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Science News for May 10, 2021


Errors at the start of life

Scientists discovered that errors often occur when genetic material from each parent combines immediately after fertilization, leading to incorrect numbers of chromosomes. This process is surprisingly inefficient and can result in developmental defects and miscarriage.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell·DateMay 10, 2021

As global climate shifts, forests' futures may be caught in the wind

A new study by UC Berkeley researchers found significant correlations between wind speed and direction and genetic diversity throughout forests globally. Tree populations connected by stronger winds tend to be more genetically similar, while those in the direction of prevailing winds have greater genetic diversity.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 2021

Autonomous robot learning

Researchers developed a modular robot that autonomously adapts to its environment, achieving optimal behavior without a central controller. The robot learned to navigate and maintain behavior even with damage, paving the way for miniaturized robotic materials for various applications.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 2021

Monash study may help boost peptide design

Scientists have discovered a crucial aspect of peptide machinery, providing a breakthrough in re-engineering peptides. The study sheds light on how selectivity is achieved in the assembly lines that produce peptides, enabling single amino acid changes without altering multiple components.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 10, 2021

Blocking lipoxygenase leads to impaired cardiac repair in acute heart failure

A preclinical study by USF Health found that blocking lipoxygenase with a synthetic inhibitor alters the innate inflammatory response, delaying heart tissue repair after cardiac injury. The study suggests that preserving lipoxygenase is crucial for maintaining immune-mediated acute inflammation and preventing heart failure.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalBiomedicine & Pharmacotherapy·DateMay 10, 2021

Volcanoes on Mars could be active

Researchers at University of Arizona discovered evidence of recent volcanic activity on Mars, suggesting eruptions could have taken place in past 50,000 years. The discovery of a previously unknown volcanic deposit raises possibility of habitable conditions below Martian surface.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalIcarus·DateMay 10, 2021

Diagramming the brain with colorful connections

Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have created a new tool called BARseq2 that uses genetic tags to label brain cells and trace thousands of brain circuits simultaneously. This allows researchers to examine the complex interactions between neurons, enabling a better understanding of brain function and behavior.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 10, 2021

Timing is everything in new implant tech

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new implant technology that allows for coordinated stimulation therapy for spinal cord and heart conditions. The system uses wireless magnetic fields to power and program multiple implants from a single transmitter outside the body. This breakthrough enables more efficient treatment optio...

How the oral microbiome evolved

A recent study analyzed 124 dental biofilm metagenomes from various primate species, revealing 10 core bacterial genera that have been maintained throughout African hominid evolution. These microbial groups played a key role in oral biofilms for over 40 million years and adapted to starch-rich diets early in human evolution.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 2021

Parallel universes cross in Flatland

Scientists have discovered a way to modify the energy landscape of 2D materials by arranging them in a 3D configuration, creating parallel worlds with unique properties. This new arrangement, known as a nanomesh, has strong nonlinear optical properties and opens up possibilities for quantum computing and communication applications.

Long-lasting medications may improve treatment satisfaction for opioid use disorder

A new study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that extended-release formulations of buprenorphine may improve treatment satisfaction for patients with opioid use disorder. The study found that the extended-release injection was well-tolerated and produced more positive patient-reported outcomes compared to daily oral buprenorphine.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 10, 2021

Mount Sinai ophthalmologists develop new technique to assess progression of sickle cell retinopathy

Researchers used OCT angiography to image patients with sickle cell retinopathy and found that sequential imaging can help assess disease progression and treatment effectiveness. The study showed that untreated patients had more flickering blood vessels, indicating a higher risk of permanent blockage.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateMay 10, 2021

Fifty shades of reading: Who reads contemporary erotic novels and why?

A recent study by the Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics investigates the readership of erotic novels, uncovering surprising insights into the motivations and experiences of readers. The majority of participants found that reading erotic novels provided a sense of relaxation and ease, while also being emancipated and feminist.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·DateMay 10, 2021

New neuroelectronic system can read and modify brain circuits

A Columbia University team designed a high-performance implantable system that can read and modify brain signals, suppressing pathological coupling in epileptic animal models. The multiplex-then-amplify (MTA) system enables simultaneous stimulation of arbitrary waveforms on multiple independent channels.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 2021

Even when they include them, gifted programs aren't serving Black or low-income kids

A recent study found that gifted programs for high achievers are not adequately serving Black and low-income students, with modest academic achievement gains and little impact on engagement or attendance. The researchers suggest diversifying curriculum and structure to better meet the needs of diverse student populations.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalEducational Evaluation and Policy Analysis·DateMay 10, 2021

Friendly pelicans breed better

Research found that captive pelicans bred successfully on repeated occasions when they were free to choose their own friendships. The flock formed a social structure, with sub-adults spending more time with each other than adults.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalZoo Biology·DateMay 10, 2021

Sharks in protected area attract illegal fishers

A new study reveals that thousands of sharks have been caught illegally in a Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the Indian Ocean, threatening critically endangered species like oceanic whitetip and scalloped hammerhead. The MPA was found to be vulnerable to enforcement due to its large size and remote location.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateMay 10, 2021

Interglacial summer warmth and the Greenland Ice Sheet

A study analyzing hydrogen isotopic composition of marine sediments found interglacial summer warmth influences Greenland Ice Sheet (GIS) retreat more strongly than maximum temperatures. This research suggests persistently high summer temperatures will be more harmful to the ice sheet's long-term stability under climate change.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 2021

Higher levels of ultra-processed food in childhood associated with increased risk of child overweight/obesity and changes in metabolome

New research shows that higher levels of ultra-processed food in childhood are associated with an increased risk of childhood obesity, as well as alterations in the metabolome. The study found that a diet high in ultra-processed foods is negatively associated with certain biomarkers, such as docosahexaenoic acid and omega-3 fatty acids.

Animal production responsible for vast majority of air quality-related health impacts from U.S. food

A new study estimates that US food production is responsible for 16,000 annual deaths due to poor air quality, primarily from animal production. Improving animal and crop management practices, as well as eating more plant-rich diets, can substantially reduce mortality from food-related air pollution.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 2021

Ocean-bottom sediments tell a story about ancient Greenland summers

A new University at Buffalo study uses ocean-bottom sediments to learn about ancient summer temperatures in southern Greenland, revealing that prolonged warmth may be disastrous for the Greenland Ice Sheet. The findings hold a message of caution as the world warms again today, with potential long-lasting effects on Earth's temperature.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 2021

Could wider use of gene reserves protect rare species?

Research at the University of York shows that Gene Conservation Units can help protect biodiversity, particularly for cold-adapted butterflies and plant species. A survey of conservationists and land managers found that GCUs could appeal to land managers as a way to conserve species and genetic diversity.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalEcological Solutions and Evidence·DateMay 10, 2021

Meaningful movies help people cope with life's difficulties

A study found that watching meaningful films like 'Hotel Rwanda' can make people feel more prepared to deal with life's challenges. These films are associated with positive reactions such as feeling a sense of purpose and being motivated to pursue significant goals. The key elements of these films, including poignancy and emotional ran...

SourceOhio State University·JournalMass Communication & Society·DateMay 10, 2021

Aurora records and historical magnetic fluctuations

A study of historical equatorial auroral records from Seoul, South Korea, suggests that the West Pacific Anomaly may be an analog to the current South Atlantic Anomaly. The record shows strong fluctuations centered around 1590 and 1720, indicating changes in regional magnetic field strength not captured by current geomagnetic models.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 2021

Geoscientists find that shallow wastewater injection drives deep earthquakes in Texas

Researchers found that shallow wastewater injection is linked to widespread deep earthquake activity in the Delaware Basin. The study used data analytics and computer modeling to mimic fluid extraction from shale reservoirs and identified a causal link between deep stress increases and shallow fluid injection. This finding has signific...

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 2021

Growing sweet corn at higher densities doesn't increase root lodging risk

New research from the University of Illinois and USDA-ARS found that certain hybrid sweet corn varieties can tolerate higher plant densities without increasing the risk of root lodging. The study used a combination of experimental and on-farm data to conclude that density tolerance is a key factor in reducing lodging incidence.

Graphene key for novel hardware security

Researchers at Penn State have developed a novel graphene-based physically unclonable function (PUF) that is more energy-efficient and secure against AI attacks than silicon-based devices. The device's unique properties make it resistant to machine learning attacks, adding tamper resistance as another security feature.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Electronics·DateMay 10, 2021

Managing children's weight, blood pressure and cholesterol protects brain function mid-life

A new study published in the American Heart Association's Circulation Journal found that managing children's weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol may help protect brain function in later life. Researchers analyzed data from the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study and found a link between early childhood cardiovascular risk fact...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateMay 10, 2021

Chill out: Advanced solar tech runs cooler and lasts longer

Researchers have made a breakthrough in photovoltaics technology by developing tandem cells and singlet fission processes that reduce operating temperatures and extend device lifetimes. This innovation leads to a 2%-4% gain in annual energy production and doubles the lifetime of devices for every 10°C reduction in temperature.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science·JournalProgress in Photovoltaics Research and Applications·DateMay 10, 2021

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: Non-hospitalised COVID-19 patients have low-risk of serious long-term effects, but report more visits to general practitioner following infection

A new study found that non-hospitalised SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals have a low risk of severe delayed effects, but still reported increased visits to general practitioners and outpatient clinics. The research highlights the need for clinicians to manage potential long-term conditions.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateMay 10, 2021

Soft sensors are first to comprehensively monitor pregnant women without wires

Researchers have developed soft sensors that comprehensively monitor pregnant women without wires, providing more precise data on vital signs, physical movements, and laboring positions. The devices offer improved comfort and freedom of movement, while also increasing the reliability of data collected during labor.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 2021

Self-learning robots go full steam ahead

Researchers created a system of small autonomous robots that teach themselves to move forward as quickly as possible by continuously conducting small experiments. The results showed that this simple self-learning robot can tackle new situations and recover from damage, making it robust and scalable for applications in soft robotics.

SourceAMOLF·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 2021

Single-cell map of early stage lung cancer and normal lung sheds light on tumor development, new therapeutic targets

Researchers created a spatial atlas of early-stage lung cancer and normal lung tissue at single-cell resolution, providing insights into tumor development and immune cell interactions. The study identified CD24 as a new immunotherapy target for lung cancer treatment, correlating with poor clinical outcomes and shortened survival.

Once we're past the fear stage, where do we place the blame for the COVID-19 pandemic?

A study published in Social Psychological Bulletin found that Polish adults blamed the government more for COVID-19 incidence rates than personal responsibility or anxiety levels. Political views played a significant role in attributing blame, with liberal-leaning individuals blaming the government more than conservatives.

SourceSocial Psychological Bulletin·JournalSocial Psychological Bulletin·DateMay 10, 2021

New study finds an association between increasing BMI and the risk of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2

Research reveals that as body mass index (BMI) increases, the risk of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 also rises, especially among overweight and obese patients. The study analyzed data from over 26,000 patients tested for COVID-19 at a major medical center in Israel and found significant associations between BMI and viral infection risk.