months should be stimulated to hold and reach for objects, study says

A recent study suggests that newborns to three months old should be stimulated to hold and reach for objects. This stimulation helps their social, motor, and cognitive development. Researchers propose a novel approach to understanding imitation and manual activities, including exercises such as placing the baby's hands on different tex...

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInfant Behavior and Development·DateJul 8, 2021

Ancient ostrich eggshell reveals new evidence of extreme climate change thousands of years ago

Researchers at the University of Exeter discovered that ancient ostrich eggshells from Bundu Farm site reveal evidence of extreme climate change in Southern Africa 250,000 to 350,000 years ago. The findings support other fossil animal bones and suggest a shift from wetland and grassland to arid environments after 200,000 years.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe South African Archaeological Bulletin·DateJul 8, 2021

Obscuring the truth can promote cooperation

A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that overstating the level of cooperation in a society can increase cooperative behavior overall. The study used a mathematical model to simulate the creation and maintenance of a community, finding that a degree of deceit or obfuscation can promote the formation of a cooperative ...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalEvolutionary Human Sciences·DateJul 8, 2021

Study identifies gut microbes associated with toxicity to combined checkpoint inhibitors in melanoma patients

A study found specific gut microbiota signatures correlate with high-grade adverse events and response to combined CTLA-4 and PD-1 blockade treatment. The research identified a potential new strategy to treat toxicity while maintaining response through IL-1R inhibition or manipulation of the gut microbiota.

Populist anti-foreign aid rhetoric has an impact on the public - but only among fans of populist politicians, study shows

A new study by A. Burcu Bayram and Catarina Thomson found that international aid institutions should not be worried about the impact of populism on global development cooperation. Those wanting to convince the public about foreign aid should focus on transparent communication and local partnerships.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalInternational Studies Quarterly·DateJul 8, 2021

Can whale poo help save the planet?

A recent workshop report emphasizes the significant ecological importance of whales in maintaining healthy oceans. Whales help mitigate climate change through nutrient transport and carbon sequestration, while also enhancing marine productivity and promoting biodiversity.

Better pregnancy outcomes linked to reduction of armed conflict in Colombia

A new study has found that a ceasefire in Colombia led to better pregnancy outcomes for women who conceived after the conflict began. The analysis of over 3 million pregnancies found lower risks of stillbirths and perinatal mortality in areas with reduced conflict violence, highlighting the need for countries with long-running armed co...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 8, 2021

CoronaVac vaccine provides 83.5% protection against symptomatic COVID-19 and 100% protection against hospitalization, interim analysis reveals

The CoronaVac vaccine demonstrated 83.5% protection against symptomatic COVID-19 and 100% effectiveness against hospitalization in a phase 3 trial. The study involved adults aged 18-59 and showed high efficacy with a very good safety profile, but further data is needed on the vaccine's long-term effects and efficacy against new variants.

To splice or not to splice...

A study by Karan Bedi and colleagues found that RNA splicing is inefficient, leaving many intronic sequences unspliced. The team analyzed Bru-seq data from six cell lines and identified variable patterns of splicing across genes and cell types.

Yoga helps reduce work-related stress

A study published in the Journal of Occupational Health found that yoga is an effective method for reducing occupational stress in healthcare workers. The analysis of 15 randomized clinical trials revealed that yoga and massage therapy were more effective than no intervention in alleviating work-related stress.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Occupational Health·DateJul 8, 2021

How does endometriosis influence women's work life?

Research published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica finds endometriosis affects work ability and sick leave in mid-life women. A life course approach reveals poor work outcomes without association with unemployment or early retirement.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateJul 8, 2021

Antibody but not T-cell response after first dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is weakened in patients receiving methotrexate

A new study found that patients taking immunosuppressants like methotrexate had weaker antibody responses to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine after the first dose. However, T-cell responses were preserved in these patients, suggesting potential risks and benefits of vaccinating immunocompromised individuals.

Engineering seeds to resist drought

Researchers at MIT have developed a simple and inexpensive two-layer coating that protects seeds from drying out and provides them with extra nutrition, enabling agriculture on marginal arid lands. The coating, which is engineered to hold onto moisture and contain preserved microorganisms, has shown encouraging results in early tests.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Food·DateJul 8, 2021

'Smart collar' could prevent tapeworms in dogs

Researchers developed a smart collar that delivers praziquantel, a deworming drug, to dogs infected with echinococcosis. The collar reduces the risk of tapeworms in dogs by 0.182 times and 0.336 times compared to control groups.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJul 8, 2021

The pressure is off and high temperature superconductivity remains

Researchers demonstrate superconductivity in iron selenide crystals without applied pressure using a new pressure-quench technique. The method retains the high-temperature superconductive phase even after removing the applied pressure, bringing scientists closer to realizing room-temperature superconductivity at ambient pressure.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 2021

Study finds toddlers with ASD do not differ in progress made in comparison of two treatment types

Researchers compared two treatment types for toddlers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and found no significant differences in outcomes. The study, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, shows that common elements may be more important than differences in intervention styles.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJul 8, 2021

Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in patients undergoing cancer treatment

A recent study published in JAMA Oncology found that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine appears to be safe and effective in patients with cancer, achieving satisfactory serologic status. Despite a lag in antibody production compared to non-cancer control groups, most patients experienced seroconversion after the second dose.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateJul 8, 2021

Partnering with Black faith leaders and pharmacists increases COVID-19 vaccine uptake among Black communities, California study suggests

A California study suggests that partnering with black churches and medical professionals can increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake in black communities. The study found that a three-tier approach to mobile vaccination clinics, involving faith leaders and pharmacists, resulted in a significant increase in vaccine uptake among blacks.

Cell-type-specific insight into the function of risk factors in coronary artery disease

The study used single cell technology to map epigenetic changes in different cells involved in coronary artery disease, revealing that genetic risk variants are particularly enriched in endothelial and smooth muscle cells. This research provides a new understanding of the role of these cells in transmitting susceptibility to the disease.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalCirculation Research·DateJul 8, 2021

First genetic evidence from medieval plague victims suggests Black Death reached Southern Italy

Researchers have discovered Yersinia pestis infection in two medieval graves in Southern Italy, providing the first genetic evidence of the Black Death's arrival in the region. The analysis of ancient DNA from the teeth of the victims confirms that they died from plague or other infectious diseases during the second pandemic.

How experiencing diverse emotions impacts students

Experiencing diverse positive emotions improves student engagement with cognitive, behavioral, and emotional components. Students with greater positive emodiversity have a more diverse emotional life, enabling better adaptation to various school situations.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Educational Psychology·DateJul 8, 2021

Coastal wetlands are nature's flood defences

A new study reveals that coastal wetlands provide more flood protection than previously thought, reducing water levels by up to 2 metres and protecting inland areas. The research found that wetlands can reduce storm-driven flooding by 35% and damages caused by 37%.

SourceSwansea University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJul 8, 2021

2D:4D ratio is not related to sex-determined finger size differences in men and women

A study of over 7,500 participants refutes the idea that the 2D:4D ratio is influenced by sex hormones, instead suggesting that finger size differences are related to overall growth patterns. The research found no correlation between total finger length and 2D:4D ratio in men and women across different ages and nationalities.

US saw surge in firearm purchases and violence during first months of COVID-19 pandemic

During the first five months of the COVID-19 pandemic, an estimated 4.3 million more background checks for firearm purchases occurred nationwide than expected, resulting in 9.3 million total firearm purchases. Researchers found an association between increased gun purchases and domestic violence but not non-domestic firearm violence.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalInjury Epidemiology·DateJul 8, 2021

How fishing communities are responding to climate change

Fishers in the Northeast US have adopted three strategies to cope with climate-related changes in fish distribution and abundance. They shift their target species, change where they fish, or sell their catch at different ports. Regulations often constrain these adaptations due to conservation measures and market constraints.

SourceWellesley College·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateJul 8, 2021

Biomaterial vaccines ward off broad range of bacterial infections and septic shock

Researchers developed a biomaterial-based infection vaccine (ciVAX) approach to combat infectious diseases. ciVAX vaccines combine two technologies that capture immunogenic antigens from pathogens and reprogram the immune system, offering potential solutions for sepsis prophylaxis, pandemic threats, and biothreats.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJul 8, 2021

Has the COVID-19 pandemic lessened bullying at school?

A study published in Aggressive Behavior found that students reported lower bullying rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, except for cyberbullying. The survey of 6,578 Canadian students highlights potential silver linings from the pandemic, including reduced bullying, which can negatively impact functioning.

SourceWiley·JournalAggressive Behavior·DateJul 8, 2021

A novel neurological disorder associated with the Polycomb complex identified

Researchers discovered a novel neurological disorder caused by spontaneous mutations in the RNF2 gene, leading to symptoms such as intellectual disabilities, seizures, and feeding difficulties. The study, led by Dr. Shinya Yamamoto and Dr. Vandana Shashi, found that loss-of-function variants in RNF2 disrupt normal neuronal development ...

SourceTexas Children's Hospital·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateJul 8, 2021

More ancestral enzyme

The study reports the crystal structures of aconitase X enzymes from bacteria and archaea, providing novel insights into their catalytic mechanisms. The findings suggest that ancestral active sites in aconitase superfamily are conserved across different species.

SourceEhime University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJul 8, 2021