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Science News for March 25, 2021


Preservative used in hundreds of popular foods may harm the immune system

A new peer-reviewed study by Environmental Working Group found that the preservative tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) may harm the immune system, as shown in animal tests and high-throughput in vitro toxicology testing. The FDA should test all food chemicals for safety, according to the study's lead author.

SourceEnvironmental Working Group·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMar 25, 2021

Soft robotic dragonfly signals environmental disruptions

A soft robotic dragonfly, called DraBot, uses microarchitectures and self-healing hydrogels to detect changes in pH, temperature, and oil levels. This proof-of-concept demonstration could lead to the development of autonomous environmental sentinels for monitoring environmental disruptions.

SourceDuke University·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·DateMar 25, 2021

Ancient megafaunal mutualisms and extinctions as factors in plant domestication

Researchers propose that plants evolved for long-distance seed dispersal and rapid growth as adaptations for megafaunal mutualisms. These traits allowed them to thrive in human-dominated landscapes, contributing to the global dominance of certain plant families. The study suggests that exaptation traits played a key role in the domesti...

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateMar 25, 2021

Headline: How energy modelling influences policymaking and vice versa

A new study reveals that energy models play a significant role in shaping the energy transition, influencing policy decisions and informing energy futures. Policymakers are increasingly relying on modeling outputs to define energy and climate targets, while researchers demand greater transparency to protect model credibility.

Discovery of a third T cell lineage

Researchers at Monash University have identified a novel T cell lineage, γμ T cells, which use a unique antibody-like structure to recognize pathogens. This discovery expands the immunology 'toolbox' and may lead to new approaches for fighting viral infections such as COVID-19.

SourceMonash University·JournalScience·DateMar 25, 2021

Study links genes with function across the human brain

A recent study by McGill University researchers has mapped gene signatures to functional processes across the human brain, revealing key insights into cognitive and affective processes. The findings suggest that specific genetic signals are linked to attention and memory, while others are associated with emotions and fear.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateMar 25, 2021

Carrying naloxone can save lives but newly abstinent opioid users resist

A study found that newly abstinent opioid users resist carrying naloxone, even if it can save their lives. Researchers suggest reframing the meaning of carrying naloxone to represent a commitment to group safety and wellbeing. They propose re-targeting naloxone distribution efforts to include persons at any phase of their drug use.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalInternational Journal of Drug Policy·DateMar 25, 2021

Relieve your stress, relieve your allergies

A study published in International Journal of Molecular Sciences suggests a link between corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and increased expression of mast cells in the nasal cavity, exacerbating allergic reactions. The research offers promising therapeutic potential with CRHR1 inhibitors and SCF neutralizing antibodies.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateMar 25, 2021

Turning wood into plastic

A research team has created a high-quality bioplastic from wood byproducts, showing promise for producing durable and sustainable plastics. The resulting material exhibits high mechanical strength, stability, and UV-light resistance, making it suitable for various applications, including packaging and automobile manufacturing.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalNature Sustainability·DateMar 25, 2021

Failed your New Year resolution again? Join the club

ECU researchers found that two thirds of participants gave up on their New Year resolutions within the first month. Setting specific resolutions with time, place and/or people is key to sticking to them, according to Professor Joanne Dickson. Flexibility in adapting to changing situations also predicts increased mental wellbeing.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMar 25, 2021

Ocean's mammals at crucial crossroads

A review of 126 marine mammal species reveals that accidental capture, climate change, and pollution are driving declines. Conservation efforts have saved some species, but many more are at risk, including the vaquita porpoise and North Atlantic right whale.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEndangered Species Research·DateMar 25, 2021

How tiny machines become capable of learning

Researchers developed microswimmers that can change direction by heating tiny gold particles, then learned to navigate through a virtual environment via external control and virtual rewards. The findings suggest an optimal speed is key to navigation, with implications for autonomous tasks and collective behavior in biological systems.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalScience Robotics·DateMar 25, 2021

Does selfishness evolve? Ask a cannibal

Researchers found that less selfish behavior evolved under living conditions forcing frequent sibling interactions, verifying a key concept in evolutionary theory. The study provides insight into the importance of cannibalism in ecosystems and its potential application to studying human behavior.

SourceRice University·JournalEcology Letters·DateMar 25, 2021

Shrub willow as a bioenergy crop

Researchers have grown shrub willow on a semi-commercial scale to better understand its nuances as a bioenergy crop. Key findings include determining the best varieties to plant and how to handle planting and harvesting. The study also highlights the crop's ability to store carbon, host pollinators, and provide ecosystem services.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateMar 25, 2021

Game on: Science edition

Researchers trained an AI agent to conduct scientific experiments using a virtual beamline simulation, allowing for efficient and remote experimentation. The team implemented reinforcement learning to train the AI, which enabled it to learn from experience and master the experiment.

A killer revealed: A cyanobacterial neurotoxin responsible for the largest undiagnosed mass mortalit

A new cyanobacterial neurotoxin called aetokthonotoxin has been identified as the cause of vacuolar myelinopathy in waterbirds and raptors, with exposure to bromide-enriched invasive water plants playing a key role. Bioaccumulation of the toxin affects not only the birds that eat the contaminated plants but also their predators.

Pediatric heart transplant method developed by U of A doctors allows for more surgeries, better outcomes: Study

A new pediatric heart transplant procedure has been shown to be at least as effective as the traditional approach, with similar survival rates and fewer infections. The method, pioneered by Canadian doctors, has enabled twice as many organs to be available for type O infants born with heart defects.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateMar 25, 2021

Inhibiting impact of dust aerosols on eastern Pacific tropical cyclones from the perspective of energy transmission

Dust aerosol optical depth negatively affects cloud water in the lower troposphere. This change can alter atmospheric enthalpy surrounding a tropical cyclone, influencing its intensity. Dr. Zhang's study suggests that anomalous enthalpy changes are related to dust AOD conditions in eastern Pacific TCs.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateMar 25, 2021

Text message program shows 60 percent of opioid tablets unused after common procedures

A new study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that more than 60% of opioid tablets prescribed for patients undergoing orthopaedic or urologic procedures went unused. The study used an automated text messaging system to track patient pain and opioid use, revealing that most opioids are taken withi...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 25, 2021

A T-cell stimulatory protein and interleukin-10 synergize to prevent gut inflammation

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has identified a synergy between ICOS ligand and interleukin-10 that promotes mutualism with the gut microbiota. The research found that mice deficient in ICOSL had increased frequencies of IL-10-producing CD4+ T cells, which were crucial for preventing severe inf...

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 2021

Aerobic exercise may help address dialysis-related symptoms

Aerobic exercise has been shown to lessen several hemodialysis-related symptoms, including restless leg syndrome, symptoms of depression, muscle cramping, and fatigue. However, more research is needed to determine the extent of benefits from aerobic exercise for individuals with kidney failure who are undergoing dialysis.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 25, 2021

New biomarkers of malignant melanoma identified

Scientists have identified new biomarkers in exosomes produced by cancer stem cells, which could help diagnose and predict malignant melanoma. These biomarkers were found to be present in the blood of patients with different stages of the disease, distinguishing them from healthy individuals.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalMolecular Oncology·DateMar 25, 2021

Gene required for jumping identified in rabbits

A study published in PLOS Genetics identified the RORB gene as necessary for rabbits to perform their characteristic jumping gait. The researchers used a rare breed of domesticated rabbit with a developmental defect to pinpoint the cause, finding a specific mutation in the RORB gene that disrupts the animal's ability to jump.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 25, 2021

A divided cell is a doubled cell

Researchers achieve complete control over vesicle division using osmosis and enzymatic reactions, producing single-phase 'daughter cells' with different membrane compositions. The team can also grow these cells back into phase-separated vesicles by fusing them with tiny vesicles.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 25, 2021

When fly larvae are hungry

Researchers led by Dr. Katrin Vogt found that fly larvae adjust their behavior in response to internal states and context, similar to human brains. The study, funded by the German Research Foundation and NIH, sheds light on how the brain controls sensory processing.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 25, 2021

Exposure to flame retardants early in pregnancy linked to premature birth

A new study has found a link between early exposure to flame retardants and an increased risk of premature birth in pregnant women. Women with high levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in their blood were more likely to deliver their babies early, with no such association seen for those with lower exposure levels.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Perinatal Medicine·DateMar 25, 2021

Exploring the nanoworld in 3D

Researchers from CNRS and universities in France and Austria develop new imaging technique to visualize electromagnetic fields surrounding nanocrystals. This breakthrough enables precise targeting of heat transfers and better understanding of materials properties.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience·DateMar 25, 2021