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Science News for June 17, 2021


Prototype may diagnose common pregnancy complications by monitoring placental oxygen

Researchers developed a prototype device that measures placental oxygen levels using near-infrared light, potentially diagnosing common pregnancy complications. The study found that women with anterior placenta and complications had lower placental oxygen levels compared to healthy pregnancies.

If you ride an e-scooter, take safety precautions

A Henry Ford Health System study reveals that e-scooter-related head and neck injuries account for nearly 28% of reported riding mishaps. The study's findings highlight the importance of wearing helmets and following safety tips to reduce the risk of injury while using e-scooters.

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalThe Laryngoscope·DateJun 17, 2021

Parrot talk

Research reveals that parrots rely on eavesdropping on vocal interactions to assess unfamiliar individuals. In flock encounters, flocks primarily choose to follow a leader's contact call, indicating the importance of vocal imitation in social interactions.

Malene Hansen, PhD, and Morgan Levine, PhD, honored by AFAR, recognized with 2021 Irving S. Wright Award and Vincent Cristofalo Rising Star Award

Dr. Malene Hansen receives the Irving S. Wright Award for her work on cellular recycling and aging, while Dr. Morgan Levine wins the Vincent Cristofalo Rising Star Award for her biomarkers of aging research. Both awards recognize their contributions to advancing healthy aging through biomedical research.

Concrete wall seismic test data wins NHERI DesignSafe Dataset Award 2021

Researchers generated first-of-its-kind data on lightly reinforced concrete walls, which helped revise New Zealand Concrete Structures Standard and U.S. Building Code Requirements. The dataset, published on NHERI DesignSafe cyberinfrastructure, revealed hidden damage in walls that led to improved understanding of earthquake engineering.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalJournal of Structural Engineering·DateJun 17, 2021

New in the Hastings Center Report, May-June 2021

Environmental injustices, such as toxic landfills and chemical plants, are often located in predominantly Black, Latinx, and Indigenous neighborhoods, threatening the health of these populations. The Hastings Center Report highlights the need for bioethics to consider environmental injustice in its principles of justice.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateJun 17, 2021

Novel chirped pulses defy 'conventional wisdom'

University of Rochester researchers produce highly chirped pulses with relatively low-quality equipment, increasing possibilities for high-capacity telecommunication systems and astrophysical calibrations. The new method uses normal dispersion cavities, which are more common and can generate stable pulses despite high energy loss.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalOptica·DateJun 17, 2021

Religious participation makes both old and young more likely to trust their neighbors and donate to charity

A new study found that religious participation increases social trust among both millennials and older adults, with those attending church more likely to donate to charity. The research also shows that younger generations can benefit from intergenerational interactions with their elders, who tend to have more social capital.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe Sociological Review·DateJun 17, 2021

Long-term Himalayan glacier study

Researchers from Heidelberg University combined historical images and maps with current data to track glacier changes in the Nanga Parbat Massif. The study shows that the glaciers have been shrinking since the 1930s, but at a slower rate than other Himalayan regions due to avalanche activity and debris cover.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJun 17, 2021

Higher COVID-19 mortality among Black patients linked to unequal hospital quality

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that Black patients die at higher rates than white patients due to unequal hospital quality. The research suggests that if Black patients had access to the same hospitals as white patients, their mortality rate would decrease by a single percentage point.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 17, 2021

Most comprehensive RNA-Atlas ever

Researchers have built a comprehensive catalogue of human non-coding RNAs using three sequencing methods. The project uncovered thousands of novel non-coding RNA genes and found correlations between RNA abundance and regulatory functions.

SourceGhent University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 17, 2021

Skeletal scaffold supports bone cells and blood vessels

Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) create a biomaterial that supports the growth of bone marrow precursor cells and forms tubular blood vessels, mimicking natural bone tissue architecture. This breakthrough enables the development of 3D disease models for tissue engineering and biomedical research.

New analysis discusses role of managed retreat as a climate change response

Researchers at the University of Miami argue that managed retreat should be viewed as a proactive option to support communities and livelihoods in the face of climate change. The analysis reviews existing literature on the subject and suggests considering strategic and managed retreat alongside other responses like coastal armoring.

Passing the COVID test in just five minutes

Researchers at Osaka University have created a new, highly sensitive test for the SARS-CoV-2 virus that uses artificial intelligence and nanopore technology. The test platform achieved a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 96% for SARS-CoV-2 detection in just five minutes using clinical saliva samples.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 17, 2021

One in a million: Fluorescent 'microtags' help track individual cells

Researchers at Skoltech have designed a labeling system for individual cells using polymer multilayer microcapsules that can be easily reproducible and non-toxic. The system allows for the tracking of single-cell behavior and migration with extreme precision, facilitating studies on cell movement and communication in populations.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 17, 2021

After the big storm: How to supply emergency power

A new study suggests that cooperative strategies for providing emergency power during long-duration outages can cost up to 40 times less than individual generators. The analysis focused on two hypothetical communities in New Hampshire and found that shared generator costs were significantly lower, making collective options more accessi...

SourceSociety for Risk Analysis·JournalRisk Analysis·DateJun 17, 2021

Simple urine test may help early detection of brain tumors

Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a simple urine test that can detect brain tumors with high accuracy, using microRNAs as biomarkers. The new device can extract more microRNAs from just a milliliter of urine than conventional methods, and shows promise for early diagnosis and treatment.

SourceNagoya University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 17, 2021

Many patients with high priority for kidney transplants not placed on transplant waitlist

A new study reveals that many patients with high-priority kidney transplants are not being placed on the transplant waiting list, despite having long expected post-transplant survival. African Americans, uninsured individuals, and those living in lower-income communities face significant barriers to expedited waitlist placement.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJun 17, 2021

Biodiversity imperiled

Researchers found that altered streamside woodlands in arid regions stayed greener longer into the dry season and were less responsive to changes in groundwater levels. This threatens the long-term survival of natural forest communities and ecosystem functions.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2021

Numerical study first to reveal origin of 'motion of the ocean' in the straits of Florida

Researchers identify mechanisms behind formation of sub-mesoscale eddies in Straits of Florida, which play a crucial role in retaining marine organisms and nutrients. The study reveals that shear instability on the shelf contributes to the formation of these eddies, with barotropic and baroclinic instabilities driving their development.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Physical Oceanography·DateJun 17, 2021

Stress during pandemic linked to poor sleep

A Washington State University study of twins found that stress and anxiety during the pandemic were associated with decreased sleep quality. The researchers linked self-reported mental health issues to changes in sleep patterns, showing a two-way relationship between disrupted sleep and poor mental health.

SourceWashington State University·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateJun 17, 2021

Tug-of-war receptors for sour taste in fruit flies sheds light on human taste biology

Research finds that fruit flies use two distinct types of gustatory receptor neurons to discriminate between low and high concentrations of acid, explaining why many animals are attracted to slightly acidic foods but repulsed by highly acidic ones. A key protein, Otopetrin-like, plays a crucial role in attractive sour taste response.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 17, 2021

Excess nitrogen puts butterflies at risk

A study by researchers at the University of Basel found that excess nitrogen deposited into soils via air pollution endangers butterfly diversity in Switzerland. The team analyzed data on plant and butterfly diversity across 383 plots and discovered a clear link between nitrogen intake and reduced vegetation diversity.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalConservation Biology·DateJun 17, 2021

A remote control for gene transfer

A team of researchers from the University of Freiburg has developed a new technology that enables controlled introduction of target genes into individual selected cells. They achieved this by introducing genetic information with an optical remote control, allowing only cells illuminated with red light to take up desired genes.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 17, 2021

CSIC scientists propose a new strategy to regulate the cells communication network

CSIC scientists propose a new approach to regulate the signaling cascade of tyrosine kinases, which could lead to the development of more selective tools for research, diagnosis, or treatment of diseases. The new tool is designed to block the molecules on which kinases act, rather than inhibiting the enzymes themselves.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateJun 17, 2021

A new rapid assessment to promote climate-informed conservation and nature-based solutions

A new rapid assessment framework offers a simple tool to facilitate climate-informed conservation and nature-based solutions. The '5Ws' framework helps practitioners consider the what, when, where, why, and who of climate-informed action, enabling them to adapt investments in reforestation, fire management, and habitat protection.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalConservation Science and Practice·DateJun 17, 2021

Unraveling the origin of Alzheimer's disease

Case Western Reserve University researchers have identified structural elements on human prions that drive their replication in the brain. This breakthrough could lead to a new strategy to stop Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders, as scientists explore ways to bind to these sites to block progression.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 17, 2021

Close-up look at brain uptake of omega-3

Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have made significant breakthroughs in understanding the transport of omega-3 fatty acids across the blood-brain barrier. The study revealed the structure and function of a protein called MFSD2A, which plays a crucial role in delivering essential fatty acids to the brain.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalNature·DateJun 17, 2021

Commercial video games could help treat mental illness

Researchers at Lero found that commercial video games could be used as an effective and stigma-free alternative for treating depression and anxiety. The study suggests that these games can be accessed at a low cost or for free, making them a viable option for people with limited access to mental health care.

SourceLero·JournalJMIR Serious Games·DateJun 17, 2021

A biological blueprint for tough color

Research reveals distinctive micropillars within the carapace of a flower beetle enhance its strength and toughness while optimizing its brightly colored appearance. The study's findings have potential applications in developing new, effective bio-inspired materials.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2021

After the pandemic: Economy, poverty and climate in the post-COVID-19 era

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the economy, leading to a 75 million-person increase in poverty in 2020. The study predicts that economic impacts will persist due to past epidemics' effects, with energy demand and emissions dropping significantly but mostly due to reduced economic activity.

Hubble data confirms galaxies lacking dark matter

A team of researchers led by Zili Shen and Pieter van Dokkum used Hubble Space Telescope to measure the distance of ultra-diffuse galaxy NGC1052-DF2, confirming it lacks dark matter. The results are based on 40 orbits of the telescope and provide crucial implications for estimating the physical properties of the galaxy.

SourceInstitute for Advanced Study·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 17, 2021

Mountain fires burning higher at unprecedented rates

Climate warming has diminished the high-elevation flammability barrier, allowing fires to advance uphill in Western mountains. The area burning above 8,200 feet tripled in just over a decade, with rising temperatures extending fire territory to an additional 81,500 square kilometers.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2021

Vaccination, previous infection, protect against gamma variant in animal model

Researchers found that vaccination with an mRNA vaccine induces antibody responses that would protect humans from infection with the gamma/P.1 variant, while hamsters previously infected with earlier strains were also protected nine months later. Previous SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccines based on earlier strains still provide protecti...

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2021