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Science News for June 29, 2021


Bronze Age: how the market began

Researchers found that Bronze Age weight systems emerged gradually in a westward spread from Mesopotamia to Europe, with similar units of weight used across the region. The study suggests that free entrepreneurship drove the emergence of accurate weight systems, enabling merchants to interact freely and establish profitable partnerships.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2021

Decline of dinosaurs underway long before asteroid fell

Dinosaurs were in decline 76 million years ago due to extinctions outpacing speciations, with herbivores being particularly affected. The asteroid impact may have been the final blow, triggered by a 7°C drop in global temperature and changes in oceanic circulation patterns.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 29, 2021

COVID-19: Reduced sense of taste and smell lingers

A new study from Aarhus University found that patients with mild COVID-19 infections experience a significantly increased longer lasting reduced sense of taste and smell, which is also the case for long-term shortness of breath. Women and the elderly are particularly affected by these symptoms.

SourceAarhus University·JournalInternational Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateJun 29, 2021

A 50% rise in the level of CO2 could reduce rainfall in the Amazon more than deforestation

A new study suggests that a 50% increase in atmospheric CO2 could lead to a 12% annual drop in Amazon rainfall, surpassing the impact of complete forest replacement with pasture. The researchers ran simulations showing that reduced transpiration and leaf area would result in less water vapor emission, leading to decreased rainfall.

Dartmouth research turns up the heat on 3D printing inks

Researchers at Dartmouth College have created a novel process for 3D printing inks that can be activated by heat and moisture, allowing for the creation of complex objects with varying mechanical strengths. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize the field of 3D printing by enabling the creation of single-ink solutions for...

SourceDartmouth College·JournalChem·DateJun 29, 2021

New findings to boost barley yields at higher temps

A team of researchers discovered a novel barley protein, HvMADS1, that regulates flower production in response to high temperatures. The study found that introducing a genetic modification to the protein can convert an unbranched spike into a branched structure with more flowers, potentially increasing grain production.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Plants·DateJun 29, 2021

More efficient tests may one day replace endoscopy

Researchers have discovered several stool proteins that can detect colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease, potentially replacing invasive endoscopy. These novel biomarkers were identified using aptamer-based screening and showed promise in early diagnosis and predicting disease progression.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 29, 2021

Diversity of tiny bobtail squid driven by ancient biogeographic events, finds new study

Researchers used genetic techniques to show that bobtail and bottletail squids share a recent common ancestor, with major biogeographic events influencing their evolution. The study found that these events led to the diversification of many species, with some lineages emerging in response to changes such as the closure of the Tethys Sea.

Researchers pinpoint unique growing challenges for soybeans in Africa

A new study developed methods to help breeders create fast-maturing soybean lines specifically for African environments. The researchers analyzed cultivar time-to-maturity against environmental variables and found daily minimum temperature and change in day length were more important than genotypic differences.

Research on MRI Biomarkers may aid in evaluating treatments for peripheral nerve disease

Researchers at Wayne State University are developing new strategies to assess appropriate treatments of peripheral nerve diseases using MRI biomarkers. The study focuses on nerve MRI methods that can directly image pathology within nerves, offering valuable information on disease progression and improving treatment evaluation.

What makes vets feel good at work?

A study by researchers at the University of Adelaide found that veterinarians experience pleasure in their job when receiving simple thank yous, spending time with peers, and further developing their expertise. Positive relationships with clients, colleagues, and a sense of accomplishment are also key factors.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalVeterinary Record·DateJun 29, 2021

Gene therapy breakthrough offers hope to children with rare and fatal brain disease

Scientists at UCL GOS ICH and Great Ormond Street Hospital have developed a precision gene therapy that has been shown to relieve defects in DTDS brain cells, potentially offering a cure for the condition. The therapy was tested on laboratory models and mice, showing promising results and paving the way for a clinical trial.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 29, 2021

5-minute workout lowers blood pressure as much as exercise, drugs

A new study from the University of Colorado at Boulder found that a 5-minute daily workout can lower blood pressure and improve vascular health, comparable to traditional exercise or medication. The ultra-time-efficient maneuver, known as High-Resistance Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training (IMST), was developed for breathing muscles a...

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJun 29, 2021

Scientists observe the dynamics behind the exceptional summer 2020 Yangtze River rainfall seasonal projections

Researchers attribute the record-breaking meiyu rainfall in the Yangtze River basin to an anomalous western North Pacific subtropical high pressure system. This pressure system's change and associated air-sea interactions were found to be independent of ENSO, providing accurate forecasts despite neutral ENSO conditions.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJun 29, 2021

The earthworm in new light

A team of researchers has developed a new imaging technique to visualize the chemical interactions between small animals and their microbes. This allows for a better understanding of how these interactions form and persist in animal tissues. The method, called chemo-histo-tomography, combines chemical imaging with micro-computed X-ray ...

SourceMax Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2021

A step forward for IVF patients with predicted poor response to treatment

A new study found that a double stimulation approach, known as DuoStim, is as efficient as conventional two cycles of ovarian stimulation and reduces the time to pregnancy in predicted poor responders. This strategy recruits multiple follicles on any day of the cycle, benefiting patients with low egg collection and high treatment failu...

Looking at tumors through a new lens

A new study reveals similarities between glioblastoma and melanoma, as well as unique immunosuppressive factors specific to glioblastoma microenvironment. This framework can be used to uncover pathophysiological and molecular features that determine the effectiveness of immunotherapies.

SourceInstitute for Systems Biology·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 29, 2021

Antibodies help identify women protected from placental malaria

Researchers identified six antibody characteristics that protect pregnant women from placental malaria infections, which could be used to identify women at risk and develop new therapies. The study found that these antibodies help prevent malaria parasites from binding to placental cells and destroying infected blood cells.

SourceeLife·DateJun 29, 2021

Growing 'metallic wood' to new heights

Researchers solve a major problem in manufacturing metallic wood, eliminating inverted cracks that plagued similar materials for decades. The new material allows strips of metallic wood to be assembled in areas 20,000 times greater than before, enabling the creation of stronger, more consistent devices.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 29, 2021

A new class of functional elements in the human genome?

Research finds that unusual DNA structures, called G-quadruplexes (G4s), are preserved by natural selection and play a role in gene expression and cellular processes. G4s are more common and stable in regions with important functions, suggesting they should be considered functional elements of the genome.

SourcePenn State·JournalGenome Research·DateJun 29, 2021

83% of the Spanish population trusts in vaccination against COVID, 25 points more than in January

The Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology's third Social Perception Survey reveals that 83% of the population trusts COVID-19 vaccination, a 25-point increase from January. Attitudes towards vaccine uptake have improved significantly since July 2020, with compliance with COVID-19 preventive measures also showing a positive trend.

The evolution of axial patterning

A research group discovered that β-catenin signaling is used for axial patterning in sea anemones and sea urchins, a mechanism that also exists in vertebrates. This suggests that this system was present in the common ancestor of Cnidaria and Bilateria around 650 million years ago.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature·DateJun 29, 2021

This 5,000-year-old man had the earliest known strain of plague

Scientists discovered the oldest strain of Yersinia pestis in a 20- to 30-year-old man from 5,000 years ago. The ancient bacteria was less contagious and deadly than its medieval version, transmitted primarily through animal bites. This finding challenges long-held theories on the development of human civilization in Europe and Asia.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 29, 2021

Jackdaws don't console traumatized mates

Male jackdaws don't provide consolation to their mate after a traumatic experience, focusing on self-preservation instead. Researchers found that males decrease their nest visits and time with the female after an attack, suggesting they prioritize their own safety over comforting their partner.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJun 29, 2021

How plants become good neighbors in times of stress

Scientists from the John Innes Centre and University of Bristol found that deep shade triggers changes in plant circadian clocks, suppressing stem elongation. This adaptation allows plants to coexist in dense forests and crop canopies without wasting energy.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2021

Vaping increases susceptibility to coronavirus in mice

Research from Thomas Jefferson University found that e-cigarette vapor increases levels of the coronavirus receptor ACE-2 in lung tissue of mice, making them more susceptible to infection. Male mice were found to have a greater increase in ACE-2 when exposed to nicotine, highlighting a potential sex difference in vaping-related risks.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJournal of Investigative Medicine·DateJun 29, 2021

How two California hospitals prevented the spread of a deadly fungal infection during the pandemic

Two California hospitals, Scripps Memorial and UCLA Health, detail their proactive responses to stop the spread of Candida auris. They implemented aggressive measures, including isolating patients, working with public health departments, and using effective disinfectants, to prevent transmission and successfully contain the outbreak.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateJun 29, 2021

Reversal speeds creation of important molecule

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method to synthesize halichondrin B, a natural compound with potent antitumor properties. The 'reverse approach' simplifies the process by bonding carbon-oxygen connections first and has reduced the number of steps required to make the molecule from 25 to just 5.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 29, 2021

Two emerging trends in treatment explain steady increase in IVF success rates

A large cohort study found that the transfer of embryos at the blastocyst stage and increasing use of embryo freezing are behind the improvements in IVF success rates. The study showed a significant increase in cumulative live birth rates over the decade, with single blastocyst transfers emerging as an increasing strategy.

ACTG announces publication of REPRIEVE sub-study in JAMA Network Open, providing insights into cardiovascular disease risk among people living with HIV

A recent study by the AIDS Clinical Trials Group found that nearly half of participants had atherosclerotic plaque in their coronary arteries, despite being considered at low-to-moderate risk. The study also revealed an association between plaque presence and higher levels of inflammation independent of traditional risk scores.

SourceAIDS Clinical Trials Group·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 29, 2021

The final dance of mixed neutron star-black hole pairs

The LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA collaborations have detected gravitational waves from the merger of a black hole and a neutron star. Analysis reveals that the signals originated from two mixed binaries, each made up of a neutron star and a black hole, with masses consistent with these objects.

SourceCNRS·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 29, 2021