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Science News for March 10, 2021


The important role of music in neurorehabilitation: Filling in critical gaps

Researchers highlight the effectiveness of music-based interventions in neurorehabilitation, including improvements in sensorimotor, speech/language, and cognitive functions. Studies show that music therapy can enhance executive functioning, affective responding, and motor skills in patients with post-stroke cognition and autism.

SourceIOS Press·JournalNeuroRehabilitation An International Interdisciplinary Journal·DateMar 10, 2021

Characteristics, mortality associated with diabetic ketoacidosis among us patients hospitalized with,without COVID-19

A recent study analyzed US hospital data to describe the characteristics and mortality associated with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) among patients with and without COVID-19. The findings indicate a higher mortality rate for DKA patients hospitalized with COVID-19, emphasizing the need for careful management of these cases.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 10, 2021

Unfavorable weather conditions were the main cause of the fog-haze events over the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region during the COVID-19 lockdown

Fog-haze events over the North China Plain were caused by meteorological conditions, not emission reductions during the COVID-19 lockdown. The study found that higher temperatures and relative humidity accelerated secondary aerosol formation, while low wind speeds inhibited pollutant diffusion.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateMar 10, 2021

The mystery of the missing energy - solved

Scientists at Linköping University discover where unexplained energy losses occur during singlet fission, a phenomenon that can increase solar cell efficiency. The breakthrough could lead to higher efficiency rates, from 33% to over 40%, making solar cells more sustainable.

SourceLinköping University·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateMar 10, 2021

Finding quvigints in a quantum treasure map

Physicists at the University of Queensland have created a new method for finding unknown quantum states, called self-guided tomography, which enables them to locate quvigints more quickly and accurately in high dimensions. This technique uses machine learning to pick directions, collect data, and process it to find the target state.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 10, 2021

How a ladybug warps space-time

Researchers at the University of Vienna have successfully measured the smallest gravitational force yet by using a ladybug-sized mass. The team, led by Markus Aspelmeyer and Tobias Westphal, has picked up on an idea from Henry Cavendish's 18th-century experiment to measure gravitational forces with increasing accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature·DateMar 10, 2021

Face masks are a ticking plastic bomb

Researchers warn of the environmental threat posed by disposable face masks made from microplastic fibers, which can fragment into nanoplastics and contaminate ecosystems. The production of disposable masks is estimated to be on a similar scale as plastic bottles, but with no official recycling guidelines.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalFrontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering·DateMar 10, 2021

Stigma toward those with hair loss

Researchers assessed stigma levels among people with varying degrees of hair loss, revealing a significant impact on mental health and self-perception. The study found that those with noticeable hair loss reported feelings of shame and low self-confidence, highlighting the need for increased awareness and support.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateMar 10, 2021

A stronger maths foundation in first grade

Researchers developed a diagnostic test to assess numeracy skills in first graders, which also measures listening comprehension and executive functions. The study found that a 15-week 'maths boost' program significantly improved numerical relational skills in children who received extra practice.

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalEarly Childhood Research Quarterly·DateMar 10, 2021

Extracting information from ancient teeth

Researchers applied a new method to analyze ancient dental calculus, identifying dairy proteins and bacterial fragments that shed light on ancient diseases. The single-pot solid-phase-enhanced sample preparation (SP3) approach increased the number of unique protein fragments detected.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateMar 10, 2021

Fishers at risk in 'perfect storm'

UK fishers face economic insecurity and climate-driven storms, making it harder to balance risks and rewards. The study suggests that factors like household income, fishing success, and crew support influence decision-making, with skippers taking greater risks when expecting good catches.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·DateMar 10, 2021

Demystifying the 'Parkinson Protein'

A team led by Professor Malte Drescher successfully observed the membrane binding of α-synuclein in living cells using a new measurement method. The study provides direct evidence that α-synuclein interacts with intracellular membranes, which may play a role in Parkinson's disease development.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMar 10, 2021

Bitcoin price boom 'locking in' vast energy consumption

The surging Bitcoin price is driving increasing energy consumption, with estimates suggesting the entire network could consume up to 184 TWh per year. This 'lock-in' effect means that even if the price crashes, energy consumption remains high, threatening international safety and exacerbating climate change.

SourceCell Press·JournalJoule·DateMar 10, 2021

As cases spread across US last year, pattern emerged suggesting link between governors' party affiliation and COVID-19 case and death numbers

A study found that US states with Republican governors experienced higher COVID-19 cases and deaths after mid-summer, possibly due to differing policies. The analysis suggests that governor party affiliation may contribute to public health policy decisions, influencing the pandemic's impact.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMar 10, 2021

Moiré than meets the eye

Carbon nanotubes have been engineered to produce moiré patterns, which could enhance material properties. The researchers' breakthrough has significant implications for the development of superconducting materials with improved performance.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 10, 2021

The 3Rs of the genome: Reading, writing, and regulating

A high-resolution map of protein binding locations in yeast has produced two distinct gene regulatory architectures, challenging traditional models of gene regulation. The study revealed unique protein assemblages and absence of specific regulatory control signals at housekeeping genes.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateMar 10, 2021

Where am I going? Just ask your subiculum

A team at Osaka City University has found that the subiculum sorts and routes spatial information from the hippocampus to specific regions of the brain, enabling smooth navigation. This discovery could shed light on disorders such as dementia and improve our understanding of brain function.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 10, 2021

Second shot of COVID-19 vaccine may not be necessary in previously infected individuals -- Mount Sinai

Researchers at Mount Sinai found that a single shot of COVID-19 vaccine can provide immunity to individuals who have previously been infected by the virus. This could help stretch limited vaccine supplies and spare individuals from unnecessary side effects of a second dose.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 10, 2021

harp reductions in costs of producing cannabis, fentanyl likely to spur widespread changes in use, dependence

A new analysis by Carnegie Mellon University professor Jonathan Caulkins explores the effects of reduced production costs on cannabis and opioid use. Sharp declines in prices may alter consumption patterns and lead to changes in drug markets, including reduced violence and disruption of criminal organizations.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalInternational Journal of Drug Policy·DateMar 10, 2021

Bioaccumulation of phased-out fire retardants is slowly declining in bald eagles

Research published in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry shows a sustained 3.8% annual decline in PBDE concentrations in bald eagle nestlings' blood samples across Minnesota and Wisconsin. The findings are instructive for regulators to set protective levels for wildlife and fish consumption advisories for humans.

SourceSociety of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateMar 10, 2021

Deciphering the impacts of small RNA interactions in individual bacterial cells

Researchers deciphered the impacts of sRNA interactions on individual bacterial cells, revealing minor effects from base-pairing interactions and significant effects from disruptions in Hfq binding. The study used high-throughput sequencing and quantitative super-resolution imaging to understand the regulation of gene expression under ...

Analysis of "virtual" pollinator trade reveals global dependence on biodiversity for food consumption

Developed countries heavily rely on imported pollination services from developing nations with high crop export rates, indicating a global dependence on biodiversity. Countries that export most pollinator-dependent crops also experience fastest cropland expansion and highest biodiversity decline rates.

Riding the wave to memory-forming genetics

Researchers found 300 genes associated with neural oscillations, including hub genes that control separate gene networks. Surprisingly, several of these hubs were active in glial cells, which support and protect nerve cells. This discovery provides an entry point for further research into the underpinnings of human memory.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 10, 2021

Pandemic-related anxiety in pregnancy

A survey of pregnant Japanese women and fertility patients found higher levels of anxiety related to health monitoring and social isolation. The study suggests improving communication to help pregnant women cope with anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceTohoku University·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders Reports·DateMar 10, 2021

Story tips from Johns Hopkins experts on COVID-19

A Johns Hopkins Medicine-led study evaluating over 9,500 Orthodox Jews in 12 states identified key factors contributing to the spread of COVID-19 within culturally bonded groups. The findings informed the development of safety guidelines for COVID-19-free celebrations among Orthodox Jewish communities.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 10, 2021