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Science News for May 5, 2021


A touch from a conversing robot is linked to positive emotional state

A study published in PLOS ONE found that participants who were touched by a humanoid robot during conversation reported a better emotional state. Those who received non-functional touch from the robot were more likely to comply with requests and exhibit positive behavioral responses, suggesting potential for robots to boost motivation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 5, 2021

Study shows how low-protein intake during pregnancy can cause renal problems in offspring

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that low-protein intake during pregnancy can lead to a significant decrease in the number of nephrons in offspring, resulting in hypertensive effects and kidney damage. The researchers discovered this effect by analyzing microRNA expression in rat embryos fed with a low-protein diet during ges...

How mitochondria make the cut

Researchers investigated mitochondrial fission and discovered two types of division: midzone and peripheral. Midzone divisions have textbook machinery, while peripheral divisions are associated with stress and dysfunction. The study sheds light on regulation mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for human diseases.

What is driving reductions in residential greenhouse gas emissions in the US?

A Yale School of Environment study found that efficiencies in new home construction, energy consumption, and household appliances have contributed to lower emissions, but other factors may cancel out progress. The researchers suggest shifting from single-family housing to multi-family housing could reduce energy demand by up to 47%.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMay 5, 2021

Can Twitter help improve dental education?

Studies found Twitter's real-time Q&A sessions and semi-anonymous interactions can benefit students' engagement and confidence. However, barriers to Twitter's use in dental education include privacy concerns and professionalism issues.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Dental Education·DateMay 5, 2021

340B hospitals offer more assistance removing barriers to medication access

According to a new study, hospitals participating in the 340B Drug Pricing Program provide more medication access services than comparably sized non-340B hospitals. The study found that 340B hospitals offered an average of 6.2 services, including prior authorization assistance and free or discounted outpatient medications.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalResearch in Social and Administrative Pharmacy·DateMay 5, 2021

Large bumblebees start work earlier

Researchers found that larger, more experienced bumblebees begin foraging at dawn despite poor visibility. This suggests that knowledge of food locations helps them navigate safely, and they can capitalize on the benefits of extra foraging time during early morning.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateMay 5, 2021

Meet the freaky fanged frog from the Philippines

Researchers at the University of Kansas have described a new species of fanged frog found in the Philippines, which was previously thought to be the same as another species on a neighboring island. The Mindoro Fanged Frog has distinct genetic differences and unique mating calls, setting it apart from its cousin.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalIchthyology & Herpetology·DateMay 5, 2021

Which medications are most toxic to the liver?

A recent study analyzing 156,570 hospitalized patients found that anti-infective agents, cancer medications, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were the most toxic to the liver. Voriconazole, an antifungal medication, was associated with the highest incidence of drug-induced liver injury.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateMay 5, 2021

Africa's oldest human burial site uncovered

A team of researchers from CNRS has uncovered the earliest human burial site in Africa, dated to approximately 78,000 years ago. The discovery at Panga ya Saidi in Kenya reveals a complex funerary treatment involving a shroud and potential ritual participation from the child's community.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature·DateMay 5, 2021

Dark matter detection

Scientists are certain that dark matter exists, but have no direct evidence. Researchers at the University of Delaware propose using tabletop sensors to detect ultralight dark matter particles. They plan to use optomechanical accelerometers to measure changes in acceleration between materials.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 5, 2021

Dexamethasone treatment safe in surgery

A large clinical trial has definitively shown that dexamethasone, a steroid commonly used during anaesthesia before surgery, does not increase the risk of surgical wound infections. The study enrolled over 8,700 patients and found no significant difference in wound infection rates between those receiving dexamethasone and placebo.

SourceMonash University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 5, 2021

Light pollution at night affects the calls of migratory birds

Research published in Ibis found that call rates of migratory birds were significantly higher in urban areas compared to villages, indicating a impact of artificial light on bird migration. The study suggests that improved management of urban lighting is necessary to mitigate this effect.

SourceWiley·JournalIbis·DateMay 5, 2021

Biophotonics in photomedicine

Researchers are bridging gaps between scientists from different fields to merge knowledge and create innovated, reliable products. Biophotonic innovations are expected to transform healthcare for the next few decades.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalBIO Integration·DateMay 5, 2021

Why robots need reflexes - interview

The study used a slap on the hand as a test subject to examine reflexes and their coordination. The researchers found that humans anticipate pain when reacting to potential harm, which could be applied to robot development for improved safety. Robots can learn from human reflex systems to develop intelligent protective mechanisms.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 5, 2021

How accurate are virtual assessments of cognitive function?

A study analyzed 121 published studies on virtual and in-person cognitive assessments for diagnosing dementia or mild cognitive impairment. The analysis found good reliability and accuracy of virtual assessments for diagnosing dementia, but identified barriers to implementing cognitive assessments for older adults.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMay 5, 2021

New method identifies tau aggregates occurring in healthy body structures

Researchers developed a method to visualize small tau protein aggregates forming under normal physiology, distinguishing them from pathological aggregates. The new approach uses high-resolution microscopy and machine learning to identify healthy tau aggregates, offering potential for new treatments for neurological diseases.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 5, 2021

Is PTSD overdiagnosed?

Experts argue that PTSD is often conflated with normal responses to stress, leading to increased pressure on services. However, another study suggests that PTSD may be underdiagnosed, with only a small proportion of those seeking help receiving a diagnosis.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMay 5, 2021

High school student's study models droplet spread

A high school student's study models the spread of macroscopic droplets from a simulated cough with and without mask use. The findings suggest that barriers can play a crucial role in controlling droplet spread, especially when masks cannot be worn.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 5, 2021

When algorithms go bad: How consumers respond

A new study finds that consumers penalize brands less when an algorithm causes a brand harm crisis, as perceived agency and responsibility for the error mediate their responses. Marketers should deploy and monitor algorithms with heightened vigilance and provide technological supervision to reduce negative consumer responses.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMay 5, 2021

Mysterious hydrogen-free supernova sheds light on stars' violent death throes

Astronomers have discovered a mysterious yellow star that exploded without the typical hydrogen layer, revealing new insights into the violent death throes of massive stars. The discovery challenges current understanding of stellar evolution and suggests that these stars may undergo catastrophic eruptions before exploding.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 5, 2021

Now available with a negative charge too

Researchers have introduced a new anionic organoborane compound, borafluorene, which is a system of three carbon rings joined at the edges with a boron atom. The team used carbenes to stabilize the elusive anions and demonstrated their potential as chemical building blocks.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 5, 2021

Do bacteria in the mouth affect risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis?

Researchers discovered a possible link between oral microbes and rheumatoid arthritis, finding similar bacterial compositions in patients' mouths as those at risk of developing the disease. The study suggests that potentially pro-inflammatory bacteria, such as Prevotella and Veillonella, may play a role in the disease

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateMay 5, 2021

Expanded contraception access led to higher graduation rates for young women in Colorado

A study found that increased access to birth control in Colorado led to a 1.66 percentage-point increase in high school graduation among young women one year after the initiative was introduced. The research provides evidence for the U.S. Title X program's goal of ensuring low-income and uninsured residents can complete their education.

Greater access to birth control leads to higher graduation rates

A new study published in Science Advances found that increased access to birth control in Colorado led to a 14% decrease in the percentage of young women who left high school before graduating. The program, which expanded access to more forms of contraception, also showed improvements in graduation rates among Hispanic women.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalJournal of Mathematical Sciences Advances and Applications·DateMay 5, 2021

Bees thrive where it's hot and dry: A unique biodiversity hotspot located in North America

A recent study found that more than 470 bee species inhabit a 16 km2 area of protected Chihuahuan Desert, representing 14% of the known United States bee fauna. This biodiversity hotspot provides valuable insights into native bee diversity and highlights the need for baseline information to assess human impact on bee faunas.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalJournal of Hymenoptera Research·DateMay 5, 2021

Countries denied access to medicines and vaccines they help develop

A Yale-led study found that new medicines and vaccines approved for use in the US are often not accessible in countries where they were developed, highlighting gaps in access to new medications. The study suggests that governments of host countries should require pharmaceutical companies to commit to submitting marketing approval appli...

SourceYale University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 5, 2021

SMART evaluates impact of competition between autonomous vehicles and public transit

A Singapore-based study found that competition between autonomous mobility services and public transit can lead to increased profits, system efficiency, and benefits for the public. However, it may also result in uneven social costs, such as higher travel costs or longer travel times, especially for vulnerable groups.

Mantis shrimp eyes inspire six-color imaging platform for cancer surgery

Researchers have developed a six-color imaging platform inspired by mantis shrimp eyes to accurately label tumors in mice and visualize lymph nodes near breast cancer tumors. The system detected cancerous tissue in 92% of cases and successfully integrated into the operating room without disrupting surgeons' workflow.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 5, 2021

Medicaid enrollment during COVID-19 pandemic

The study analyzed changes in Medicaid enrollment for all 50 states and the District of Columbia during the first nine months of last year during the COVID-19 pandemic. Medicaid enrollment increased by 22% compared to the previous year, with a significant increase in new enrollments, totaling 5.4 million.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 5, 2021