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Science News for May 13, 2021


Using micro-sized cut metal wires, Japanese team forges path to new uses for terahertz waves

Researchers successfully tested a reflectionless, highly refractive index metasurface made of micro-sized cut metal wires for use in terahertz waveband applications. The metasurface has a high refractive index and low reflection at 3.0 THz, enabling potential uses in 6G wireless communications and other commercial applications.

TGen-led study of 70,000 individuals links dementia to smoking and cardiovascular disease

A TGen-led study of 70,000 individuals found that both smoking and cardiovascular disease impair verbal learning and memory in adulthood, with sex differences observed. The study suggests that quitting smoking can improve brain function and maintaining cardiovascular health is crucial for preventing cognitive decline.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 13, 2021

Pregnant Aussie mums denied nausea and vomiting medications

A new study found that one in four pregnant women were denied medication for severe nausea and vomiting, with over-the-counter doxylamine being a common issue. Healthcare providers' lack of awareness about clinical guidelines and misinterpretation of medication labels contribute to these denials.

SourceFlinders University·JournalAustralian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·DateMay 13, 2021

Current trend reversed

Researchers demonstrate controlled reversal of thermoelectric current in a tiny cloud of atoms by tuning interaction strength. This breakthrough advances the fundamental understanding of interacting quantum systems and paves the way for designing efficient thermoelectric materials.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalPhysical Review X·DateMay 13, 2021

Politically polarized brains share an intolerance of uncertainty

A recent study at Brown University found that intolerance to uncertainty exacerbates polarization in both liberals and conservatives. The researchers measured brain activity while participants watched real political debates and news broadcasts, finding that neural responses diverged between individuals with different ideological beliefs.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2021

A unique vertical farm can produce 10 times more seed potatoes a year

A Russian team has created a groundbreaking vertical farm that can produce high-value crops like seed potatoes on an industrial scale. The innovative facility utilizes state-of-the-art technology, including dynamic LED lighting and automated irrigation systems, to achieve six harvests per year and increase productivity by tenfold.

Market report: Rising stock wealth does boost spending, employment

A new study by MIT economists Gabriel Chodorow-Reich, Plamen T. Nenov, and Alp Simsek reveals that increased stock market wealth has moderate but clear economic effects. After analyzing data from the US on a county-by-county basis, they found that people spend about 3.2 cents per year out of each increased dollar of stock wealth they p...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateMay 13, 2021

COVID-19 vaccines in patients with cancer

A new study examines the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in patients with cancer, providing insights into potential risks and benefits. The research found that while some cancer treatments may interact with COVID-19 vaccines, the overall risk is low.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateMay 13, 2021

Protecting moving targets

A new project aims to rethink biodiversity protection approaches due to climate change by developing flexible and dynamic conservation methods. The Appalachian region will serve as a test-case landscape, with researchers using artificial intelligence and collaborative governance strategies.

Call for scientific community to increase diversity and inclusivity in medical research

The scientific community is urged to adopt more inclusive practices in preclinical and basic science research to promote personalized medicine. Researchers highlight the lack of diversity in commonly used human cell lines, which are predominantly of European descent, and emphasize the need for representative cell lines to better unders...

Food dyes may cause disease when the immune system is dysregulated, researchers report

A new study found that artificial food colorants like Red 40 and Yellow 6 can cause disease in mice with dysregulated immune systems, specifically colitis. Researchers are now investigating the potential impact on humans, given that similar cytokine IL-23 dysregulation is a factor in human inflammatory bowel disease.

How widespread is lemur and fossa meat consumption?

A new study by WCS found that 53% of households in the area had eaten lemur meat over the past year, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to reduce hunting and consumption of these protected species. The study aims to assess the impact of ongoing conservation initiatives and promote alternative protein sources.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalConservation Science and Practice·DateMay 13, 2021

'Love thy neighbor, mask up' resonates among white evangelicals

A UCR study found that messages stressing the Christian doctrine of 'love thy neighbor' and aligning mask-wearing with patriotism can effectively persuade white evangelicals to wear masks. The research also suggests that similar messaging could be used for pro-vaccine efforts, particularly targeting Republican-leaning individuals.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2021

The first frost is the deepest

Researchers discovered that the first frost triggers a molecular response in plants, called COOLAIR, which helps regulate flowering. This finding has implications for understanding how plants adapt to fluctuating temperatures and could lead to improved crop yields.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalGenes & Development·DateMay 13, 2021

Columbia Public Health establishes Jennifer Schlecht Memorial Fund to support careers in sexual and reproductive health

The Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health has established the Jennifer Schlecht Memorial Scholarship to support students pursuing careers in sexual and reproductive health. The scholarship aims to honor Jennifer's memory by providing travel stipends for field experience in fragile settings.

COVID-19 pandemic impacted graduate nursing students at work, home, and school

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted graduate nursing students, causing increased stress due to juggling clinical work and studies. A total of 222 graduate nursing students completed a survey, revealing that overall stress increased during the pandemic, with 18.2% of students changing their graduate school plans.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Professional Nursing·DateMay 13, 2021

Depression and anxiety more common in heart failure than cancer patients

A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that nearly one in four heart failure patients experience depression or anxiety, compared to 23% of breast cancer patients, 22% of prostate cancer patients, and 15% of digestive organ cancer patients. Heart failure patients are also at a higher risk of developing ...

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateMay 13, 2021

The Achilles heel of the coronavirus

A team of researchers from ETH Zurich has identified the crucial step in viral protein synthesis that makes coronaviruses like SARS-CoV-2 vulnerable to inhibition. They found that targeting this process with chemical compounds could lead to effective antiviral drugs, offering new hope for treating COVID-19 and other coronaviruses.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateMay 13, 2021

Making AI algorithms show their work

Researchers developed a new method to test AI algorithms' decision-making processes by presenting them with carefully designed synthetic data. The technique, called Global Importance Analysis, revealed that AI models consider more factors beyond just sequence length, such as RNA folding and motif proximity.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMay 13, 2021

Mixing massive stars

A team of astronomers has measured internal mixing within an ensemble of massive stars using observations of stellar oscillations. The results show that the mixing is diverse, unrelated to star mass or age, and influenced by internal rotation. This study provides new insights into the evolution and structure of massive stars.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Astronomy·DateMay 13, 2021

Freeform imaging systems: Fermat's principle unlocks 'first time right' design

Researchers at Brussels Photonics develop a deterministic design method for freeform imaging systems using differential equations derived from Fermat's principle. The method generates 'first time right' initial designs that enable rigorous evaluation in solution space, reducing the need for trial-and-error approaches.

Advertising on popular made-for-kids online channels

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open analyzed advertisements on popular made-for-kids YouTube channels and found that age-inappropriate content is prevalent. The researchers also examined the frequency of such ads, highlighting concerns about children's exposure to mature material.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 13, 2021

Scientists launch 'next generation' human brain imaging lab

Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a wearable headset that measures brain activity in real-time, allowing for the study of social interactions, humans of all ages and sizes, and people in motion. The optically pumped magnetometry technology enables movement-tolerant brain imaging simultaneously with two research volunteers.

Teaching a computer program to track cells

Scientists at Gladstone Institutes create an artificial intelligence system that can follow hundreds of cells in a petri dish, revealing key findings on cell behavior and leadership patterns. The AI approach provides a comprehensive view of how cells cooperate and form complex organs, with potential applications for therapeutic purposes.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateMay 13, 2021

Immunocompromised pediatric patients showed T-cell activity and humoral immunity against SARS-CoV-2

A new study found that immunocompromised pediatric patients showed significant T-cell activity and humoral immunity against SARS-CoV-2. The research suggests that vaccination may still be beneficial for this population, particularly those with antibody deficiency disorders. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Immunology·DateMay 13, 2021

Songbird neurons for advanced cognition mirror the physiology of mammalian counterparts

Researchers identified genetically marked neurons in a zebra finch's forebrain, revealing a landscape of physiology and network roles that mirror those in mammals. This breakthrough advances insight into the fundamental operation of complex brain circuits, suggesting ancient cell types retained features over millions of years.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 13, 2021