Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for March 18, 2021


Organic crystals' ice-forming superpowers

Researchers discover that organic molecules, commonly found in aerosols, can facilitate ice crystal formation in clouds. They also investigate a memory effect where second-round ice formation is more effective than the first, revealing crevices in the nucleant surface can hold onto small amounts of ice.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 18, 2021

Surveys find strong support for COVID-19 mitigation measures over time, with differences by age, beliefs, and party affiliation

The study found that a large majority of U.S. adults support COVID-19 mitigation measures, including mask wearing, social distancing, and contact tracing. Support varied across ages, political party affiliation, and levels of trust in science, highlighting the challenges of reaching key groups during the pandemic.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMar 18, 2021

Babies pay attention with down payment from immature brain region

Research using fMRI scans reveals that babies under a year old use areas of their frontal cortex to focus attention, previously thought to be immature. This discovery sheds light on the neural origins of attention in infants, potentially informing early childhood education and neurodevelopmental disorder research.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 18, 2021

Image methods tested on a SARS-CoV-2 protein improve the 3D reconstructions of macromolec

Researchers at Universidad Complutense de Madrid developed new image processing methods to enhance the analysis and three-dimensional reconstruction of biological macromolecules. The methods, published in Nature Communications, improved the visualization and quality of cryogenic electron microscopy-derived 3D reconstructions.

SourceUniversidad Complutense de Madrid·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 18, 2021

Cellular Chinese whispers

Research on E. coli bacteria reveals that higher translation error rates lead to increased phenotypic variability at the single-cell level, affecting cell length and division time. However, population-level growth parameters show inconsistent correlations with mistranslation levels, highlighting the need for further investigation.

Demonstrating the world's fastest spintronics p-bit

Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a nanosecond operation technology for the spintronics-based probabilistic bit, enabling faster computation speeds and accuracy. The device, with an in-plane magnetic easy axis, achieves 100 times faster relaxation times than previous records.

SourceTohoku University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 18, 2021

TU Graz researchers identify chemical processes as key to understanding landslides

A team of geologists from TU Graz identified the chemical influencing factors and triggers for recurrent mass movements in fine-grained sediments, enabling preventive measures to be taken. By adapting drainage systems and considering interactions between the system and subsurface, stability can be increased and economic damage reduced.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateMar 18, 2021

Therapy for most common cause of cystic fibrosis safe and effective in 6-11

A Phase 3 study found a three-drug regimen safe and effective in improving lung function, respiratory symptoms, and nutritional status in 6-11 year olds with F508del mutation, representing about 90% of US cystic fibrosis population. The treatment also showed significant improvements in sweat chloride concentration.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 18, 2021

How to get customers to talk about you

Researchers found that marketing perks can foster positive word-of-mouth without being used as explicit incentives, but their effectiveness depends on how they are framed. Perks with fewer strings attached can nudge consumers to generate positive WOM, making behavior-reward contingencies clear and salient.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMar 18, 2021

Muscle cramp? Drink electrolytes, not water

A study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that drinking electrolyte-enhanced water during and after exercise reduced muscle cramp susceptibility compared to plain water. The researchers suggest that pure water dilutes electrolyte concentration, making muscles more prone to cramps.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalJournal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition·DateMar 18, 2021

Artificial neuron device could shrink energy use and size of neural network hardware

Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a nanoscale artificial neuron device that efficiently carries out activation functions in hardware, reducing computing power and circuitry. The device, which implements the rectified linear unit activation function, can process images and perform edge detection with high accuracy.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 18, 2021

Robust and ultralow-energy-threshold ignition of lean fuels by an ultrashort-pulsed laser

Researchers successfully ignite lean methane/air mixtures using intense fs-lasers, achieving a 100% ignition success rate with sub-mJ energy. The approach has general applicability to complex combustion conditions and provides possibilities for ultrafast physical/chemical processes investigation.

Yale researchers create 'Ancestry.com' for cells

Researchers at Yale University have developed a method to recreate the earliest stages of cellular development, allowing scientists to track individual cell lineages. By analyzing tiny variations in skin cells' genomes, they can reconstruct the early lineage trees for each person, shedding light on human biology and potentially diagnos...

SourceYale University·JournalScience·DateMar 18, 2021

Chemical cocktail creates new avenues for generating muscle stem cells

A UCLA-led research team identified a chemical cocktail that enables large numbers of muscle stem cells to be produced within 10 days. The approach shows promise for improving muscle regeneration and could lead to the development of stem cell-based therapies for muscle loss or damage due to injury, age, or disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateMar 18, 2021

Illinois youth opioid use linked with other substance misuse, mental health issues

A new study from the University of Illinois found that Illinois high school students who use opioids are also more likely to engage in other forms of substance misuse, have mental health concerns, and experience bullying. The researchers analyzed data from over 230,000 students and identified three main profiles of individuals reportin...

'Vulnerable' countries experience lower COVID-19 infection and death rates than the norm

A study published in the Global Health Journal found that more fragile countries had lower cumulative incidence and fatality rates for COVID-19. The researchers identified three specific indicators - State Legitimacy, External Intervention, and Security Apparatus - that increased the impact of the pandemic. Economically developed count...

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalGlobal Health Journal·DateMar 18, 2021

Study finds inflammatory mechanism responsible for bone erosion in rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers discovered a novel pathway linking T-lymphocyte extracellular vesicles loaded with microRNAs to increased osteoclast formation and bone erosion. The study suggests that these extracellular vesicles act as inflammatory mediators, inducing differentiation of osteoclasts via inhibition of cyclooxygenase 2.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 18, 2021

New statistical model predicts which cities could become 'superspreaders'

A new statistical model identifies potential superspreader cities by incorporating both connectivity between cities and their varying suitability for infection. The risk of a city becoming a superspreader increases with infection suitability only up to a certain extent, but risk increases indefinitely with increased connectivity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMar 18, 2021

The Lancet: Seroprevalence study from Wuhan suggests 6.9% of population had COVID-19 antibodies by April 2020 -- including 40% with neutralizing antibodies that lasted for at least 9 months -- but 82% of cases were asymptomatic

A seroprevalence study of 9,542 residents in Wuhan found that 6.9% had COVID-19 antibodies, including 82% with asymptomatic infections. Neutralizing antibodies developed by 40%, remaining stable for at least 9 months.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 18, 2021

Like an artificial nervous system

An interdisciplinary research team at Kiel University has produced a highly conductive hydrogel that retains its elasticity, suitable for medical implants. The innovative production method uses graphene to achieve high electrical conductivity while maintaining the original mechanical properties.

SourceKiel University·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 18, 2021

Lower dose of oestrogen receptor modulator seems to reduce risk of breast cancer

A new study published in Journal of Clinical Oncology suggests that a lower dose of tamoxifen can reduce the risk of breast cancer while minimizing adverse reactions. The research involved 1,440 women who received different doses of the drug, with the lowest dose showing a significant reduction in mammographic density and side effects.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMar 18, 2021

Counseling patients in COVID-19 era

A cancer oncologist reflects on advising patients with cancer about travel during the pandemic. The author considers the importance of weighing the potential benefits of travel against the increased risk of complications.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateMar 18, 2021

Disparities in contraception use between women with and without diabetes persist

A study found that women with diabetes are less likely to use effective contraception after their diagnosis, contradicting the American Diabetes Association's recommendation. The researchers hope to improve comprehensive care for pregnant women with diabetes by providing full range of safe and effective contraceptive options.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalPrimary Care Diabetes·DateMar 18, 2021

Women in cities less likely to have children

A Finnish study analyzed the reproductive histories of women who moved from rural to urban areas during WWII and found that urban women were 15% less likely to reproduce than their rural counterparts. The study suggests that women may be delaying childbearing due to increased competition for spouses in urban environments.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalBehavioral Ecology·DateMar 18, 2021

Leading blue energy revolution

Researchers at CUHK have developed a water-tube-based triboelectric nanogenerator (WT-TENG) for harnessing irregular and low-frequency environmental energy, such as ocean waves. The device generates high output volumetric charge density, reaching 9 mC/m3, and can be easily combined to create larger units for increased power generation.

SourceThe Chinese University of Hong Kong·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateMar 18, 2021

New material: Rapid color change

Scientists have developed a new material with faster and more efficient electrochromic properties than existing materials. The material, called Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs), can be triggered by an applied electrical voltage, allowing for rapid color change and high sensitivity to electrochemical oxidation.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 18, 2021

Dolphins adapt to survive invasive coastal constructions

Bottlenose dolphins adapted to coastal construction by shifting feeding locations and behavior timings, but these changes persisted after construction. Human activities like dredging and pile driving cause significant stress and harm to marine wildlife, emphasizing the need for conservation policies.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateMar 18, 2021

Teamwork makes light shine ever brighter

Researchers found that combining energy sources increases light emission from nanoscale devices, potentially enabling faster computer chips and advanced photocatalysts. The effect is attributed to the enhancement of hot electron generation through anti-Stokes electronic Raman scattering.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 18, 2021

Dieting suppresses 'cellular engines', weight loss surgery gives boost to mitochondria

Researchers found that dieting impairs the energy-producing machinery of fat tissue, resulting in rapid weight regain, whereas bariatric surgery improves mitochondrial function and reduces regaining weight. The study used transcriptomics analysis to examine the effects of dieting and surgery on adipose tissue mitochondria.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMar 18, 2021

Parasites may make dogs smell good to insect vector

A study found that infected dogs emit an odor attractive to female sand flies, which transmit Leishmania infantum, the parasite causing visceral leishmaniasis. The researchers suggest parasites manipulate their host's scent to improve transmission opportunities.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMar 18, 2021

COVID-19 denial depends on a population's trust in social institutions

A study of over 150,000 respondents found that COVID-19 denial depends on people's trust in social institutions, particularly healthcare systems. EU countries demonstrate varying levels of stress and trust in governments, with some showing high levels of stress and others trusting their governments more than other institutions.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMar 18, 2021

Reversing cancer's gluttony

Researchers discovered pancreatic cancer cells employ macropinocytosis, a novel pathway to procure nutrients when autophagy is inhibited, enabling them to thrive despite starvation. A combination of autophagy and macropinocytosis inhibitors resulted in rapid tumor regression in mouse models.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCancer Cell·DateMar 18, 2021

New studies in indigenous languages

Researchers examine the biographical information of individual heritage language speakers, highlighting the significance they place on their language in everyday life. The study sheds light on the maintenance and revitalization of minority cultures through the personal experiences of indigenous activists.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Anthropological Research·DateMar 18, 2021