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Science News for May 17, 2021


COVID-19 hit stock markets as it spread from country to country

A recent study by Lero researchers found that COVID-19 growth largely explained changes in stock prices globally, but had little impact on China or the MSCI World index. The study suggests that investor sentiment and economic factors such as crude oil and bond yields played a greater role in shaping market prices.

SourceLero·JournalJournal of Behavioral and Experimental Finance·DateMay 17, 2021

Preemie boys age faster as men, study shows

Researchers found that premature boys age more quickly than their normal weight counterparts, with a biological age gap of 4.6 years by age 30-35. This accelerated aging may be influenced by prenatal stress and hospital care after birth, emphasizing the need for monitoring and healthy aging strategies.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMay 17, 2021

Global abundance of birds

A study examining global occurrences and population estimates for approximately 92% of all extant bird species found that there are approximately 50 billion individual birds in the world. Most bird species are rare, with only a few having estimated global populations of over 1 billion individuals.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 17, 2021

Collective intelligence can be predicted and quantified, new study finds

Researchers used meta-analytic methods to evaluate data from 22 studies involving 5,349 individuals in 1,356 groups, finding strong support for a general factor of collective intelligence. Group collaboration processes were twice as important for predicting CI than individual skill, and group composition, including female proportion an...

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 17, 2021

Parts of Greenland may be on the verge of tipping: New early-warning signals detected

Researchers detected new early-warning signals indicating the Greenland Ice Sheet's destabilization and potential melting at limited warming levels. The study suggests that a tipping point is approaching in the central-western part of the ice sheet, which could lead to substantial long-term sea level rise.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 17, 2021

Indigenous co-management essential for protecting, restoring Bears Ears region

A new study evaluates ecological legacies, archaeo-ecosystem restoration and Indigenous co-management practices in the Bears Ears region. The research found that dense concentrations of archaeological features had a higher diversity of culturally significant plant species, indicating people left behind plants as a living legacy.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 17, 2021

Scientists shed light on the mechanism of photoactivation of the orange carotenoid protein

Researchers from Federal Research Centre of Biotechnology RAS deciphered activation mechanism of Orange Carotenoid Protein (OCP) upon exposure to light. The study used structural biology, biochemistry, spectroscopy, and quantum chemistry methods to determine OCP's crystal structure with high spatial resolution.

Four Maryland engineers receive CAREER awards

University of Maryland faculty members Shelby Bensi, Gregg Duncan, Katrina Groth, and Katharina Maisel have received CAREER grants for their innovative research in hazard assessment, gene therapy, risk assessment, and immunotherapy. Their work aims to advance the fields of civil engineering, bioengineering, and mechanical engineering.

Permafrost carbon feedbacks threaten global climate goals

A new paper suggests that current carbon budgets fail to account for permafrost thawing and Arctic feedback loops, exacerbating warming and potentially triggering an exponential increase in emissions. Global leaders are urged to incorporate the latest science into climate models and update risk assessments to meet climate goals.

SourceWoodwell Climate Research Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 17, 2021

Hidden diversity

A new study describes four previously undiscovered species of sponges collected from popular dive spots in Southern California, highlighting their unique characteristics and genetic differences. The discovery sheds light on the vast diversity of marine life that remains to be explored and studied.

From Avocet to Zebra Finch: big data study finds more than 50 billion birds in the world

A new study by the University of New South Wales estimates that there are approximately 50 billion individual birds in the world, with many iconic Australian species falling within this number. However, other rare species like the Black-breasted Buttonquail have only around 100 members left, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 17, 2021

A path to aggressive breast cancer

Breast cancer researchers followed the progression of cancer in an animal model and found a path that transforms slow-growing ER+/HER2+ cancer into fast-growing ER-/HER2+ cancer. The study suggests different treatments may be needed for each subtype, depending on the path the cells follow.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 17, 2021

Skoltech researchers developed an enriched method for increasing the capacity of next-generation metal-ion battery cathode materials

Researchers at Skoltech have developed an enriched approach to boost the capacity of next-generation metal-ion battery cathode materials, applicable to lithium-ion and alternative batteries. The scalable method uses reducing agents, which can be recycled after use, making it suitable for large-scale applications.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateMay 17, 2021

Alcohol problems severely undertreated

A recent study found that only 6% of people with alcohol use disorder receive treatment, despite most having access to healthcare. The researchers suggest that primary care doctors may not feel comfortable addressing drinking issues due to lack of training, leading to a gap in treatment.

Clinical trial suggests convalescent plasma may improve survival with severe COVID-19

A randomized double-blind controlled trial of convalescent plasma for adults hospitalized with severe COVID-19 found mortality at 28 days in the treatment arm was half the rate seen in the control arm. However, treatment was not associated with other improvements in clinical status among patients.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 17, 2021

Errors in large-scale and convective tropical precipitation simulations using current global models may impact climate feedback

Research highlights model biases in simulating large-scale and convective precipitation, leading to inaccurate rainfall projections. The study suggests that accurate convective/large-scale rainfall partitions are necessary for reliable climate projections.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateMay 17, 2021

Researchers reveal new tool to help prevent suicide

Researchers at Swansea and Cardiff universities have developed the Risk of Suicide Protocol (RoSP), a guide for health professionals to identify individuals at risk of taking their own lives. The protocol assesses 20 key aspects of a person's life, enabling clinicians to formulate problems and develop safety plans to help those in need.

SourceSwansea University·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·DateMay 17, 2021

Uninsured cancer patients 60-64 face worse outcomes than Medicare beneficiaries aged 66-69

A lack of insurance leads to worse cancer survival across the 16 most common cancers, with uninsured patients 60-64 facing significantly poorer outcomes than their older counterparts. This disparity is driven by the high costs of newer potentially lifesaving treatments, which can be unaffordable for those without insurance.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMay 17, 2021

Linguistic and biological diversity linked

Researchers found that Indigenous languages overlap with 8,200 species ranges in African UNESCO sites, suggesting a strong connection between cultural and biodiversity preservation. The study suggests engaging Indigenous people in governance to redesign management strategies and conserve localities.

SourcePenn State·JournalConservation Biology·DateMay 17, 2021

Exposure to lead can cause epigenetic changes even at relatively low levels

Researchers found that even low levels of lead exposure can cause epigenetic changes, including a decrease in DNA methylation, which may precede cellular disorders. The study suggests that these changes could be an early warning sign of potential health problems, highlighting the need for better public policy to minimize lead exposure.

Mammals in the time of dinosaurs held each other back

A new study suggests that it was not dinosaurs but other mammals that competed with modern mammals before and after the mass extinction of dinosaurs. The research identifies the evolutionary limits placed on different groups of mammals, revealing a more complex story of competition between distinct mammal groups.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 17, 2021

Mother's scent triggers face-selective responses in infants

Research using electroencephalography found that exposure to maternal odors facilitates categorization of face-like objects in infants' brains. This study suggests that the right occipitotemporal cortex plays a key role in this process, potentially indicating an earlier emergence of hemisphere advantages for face recognition.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 17, 2021

Shortcut for dendritic cells

Researchers at ETH Zurich have discovered that dendritic cells can migrate more quickly to lymph nodes via a newly found pathway during inflammation. This route allows them to bypass the slow and energy-intensive process of entering capillary vessels, enabling faster immune activation and response.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMay 17, 2021

Stair climbing offers significant cardiovascular and muscular benefits for heart patients

A team of McMaster University researchers found that stair-climbing routines provide significant cardiovascular and muscular benefits for heart patients. Brief, vigorous stair-climbing and traditional moderate-intensity exercise both changed fitness levels, which is a key predictor of mortality after a cardiac event.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateMay 17, 2021

Rare COVID-19 response in children explained

A Yale-led study discovered that children with multi-system inflammatory response (MIS-C) exhibit unique immune system signatures, including elevated alarmins and adaptive immune responses. These findings may aid in diagnosis and early treatment of the condition, which can be fatal if left untreated.

SourceYale University·JournalImmunity·DateMay 17, 2021

Diamonds engage both optical microscopy and MRI for better imaging

Researchers have developed microdiamond tracers that can provide information via both MRI and optical fluorescence simultaneously, allowing high-quality images up to a centimeter below the surface of tissue. This technique enables faster imaging and overcomes the limitation of light microscopy in probing deeper tissues.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 17, 2021

Engineered organism could diagnose Crohn's disease flareups

Researchers at Rice University engineered a pH-sensing gut bacteria to diagnose inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease. The organism glows green when it encounters acidic conditions, reflecting the level of acidity. This discovery could lead to non-invasive diagnosis and monitoring of acidosis in humans.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 17, 2021

Indigenous peoples in Canada have higher death rates, complications after surgery

New research published in CMAJ found Indigenous peoples in Canada experience higher rates of complications after surgery, lower surgery rates, and longer wait times for life-saving procedures. The study highlights the need for better data collection methods and real-time outcome monitoring to address structural racism in healthcare.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 17, 2021

Finerenone may delay onset of AFib in patients with chronic kidney disease, diabetes

Researchers found that finerenone reduced the risk of atrial fibrillation by 30% in patients with chronic kidney disease and Type 2 diabetes, regardless of their history with AFib. The study suggests that finerenone can delay the onset of heart rhythm disorder and protect the heart and kidneys from further damage.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 17, 2021