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Science News for March 17, 2021


Study explores how environmental exposures before conception may impact fetal development

A new report published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests older age and alcohol consumption before conception may alter a specific gene's epigenetic marks, impacting human egg development. The study provides valuable insights into environmental factors affecting gene regulation through epigenetics and imprinting.

SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 17, 2021

Gun violence rises in TV dramas over two decades, paralleling U.S. gun homicide trends

Research by the Annenberg Public Policy Center found that gun violence on popular prime-time TV dramas doubled from 2000 to 2018, with gun use substantially increasing and rising significantly as a proportion of the violence depicted in the shows. This trend parallels the rise in U.S. homicide deaths attributable to firearms.

A new satellite-measured "Solar-induced Chlorophyll Fluorescence" (SIF) product aims to improve carbon neutrality research

A new satellite-measured Solar-induced Chlorophyll Fluorescence (SIF) product is introduced to enhance carbon neutrality research. The SIF product, developed using a physical-based algorithm named IAPCAS/SIF, retrieves emission data from two micro-windows within the O2 A-band.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateMar 17, 2021

Tri-tube heart valve replacement adapts to the growing heart in lambs

Scientists developed a tri-tube heart valve replacement that can regenerate and grow over time, addressing the need for long-term valve replacements in children with congenital heart disorders. The new design showed improved growth dynamics and reduced calcification compared to clinically used bioprosthetic valves.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 17, 2021

Genome scalpel invented for industrial microalgae to efficiently turn CO2into biofuel

Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a 'genome scalpel' to efficiently produce sustainable biofuels from sunlight and CO2 by removing non-essential genes from microalgae. This approach could lead to more efficient production of biomolecules like biofuels, with potential applications in renewable energy and redu...

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateMar 17, 2021

IPK scientists: New method for genome assembly in barley provides excellent results

A new method of DNA sequencing using PacBio HiFi sequencing has been successfully applied to assemble the genome of barley with high accuracy and speed. The approach yielded better quality genome sequences compared to other methods, including more complete genes and accurate reassembly of non-coding regions.

Solar cells: Losses made visible on the nanoscale

Researchers used conductive atomic force microscopy to detect tiny channels for dark currents in solar cell surfaces, revealing the loss mechanism at the interface of silicon heterojunction solar cells. The study showed that these channels are caused by disorder in the a-Si:H layer and lead to trap-assisted quantum mechanical tunnelling.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateMar 17, 2021

Three times the gains

A groundbreaking global study maps ocean areas that, if strongly protected, can help solve climate, food and biodiversity crises. The research identified specific regions that could provide multiple benefits, including safeguarding nearly 80% of marine species and preventing the release of one billion tons of CO2 into the ocean.

Artificial light at night may disrupt firefly mating

New research reveals that artificial light at night significantly suppresses courtship activity in fireflies, with bright amber light having the greatest impact on female receptivity. This study highlights the need to minimize outdoor lighting to protect firefly populations.

SourceWiley·JournalInsect Conservation and Diversity·DateMar 17, 2021

Christmas Island reptile-killer identified

A silent killer, Enterococcus lacertideformus, has been discovered as the cause of mysterious deaths in native reptile populations on Christmas Island. The bacterium grows in the animal's head and internal organs, causing death through direct contact or biting, highlighting the need for targeted antibiotic trials.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateMar 17, 2021

https://discovery.kaust.edu.sa/en/article/1098/the-right-ring-count-to-harness-waste-heat

Researchers at KAUST have developed electron-transporting, air-stable organic semiconductors that can generate electricity from waste heat. The polymers' unique design enhances electrical conductivity and thermoelectric performance, paving the way for scalable, sustainable energy solutions.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 17, 2021

Antibody Mediated Prevention (AMP) trials data published by theNew England Journal of Medicine

The AMP trials tested a broadly neutralizing antibody called VRC01, which was effective at preventing the acquisition of HIV strains in sensitive populations. However, results showed that more than one single bnAb is needed to prevent HIV acquisition, highlighting the need for combination monoclonal antibody cocktails.

SourcePublic Relations Pacific LLC·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 17, 2021

Modernizing the naval selection process

The US Navy is developing a virtual reality personality assessment tool to improve recruitment and selection processes. The Manpower and Personnel Assessment Battery (MPAB) will use virtual reality technology, physiological markers, and real-time data analytics to assess applicants' skills and personalities.

Recreational cannabis use among adults in the home is on the rise, but what about the children?

A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that cannabis use among adults with children in states where legalization has occurred increased significantly. The study highlights the need for education on protecting youth from secondhand cannabis smoke, which poses health risks similar to tobacco smoke.

Stimulating the immune system to fight cancer

Researchers from Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology have developed a cell-based assay that identifies highly potent IDO1 inhibitors with different mechanisms of action, which could lead to promising immunotherapies for cancer treatment. The new approach overcomes limitations of existing cell-free assays and holds promise for ...

SourceMax Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 17, 2021

Cu-based small-pore zeolites for deNOx

Cu-based small-pore zeolites have been demonstrated to be promising candidates for NH3-SCR catalysts due to their unique structural features and physicochemical properties. The latest advances in Cu-SSZ-13 applied to the NH3-SCR reaction highlight the significant opportunity presented by zeolite-based catalysts.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMar 17, 2021

The trouble of being tall

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have studied the giraffe's genome, discovering a key gene FGFRL1 that enables its extraordinary features, such as high blood pressure and dense bones. The study also found that giraffes spend less time sleeping than other mammals due to their unique circadian rhythm regulation.

Text me about cervical cancer

Research from Michigan State University highlights the racial disparity gap in cervical cancer information and follow-up, citing poor provider-patient communication as a key factor. The study suggests that improving education and using digital channels like text messages can help bridge this gap.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalGynecologic Oncology·DateMar 17, 2021

AI method can detect precursors to cervical cancer

A new AI-powered screening tool has been developed to detect precursors to cervical cancer in women, particularly in low-income countries where access to skilled pathologists and advanced equipment is limited. The method uses mobile digital microscopy and achieves a sensitivity of 96-100% in identifying patients with precancerous lesions.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 17, 2021

Modelling speed-ups in nutrient-seeking bacteria

Researchers developed a more accurate model of how bacteria search for nutrients by considering both chemotaxis and chemokinesis. The new model reveals that combining these two motions enhances population responses to nutrient distributions.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateMar 17, 2021

Researchers identify barriers to use of surface electromyography in neurorehabilitation

Kessler Foundation researchers identified practical and technical barriers to the use of surface electromyography (sEMG) in clinical neurorehabilitation. They propose a collaborative approach to enable rehabilitation professionals to routinely use sEMG, including hands-on experience, user-friendly technology interfaces, and open-access...

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalFrontiers in Neurology·DateMar 17, 2021

Examining the value of lumbar spine surgery

A prospective clinical study found that patients have three times greater chance of positive outcomes when their surgeons follow evidence-based guidelines for lumbar spinal fusion. The results suggest that patients meeting criteria for successful surgery are three times more likely to experience improved quality of life and reduced pain.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalNeurosurgery·DateMar 17, 2021

A new, vital player in graft-versus-host disease and organ transplant rejection

A new study reveals that a long noncoding RNA molecule named Linc00402 plays a key role in mobilizing the immune response after bone marrow or solid organ transplantation. The researchers found that inhibiting this RNA could improve outcomes for transplant recipients, reducing the risk of graft-versus-host disease and cancer relapse.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 17, 2021

When volcanoes go metal

Researchers at North Carolina State University conducted a pilot study to model ferrovolcanism, the predicted manifestation of planetary volcanism on metallic worlds. They found that metallic lava flows travel 10 times faster and spread more thinly than rocky flows, creating braided channels with smooth, thin layers.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 17, 2021

Polystyrene waste is everywhere

Researchers at Ames Laboratory have developed a new method to break down polystyrene waste in a single step, at room temperature, and without harmful solvents. The process involves ball-milling, which generates free radicals that enable the extraction of monomeric styrene from the oligomeric radical-bearing species formed.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalNew Journal of Chemistry·DateMar 17, 2021

Health disparities in type 1 diabetes and COVID-19 infection with Dr. Kathryn Sumpter

A recent study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that non-Hispanic black patients with Type 1 diabetes and COVID-19 are almost four times as likely to present with diabetic ketoacidosis compared to white patients. The study highlights the importance of addressing social determinants of health, includ...

SourceLe Bonheur Children's Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMar 17, 2021

Honey bee behavior from within the hive

A study published in PLOS ONE reveals rare honey bee behaviors, including mouth-to-mouth larval feedings, using video recordings from within the hive. The research provides new insights into individual honey bee behavior, revealing complex social interactions and processes previously undocumented.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 17, 2021

It's snowing plastic

A new technique developed by McGill University scientists can detect ultra-trace quantities of plastics in various environmental samples, including snow, water, and soil. The technique allows for more accurate analysis of micro- and nano-plastics, shedding light on the widespread impact of plastic pollution on human health.

SourceMcGill University·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateMar 17, 2021

New quantum algorithm surpasses the QPE norm

Researchers at Osaka City University have developed a new quantum algorithm, BxB, which calculates energy differences directly to predict electronic states of atoms and molecules with chemical precision. The algorithm achieves this with half the number of qubits required by the existing Quantum Phase Estimation (QPE) method.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMar 17, 2021

Losing rivers

Researchers found nearly two-thirds of wells have water levels below nearest stream, indicating rivers are leaking into aquifers. The phenomenon, exacerbated by human activity, may worsen in decades, with some rivers potentially disappearing, impacting downstream communities and ecosystems.

'We marry disorder with order'

Researchers at Leipzig University have developed a new model that enables precise determination of the features in complex pore networks, revealing potential applications in drug release, sensor technology and energy storage.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalLangmuir·DateMar 17, 2021

Arctic was once lush and green, could be again, new research shows

Scientists analyzed ancient lake sediment in the Arctic Ocean and found evidence of a shrub native to northern Canadian ecosystems that was once widespread. The findings may provide insight into the potential future of the Arctic's vegetation as it warms due to climate change, with implications for thawing permafrost and sea level rise.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 17, 2021