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Science News for March 26, 2021


Climate change significantly increases population displacement risk

A recent study published in Environmental Research Letters finds that climate change greatly increases the risk of flood-related displacement, with a 50% increase for each degree of global warming. Even if population growth is stabilized, the risk will still rise significantly, with projected increases of up to 110% by the end of this ...

SourceETH Zurich·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMar 26, 2021

Forest restoration action must prioritize diversity over scale for cheaper, long-term success

Research shows investing in tree diversity leads to greater long-term benefits and lower costs. High genetic diversity is crucial for tropical forests' resilience to climate change and pests, producing more seeds and fruit. This approach may increase initial costs but offers significant ecological and socioeconomic benefits.

Slc20a1b is essential for hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell expansion in zebrafish

Researchers found that a point mutation in the zebrafish slc20a1b gene significantly reduces the proliferation of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, resulting in a severe defect of hematopoietic development. The study reveals the indispensable role of slc20a1b in HSPCs, highlighting a novel regulation gene for cell cycle expansion.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateMar 26, 2021

Gray's beaked whales 'resilient' to ecosystem changes

Researchers found that Gray's beaked whales have high genetic diversity and flexible social systems, allowing them to adapt to changing conditions. The species' ability to thrive in the face of environmental shifts could provide insights into how other deep-sea animals respond to rapid ecological change.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMar 26, 2021

How COVID-19 affects the brain

A recent study published in JAMA Network explores how COVID-19 affects the brain, highlighting potential mechanisms behind brain dysfunction. The research suggests that SARS-CoV-2 infection may cause inflammation and damage to specific brain regions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMar 26, 2021

Controlled scar formation in the brain

Researchers at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin have identified a new role for the protein drebrin in controlling scar formation and astrocyte reactivity following brain injury. This mechanism, which regulates membrane trafficking, may hold promise for treating neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 26, 2021

Video gamers skills enhanced by training 10 minutes a day

Researchers at Lero found that novice gamers benefit most from tDCS before training sessions, improving performance on complex sensory-motor actions. The study suggests that neurostimulation can accelerate motor performance improvements in novice esports participants.

SourceLero·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateMar 26, 2021

DNA--Metal double helix

A team developed a novel approach to generate precisely controlled, helical palladium-DNA systems that mimic the organization of natural base pairs in double-stranded DNA molecules. The process is based on self-organized assembly of a special palladium complex and single-stranded DNA molecules.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 26, 2021

The persistent danger after landscape fires

Researchers from the University of Vienna detected high concentrations of environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFR) in charcoal samples from fires worldwide. These toxic chemicals can persist for years and may harm ecosystems and human health, posing a significant threat after landscape fires.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateMar 26, 2021

How teeth sense the cold

Research reveals that teeth contain cold-sensitive proteins called odontoblasts, which detect temperature changes and trigger pain signals to the brain. This discovery explains how clove oil eases toothaches and may lead to new treatments for tooth sensitivity.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 26, 2021

Study reveals bias among doctors who classify X-rays for coal miner's black lung claims

A study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers found strong associations between doctors' financial conflicts of interest and the party that hired them when classifying X-rays. The findings suggest a systemic problem with bias among doctors who review chest X-ray images for coal miner's black lung claims.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateMar 26, 2021

Surgery is a viable treatment for pancreatic cancer patients especially after chemotherapy

A new study from the University of Arizona Department of Surgery found that pancreatic cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy followed by resection live an average of 19.75 months, compared to 10.12 months for those who received only chemotherapy. The researchers suggest that surgery can improve survival even in difficult cases.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMar 26, 2021

Incurable Leigh Syndrome: German scientists create first human model for rare disease

Researchers developed a human model of Leigh syndrome caused by SURF1 mutations, discovering that energy deficits in neural precursors lead to neuronal defects and brain function impairment. This breakthrough provides potential therapeutic strategies, including gene replacement therapy and the use of Bezafibrate, for treating children ...

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 26, 2021

Face masks associated with reducing healthcare workers' risk of acquiring COVID-19

Researchers found a correlation between Henry Ford's universal mask policy and a significant drop in the rate of healthcare workers testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. The study suggests that mask-wearing is effective in reducing the risk of acquiring COVID-19, supporting the institution's decision to implement the policy.

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateMar 26, 2021

Study exposes global ripple effects of regional water scarcity

A recent study from Cornell and Tufts universities reveals that water scarcity is a globally connected phenomenon, with local conditions having reverberations across the globe. The research found that global trade dynamics and market adaptations to regional water scarcity result in positive and negative economic outcomes for every regi...

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 26, 2021

Social, not just biological factors, key in increased knee injuries among girls and women

Research highlights the importance of understanding social factors in preventing knee injuries among girls and women. The study suggests that gendered experiences and environmental influences play a significant role in shaping injury outcomes. Experts urge attention to these topics to improve prevention and management strategies.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateMar 26, 2021

CTC mutations may predict outcomes in some castrate-resistant prostate cancer patients

Research reveals associations between circulating tumor cell (CTC) mutations and clinical outcomes in metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). The study identified novel genetic alterations linked to response to AR inhibitors, including gains of ATM, NCOR2, and HSD17B4, which were associated with sensitivity to treatment.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalMolecular Cancer Research·DateMar 26, 2021

Eat me: The cell signal of death

Researchers at Kyoto University's iCeMS have identified a nuclear protein fragment that activates a lipid-scrambling protein to display an 'eat-me' signal on cell surfaces, alerting phagocytes to eliminate unwanted cells. This discovery sheds light on the complex process of cell death and its importance for maintaining tissue health.

SourceKyoto University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMar 26, 2021

Silent MRSA carriers have twice the mortality rate of adults without the bacteria

Researchers analyzed data from 2001-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to link MRSA carriage with mortality risk. The study found that middle-aged and older adults who unknowingly carry MRSA on their skin have twice the mortality rate of those without the bacteria, highlighting the need for routine screening.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalThe Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine·DateMar 26, 2021