Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for November 1, 2021


Antibody treatment prevents inflammation in lungs, nervous system in macaques with SARS-CoV-2

A new study found that monoclonal antibodies protected aged, diabetic rhesus macaque monkeys from SARS-CoV-2 disease by reducing signs of inflammation. The treatment prevented viral RNA in the cerebrospinal fluid and infiltration of activated immune cells, suggesting a potential preventative measure for elderly residents during outbreaks.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2021

Some colleges are mammals, others are cities

The study found that institutions are optimized for their function, with community colleges being more efficient due to their smaller size. As prestigious research universities grew in size, tuition increased, faculty salaries increased, and research production dramatically increased. Despite this, completion rates remained the same.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 1, 2021

Spiders’ web secrets unraveled

Johns Hopkins researchers used AI and infrared cameras to track every movement of a spider's eight legs as it built its web. They found that web-making behaviors are similar across spiders, with the same rules governing their construction. This discovery sheds light on how small brains support complex architectural creations.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 1, 2021

The silent build-up to a super-eruption

Researchers from UNIGE and Peking University developed a technique to estimate the maximum size of a future super-eruption of Toba volcano. The study found that magma silently accumulated in the magma reservoir until massive explosions occur, with no warning signs beforehand.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeNews article·DateNov 1, 2021

How to limit global warming to 1.5C

Scientists from University of Technology Sydney developed energy-related carbon budgets for 12 main industry sectors, showing that it's still possible to limit global warming to 1.5C with timely climate action. The research provides sector-specific emission targets and a holistic model for decarbonization pathways.

Davis receives dissertation funding from NSF

Elizabeth Davis, a doctoral candidate at George Mason University, has received $25,000 in NSF grant funding to study the national emergence of newcomer schools. Her research aims to fill a gap in understanding how these schools align with immigration patterns and demographics, as well as their impact on student outcomes.

Increased take-home methadone during pandemic did not worsen outcomes

A new study by Washington State University researchers found that relaxing limits on take-home methadone doses during the COVID-19 pandemic did not lead to worse treatment outcomes. The study saw a nearly doubling of methadone take-home doses but no significant changes in emergency department visits or methadone testing.

SourceWashington State University·JournalThe American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 1, 2021

The science of acupuncture

A team of researchers identified a subset of sensory neurons present in the hindlimb region that must be activated for acupuncture to trigger an anti-inflammatory response. This discovery provides a neuroanatomic explanation for acupoint selectivity and specificity, allowing for more precise targeting of electroacupuncture.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateNov 1, 2021

Climate change to stir up global agriculture within next decade, NASA/PIK study finds

A NASA/PIK study found that new climate conditions will push crop yields outside of their normal range in more regions, particularly in breadbasket areas. This could lead to severe losses for farmers unless they adapt quickly by changing planting dates or using different crop varieties.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Food·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 1, 2021

Men experience more emotional pain during breakups

A new study of online relationship support finds that men tend to experience emotional pain more than women when their relationship takes a turn for the worse. The study analyzed over 184,000 people who posted their relationship problems online and found that communication problems were the #1 most frequent issue, with nearly 1 in 5 pe...

SourceLancaster University·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 1, 2021

Engineers invent ultra-fast manufacturing technology, eliminating need for polymer binders

Researchers at the University of South Florida have invented a new technology that enables the rapid printing of wearable and electronic sensors without the need for polymer binders. This breakthrough can significantly reduce production time, making it suitable for applications such as health monitoring, prosthetics, and robotics.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2021

Association for Molecular Pathology leaders publish recommendations to improve diagnostic testing response for current COVID-19 pandemic and future emerging outbreaks

The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) has published new guidelines to improve the US' ability to respond to emerging infectious disease outbreaks. The recommendations focus on better collaboration between public health, clinical laboratories, and government agencies.

SourceAssociation for Molecular Pathology·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateNov 1, 2021

Researchers discover predictable behavior in promising material for computer memory

A team of researchers from Georgia Tech has discovered that zirconium dioxide antiferroelectric material exhibits predictable behavior when miniaturized, following a familiar law similar to ferroelectrics. This finding could lead to the design of more effective memory components and has implications beyond memory applications.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·TypeObservational study·DateNov 1, 2021

Study IDs strategies to help recovering alcoholics

A recent qualitative study has identified six strategies that recovering alcoholics use to manage stigmas, including adopting a 'no judgment' mindset and seeking support from loved ones. The study, which conducted in-depth interviews with 22 U.S. adults who have been sober for at least 10 years, aims to provide a tool kit for helping p...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalHealth Communication·TypeSurvey·DateNov 1, 2021

Story tips: Predicting water quality, stronger & ‘stretchier’ alloys, RAPID reinforcement and mountainous water towers

Researchers create a multiscale model to track water quality indicators like nitrogen and mercury levels, incorporating biogeochemical reactions in microbially-active zones. They also develop 'stretchier' alloys by adding nano structures, which enhance strength and ductility, making them suitable for various applications. Additionally,...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2021

Four reasons why businesses won't adopt reusable packaging – and one way to address them all

A new study by Lancaster University identifies four major concerns that hinder the adoption of reusable packaging: affordability, digitalization challenges, regulatory hurdles, and data collection limitations. To address these concerns, researchers propose implementing a track and trace system using unique barcodes to enable businesses...

SourceLancaster University·JournalSustainable Production and Consumption·TypeObservational study·DateNov 1, 2021

Rice web server helps identify COVID-19 drug candidates

Researchers developed a new online portal, DINC-COVID, to speed up the identification of potential pandemic treatments. The platform incorporates models of three drug targets and uses ensemble docking to score ligands' success in binding.

SourceRice University·JournalComputers in Biology and Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 1, 2021

Surge in deaths from smoking-related cancers expected in China

Deaths from smoking-related cancers in China are projected to rise by nearly 50% over the next two decades, with an estimated 8.6 million excess deaths anticipated. If current trends continue, the goal of reducing smoking rates to 20% by 2030 may not be met, leaving a significant impact on the country's ageing population.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalTobacco Control·TypeObservational study·DateNov 1, 2021

Physicists discover how particles self-assemble

A team of physicists has discovered how DNA molecules self-organize into adhesive patches between particles in response to assembly instructions. This breakthrough enables the creation of materials with tailored structures and customizable properties.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2021

COP26 -Reducing the impact of environmentally harmful anaesthesia gases and general medical waste: anaesthetists to play their part

At COP26, anaesthesia providers agree to reduce their environmental impact by implementing seven principles: prioritizing patient safety, supporting global sustainability, and monitoring healthcare systems. The goal is to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 while minimizing material resources and financial investment.

SourceAAGBI·JournalAnaesthesia·DateNov 1, 2021

Study: Banning abortion would boost maternal mortality by double-digits

A new study estimates that banning abortion would result in a 21% increase in pregnancy-related deaths overall and a 33% increase among Black women. The study suggests that staying pregnant is more dangerous to a woman than having an abortion, with carrying a pregnancy to term being 33 times riskier than having an abortion.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalDemography·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 1, 2021

Trapping spins with sound

Scientists demonstrate acoustic manipulation of electron spins in silicon carbide, enabling efficient control of magnetic quantum properties. The technique uses surface acoustic waves to tune the spin state, preventing information loss and paving the way for more affordable quantum technologies.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2021

Centriole instability might contribute to some cases of microcephaly

Researchers at IRB Barcelona have identified γTuRC as a centriole stabilizer, revealing its role in maintaining centriole stability and preventing microcephaly. The study's findings suggest that defects in γTuRC may contribute to various human diseases, including adolescent scoliosis and male infertility.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2021

Sperm switch swimming patterns to locate egg

A new study reveals how sperm change their swimming patterns to navigate to the egg, shifting from symmetrical to asymmetrical motion. This change in behavior, called hyperactivation, enables the sperm to sweep the area once in the egg's proximity.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 1, 2021

B.C. researchers develop new test to diagnose aggressive childhood brain tumours

Researchers at UBC and BC Cancer developed a new test to distinguish between high-risk medulloblastoma cases requiring radiation therapy and lower-risk cases. This test has the potential to improve diagnosis and future treatment of childhood brain tumours worldwide, reducing unnecessary side effects and increasing cure rates.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2021

CBT intervention with yoga and education components improved pain management for patients on long-term opioids better than usual care

A randomized controlled trial found that CBT with yoga and education components significantly reduced pain impact and disability in patients on long-term opioid therapy. Patients receiving CBT also reported greater reductions in pain compared to those receiving usual care.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 1, 2021

Giving AI penalties to get better diagnoses

A new study improves AI diagnoses by penalizing algorithms for false negatives, which can be more urgent than accuracy. Researchers achieved significant improvements in precision and recall for chronic kidney disease and other conditions using cost sensitivity techniques.

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalInformatics in Medicine Unlocked·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 1, 2021

What’s down there? WHOI study shows environmental DNA is a reliable way to learn about migration from the ocean twilight zone

Researchers found that changes in eDNA concentration accurately reflect movement of creatures between the twilight zone and surface. The study provides clues about species diversity, distribution, and migration patterns using genetic material shed by marine creatures.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 1, 2021

Researchers identify ultrafast dynamics in monolayer MoS2/ReSe2 heterostructures

A team of researchers identified the ultrafast carrier dynamics in monolayer MoS2/ReSe2 heterostructures, revealing relaxation pathways and intermediate processes. The study provides comprehensive insight into photocarrier dynamics across charge separation, enabling the development of optoelectronic devices.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2021

A life less obvious: Study sheds light on the evolution of underground microbes

A new study reveals that many cratons were uninhabitable for microbes for much of their existence, with the longest period of habitability not much beyond a billion years. The deep biosphere, home to microbial life, has evolved over geologic history, and modern microbes are related to ancient ancestors in the subsurface.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 1, 2021

A superconducting silicon-photonic chip for quantum communication

Researchers have developed a superconducting silicon-photonic chip for quantum communication, enabling optimal Bell-state measurement of time-bin encoded qubits. This breakthrough enhances the key rate of secure quantum communication and removes detector side-channel attacks, significantly increasing security.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2021

Pandemic solitude was positive experience for many

A study of over 2000 participants found that time spent alone during the pandemic led to improved well-being scores, with 43% describing activities as a source of competence. Adults experienced disrupted well-being and negative mood less frequently than teenagers, highlighting the importance of solitude for mental health.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 1, 2021

How bread wheat got its gluten: Tracing the impact of a long-lost relative on modern bread wheat

Researchers sequenced DNA from 242 accessions of Aegilops tauschii, a wild relative of bread wheat, and discovered a distinct lineage that contributed to the modern wheat genome. This ancient contribution has provided valuable genetic diversity for improving disease resistance, yield, and environmental resilience in modern wheat.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2021

Lung model proves viability of spectroscopy technique

A lung model mimicking complex anatomy has enabled the assessment of respiratory volumes using a gas-in-scattering-media absorption spectroscopy (GASMAS) technique. The study demonstrates the feasibility of GASMAS to sense changes in gas volume in a controlled environment, paving the way for potential clinical applications.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2021