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Science News for May 12, 2021


What does your voice say about you?

An international research team found a lower pitched voice is associated with individuals who are more dominant, extrovert, and higher in sociosexuality, regardless of gender. The study used objective digital measures to analyze the pitch of over 2,000 participants' voices.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalJournal of Research in Personality·DateMay 12, 2021

New algorithm to ensure more accuracy in studying the interior of the Earth

Geophysicists at St. Petersburg State University have developed an algorithm to combine electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and radiomagnetotelluric (RMT) methods for more accurate subsurface imaging. The joint inversion of CSRMT and ERT data provides a closer match to borehole data, improving the accuracy of geophysical exploration.

SourceSt. Petersburg State University·JournalJournal of Environmental and Engineering Geophysics·DateMay 12, 2021

Study finds obese people with pattern of later waking and peak activity later in day at higher risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease

A study found that obese people with an evening chronotype, characterized by later waking and peak activity, have a significantly higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This increased risk is independent of sleep quality, age, gender, and body mass index.

New method for producing synthetic DNA

The new method streamlines DNA production by automating the synthesis of phosphoramidites, eliminating manual labor and storage issues. This breakthrough has significant implications for disease identification, drug manufacturing, and other medical applications.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 12, 2021

Asian scientists grapple with belonging

Racist attacks against Asian Americans have increased notably since the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing many to reevaluate their careers in the US. The Biden administration hopes to revise immigration policies and retain international scientists, but awareness and tolerance remain uncertain for the Asian community.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMay 12, 2021

Violinmaking meets artificial intelligence

Politecnico di Milano researchers used neural networks to predict the acoustic behavior of violin plates based on geometric parameters. The results showed an accuracy close to 98%, enabling luthiers to design and build violins with optimal sound quality, exploring new designs and materials.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 12, 2021

Composing thoughts: Mental handwriting produces brain activity turned into text

A new brain-computer interface (BCI) system has been developed to restore communication in people with spinal cord injuries and neurological disorders. The system uses mental handwriting to record brain activity, allowing participants to compose sentences and communicate at a speed comparable to typing on a smartphone.

Computer designs magnonic devices

A new computational method enables researchers to design functional magnonic devices in a shorter time, overcoming traditional limitations. The approach uses inverse design and intelligent algorithms to create devices with multiple functionalities.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 12, 2021

Autologous adipose injection for shoulder pain in wheelchair users with spinal cord injury

A pilot study found that micro-fragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) injection provides significant and long-lasting pain relief for wheelchair users with chronic shoulder pain caused by rotator cuff disease. The study showed encouraging results, with nearly 80% of participants experiencing a meaningful decrease in pain symptoms.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalJournal of Spinal Cord Medicine·DateMay 12, 2021

Fatigue, mood disorders associated with post-COVID-19 syndrome

A Mayo Clinic study reports on the first 100 patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome, experiencing symptoms like fatigue, respiratory complaints, and neurologic issues. The study highlights the need for healthcare providers to prepare for prolonged symptoms and provide effective treatment, including psychosocial support.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateMay 12, 2021

Artificial intelligence tool uses chest X-ray to differentiate worst cases of COVID-19

A new AI tool developed by NYU Langone Health can accurately predict which COVID-19 patients are most likely to develop life-threatening complications within four days, using chest X-ray images and other clinical data. The tool achieved an 80% accuracy rate in predicting patients who required intensive care or died from their infections.

Advances in medical imaging enable visualization of white matter tracts in fetuses

Researchers visualized and studied white matter pathways in human brains developing in the womb using advanced medical imaging. The study provides a detailed understanding of normal developmental trajectories of white matter tracts, which will help inform treatment strategies for diseases affecting preterm infants.

SourceKing's College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 12, 2021

Sunburn injuries in Australia, New Zealand

Researchers analyzed registry data to examine the characteristics and outcomes of patients with severe sunburns in Australia and New Zealand. The study found a higher risk of complications and mortality among these patients, highlighting the need for improved prevention and treatment strategies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateMay 12, 2021

Lemon trees showed less response to citrus greening disease pathogen than orange trees

Lemon trees showed a lower molecular response to the citrus greening disease pathogen Liberibacter asiaticus compared to orange trees. This may be due to accumulated micronutrients and upregulated protease inhibitors in lemons, which hinder photosynthesis. The study's findings could aid in developing resistant citrus varieties.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytoFrontiers™·DateMay 12, 2021

AI learns to type on a phone like humans

A new AI model precisely replicates human touchscreen typing by simulating eye and finger movements, making it easier to optimize keyboard designs for better typing. The model can also account for different user types, including those with motor impairments, to develop personalized typing aids.

A hairpin to fight cancer

Researchers have developed a bicyclic peptide that binds to and inhibits the oncogenic protein beta-catenin, which is associated with certain types of tumor. The peptide's unique hairpin shape and cyclic nature mimic natural protein structures, making it an attractive starting point for developing new antitumor drugs.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 12, 2021

The triple threat of coronavirus

SARS-CoV-2 employs a three-pronged strategy to outsmart the immune system, including reducing gene translation, degrading messenger RNAs, and preventing mRNA export. This 'host shutoff' tactic delays and muddles the immune response, resulting in severe symptoms of COVID-19.

Mitochondrial enzyme found to block cell death pathway points to new cancer treatment strategy

Researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have discovered that targeting the mitochondrial enzyme DHODH can induce ferroptosis and suppress tumor growth in cancer cells. The study suggests a new therapeutic strategy for inducing ferroptosis, which could have broad implications for treating various types of cancer.

Organic meat less likely to be contaminated with multidrug-resistant bacteria, study suggests

A new study found that organic-certified meats are 56 percent less likely to be contaminated with multidrug-resistant bacteria compared to conventionally produced meat. The research analyzed data from the US National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System and covered over 39,000 meat samples.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMay 12, 2021

10 years after obesity surgery: How did life turn out?

Patients who underwent bariatric surgery ten years ago reported that their eating habits and appetite remained affected, with reduced cravings for unhealthy foods. However, they also described struggling to manage their lives, including supporting overweight children, due to ongoing guilt and self-blame.

SourceLund University·JournalSurgery for Obesity and Related Diseases·DateMay 12, 2021