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Science News for June 11, 2021


Autopsy Study of Patients With/Without COVID-19

This autopsy study investigated skeletal muscle and myocardial inflammation in patients with COVID-19, compared to those dying from other causes. The findings suggest distinct inflammatory patterns in the two groups, which may help explain COVID-19 severity and mortality.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateJun 11, 2021

Rice lab peers inside 2D crystal synthesis

The Rice University engineers have unveiled the process of MoS2's synthesis in a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) furnace. Their simulations showed that it takes three steps to deposit an atomically thin lattice onto a surface, involving sublimation, reaction with sulfur atoms, and crystallization.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 11, 2021

Black holes help with star birth

Satellite galaxies that orbit massive central galaxies can form new stars due to active black holes clearing their path through intergalactic gas. Researchers used systematic observations and cosmological simulations to find this counter-intuitive effect.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateJun 11, 2021

Star's death will play a mean pinball with rhythmic planets

A study led by the University of Warwick predicts that four massive planets in a perfect rhythm will be destabilized and turned into a chaotic system when their sun becomes a white dwarf. The planets' movements will become highly uncertain, with even small changes having a significant impact on the outcome.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 11, 2021

Anticoagulation in patients hospitalized with COVID-19

This study examines the association of anticoagulation treatment with mortality rates in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, finding a significant link between anticoagulation and increased mortality. The study's findings suggest that anticoagulation therapy may not be beneficial for patients hospitalized with COVID-19.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 11, 2021

Vitamin D deficiency may increase risk for addiction to opioids and ultraviolet rays

A study published in Science Advances found that vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of opioid addiction and excessive sun-seeking behavior. Researchers discovered that modulating vitamin D levels can change addictive behaviors to both UV and opioids, and that patients with low vitamin D levels are more likely to use opioids.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 11, 2021

Using machine learning and radar to better understand storm surge risk

A team of researchers at the University of Texas at Austin has applied a machine learning algorithm to analyze Synthetic Aperture Radar images and create detailed maps of land types. This new approach can help predict storm surge risk and inform mitigation strategies, such as building 'green walls' to protect inland areas.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalIEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing·DateJun 11, 2021

Designing public institutions that foster cooperation

Researchers at Penn develop a framework for designing public institutions that promote cooperation regardless of social norms, exploring indirect reciprocity and reputation monitoring systems. The model finds cooperation can flourish under various social norms and institutions adhere to assessments by social contagion, holding potentia...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 11, 2021

COVID-19 PCR tests can be freeze dried

Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered a method to make commercially available PCR tests shelf-stable for up to 30 days by freeze-drying the reagents with a standard preservative. This breakthrough could enable widespread COVID-19 testing in low-resource settings and reduce logistical challenges.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalBiotechnology Journal·DateJun 11, 2021

How firms can navigate competitors' pitfalls without being 'tarred by the same brush'

Researchers found that firms with a larger advertising share of voice have lower stock price synchronicity, indicating reduced risk of being 'tarred by the same brush' as competitors. Advertising can also provide firm-specific information to investors, reducing information asymmetry and increasing investor willingness to provide capital.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJun 11, 2021

From milk protein, a plastic foam that gets better in a tough environment

Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology developed a high-performance plastic foam from whey proteins that can withstand extreme temperatures. The material, which improves its mechanical performance after days of exposure to high temperatures, has potential applications in filtration, thermal insulation, and fluid absorption.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Sustainable Systems·DateJun 11, 2021

The sun's clock

Researchers propose comprehensive explanation of sun cycles based on planetary attractive forces, reproducing known solar activity fluctuations. However, long-term forecasts become impossible due to chaotic process in activity over thousands of years.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalSolar Physics·DateJun 11, 2021

An omega-3 that's poison for tumors

Researchers at Université catholique de Louvain discovered that DHA slows the development of tumors by poisoning cancer cells through a phenomenon called ferroptosis. This mechanism is triggered when acidotic tumor cells absorb excessive amounts of unsaturated fatty acids, leading to cell death.

SourceUniversité catholique de Louvain·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 11, 2021

Effects of 'Fenton-like' reactions of ferric oxalate on atmospheric oxidation processes and radiative forcing

Research investigates ferric oxalate's role in atmospheric oxidation, revealing its contribution to the formation of secondary organic aerosols (SOA) and affecting radiative forcing. The study highlights the significance of superoxide radicals in oxidizing organic compounds.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJun 11, 2021

Meteorologists improve multivariable integrated evaluation method for climate model

Researchers developed a simple-to-use Multivariable Integrated Evaluation Tool (MVIETool) to facilitate climate model evaluation and models inter-comparison. The improved MVIE method provides a more comprehensive and precise evaluation of climate model performance, including accurate evaluation results for spatial fields.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalGeoscientific Model Development·DateJun 11, 2021

Physical activity may curb health care worker burnout

A new study from the University of Georgia found that investing in more physical activity programming could help curb healthcare worker burnout and improve their mental and emotional health. The research also showed that leisure-time physical activity can help exit the stress cycle, but only when done correctly.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Promotion·DateJun 11, 2021

Lazy, hazy days no more: A call-to-action to better understand air pollution mechanisms

Scientists have made significant progress in understanding the atmospheric oxidation capacity, which is crucial for reducing smog and haze formation. Researchers have developed indexes to characterize this capacity in Beijing and plan to apply them in other highly polluted regions of China.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJun 11, 2021