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Science News for November 18, 2021


Rodents could be asymptomatic carriers of SARS-like coronaviruses, study suggests

A study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that rodents have a greater diversity and accelerated rate of evolution in the ACE2 receptors used by SARS viruses. This suggests that some rodent species may be asymptomatic carriers of SARS-like coronaviruses, potentially leading to new pathogen transmission to humans.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 18, 2021

Tech companies underreport CO2 emissions

A study by Technical University of Munich found that major tech companies significantly underreported CO2 emissions from their value chain, with 50% of emissions omitted in 2019. The researchers developed a method to identify reporting gaps and estimated the omitted emissions at 751 megatons carbon dioxide equivalents.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·TypeCase study·DateNov 18, 2021

Lifestyle factors increase the risk of metabolic disease in non-obese as well as obese people

Researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and sedentary behavior significantly increase the risk of developing metabolic syndrome in non-obese individuals. Similar risk factors were identified for both obese and lean individuals, highlighting the importance of healthy ...

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateNov 18, 2021

Suicides fall during pandemic

A recent study has found that while US suicide rates fell during the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant socio-economic gap persists, with vulnerable populations disproportionately affected. The researchers highlight the need for further research and social cohesion measures to mitigate pandemic-induced suicide risk in these communities.

SourceFlinders University·JournalThe Primary Care Companion to The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 18, 2021

Slowing ahead

Researchers warn of a potential long-term economic slowdown in developed democracies, driven by factors such as aging populations, shifts to services, and debt. The team proposes a 'guided civic revival' approach to address this challenge, combining grassroots forces with government participation to promote social solidarity and unity.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateNov 18, 2021

More than counting steps: Common wearable fitness tracker helps clinicians assess at-home recovery after kids’ surgery

A recent study found that using consumer-grade wearable devices to track a child's heart rate and physical activity after surgery can help clinicians decide if at-home recovery is going as expected. The data from the wearables, coupled with parent reports, aids clinicians' decision-making and potentially prevents unnecessary ED visits.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalJournal of Pediatric Surgery·DateNov 18, 2021

New evidence that mass treatment with Ivermectin has halted spread of river blindness in two Nigerian states; Separate study shows drug’s potential to interrupt West Nile Virus transmission in US

Mass treatment with Ivermectin has halted the spread of river blindness in two Nigerian states, Plateau and Nasarawa, marking a major milestone in disease elimination efforts. Separate studies also show the potential for Ivermectin to reduce West Nile Virus transmission by mixing it into bird feed.

SourceAmerican Society of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateNov 18, 2021

The number of SARS-CoV-2 infections among vaccinated people could be overestimated unless appropriate diagnostic tests are used, says ISGlobal study

Research team discovered mRNA vaccines induce antibodies recognizing Spike and N protein fragments, potentially leading to misclassified breakthrough infections. The study suggests using multiple viral antigens for accurate detection of vaccine effectiveness.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalTranslational Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 18, 2021

Earthquakes and extreme rainfall lead to a significant increase in the rates of landslides in Nepal

A recent study found that earthquakes and extreme rainfall lead to a significant increase in landslide rates in Nepal during the monsoon season. The research, published in Nature Communications, reveals that landscape damage caused by the April 2015 Gorkha earthquake increased landslide risk by six times.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateNov 18, 2021

Researchers developed a new phonon-based and magneto-tunable monochromatic terahertz source

A team of researchers from Hefei Institutes of Physical Science and University of Science and Technology developed a highly efficient magneto-tunable monochromatic THz generator. The new source utilizes a 2D ferromagnetic Cr2Ge2Te6 crystal, exhibiting advantages such as zero threshold, high quality factor, and radiation efficiency.

Resilience of vertebrate animals in rapid decline due to manmade threats, study finds

A new study published in Ecology Letters reveals a global decline in the resilience of vertebrate populations, with accelerating loss of ecological functions and services. The research found that cumulative effects of anthropogenic threats such as climate change, invasive species, habitat loss, and pollution are driving this loss.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalEcology Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 18, 2021

Scientists capture humor’s earliest emergence

Researchers found that humour emerges as early as 1 month, with different types of humour developing at various ages. By 11 months, half the children were producing humour, often within a few hours. The study identified 21 types of humour in young children, shedding light on their cognitive, social, and mental health development.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalBehavior Research Methods·TypeSurvey·DateNov 18, 2021

A first biodegradable version of velcro has been created, drawing inspiration from climbing plants, to safeguard the environment

A research team led by Barbara Mazzolai has created a soft, biodegradable, and soluble velcro that mimics the micro-hook structure of leaves on the 'catchweed' plant, enabling devices for environmental monitoring and precision farming. The technology reduces pesticide use and promotes sustainable agriculture practices.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalCommunications Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021

High consumption of cow’s milk associated with higher risk of developing preclinical type 1 diabetes in genetically predisposed children

A study by Katariina Koivusaari found that high cow's milk consumption is associated with a higher risk of developing preclinical type 1 diabetes in genetically predisposed children. The study also linked high-temperature treated infant formula to an increased risk of asthma in children.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalPediatric Allergy and Immunology·DateNov 18, 2021

Why it’s time to stop defining a nation’s success through economic growth

A new paper cautions that slow economic growth may bring challenges, particularly in multicultural democracies like the US, affecting social solidarity, opportunity, inequality, and trust in government. The authors propose a 'guided civic revival' to address these challenges by strengthening democratic institutions, increasing social i...

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 18, 2021

Gene regulation of the X chromosome during monkey development

Researchers from ASHBi at Kyoto University have made a breakthrough discovery on X-chromosome dosage compensation in monkeys. In contrast to mice, both X chromosomes are inactivated in female and male monkey embryos prior to implantation, but not after. This finding provides new insights into human embryonic development and may help ex...

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021

How do we know we're tired?

Researchers discovered a mechanism of sleep in zebrafish and mice, linking PARP1 protein to signaling the brain for sleep. Six hours of sleep per night is sufficient to reduce DNA damage, highlighting the importance of adequate sleep for efficient DNA repair.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 18, 2021

Quantum brain sensors could be crucial in spotting dementia after University of Sussex scientists find they can track brain waves

Researchers have developed highly sensitive quantum sensors for the brain that can detect magnetic fields generated when neurons fire. This technology introduces a new method to spot bio-markers of early health problems, such as Alzheimer's disease. The sensors are believed to be more accurate than existing EEG and fMRI scanners.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021

Study confirms that Gabon is the largest stronghold for critically endangered African forest elephants

A comprehensive survey conducted by the Wildlife Conservation Society and partners estimates that 95,000 forest elephants live in Gabon, confirming it as the principal stronghold for this species. The study provides hope for the future of the critically endangered African forest elephant population.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalGlobal Ecology and Conservation·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 18, 2021

Warmer soil stores less carbon

Researchers found that warmer soil releases less carbon, but coarse-textured soils are more vulnerable to climate change. The study's findings highlight the importance of understanding soil types and their impact on carbon storage.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 18, 2021

Bubbling up: Previously hidden environmental impact of bursting bubbles exposed in new study

A University of Illinois study examines the transport of aerosolized organic materials from bursting bubbles into the air. The research found that the viscosity and thickness of oil layers control the shape, size, and velocity of resulting bursting jets, with implications for contaminant dispersal and climate modeling.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021

Most comprehensive analysis to date reveals 30% of healthcare personnel in US hospitals remain unvaccinated against COVID-19

A recent CDC analysis found that vaccination rates among US hospital personnel stalled after initial uptake, with 30% remaining unvaccinated as of September 2021. The analysis, which included data from over 3.3 million healthcare workers, revealed that vaccine mandates and educational efforts could help improve coverage.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 18, 2021

Researchers study the link between vitamin D and inflammation

Researchers discovered that a specialized form of vitamin D can reduce inflammation caused by T cells in lung cells, which may be relevant to severe COVID-19. The study suggests that adding this concentrated intravenous metabolite to existing treatments could help patients recover from COVID infections.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021

Nations are overusing natural resources faster than they are meeting basic human needs

The study tracked nations' progress in meeting basic needs and respecting environmental limits, finding that no country meets both criteria without overconsuming resources. Wealthy countries like the US and UK drive ecological breakdown while poor countries like Bangladesh struggle to meet basic human needs.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 18, 2021

Connecting the dots for health data

CanDIG, a collaboration of computer scientists, AI specialists, clinicians, and geneticists, enables studies needed to address health challenges in Canada. The platform is helping scientists access large-scale genomics data and connect Canada's genomic datasets to those from around the world.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalCell Genomics·DateNov 18, 2021

Preventing “alien” invasions

A new article from McGill University researchers advocates for bolstering planetary biosecurity to address potential biological contamination risks from space missions. Early detection and rapid response protocols, informed by knowledge gained from invasion science, are crucial for preventing the spread of alien biological contaminants.

SourceMcGill University·JournalBioScience·DateNov 18, 2021

Personalized T cell immunotherapy for pediatric brain tumors is one step closer to becoming a reality

Researchers at Children's National Hospital have successfully developed a personalized T cell immunotherapy that targets and kills unique proteins in individual tumor cells. This approach, combining genetic sequencing and protein identification, offers a promising treatment option for children with hard-to-treat brain tumors.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 18, 2021

A puppy’s diet seems to be a sig­ni­fic­ant factor in the de­vel­op­ment of al­lergy and atopy re­lated skin symp­toms in adult dogs

Researchers studied 4022 dogs fed different diets as puppies to see if it affected allergy and atopy related skin symptoms in adulthood. They found that puppies fed raw tripe, organ meats, and human meal leftovers had fewer allergies and skin issues.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalJournal of Veterinary Internal Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateNov 18, 2021

New imaging technology developed by UCLA research team may reduce need for skin biopsies

A new virtual histology technology may reduce the need for invasive skin biopsies, providing a biopsy-free solution for rapid diagnosis of malignant skin tumors. The technology uses deep-learning frameworks to transform images of intact skin into detailed, virtually stained images.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalLight Science & Applications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021

3D printing approaches atomic dimensions

Researchers have developed a new electrochemical technique for printing metal objects at the nanoscale, achieving resolutions of up to 25 nanometres in diameter. This technology has vast potential applications in fields like microelectronics, sensor technology, and battery production.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021

AI that classifies colorectal polyps proves useful in the clinic

A new AI model has been developed to classify colorectal polyps, demonstrating accuracy and sensitivity at a level comparable to practicing pathologists. The model was tested in a clinical trial involving 15 pathologists, showing significant improvements in accuracy compared to traditional methods.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 18, 2021

Can appearing less educated help right-leaning candidates win votes from the poor?

Researchers find that right-wing parties in Brazil successfully employ descriptive representation to connect with poor voters, nominating less educated candidates. However, they also face challenges due to the unavailability of less educated candidates and potential voter backlash against less capable politicians.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalAmerican Journal of Political Science·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 18, 2021

New tool can detect a precursor of engine-destroying combustion instability

A team of scientists from Tokyo University of Science has developed a machine learning-based tool to predict thermoacoustic oscillations in engines. The tool uses dynamical systems theory and can classify combustion into three states, identifying pressure fluctuations that indicate future combustion oscillations.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalAIAA Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 18, 2021

Macrogrid study: Big value in connecting America’s eastern and western power grids

Researchers found that bigger connections between the two grids can increase transmission capacity and provide significant value through sharing generation resources and flexibility across regions. The study suggests that a macrogrid could pay for itself in three primary ways: by helping different parts of the country meet their peak d...

SourceIowa State University·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 18, 2021

UMD researchers unlock the potential of trees for managing environmental impacts in cities

Researchers found that individual urban trees, such as street trees, can capture and store rainfall at a rate of three times that of clusters or patches. The study used sap flux sensors to monitor transpiration rates in 18 mature red maple trees, revealing significantly higher transpiration rates in single trees compared to cluster trees.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 18, 2021

Prize-winning technology for large-scale energy storage

Researchers at Linköping University have developed a concept for large-scale energy storage that is safe, cheap and sustainable. The technology uses wood-based electrodes and a new type of water-based electrolyte, achieving a world record for energy storage with organic electrodes in water-based electrolytes.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAdvanced Energy and Sustainability Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021

White people trained in mindfulness were three times more likely to help Black people in staged scenarios, new study finds

A new study found that white people trained in mindfulness were three times more likely to help black people in staged scenarios than those who were not trained. However, preferential helping of other white people remained, and participants preferred to help racial ingroup members.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021

EU/EEA during COVID-19 pandemic: Largest annual decrease in antibiotic use in the community in two decades

The European Union and European Economic Area saw a significant decline in antibiotic consumption in 2020, with a 18% decrease compared to 2019. This decline was largely attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to reduced primary care consultations for mild infections.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 18, 2021

Swapping small talk with strangers for deeper dialogue offers surprising rewards

Researchers found that both deep and shallow conversations felt less awkward and led to greater feelings of connectedness and enjoyment than expected. People underestimated how interested strangers were in their deeper thoughts and feelings, but accurate expectations increased interest in having a deeper conversation.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021

Promising treatment for Alexander disease moves from rat model to human clinical trials

A new study provides preliminary data for a human clinical trial of a treatment that targets the root cause of Alexander disease. The treatment has shown promising results in halting the progression of the disease and even reversing some symptoms in rat models, which better represent the human condition.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021

Efficient photon upconversion at an organic semiconductor interface

Researchers developed novel photon upconversion systems with heterojunctions of bilayer films of organic semiconductors, achieving two orders of magnitude higher external quantum efficiency than conventional systems. This breakthrough enables bright yellow emission in flexible thin films for optogenetics and biosensing applications.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021

Antarctic ice-sheet destabilized within a decade

A new data-model study suggests that the Antarctic Ice Sheet's tipping point was reached within a decade, leading to centuries of ice mass loss and potential irreversible ice retreat. The research team analyzed sediment cores and computer models to identify evidence of post-glacial tipping points in the past.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 18, 2021

Study: NFL failed to follow its own policy in punishing violent offenses

A study published in the Journal of Sport and Social Issues found that NFL players who committed general violence received shorter suspensions than those who committed violence against women. The league punished players for drug offenses twice as much as those for general violent behavior, according to researchers.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalJournal of Sport and Social Issues·TypeContent analysis·DateNov 18, 2021

PPPL scientists create insights into perhaps the most extreme state of matter produced on Earth

Physicists at PPPL have discovered a new way to measure and understand high-energy-density plasmas, which are essential for fine-tuning inertial confinement fusion experiments. The study revealed that ion temperatures and electron temperatures were not equivalent, providing new insights into the behavior of these extreme states of matter.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021

Speeding up the energy transition reduces climate risks

Researchers from Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) propose a radical approach to accelerate the energy transition. By using fossil power plants at full capacity and building solar infrastructure, they aim to minimize cumulative CO2 emissions and complete the energy transition within five years.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 18, 2021

Balancing fear

The insular cortex processes both positive and negative emotions and receives information from the body, including heart rate and breathing. In mice, the brain uses bodily signals to regulate fear, keeping it within a healthy range.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021

Deep learning can eliminate skin biopsies by creating virtual histology of intact tissue

A new deep learning-powered approach transforms RCM images into virtually-stained H&E images, enabling the analysis of microscopic skin features without invasive biopsies. This technique, called virtual histology, can diagnose various skin conditions, including basal cell carcinoma and melanocytic nevi.

Researchers deliver road map of lung development

A team of researchers has created a detailed map of the proteins in human lungs, shedding light on how the organs develop and function. The study found that the immune system in the lungs continues to mature after birth, providing new avenues for understanding diseases such as asthma and COVID-19.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 18, 2021

Developing high-performance MXene electrodes for next-generation powerful battery

Scientists from City University of Hong Kong successfully developed battery-like electrochemical Nb2CTx MXene electrodes with stable voltage output and high energy density. The findings break the performance bottleneck of MXene devices, exhibiting superior rate capability, durable cyclic performance, and high energy density.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalJoule·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021

Big data reveals economic polarization in public interest in earthquakes

A study using Google Trends and Wikipedia search volume found that public interest in earthquakes is dependent on the income level of the affected country. Earthquakes in developing countries receive less international attention than those in developed countries, with interest often dwindling within a week. However, interest persists f...

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·DateNov 18, 2021