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Science News for May 20, 2021


Condensing by turning toward the crowd

A new mechanism of condensation has been discovered in self-propelled particles, where they turn and move toward dense regions to accumulate. This finding challenges the traditional understanding of condensation, which relies on attractive forces between molecules.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Physics·DateMay 20, 2021

Antioxidant protein inside the cell worsens inflammation outside

A new study suggests that DJ-1 protein, which protects against free radicals inside cells, worsens inflammation outside the cell, leading to exacerbated pathologies in ischemic stroke. The researchers identified DJ-1 as a previously unknown inflammatogenic DAMP that may be a potential target for therapeutic intervention.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 20, 2021

Self-organizing human heart organoids

Researchers have successfully grown sesame-seed-sized heart models using human pluripotent stem cells, which spontaneously self-organize into a hollow chamber without experimental scaffolds. The cardioids' wall-like tissue contracts rhythmically to squeeze liquid around the inside cavity, mimicking natural development.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateMay 20, 2021

Challenging the standard model of cancer

Researchers propose a new atavistic model of cancer, suggesting that ancient genes and reversions to ancestral forms are responsible for cancer's ability to survive and proliferate. The Serial Atavism Model challenges the conventional standard model of cancer, offering a novel perspective on the disease.

SourceArizona State University·JournalBioEssays·DateMay 20, 2021

UC leads infant health study

Researchers and community members collaborate to develop a program promoting healthy eating habits in infants, addressing real barriers faced by families. The study aims to improve nutrition and behavior outcomes, with the goal of reducing obesity risk later in childhood and adulthood.

Across US, COVID-19 death rate higher for those with IDD

A new study published in Disability and Health Journal found that COVID-19 death rates are higher for people with IDD who live in congregate settings. The research team analyzed data from 12 US jurisdictions and compared COVID-19 case-fatality rates among people with IDD to those in the general population.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalDisability and Health Journal·DateMay 20, 2021

Skoltech team completes a large-scale study into the role of RNA maturation for organ development

The Skoltech team created a genome-wide atlas of developmental alternative splicing changes in seven organs across six mammal species and chicken. Alternative splicing plays a crucial role in forming organs like the brain, heart, and testes, but is less significant for others like the liver and kidneys.

Global pollen samples reveal vegetation rate of change

Researchers analyzed global pollen data to study the global rate of change in vegetation, finding a worldwide acceleration in compositional change between 4.6 and 2.9 thousand years ago. Human influence on terrestrial ecosystems exceeds climate-driven transformation during this period.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateMay 20, 2021

Swifts set new record for swiftness

Researchers tracked swifts using miniature technology and found they can migrate 570 kilometers a day, with some journeys reaching over 830 kilometers. The birds use a 'fly-and-forage' strategy, fueling and foraging along the way to reduce fuel costs and maximize speed.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·DateMay 20, 2021

Young orangutans have sex-specific role models

Young male and female orangutans exhibit distinct preferences for role models, with males learning from immigrant adults and females from their mothers. These differences reflect the animals' ecological needs and adaptability, highlighting the significance of social learning in shaping behavior.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 20, 2021

Study: Culture influences mask wearing

A new study finds that cultural collectivism is a strong predictor of mask usage in the US and globally, with high collectivistic cultures encouraging masking. The study analyzed datasets from the US and 29 countries, controlling for other factors to confirm the link between collectivism and mask use.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 2021

How injured nerves stop themselves from healing

Researchers found that a protein called CXCL12 attracts growing nerve fibers and keeps them entrapped at the injury site. This prevents regeneration in the central nervous system. Eliminating the receptor for CXCL12 improved axonal regeneration, offering a potential starting point for new drugs.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 2021

New study presents evaporation-driven transport-control of small molecules along nanoslits

Researchers develop a new technique to control the transport of small molecules in gas-permeable nanoslits, which enables various applications such as molecule-valving, -concentrating and -pumping. The study shows that evaporation flux and nanoslit length govern the transport of small molecules.

Engineering smarter stents

A new type of coronary artery stent is being developed with ultra-low profile struts and a smart surface that can help improve healing and prevent blood clots. The stents aim to reduce the risk of restenosis and thrombosis, which occur in 3-10% of cases.

Slow yoga prevents fainting

A randomized study found that guided yoga therapy was more effective in preventing fainting and improving quality of life compared to standard treatment. The study enrolled 100 patients with vasovagal syncope and found that the yoga group had fewer blackouts and better quality of life scores at 3, 6, and 12 months.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEP Europace·DateMay 20, 2021

A new form of carbon

A team of researchers has discovered a new form of carbon that exhibits metallic properties, unlike graphene. The material, named Biphenylene network, is made by assembling carbon-containing molecules on an extremely smooth gold surface and has the potential to be used as conducting wires in future carbon-based electronic devices.

SourceAalto University·JournalScience·DateMay 20, 2021

The driving force behind tropical mudslides

A study led by a Syracuse University Ph.D. candidate reveals that tectonically active faults are the main force behind tropical mudslides in Colombia. The research uses thermochronology data to show that erosion rates are highest near areas with active faults, not just precipitation rates.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalTectonics·DateMay 20, 2021

Electrons riding a double wave

Researchers have developed a novel hybrid accelerator that uses both plasma acceleration and electron bunches to accelerate particles to high energies. The new technology has the potential to shrink existing accelerators by up to 1000 times, making them more compact and cost-effective.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 20, 2021