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Science News for March 22, 2021


Its curvature foreshadows the next financial bubble

A team of international researchers has identified four discrete curvatures as excellent indicators of market instabilities in the stock market networks for the USA S&P500 and Japanese Nikkei-225 indices. The Forman-Ricci curvature (FRE) captures market fear and fragility, revealing sector-driven and global market fluctuations that fac...

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMar 22, 2021

Bacteria may aid anti-cancer immune response

Researchers have discovered that bacteria residing within tumor cells can be harnessed to provoke an immune reaction against the tumor. The findings suggest that bacterial peptides presented on tumor cells can serve as potential targets for immunotherapy, enabling immune T cells to recognize and attack cancer cells more precisely.

Fans prefer teams that built success over time more than with purchased super

Researchers at the University of Kansas found that fans tend to favor teams that build success through time and effort over those assembled from free agency. Fans appreciate the backstory behind a team's success, including hard work and dedication to player development. This preference is strong and reliable across various studies.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Applied Social Psychology·DateMar 22, 2021

Weight changes during pandemic-related shelter-in-place

Researchers found that shelter-in-place orders during the COVID-19 pandemic were associated with significant weight gain among adults, particularly those with pre-existing obesity. The study suggests that lockdowns and reduced physical activity may contribute to these weight changes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 22, 2021

No connection between proximity to Stockholm terrorist attack and attitudes to terrorism

Researchers investigated whether people affected by the 2017 Stockholm terrorist attack would change their political views on terrorism-related questions. Contrary to previous theories, they found no significant difference in attitudes among those who were close to the attack compared to those who were not. The study's findings suggest...

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalComparative Political Studies·DateMar 22, 2021

Income drives the economy, not prices

As consumers become richer, they spend more on services like health and education, while spending less on agriculture and manufactured goods. The study reveals that income and preferences play a larger role than productivity in shaping the sectoral composition of the economy.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalEconometrica·DateMar 22, 2021

New Barrett's esophagus monitoring method could aid in easier and more precise prognoses

A new technique for sampling and testing cells from Barrett's esophagus patients can detect specific chromosomal alterations, including the presence of esophageal adenocarcinoma. The approach combines esophageal brushing with massively parallel sequencing to provide an accurate assessment of disease stages and identify high-risk patients.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateMar 22, 2021

Prostate cancer uses metabolic switch to thrive after hormone therapy

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center identified a key reason hormone therapies fail and proposed a new treatment strategy directly targeting the cancer's fuel source, glutamine. By inhibiting glutamine utilization, tumor growth is successfully inhibited in studies using prostate cancer cell lines and animal models.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 22, 2021

Agricultural biodiversity:

Farmers prioritize government and agricultural sector information, while scientists value scientific information. Female farmers and those using organic farming methods rate biodiversity as more important than others. The study highlights knowledge gaps between research, agriculture, and policy practice.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalBiological Conservation·DateMar 22, 2021

More primary care physicians could mean gains in life expectancy, fewer deaths

A new study suggests that increasing primary care physicians by one per 1,500 residents in critical-shortage regions could boost life expectancy by an average of 56 days and prevent over 7,000 deaths annually. This analysis is based on data from 3,400 regions, highlighting the need to incentivize doctors to practice in underserved areas.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 22, 2021

Making plastics production more energy efficient

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new method for producing propylene, a key component of plastics, that uses less energy. The technique, which involves the use of two catalysts, produces yields up to 30% higher than traditional methods, making it a promising solution for more energy-efficient plastics production.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateMar 22, 2021

Modifying an implant: Dental implant biomaterials

The use of dental implants for tooth replacement requires careful consideration of biomaterials, which must integrate into the body while minimizing negative immune responses. Researchers have compared titanium and zirconia, highlighting the importance of surface modification processes and coatings in optimizing implant performance.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalBIO Integration·DateMar 22, 2021

Nanobiomaterial boosts neuronal growth in mice with spinal cord injuries

Researchers used layered double hydroxide (LDH) to inhibit inflammatory environments surrounding spinal cord injuries, accelerating neuron regeneration and neural circuit reconstruction in mice. LDH promotes the activation of channels for neuron excitation and induction of action potential, improving locomotive behavior.

The dirt on crop insurance

Researchers found that considering soil organic matter improves water retention, mitigating crop yield losses from drought. Including this data in insurance premiums could reduce liabilities by 36% while increasing corn yields by 35 bushels per acre.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMar 22, 2021

Why commercialization of carbon capture and sequestration has failed and how it can work

A recent study by University of California San Diego researchers identified 12 essential attributes that explain why commercial carbon capture and sequestration projects succeed or fail in the US. The credibility of revenues and incentives is crucial, with policies like the 45Q tax credit providing a guaranteed revenue stream.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMar 22, 2021

Deep seafloor nutrient vital in global food chain

Iron, a micronutrient crucial for phytoplankton, is being released from deep ocean sediments, providing a new source of nutrition for drifting marine organisms. This finding challenges previous expectations and has significant implications for studying the ocean carbon cycle and managing the marine environment.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 22, 2021

Association of age with SARS-CoV-2 antibody response

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that the quantity and quality of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies differ significantly among children, adolescents, and young adults. The research has important implications for understanding the immune response to COVID-19 vaccines and informing public health strategies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 22, 2021

Early warning system for intensive care units

A team of researchers led by Professor Alexander Meyer has created an early warning system for intensive care units (ICUs) using big data and artificial intelligence. The system predicts postoperative bleeding and acute kidney injury with high accuracy, allowing timely interventions to save lives.

SourceBIH at Charité·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateMar 22, 2021

Plan for globally safer food

The Global Harmonization Initiative aims to establish a legislative framework for recognized food safety professionals, promoting formal requirements for education, registration, and professional bodies. This move seeks to enhance food safety practices globally by setting standards for roles in managing food safety.

Teaching AI what's fair

A team led by Michigan State University's Pang-Ning Tan is working to make artificial intelligence algorithms more fair and aware of their potential biases. They're developing a definition of fairness that considers perspectives from groups of people, rather than just individual outcomes.

Diabetes patients to benefit from new 3D bio-printing technique for bone repair

Researchers have developed an effective method for managing bone defects in diabetes patients using 3D bioprinted bone-repair scaffolds infused with bone marrow stem cells and macrophage. This technique has the potential to accelerate bone repair and improve outcomes for individuals with diabetes.

Predicting who may do best with psychedelic-assisted therapy

A new review identifies key personality traits associated with positive and negative psychedelic experiences, suggesting that individuals open to new experiences and willing to surrender may benefit from the therapy. Researchers propose using lower doses as a starting point for hesitant patients, building up to higher doses later.

SourceOhio State University·JournalACS Pharmacology & Translational Science·DateMar 22, 2021

UBCO researcher recommends systematic approach to forest and water supply management

A UBCO researcher suggests a systematic approach to forest-water research to better understand the impact of human activities on natural filtration systems. The study highlights the need to consider multiple variables and their interactions when assessing the effects of deforestation, urbanization, and other disturbances on forest-wate...

New evidence in search for the mysterious Denisovans

Researchers found no evidence of interbreeding between modern humans and Denisovans in Island Southeast Asia, but confirmed high levels of Denisovan ancestry in the region. The study suggests that significant genetic exchange occurred between Denisovans and modern humans who arrived in Asia 50,000-60,000 years ago.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 22, 2021

Women missing out on workplace mentoring post #MeToo

A recent study by RMIT University found that female employees are less likely to receive one-on-one mentoring from male managers, with only 38% of young females reporting a change in their interactions with males since the #MeToo movement. Despite this, many senior male co-workers are willing to mentor younger women.

SourceRMIT University·JournalApplied Economics·DateMar 22, 2021

Study could help develop biosensors for non-invasive diagnosis of diseases

A study from Brazil's University of São Paulo used self-assembled molecular monolayers to create biosensors for detecting the gene PCA3, which is specific to prostate cancer cells. The technique can also be used to diagnose infectious diseases like COVID-19, offering a non-invasive alternative to current methods.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateMar 22, 2021

A strong coffee half an hour before exercising increases fat-burning

A new study published in Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that consuming caffeine before aerobic exercise significantly increases fat-burning. The study's results suggest that combining acute caffeine intake with exercise performed at moderate intensity in the afternoon is the optimal scenario for increasi...

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalJournal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition·DateMar 22, 2021

BU researchers explore forensic anthropology's current knowledge with transgendender bodies

A new study reveals nearly 30% of forensic anthropologists have worked on cases involving transgender individuals, but most are unfamiliar with gender-affirming surgeries. The research highlights the need for a bio-cultural and queer theoretical perspective in forensic sex estimation to recognize signs of gender-affirming procedures.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalForensic Anthropology·DateMar 22, 2021

Ultra-processed foods are breaking your heart

A study found that higher consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality. Researchers analyzed data from the Framingham Offspring Study and classified food items into five categories, including ultra-processed foods, which were linked to a 7% increase in hard ...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 22, 2021

Worth one's salt

Researchers at LSU discovered a vast network of ancient Maya salt kitchen buildings, indicating the salt was produced on a large scale. Salt cakes were standardized units, potentially used as currency, and played a crucial role in the economy.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalJournal of Anthropological Archaeology·DateMar 22, 2021

Yale researchers create map of undiscovered life

Researchers at Yale have created a global map of undiscovered species, revealing that Brazil, Indonesia, Madagascar, and Colombia hold the greatest opportunities for new discoveries. The study also highlights the importance of taxonomists in finding undiscovered species, and emphasizes the need for more funding to close knowledge gaps.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 22, 2021

Explosive origins of 'secondary' ice--and snow

A new study provides definitive evidence that shattering drizzle droplets drive explosive 'ice multiplication' events in Arctic clouds. The findings have significant implications for weather forecasts, climate modeling, water supplies, energy, and transportation infrastructure. The research used six years of data from a millimeter-wave...

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 22, 2021

Study outlines testing strategies for safer air travel during the pandemic

A computer simulation found that rapid SARS-CoV-2 tests detected almost 90% of infectious travelers at the airport, while a five-day quarantine was effective in preventing importation of infections. The study suggests standardized testing and quarantine policy could minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission during air travel.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateMar 22, 2021

Houston refines hunt for COVID in wastewater

A study led by Rice University's Lauren Stadler and the City of Houston Health Department compared five processes used to concentrate samples and find COVID-19 in wastewater from six Houston plants. The process called 'electronegative filtration with bead beating' proved most sensitive and cost-effective.

SourceRice University·JournalWater Research·DateMar 22, 2021

BU researchers identify two drugs that delay bone marrow cancer development

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have found that PXS-LOX_1 and PXS-LOX_2 can slow primary myelofibrosis's disease progression in experimental models by inhibiting lysyl oxidase. These findings represent a possible novel avenue for treatment, potentially slowing cancer progression and easing symptoms.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalArchives of Stem Cell and Therapy·DateMar 22, 2021

Total knee replacement cost effective for patients with osteoarthritis and extreme obesity

A cost-effectiveness analysis found that total knee replacement surgery is a viable option for patients with extreme obesity and end-stage osteoarthritis, offering significant improvements in quality-adjusted life expectancy. The study concluded that TKR leads to substantial benefits in these patients, outweighing potential complications.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 22, 2021

Tunable smart materials

Researchers at Osaka University developed tunable microparticles that self-assemble into structures with adjustable properties. The study's findings may lead to the development of smart sensors and self-healing materials. By controlling the proportion of particle types, scientists can modify the shape of the resulting clusters.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 22, 2021

Expressing some doubts about android faces

A team of researchers from Osaka University used motion capture technology to compare the facial expressions of five android faces with those of humans. They found that mechanical facial movements of robots lacked the complexity of real human reactions, particularly in the upper regions. The study suggests redesigning android faces to ...

SourceOsaka University·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·DateMar 22, 2021

Energizing India

Researchers from UC Santa Barbara recommend India increase its target to 600 GW of renewable capacity by 2030. Meeting high renewable targets would not avert the need to build fossil fuel power plants due to specific weather patterns and peak electricity demand requirements.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 22, 2021

Pandemic lockdowns boost, democratize online education

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a 38% increase in new users and a 6% increase in engagement among existing users of DataCamp's platform. This shift in behavior was observed across all demographic groups, suggesting that online learning can provide an accessible environment for learning new skills.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 22, 2021

Electrode interphase formation

The solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) plays a critical role in ideal battery function, and researchers have studied its nucleation and growth in atomic detail. Anions and solvents must be well-balanced to form a homogeneous inorganic, crystalline SEI.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 22, 2021

Transcutaneous stimulation improves hand function in people with complete tetraplegia

Researchers at Kessler Foundation confirmed that spinal cord transcutaneous stimulation results in immediate and long-lasting gains in strength, sensibility, and voluntary motor function. The study showed significant improvements in upper extremity and hand function, including a 283.4% increase in bilateral handgrip force.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·DateMar 22, 2021

Budget impact of gene therapy for sickle cell disease

A new study evaluates the economic impact of gene therapy on severe sickle cell disease, suggesting substantial costs and potential cost savings for Medicaid programs. The analysis estimates a high prevalence of sickle cell disease among these programs, which may affect treatment affordability.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMar 22, 2021

Renewable energy grants

Researchers will explore decision-making processes for adopting solar energy systems and electric vehicles, as well as improve the efficiency and manufacturing process for solar panels. The studies aim to identify non-technological barriers to clean-energy adoption and evaluate the effectiveness of low-cost interventions and incentives.

Reading minds with ultrasound: A less-invasive technique to decode the brain's intentions

Researchers developed a new type of minimally invasive BMI using functional ultrasound technology, which can accurately map brain activity from precise regions deep within the brain. This breakthrough allows for high-performance, less-invasive brain-machine interfaces that could benefit people with paralysis or neurological injuries.

Viruses: Evolution on the outskirts

Studies on viral evolution reveal that beneficial mutations often occur at the expense of symptom severity, while genetic novelties can arise from noncoding DNA insertion. Additionally, viruses' codon usage is constrained by host machinery, with some exhibiting unique compositions, and their effects can persist after infection clearance.

New basalt type discovered beneath the ocean

An international team of researchers has discovered a new type of basalt beneath the Pacific Ocean, which was formed during large and exceptionally hot volcanic eruptions. The discovery suggests that ocean floor eruptions sourced in the Earth's mantle were even hotter and more voluminous than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 22, 2021