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Science News for June 3, 2021


Life stage differences shield ecological communities from collapse

A new study reveals that juvenile-adult differences shield ecological communities from collapse. The research shows that variations within species are crucial for community stability, leading to the stabilization of ecosystems. Differences in size and growth rates between juveniles and adults contribute to these effects.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 3, 2021

Changes in pregnancy, birth rates during COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic led to changes in pregnancy and birth rates, with increased cesarean deliveries and emergency C-sections reported during lockdowns. Researchers analyzed electronic medical records to estimate the impact of lockdown measures on reproductive health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 3, 2021

New technology 'listens' for endangered right whales

Researchers developed a machine learning technique to detect North Atlantic right whales by listening for their sounds underwater. The technology can remove unwanted noises, increasing the reliability of detecting right whales in adverse conditions, and offers hope for the species' survival and population increase.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateJun 3, 2021

Healing hydrogels

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a novel crystal that allows hydrogels to rapidly recover from mechanical stress, making them suitable for medical applications. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments for sports injuries and joint pain.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience·DateJun 3, 2021

Engineers create a programmable fiber

Engineers at MIT have developed the first digital fiber that can store, analyze, and infer physical activity, revolutionizing textiles for performance monitoring, medical inference, and disease detection. The fiber is thin, flexible, and can be sewn into fabrics without breaking down, opening up new possibilities for fabrics.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 3, 2021

Mockingbird song decoded

Researchers discovered that mockingbirds use specific compositional strategies to create complex melodies, including changing timbre, pitch, stretching transitions, and squeezing them. These techniques are also used by human composers across various musical styles.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJun 3, 2021

Studies reveal skull as unexpected source of brain immunity

Researchers discovered that immune cells from the skull bone marrow guard the brain and spinal cord, while others arrive from the bloodstream, carrying genetic signatures that may promote autoimmunity. This finding could inform understanding and treatment of brain disorders such as neuro-COVID, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience·DateJun 3, 2021

New algorithm for modern quilting

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new prototype software to facilitate pattern-making in foundation paper piecing quilting. The algorithm is based on a graph structure called a hypergraph and allows users to design patterns without having to consider the geometry, ordering, and constraints of the technique.

COVID-19: Seroprevalence and vaccine responses in UK dental care professionals

A study of UK dental care professionals found that natural infection alone is unlikely to generate meaningful, durable herd immunity, emphasizing the importance of vaccinations. The data also suggest that previous infection with SARS-CoV-2 leads to a faster and stronger immune response following vaccination.

Tick for insomnia treatment

Researchers developed new clinical guidelines for Australian doctors to treat insomnia with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for insomnia (CBTi), improving mental health and quality of life. CBTi can be more successful than sleeping pills in managing insomnia.

SourceFlinders University·JournalAustralian Journal of General Practice·DateJun 3, 2021

Fifty years of progress in women's health

Major points of progress in women's health since the 1970s include reproductive health advances, improvements in overall well-being throughout life, reduced mortality rates for cardiovascular and cancer diseases in women. Clinical research has improved understanding of conditions disproportionately affecting women, such as autoimmune d...

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 3, 2021

Milk makeover: A great start for a healthy heart

A new study from the University of South Australia found that regular milk consumption is associated with a lower risk of heart disease. The research, which analyzed genetic biomarkers in over 400,000 people, suggests that milk's calcium content may contribute to improved cholesterol levels and reduced cardiovascular risk.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateJun 3, 2021

Arctic sea ice thinning faster than expected

A new UCL study finds that Arctic sea ice in coastal regions is thinning at a rate of 70% to 100% faster than previously thought. The study uses a novel snow model and satellite radar observations to estimate the overall rate of decline of sea ice thickness in the Arctic, with implications for human activity in the region.

Obrusnikova honored

Associate Professor Iva Obrusnikova at the University of Delaware has been selected as an IFAPA Fellow for her outstanding work in adapted physical activity. She is a leading researcher on technology-based behavioral strategies and their impact on functional performance and health outcomes in adults with developmental disabilities.

Preclinical research reveals that new IgM antibodies administered intranasally to fight COVID-19 more potent than commonly used ones

A new engineered IgM antibody therapy has been found to be significantly more potent than standard IgG antibodies at neutralizing the COVID-19 virus in animal models. The therapy, IGM-6268, demonstrated increased potency against emerging variants of concern and variants of interest.

Filter membrane renders viruses harmless

A new water filter membrane made from natural raw materials has been developed to render viruses harmless. The membrane combines protein nanofibrils with iron oxyhydroxide nanoparticles to eliminate a wide range of water-borne viruses, including those causing gastrointestinal infections, with great efficiency.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 3, 2021

You're more likely to fight misinformation if you think others are being duped

A study found that people in the US and China who believe others are being misled by misinformation are more likely to take corrective actions, such as fact-checking and reporting. The study suggests highlighting the impact of misinformation on others can increase public support for addressing it.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateJun 3, 2021

Let's talk about the elephant in the data

Computer scientists study the role of prior knowledge in machine learning tasks, considering philosophical frameworks that combine elements of rationalism and empiricism. This approach aims to improve the accuracy of complex systems by incorporating human-like reasoning and flexibility.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateJun 3, 2021

Passing the acid test: New low-pH system recycles more carbon into valuable products

Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a new electrochemical system that converts more than 50% of CO2 into valuable products. The system runs under acidic conditions, which reduces undesired side reactions and enhances efficiency, making it an economically viable solution for carbon capture and utilization.