Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for July 9, 2021


Evolution in real time

The study reveals that Chlamydomonas reinhardtii undergoes mutations leading to the emergence of multicellular life. The experiment confirms a theory on the origin of multicellularity, where cell groups are better at reproduction and more likely to survive than single cells.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 9, 2021

Turn off the blue light!

Researchers from University of Tsukuba discovered that exposure to organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) before sleep reduces negative health effects on energy metabolism. OLEDs emit less blue light, leading to decreased energy expenditure and core body temperature during sleep.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 9, 2021

Changes in care delivery during COVID-19

Researchers characterized clinical content of ambulatory care among office-based and telemedicine visits before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study found significant changes in care delivery, with a shift towards telemedicine visits during the pandemic.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateJul 9, 2021

The giant panda's mystery revealed

The giant panda's temporomandibular joint and premolar teeth evolved to facilitate sideways movement of the jaw, allowing for efficient peeling of bamboo. This adaptation enabled pandas to access an endless source of nutrition in the early Pleistocene.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 9, 2021

Seeing with radio waves

Scientists from the University of Tsukuba used radio-frequency imaging to detect nitrogen-vacancy defects in diamond with improved resolution. The technique, called spin-locking, enhances accuracy and sensitivity by shielding electron spin from random noise.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalJapanese Journal of Applied Physics·DateJul 9, 2021

Remote control for plants

Researchers at the University of Würzburg have successfully introduced a light-sensitive switch into tobacco plants' guard cells, enabling remote control over stomatal movements. This technology has enormous potential for improving plant drought resistance and water conservation.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 9, 2021

NIST uses method to understand the molecular underpinnings of a disease affecting corals

Researchers at NIST used an emerging molecular profiling method to analyze a type of tumor-like disease called growth anomalies in corals. The study identified 18 small molecules that promise to help better understand the series of molecular reactions leading to the disease, which affects coral skeletons and soft tissues.

Beta (South Africa) variant may increase risk for COVID-19 hospitalization and death, large-scale South African study suggests

A large-scale study from South Africa found that the Beta variant increased COVID-19 hospitalization and death risks compared to previous waves. The study suggested a higher case fatality risk of 26.9% during the second wave, highlighting the need for continued vigilance.

Red Dead Redemption 2 teaches players about wildlife

A new study found that Red Dead Redemption 2 players were able to identify 10 of 15 American animals in a multiple-choice quiz, with those who completed the game's main storyline performing best. The game's high level of detail and realistic animal behavior also taught players about animal behaviour and ecology.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPeople and Nature·DateJul 9, 2021

Thyroid cancer now diagnosed with machine learning-powered photoacoustic/ultrasound imaging

Researchers have developed a non-invasive method to diagnose thyroid cancer using photoacoustic and ultrasound image technology combined with artificial intelligence. The technique accurately classifies malignant nodules with high sensitivity and specificity, reducing unnecessary biopsies and medical costs.

New guidance for mental health

Low-intensity cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) has been found to be effective in reducing anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. A new consumer guide aims to help people navigate the system and find targeted services.

SourceFlinders University·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateJul 9, 2021

Anti-tumor agent from the intestine

Scientists have found that short-chain fatty acids can increase the efficiency of tumor therapies by boosting the activity of killer cells. The researchers identified pentanoate, produced by Megasphaera massiliensis bacteria, as a key player in this process.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 9, 2021

Gender pay gap means fewer female candidates on the ballot

Researchers at Bocconi University analyzed data from France and found that districts with larger gender pay gaps had fewer female candidates and lower votes for women. The study suggests that voters' biases against female politicians limit the effectiveness of quota rules in allocating female candidates to contested districts.

SourceBocconi University·JournalJournal of the European Economic Association·DateJul 9, 2021

Highly mutated SARS-CoV-2 emerged from someone living with advanced HIV who could not clear SARS-CoV-2 until their HIV infection was suppressed with effective antiretroviral therapy

A study reveals that highly mutated SARS-CoV-2 can emerge in people living with advanced HIV if they cannot clear the virus through effective antiretroviral therapy. This increases the risk of severe disease and potentially more potent variants.

A super new theory

A researcher at the University of Tsukuba introduces a new theoretical model of high-temperature superconductivity based on the calculation of the Berry connection. This model helps explain experimental results better than the current theory and may enable lossless energy transmission.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalJournal of Superconductivity and Novel Magnetism·DateJul 9, 2021

Corona gets us tired

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon develop a novel model to quantify social phenomena during the Corona pandemic. The study reveals that social cohesion plays a crucial role in explaining regional mortality rates and behavioral changes.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Hereon·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 9, 2021

Study of antibodies produced in saliva after Pfizer COVID vaccine shows both importance of second vaccine dose and updating vaccines to combat new variants of concern

Researchers found that vaccination significantly increases neutralizing antibodies in saliva, reducing transmission risk. The study also shows the importance of receiving a second vaccine dose for maximum protection against evolving virus strains.

Common prescription drugs (not themselves antibiotics) may increase risk of developing antibiotic resistance

Research suggests that common prescription drugs like proton pump inhibitors, beta-blockers, and antimetabolites can increase the risk of developing antibiotic-resistant infections. These non-antibiotic medications are commonly used to treat various conditions but can also contribute to drug resistance.

Hitting the right note

Research reveals that even professional female sopranos tend to be inaccurate in self-assessing their own singing abilities. However, those with higher singing competence are better at evaluating themselves. The study's findings suggest that self-evaluation plays a crucial role in developing exceptional musical skills.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalJournal of Voice·DateJul 9, 2021

Trial shows that the antibiotic azithromycin does not prevent mild COVID-19 cases progressing to hospitalization or death

A recent trial by the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases found that azithromycin does not prevent mild COVID-19 cases from progressing to hospitalization or death. The study showed no difference in the risk of progression between those treated with azithromycin and those who received standard care alone.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateJul 9, 2021

Immune cells assemble - boosting the effects of chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have discovered that immune cells can be stimulated to assemble into special structures within pancreatic cancer, improving the efficacy of chemotherapy. The findings suggest a potential therapeutic strategy for promoting an anti-tumour immune response in patients.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateJul 9, 2021

Programmable structures from the printer

Scientists have created movable, self-adjusting materials systems with complex shape changes that can be triggered by moisture. These systems mimic the movement mechanisms of the air potato plant and have produced their first prototype: a forearm brace that adapts to the wearer.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJul 9, 2021

Study shows that poorer people less likely to be tested for SARS-CoV-2, and more likely to be hospitalised, enter ICU and die

A study in Switzerland found that people living in poorer neighborhoods were less likely to be tested for COVID-19, but more likely to test positive, be hospitalized, or die compared to those in wealthier areas. The study also found stronger associations between neighborhood socioeconomic position and outcomes in younger age groups.

Passing the ball: Shifting responsibility for care coordination from patient to provider

A new study from the US Department of Veterans Affairs, Regenstrief Institute, IUPUI, and Mount Sinai researchers reports that primary care physicians recognize the need for improved care coordination. They welcome electronic health information exchange (HIE) event notifications as a means to enhance patient care.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateJul 9, 2021