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Science News for May 14, 2021


Building a foundation for high-power tech

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are working on new soft magnetic materials and manufacturing processes to enable ultra-high frequency power electronics switching devices. The four-year project aims to establish a foundation for ultra-wide bandgap semiconductor materials in novel power electronics switching devices.

Bio-inspired scaffolds help promote muscle growth

Rice University bioengineers have created electrospun scaffolds from decellularized skeletal muscle that mimic native tissue and direct the growth of myotubes. The tunable scaffolds promote muscle regeneration with minimal crosslinking agents, offering a promising solution for reconstructive surgeries.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 14, 2021

Is the past (and future) there when nobody looks?

Researchers investigate the limits of quantum theory in describing an observer's experience, leading to a 'no-go theorem' for the persistent reality of Wigner's friend perception. The study challenges traditional assumptions about the nature of reality and raises questions about the reliability of an observer's predictions.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalCommunications Physics·DateMay 14, 2021

Scientists rewrite the genesis of mosquito-borne viruses

Researchers have discovered a misinterpreted model of immature flavivirus particles, revealing an unexpected organisation that could lead to new and better vaccines. The study's findings define the exact wiring of the immature virus before it becomes infectious, providing a solid foundation for designing tomorrow's treatments.

SourceMonash University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 14, 2021

Maternal stress during pregnancy may shorten lifespans of male lizard offspring

A Penn State-led study found that maternal stress during pregnancy can shorten the telomeres of male lizard offspring, leading to decreased lifespan. The researchers discovered a sex-specific effect, where stressed mothers give birth to sons with significantly shorter telomeres, highlighting potential implications for human longevity.

SourcePenn State·JournalComparative Biochemistry and Physiology·DateMay 14, 2021

Researchers pinpoint possible way to prevent permanent hearing loss caused by cancer drug

University of Alberta scientists have identified Toll-like receptor 4 as a potential target for preventing permanent hearing loss caused by the chemotherapy drug cisplatin. By inhibiting this receptor, they may be able to eliminate toxic side effects from the drug that cause hearing loss in childhood cancer survivors.

Cataloging breast cells to find cancer origins

The study created a comprehensive catalog of healthy breast tissue cells, enabling scientists to pinpoint the origin of abnormal changes. By tracking gene activity in over 15,000 cells, the team redefined healthy breast tissue and identified subpopulations with different responses to therapies.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalJournal of Mammary Gland Biology and Neoplasia·DateMay 14, 2021

Solar wind from the center of the Earth

Researchers from Heidelberg University found solar noble gases in an iron meteorite, indicating that solar wind particles encased in the Earth's core over 4.5 billion years ago. The discovery suggests a new perspective on the Earth's mantle and its geochemical development.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateMay 14, 2021

Pandemic boosts demand for postal delivery of abortion pill

Two studies published in Contraception found that telehealth abortion improves access to reproductive health services, particularly for low-income persons and those living in rural areas. The studies also showed that most patients prefer receiving abortion pills through the mail and interacting with healthcare providers via telehealth.

Fairness 'important - but not enough'

Researchers discovered that fair treatment alone is insufficient to foster a sense of value in groups; instead, recognizing individual talents and qualities provides a sense of inclusion while promoting mental health. This approach complements the idea of 'fitting in' by allowing individuals to stand out and feel valuable.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 14, 2021

Above the noise

Scientists from Osaka University used machine learning methods to enhance signal-to-noise ratio in nanopore data, enabling higher precision measurements. The 'Noise2Noise' technique improved resolution of noisy runs, revealing faint features hidden by random fluctuations.

SourceOsaka University·JournalSmall Methods·DateMay 14, 2021

Lockdown led to positive lifestyle changes in older people

A University of Stirling study found that COVID-19 lockdowns triggered feelings of loneliness in older adults but also encouraged them to engage with technology, reconnect with friends, and build new relationships with neighbors. The research highlights the importance of addressing loneliness and social support in older adults, particu...

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMay 14, 2021

Availability of US hospital price data

Researchers evaluated hospital compliance with CMS ruling requiring public listing of charges in a machine-readable file, revealing inconsistent results. The study found that many US hospitals failed to comply with the rule, hindering transparency in healthcare pricing.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 14, 2021

Where on Earth is all the water?

Researchers discovered that water can bond strongly with iron under extreme conditions, explaining the presence of significant amounts of hydrogen in the Earth's core. This finding suggests that much of the water that arrived on Earth during its formation might be stored in the core as hydrogen.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 14, 2021

Which animals will survive climate change?

Researchers from McGill University studied threespine stickleback fish adapting to seasonal changes, finding genetic shifts that mirror past adaptations. The study's findings suggest predicting evolutionary future of populations under environmental stressors like climate change.

SourceMcGill University·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateMay 14, 2021

Researchers develop 3D-printed jelly

North Carolina State University researchers have created a new type of 3D-printable gel called homocomposite hydrogel, composed of alginates found in seaweed. The gel has remarkable strength and flexibility, making it suitable for biomedical applications such as growing cells and wound dressings.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 14, 2021

Terpen-tales: The mystery behind the unique fragrance of the lovely lavender

A team of scientists from China has sequenced the genome of Lavandula angustifolia to understand the genetics behind its distinctive fragrance. The study revealed that gene duplications and terpenoid diversification led to the evolution of unique compounds, with potential applications in stress relief, skin conditioning, and pollination.

New perspective on stress pandemics and human resilience from the analysis of COVID-19

A new study reveals the importance of nutrition in maintaining redox balance and coping with viral infections. The endothelium's regulatory function is also crucial in protecting blood cells from damage, while gasotransmitters play a key role in sensing environmental changes. These findings may inform future therapeutic approaches.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalAntioxidants and Redox Signaling·DateMay 14, 2021