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Science News for June 28, 2021


US presidents' narcissism linked to international conflict

A new study suggests that US presidents with high levels of narcissism are more likely to initiate conflicts with other great power countries, accounting for factors such as political party and military experience. The research found that the top three most narcissistic presidents initiated nearly all of their disputes alone.

SourceOhio State University·JournalInternational Studies Quarterly·DateJun 28, 2021

Two studies by CU Cancer Center researchers explore link between inflammation and leukemia

Two studies by CU Cancer Center researchers found that chronic inflammation can serve as a key factor in the development of leukemia. Chronic inflammation reduces the fitness of normal cells, hindering their ability to reproduce and creating space for cancer-causing mutations to proliferate. The findings support the theory of adaptive ...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJun 28, 2021

Evidence-based patient-psychotherapist matching improves mental health care

A randomized clinical trial found that patients matched with therapists who have a strong track record of treating their primary concerns experienced greater reductions in general impairment. This 'match effect' was more pronounced for patients with severe problems and those from traditionally underserved populations.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateJun 28, 2021

New tools for pandemic prevention research: DNA sequencing from water and leech

Scientists have developed new methods to retrieve mammalian viruses from water and leech samples, providing a novel approach to pandemic prevention research. The techniques used environmental DNA and invertebrate-derived DNA, allowing for the identification of known and novel viruses in wildlife reservoirs.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateJun 28, 2021

Defect and interface engineering for e-NRR under ambient conditions

The review discusses defect and interface engineering for e-NRR electrocatalysts, emphasizing active sites and intrinsic mechanisms. It highlights the potential strategies to develop more advanced NRR electrocatalysts, promoting the creation of more efficient catalysts for electrochemical nitrogen reduction.

Boring to study slow earthquakes

Researchers have collected high-pressure data from deep-sea boreholes in a subduction zone, revealing pressures up to 5 megapascals greater than typical hydrostatic pressures. This discovery sheds light on the origins of slow earthquakes and their potential role in triggering larger earthquakes.

Connective tissue protein fights bacterial infection

A new study reveals that the connective tissue protein lumican promotes immune responses against bacterial infections while restraining overactive immune responses in sepsis. Lumican interacts with toll-like receptors on immune cells, stabilizing their interactions to increase activity and production of TNF-alpha.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 28, 2021

An atlas of the bumblebee brain

Researchers have created the first atlas of a bumblebee brain based on computed tomographic (CT) data, providing insights into spatial orientation in insects. The study, published in Cell and Tissue Research, aims to advance research on neuronal circuits and their applications in humans.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalCell and Tissue Research·DateJun 28, 2021

How we measure biodiversity can have profound impacts on land-use

A study in Zambia illustrates the challenges of measuring biodiversity and prioritizing land use, highlighting the need for consensus among conservation biologists. Different approaches to measuring biodiversity resulted in almost completely different land-use recommendations, emphasizing the importance of consistent methods.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalEcological Applications·DateJun 28, 2021

How to build a better wind farm

Researchers discovered that wind turbines in close proximity to each other reduce overall energy output. They suggest smaller, spaced-out farms may be more efficient, but further research is needed. The study's findings have implications for global energy supply and the transition away from fossil fuels.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 28, 2021

Diatom preservation and abundance

A recent study found that changes in marine fossilization conditions led to a significant increase in diatom abundance during the Cenozoic Era. The researchers built a model of sedimentation rate and ocean temperature on biogenic silica burial efficiency, revealing improved preservation conditions around 5-20 million years ago.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 28, 2021

Anti-cancer immunotherapy drug with reduced side effects and increased therapeutic effects

Researchers have developed an anti-cancer prodrug that targets cancer cells while minimizing toxicity to normal cells. This innovation improves the effectiveness of immunotherapy by boosting patient immunity. The drug exhibits anticancer effects when activated in cancer cells, inducing an active anticancer immune response.

Unusual prey: Spiders eating snakes

Researchers found that spiders from 11 different families can catch and eat snakes, including species up to one meter in length. The venom of these spiders also has a similar effect on snake nervous systems as it does on humans.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalJournal of Arachnology·DateJun 28, 2021

Emergency physician residents and health care workers at high risk of physical or verbal assault, new analysis shows

A new analysis found that 78% of healthcare workers experienced violent assault in the past year, with emergency physician residents facing a higher risk. The study highlights the need for improved workplace violence protocols and increased reporting to protect healthcare workers' mental health and safety.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateJun 28, 2021

The most curious babies become the most curious toddlers

A first-of-its-kind study linked infant curiosity, measured by reactions to magic tricks, to later cognitive ability in toddlers. Researchers found that babies who showed interest in surprising events remained curious as preschoolers, suggesting a potential predictor of future learning and academic success.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 28, 2021

No pressure: Maintaining normal BP over long term is the key to heart health, study finds

A recent study published in Chinese Medical Journal found that maintaining normal blood pressure over a long period of time significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. The study analyzed data from a 26-year follow-up of participants and found that cumulative blood pressure levels were a reliable measure of the risk of CVD.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·DateJun 28, 2021

A way to surmount supercooling

Researchers at Osaka University found that silver nanoparticles induce crystallization in clathrate hydrates, a potential application for latent heat storage materials. The study may lead to improved efficiency in solar energy and heat recovery technologies.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCommunications Materials·DateJun 28, 2021

Deep machine learning completes information about the bioactivity of one million molecules

Researchers have developed a tool to predict the biological activity of any molecule using deep machine learning methods. The system integrates experimental data with AI models to complete incomplete information about bioactivity profiles, enabling the selection of suitable candidates for drug discovery.

Shock find brings extinct mouse back from the dead

Researchers have successfully resurrected the extinct Gould's mouse, a significant finding given the high rate of native rodent extinction in Australia. The study revealed that the species' genetic diversity did not guarantee its survival, underscoring the rapid decline of populations in the face of invasive species, habitat destructio...

SourceAustralian National University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 28, 2021

Transforming the layered ferromagnet F5GT for future spintronics

A RMIT-led international collaboration has achieved record-high electron doping in a layered ferromagnet, causing magnetic phase transition with significant promise for future electronics. Ultra-high-charge, doping-induced magnetic phase transition in Fe5Ge2 enables promising applications in antiferromagnetic spintronic devices.