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Science News for June 7, 2021


Atom swapping could lead to ultra-bright, flexible next generation LEDs

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a new technique that enables the creation of ultra-bright, flexible LEDs with improved efficiency and low cost. By swapping one out of every thousand atoms, they tripled the luminescence of halide perovskites, which could be useful for low-cost printable and flexible LED lighting.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 7, 2021

Gender bias is real for women in family-owned businesses

A study found that women in family-owned businesses are often discouraged from developing leadership skills and pursuing entrepreneurial careers. The research revealed that 78% of sons pursued entrepreneurial careers, while only 7% of daughters gained an entrepreneurial education or started a business.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalJournal of Small Business Management·DateJun 7, 2021

Study sheds light on pre-Columbian life in understudied area of SW Amazon

Researchers found evidence of intensive land use for farming and fishing over 3,500 years ago in the Llanos de Mojos region of Bolivia. This discovery counters the often-held notion of a pristine Amazon before Europeans arrived and provides new insights into the history of culturally diverse but understudied cultures.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 7, 2021

Mandating vaccination could reduce voluntary compliance

A new study suggests that mandating COVID-19 vaccination could decrease voluntary compliance by reducing people's desire to be vaccinated, particularly among those with low trust in public institutions. The research found increased opposition when participants were asked about legally required vaccinations, despite higher support for v...

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 7, 2021

RUDN University chemists created anti-hantavirus drugs 5 times more efficient than existing drugs

Researchers at RUDN University have synthesized a new class of compounds that inhibit the replication of the deadly Hantaan virus, which causes acute haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. The resulting substances are 5 times more effective than existing antiviral drugs and show promise for treatment development.

SourceRUDN University·JournalBioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters·DateJun 7, 2021

Innovative batteries put flying cars on the horizon

Researchers at Penn State have designed and tested prototype batteries for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, which require high energy density and rapid charging. The batteries can sustain over 2,000 fast-charges and retain some charge to ensure safety in the air.

SourcePenn State·JournalJoule·DateJun 7, 2021

Football and team handball training may increase health span and, ultimately, lifespan

A Danish-Swedish study found that football and team handball training have a positive effect on telomere length and mitochondrial function in women, potentially increasing their health span and lifespan. The research involved 129 healthy women and showed that elite football players had longer telomeres compared to untrained controls.

Controlling insulin production with a smartwatch

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a molecular switch that can be activated by green light from a smartwatch, producing insulin or other substances. The system uses HEK 293 cells and is linked to a gene network, which can be configured to produce specific substances.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 7, 2021

Largest-ever pre-adolescent brain activation study reveals cognitive function maps

A new study provides valuable information on the cognitive processes and brain systems underlying adolescent development. The data from the largest longitudinal neuroimaging study to date reveals which brain regions are involved in key psychological processes, including cognitive control, reward processing, and social/emotional function.

Chip mimicking bovine endometrium used in study of factors that can jeopardize pregnancy

The device was used to culture two maternal endometrial cell types, revealing the effects of glucose and insulin level alterations on uterine environment. High levels of glucose altered protein expression and secretion, while insulin changes triggered quantitative changes in protein secretion without significant gene transcription.

Study suggests no link between antiseizure drugs used in pregnancy and cognitive problems in babies

A large research project found that children of women with epilepsy who took antiseizure medication during pregnancy have similar cognitive outcomes at age 2 as those born to healthy women. However, higher levels of medication were linked to lower scores on motor and general adaptive tests related to self-care.

Wider applications for Vortex Fluidic Device

Researchers have discovered the VFD's capabilities in controlling chemical reactivity, materials processing, and probing self-organised systems. The device has shown promise in synthesizing various compounds and could lead to more efficient and environmentally friendly production methods.

SourceFlinders University·JournalNanoscale Advances·DateJun 7, 2021

ALPALGA: The search for mountain snow microalgae

Researchers have established the first map of snow microalgae distribution along elevation, revealing different species thrive at varying altitudes. The study aims to answer fundamental questions about these organisms' survival, blooms, and impact on snowmelt.

SourceCNRS·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateJun 7, 2021

Exploring an epidemic's meaning from the perspective of nursing

An article by Julie A. Fairman, PhD, RN, FAAN, explores the meaning of epidemics from a nursing perspective, extending Charles Rosenberg's 1992 work on the AIDS epidemic. This approach highlights the importance of understanding the social constructs and meanings attached to epidemics through the experiences of nurses and patients.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalBulletin of the History of Medicine·DateJun 7, 2021

High blood lead levels found in indigenous peoples in Peruvian Amazonia

A study published in Environment International found high levels of lead in indigenous people living in Peruvian Amazonia, with the highest concentrations found near oil extraction areas. The research, led by Cristina O'Callaghan-Gordo, highlights the need for urgent action to address the potential health effects on these communities.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateJun 7, 2021

Being social generates larger genomes in snapping shrimp

A study by Columbia University researchers found that eusocial snapping shrimp have larger genomes due to an accumulation of 'jumping' genes called transposable elements. This discovery has significant implications for understanding the relationship between genome evolution and social behavior in various species, including humans.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 7, 2021

Effectiveness of 1st dose of BNT162b2 (BioNTech/Pfizer) vaccine for SARS-CoV-2 infection 13 to 24 days after immunization

A real-world study found the first dose of the BNT162b2 (BioNTech/Pfizer) vaccine to be highly effective in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection 13 to 24 days after immunization. The study revealed a significant reduction in infection rates among vaccinated individuals, highlighting the vaccine's effectiveness in real-world settings.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 7, 2021

Popularity runs in families

A Rice University study, likened to the movie 'The Truman Show,' found that genetic variation plays a significant role in determining social positions within groups of cloned fruit flies. The researchers measured social interactions between identical clones in separate enclosures under different environmental conditions.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 7, 2021

Societal divisions could hinder EU climate policy

A new study by Silvia Weko reveals that political ideology plays a larger role than party preferences in shaping attitudes towards climate policy among Europeans. Cosmopolitan attitudes are more positive towards climate action, while communitarian minds are more concerned with energy security and economic development.

'Surfing' particles: Physicists solve a mystery surrounding aurora borealis

A team of scientists from UCLA and other institutions has confirmed the interaction between electrons and Alfvén waves, shedding light on the origin of the aurora borealis. The experiment replicated conditions in Earth's auroral magnetosphere, revealing that electrons undergo resonant acceleration by the Alfvén wave's electric field.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 7, 2021

Meet Australia's largest dinosaur -- Australotitan, the southern titan!

Australotitan, the southern titan, is Australia's largest dinosaur, reaching heights of 5-6.5 meters and lengths of 25-30 meters. The fossilised skeleton was discovered in Eromanga, southwest Queensland, and its scientific description marks a 17-year-long collaboration between Queensland Museum and Eromanga Natural History Museum.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·DateJun 7, 2021

Tiny particles power chemical reactions

Researchers at MIT have discovered a new way of generating electricity using tiny carbon particles that can create a current simply by interacting with liquid surrounding them. This technology allows for electrochemistry without wires, enabling applications such as powering micro- or nanoscale robots and driving chemical reactions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 7, 2021

Physicists report definitive evidence how auroras are created

Researchers have identified Alfven waves as the primary cause of the most brilliant auroras. These waves accelerate electrons toward Earth, producing atmospheric light show, through a process known as Landau damping. The study, conducted at the Large Plasma Device, confirms decades-long quest to demonstrate experimentally the physical ...

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 7, 2021

Study shows cities can consider race and income in household energy efficiency programs

A new study provides fine-grained methods for measuring income and racial disparities in energy use intensity. The research found that households in low-income non-white neighborhoods report higher energy use intensity, reflective of lower energy efficiency and lower participation in rebate programs. Cities can now apply this method to...

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 7, 2021

Measuring gene expression changes over time may help predict T1D diabetes progression

Researchers developed a predictive model to monitor infant gene expression changes, potentially identifying early markers for T1D progression. The study used data from the Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY) consortium and identified specific gene expression patterns related to natural killer cells.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 7, 2021

Study helps to deeper understanding of brain dysfunctions in patients with schizophrenia

A study using protein mapping reveals that abnormal glutamate levels in the brains of schizophrenic patients can lead to oxidative stress and apoptosis in neurons, while oligodendrocytes display different responses. This knowledge may contribute to the development of more targeted treatments for schizophrenia.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEuropean Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience·DateJun 7, 2021

Darkened windows save migrating birds

A new study found that darkening even some windows at night during bird migration periods could reduce bird collisions by 60%. Researchers analyzed data from McCormick Place convention center and found that half of the building's windows being illuminated resulted in 11 times fewer nighttime bird collisions during spring migration.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 7, 2021

From meat-production to urinary tract infections

A study revealed that Staphylococcus saprophyticus can originate from food, particularly meat production, and is a major cause of urinary tract infections in young women. The bacteria's transmission occurs between persons within the community, emphasizing the importance of hygiene practices to prevent infectious diseases.

In Oregon, new gun violence restraining orders appear to be used as intended, but could be used more proactively

A study examining ERPO use in Oregon found that these laws are commonly considered as a tool to remove guns from dangerous individuals, but should also be used to prevent gun purchases by those at risk. Most ERPO petitions were filed by law enforcement or reported histories of interpersonal violence or suicidality.

SourceAmerican Society of Criminology·JournalCriminology & Public Policy·DateJun 7, 2021