Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for June 8, 2021


Drinking alcohol is linked to reduced chances of pregnancy

A study published in Human Reproduction found that women who drink alcohol are less likely to conceive, with heavy drinking associated with a 61% reduced odds of becoming pregnant. Moderate drinking during the luteal phase also linked to lower conception rates, highlighting the importance of avoiding alcohol for those trying to conceive.

Senolytics reduce COVID-19 symptoms in preclinical studies

Researchers discovered that senolytic drugs significantly reduced inflammation, illness, and mortality from COVID infection in older mice. Treating infected mice with senolytics before or after infection led to a decrease in senescent cells, inflammation, and mortality, resulting in improved survival rates similar to younger mice.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalScience·DateJun 8, 2021

Patient characteristics, subsequent health care use of SARS-CoV-2 testing initiation in safety-net health system

Researchers identified disparities in SARS-CoV-2 testing initiation by sociodemographic characteristics, including race and language, within a safety-net health system. Black, Native American, and non-English-speaking patients were more likely to receive testing through emergency departments rather than telehealth visits compared to wh...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 8, 2021

Consumers spent less on candy and desserts when shopping online

A new study found that online shoppers spent more per transaction and purchased more items than in-store shoppers, but reduced spending on certain unhealthy foods like candy and desserts. Researchers suggest this may be due to online marketing strategies being less effective for impulse-sensitive purchases.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateJun 8, 2021

Outstanding education scholarship

Roberta Golinkoff, a renowned University of Delaware professor, has been elected to the National Academy of Education for her groundbreaking contributions to language development and playful learning. Her research focuses on how children learn and grow, with a particular emphasis on the importance of play in early childhood education.

Mapping a successful recovery

Researchers mapped river ecosystems' responses to remediation efforts, revealing strategies that improved some of the biggest problems of mining contamination. The team's methodology showed that restoration can improve water quality, but regulations need to consider all contaminants together.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalFreshwater Science·DateJun 8, 2021

Don't skip your routine check-up; here's why

A new Northwestern Medicine study found that routine check-ups have several health benefits, including better detection and treatment of chronic illnesses, increased vaccinations and screenings, and improved patient-reported outcomes. These benefits are particularly important for at-risk populations.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA·DateJun 8, 2021

Airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 calls for updated practices to prevent transmission

A commentary in the Canadian Medical Association Journal argues that Canada's public health guidance should be updated to address airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Key findings include a need for improved ventilation in schools and healthcare settings, as well as revised personal protective equipment recommendations.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 8, 2021

How COVID-19 wreaks havoc on human lungs

Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed an atomic-level model of the SARS-CoV-2 envelope protein bound to a human lung-cell-junction protein. The findings reveal how the virus causes extensive lung damage by hijacking cell-junction proteins, leading to a cytokine storm and promoting viral spread.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 8, 2021

From burglar alarms to black hole detectors

Physicists propose an experiment using entangled quantum systems in free fall to detect movements and test if gravity is a quantum phenomenon. The system can also be used to detect space debris, tectonic movements, and burglars, with potential applications for early earthquake warnings and movement sensors.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateJun 8, 2021

Osteoporosis detection by a simple physical function test

Researchers at Shinshu University Hospital developed a novel method to detect untreated osteoporosis through a low-cost, physical function test during routine health checks. The test measures two-step distance and body height to identify high risk individuals. Proper treatment can help avoid serious fractures and reduce mobility issues.

SourceShinshu University·JournalJournal of Clinical Medicine·DateJun 8, 2021

Absorbent aerogels show some muscle

Researchers at Rice University have developed a simple chemical process to create light and highly absorbent aerogels that can take a beating. The aerogels, which are customizable in shape and size, showed superior remediation properties compared to traditional COF powders.

SourceRice University·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateJun 8, 2021

Researchers improve western North Pacific tropical cyclone intensity forecasts using the logistic growth equation

A new forecasting method has been developed to improve TC intensity forecast skill, providing more precise 5-7 day forecasts for coastal regions of East Asia. The logistic growth equation-based approach outperforms conventional methods, offering potential for forecasting rapid intensification and weakening.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJun 8, 2021

UN: More harmful algal bloom impacts emerge amid rising seafood demand, coastal development

A global assessment report by UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission found that reported Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) events have increased in some regions, while decreasing or holding steady in others. The study highlights the need for more research on the linkages between HABs and growth of the aquaculture industry.

SourceTerry Collins Assoc·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateJun 8, 2021

Study shows how taking short breaks may help our brains learn new skills

Researchers found that during rest, the brain rapidly replays compressed versions of previously practiced activities, strengthening memories and improving subsequent practice sessions. This study suggests that wakeful rest plays a crucial role in learning new skills and may be used to facilitate rehabilitation from stroke.

New study: Developers' skills and top management commitment lead to Agile project success

A new study by Associate Professor Daniel Russo highlights the importance of strengthening developers' social and technical skills for Agile project success. The study also emphasizes the critical role of top management commitment in providing an adequate organizational setting.

SourceDepartment of Computer Science, Aalborg University·JournalACM Transactions on Software Engineering and Methodology·DateJun 8, 2021

Preventing plant disease pandemics

Plant diseases can spread globally without borders, threatening food security. Researchers call for a One Health approach to safeguard staple crops from pandemic outbreaks.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2021

Early endeavors on the path to reliable quantum machine learning

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new approach to prove the robustness conditions of certain quantum-based machine learning models, guaranteeing reliable results. The team's work explores protection against errors and hackers, paving the way for more accurate and trustworthy quantum machine learning applications.

SourceETH Zurich·Journalnpj Quantum Information·DateJun 8, 2021