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Science News for June 30, 2021


Did your plastic surgeon really turn back the clock? Artificial intelligence may be able to quantify how young you actually look after facelift surgery

Researchers used convolutional neural networks to analyze facial photos before and after facelift surgery in 50 patients. The AI algorithms recognized a 4.3-year reduction in age, which correlated with patient satisfaction scores, averaging 75 for facial appearance and over 80 for quality of life.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateJun 30, 2021

Astronauts demonstrate CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in space

Researchers have developed a novel method for studying DNA repair in yeast cells that can be conducted entirely in space, using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology. The technique successfully demonstrated the viability of the new method on the ISS, paving the way for extensive research into DNA repair in space.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 30, 2021

Slowing the sugar rush to yield better grapes

Researchers from the University of Adelaide have developed strategies to delay grape ripening and increase flavor potential in Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. By manipulating crop load and irrigation management, they were able to slow down sugar accumulation and improve aroma compounds, colour, and mouthfeel.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 30, 2021

Frequent COVID-19 testing key to efficient, early detection, study finds

A new study found that frequent COVID-19 testing, especially using polymerase chain reaction tests paired with rapid results reporting, can achieve 98% sensitivity in detecting infection. This approach can be particularly effective in places where vaccination is not yet widespread or when variants are on the rise.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateJun 30, 2021

Targeted messaging for return to in-person visits

Researchers found that a single targeted message didn't affect the return to in-person visits within a month, but resulted in a small increase in re-engagement through telemedicine and rescheduling of future visits. The study suggests that alternative communication strategies may be more effective for promoting in-person care.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 30, 2021

Streetonomics: using street names to quantify a city's cultural values

A study using street names to quantify cultural indicators found that Vienna honors the most women (54%), followed by London (40%). Paris and New York have lower proportions, with many streets named after people from the 1860s. Street names also reflect professions and professions held by street honorees, such as artists, writers, and ...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 30, 2021

Assessment tool helps future pharmacists prepare for work in the community

A University of Arizona study suggests that Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) can effectively assess clinical skills in community pharmacies, providing a valuable learning experience for pharmacy students. The OSCE design was found to accurately reflect the time constraints faced by pharmacists in real-world settings.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalJACCP JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CLINICAL PHARMACY·DateJun 30, 2021

Prehistoric homes would have failed modern air quality tests

Domestic burning of wood and dung fuels in Neolithic homes would have exceeded modern internationally-agreed standards for indoor air quality, exposing inhabitants to unsafe levels of particulates. The study suggests that chronic exposure to PM2.5 could be linked to bone lesions found in the remains of Çatalhöyük's inhabitants.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalEnvironmental Geochemistry and Health·DateJun 30, 2021

SLAS Discovery's July special edition 'Drug discovery targeting COVID-19' now available

A team of researchers developed a high-throughput biochemical assay to assess small molecule impact on SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural protein 14, identifying potential inhibitors from FDA-approved drugs. The study aims to deliver therapeutics for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, targeting its critical methyltransferase activity.

New markers for coronary microvascular disease identified

Researchers have identified stearic acid and ornithine as indicators of coronary microvascular disease (CMD), a condition that damages blood vessels and causes decreased blood flow to the heart muscle. The study suggests that estrogen may also play a role in CMD development, particularly in postmenopausal women.

Buttoned up biomolecules

Researchers have introduced a novel click reaction suitable for living cells and organisms, enabling the labeling of biomolecules without affecting physiological processes. The reaction uses linear, terminal alkynes and N,N-dialkylhydroxylamines to form biocompatible enamine-N-oxides.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 30, 2021

Physicists observationally confirm Hawking's black hole theorem for the first time

Researchers at MIT confirmed Hawking's area theorem for the first time by analyzing GW150914 signal, showing total event horizon area did not decrease after merger. The findings provide evidence that black holes behave as thermal objects and emit radiation over long timescales, a fundamental revelation about these cosmic phenomena.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 30, 2021

Thinking in 3D improves mathematical skills

Researchers at the University of Basel found a strong correlation between early spatial skills and mathematical abilities in primary school. The study analyzed data from nearly 600 children and ruled out socio-economic status and language ability as factors affecting math performance.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalLearning and Instruction·DateJun 30, 2021

Lack of exercise while in quarantine had adverse effects on the health of women aged 50-70

A Brazilian study found that a lack of exercise during quarantine increased cholesterol and glycated hemoglobin levels in women aged 50-70, while also reducing muscle strength and aerobic capacity. The findings highlight the importance of promoting physical activity safely during periods of social distancing or isolation.

Effects of masks on exercise

A crossover trial found that exercising with a mask elevated breathing resistance and reduced peak exercise oxygen uptake, but did not compromise overall fitness. The study suggests that wearing masks during exercise may exert physical limitations on capacity, but the clinical relevance of this finding is uncertain.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 30, 2021

Decoding electron dynamics

Researchers at Huazhong University of Science and Technology developed a scheme to identify and weigh quantum orbits in strong-field tunneling ionization. By introducing a second harmonic frequency, they can alter the photoelectron yield, allowing for accurate identification of quantum orbits. This breakthrough enables attosecond tempo...

Diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids may help reduce headaches

A recent trial found that consuming a diet high in omega 3 fatty acids significantly reduces headache frequency and severity compared to a typical diet. The study, published in The BMJ, suggests that increasing omega 3 intake can lead to reduced levels of pain-reducing oxylipins and improved quality of life for those with migraines.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJun 30, 2021

Prevalence of COVID-19 among hospitalized infants varies with levels of community transmission

A new study found that COVID-19 infection rates among infants hospitalized for potential serious bacterial infections were higher during periods of high community transmission, but lower when transmission was low. The study also found a relatively low incidence of other respiratory viruses in this age group.

Have a pandemic plan? Most people did not

A survey of 217 participants found that most people were unprepared to handle the COVID-19 pandemic, with 62% having no plan at all. The study suggests that building basic health literacy skills can help individuals make informed decisions about their health and safety.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJournal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology·DateJun 30, 2021

A white dwarf living on the edge

Astronomers have identified a white dwarf so massive that it may collapse. The discovery provides an example of what can happen after the phase where two less massive white dwarfs merge into one. This process boosts the magnetic field and speeds up rotation compared to progenitors.

SourceW. M. Keck Observatory·JournalNature·DateJun 30, 2021

Cross-generational consequences of lead poisoning

Researchers from Japan and Zambia have found a significant negative correlation between chronic lead poisoning in children and the health-related quality of life of their mothers. The study, which included 40 households in Kabwe, Zambia, showed that maternal vitality and mental health were particularly impacted by child lead exposure.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalChemosphere·DateJun 30, 2021

Psoriasis among adults in US

A national survey study found that psoriasis has become more common among adults in the United States over the past two decades. The study estimated a significant increase in psoriasis prevalence from 2.4% in 2003 to 5.0% in 2021.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateJun 30, 2021

Autonomous excavators ready for around the clock real-world deployment

Researchers from Baidu Research and the University of Maryland have developed an autonomous excavator system (AES) that can operate continuously for over 24 hours without human intervention. AES uses perception, planning, and control capabilities to identify target materials and avoid obstacles, achieving performance comparable to expe...

SourceBaidu Inc·JournalScience Robotics·DateJun 30, 2021

Diaries of infection preventionists give inside look at the unsung heroes of the pandemic

A diary kept by infection preventionists during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic reveals the fear, lack of confidence, and shortages of personal protective equipment faced by frontline medical workers. The surveys also highlight the increased visibility and importance gained by IPs among medical teams.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateJun 30, 2021

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria found in cattle

New research from the University of Georgia reveals that 60% of cattle fecal samples contain multiple antibiotic-resistant salmonella strains, which can cause severe illness in people. CRISPR-SeroSeq technology identifies molecular signatures in bacteria's DNA, allowing for more sensitive detection of resistant strains.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateJun 30, 2021

Multitalented filaments in living cells

Intermediate filaments play a crucial role in maintaining cellular stability, elasticity, and resistance to mechanical stress. The study reveals the physical effects that determine their properties and how they interact with each other in networks.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2021