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Science News for November 2, 2021


NREL researchers point toward energy efficiency instead of long-term storage

Researchers found that incorporating energy efficiency measures can minimize long-duration storage, reducing the need for renewable resources. By optimizing mix of renewables, oversized generation capacities, and energy efficiency investments, achieving 100% renewable energy becomes more achievable and cost-effective.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalRenewable Energy and Environmental Sustainability·DateNov 2, 2021

Revising a generalized spin current theory for the magnetoelectric effect in multiferroics

The team of researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a generalized spin current theory that accounts for various multiferroic scenarios and provides a transparent toy model for electric polarization. The study demonstrates how the new theory can effectively rationalize the properties of multiferroic materials.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 2, 2021

Not silent yet; the shifting sounds of spring

A new study reveals that spring soundscape acoustic diversity and intensity are declining due to changes in bird communities. The research suggests that reductions in natural soundscapes may be the primary mechanism through which population declines impact humans.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 2, 2021

When building rapport, sometimes less is more

Research from the University of Georgia found that using verbal commonalities alone was more effective in building rapport than combining it with nonverbal mirroring. Participants were willing to discuss personal topics when interviewer used verbal commonalities, but not when combined with mirroring.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalCommunication Studies·DateNov 2, 2021

Poverty in unmarried-parent families: A fresh perspective from Pusan National University

Researchers at Pusan National University and Columbia University reanalyzed poverty estimates in unmarried parent families using the 'Supplemental Poverty Measure' (SPM), accounting for specific criteria. The analysis revealed significant drops in poverty rates over time, particularly for single-mother families.

SourcePusan National University·JournalPopulation Research and Policy Review·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 2, 2021

CABI study assesses the capacity and responsiveness of Kenya’s national invasive species system

A CABI-led study developed a framework for assessing the performance and responsiveness of an invasive species system in Kenya. The approach enabled identifying opportunities and challenges from various actor perspectives, highlighting the need for better financing, leadership, and coordination to effectively manage invasive species.

SourceCABI·JournalCABI Agriculture and Bioscience·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 2, 2021

Movement of plankton between tropical marine ecosystems drives “sweet spots” for fishing

A new analysis reveals that plankton-eating fish play a central role in driving local spikes of extreme biological productivity in tropical coral reefs. These 'sweet spots' concentrate abundant fish production, making them optimal for fishing. The study's findings hold significance for the future of tropical reef fisheries as coral ree...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 2, 2021

Tel Aviv University researchers have discovered a mechanism that helps plants cope with water shortages

Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered a central mechanism in plants that helps them deal with drought conditions and water shortages. They found that the ABA signal molecule is stored in inactive state in leaves and released under desired conditions, allowing plants to rapidly respond to changing environmental conditions.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 2, 2021

Late bombardment of the Moon revealed

Scientists from the University of Münster used precise isotope measurements to determine that the Moon's heavy bombardment 3.9 billion years ago was caused by continuous impacts of leftover asteroids from the main phase of Earth's formation. The study rules out a sudden increase in impact rate due to outer solar system bodies.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 2, 2021

Study identifies specific drugs that can prevent disease-causing activity of key immune cells

A study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers has identified specific drugs that can selectively block the polarization of M2-type macrophages, which exacerbate diseases such as wet age-related macular degeneration. The findings suggest that these drugs could be repurposed for new therapies to influence disease outcomes.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2021

Researchers quantify the role of the pandemic in the 2020 US Elections

A team of researchers led by Maurizio Porfiri found that counties with fewer COVID-19 cases voted more for Joe Biden than Donald Trump. The study used a spatial data modeling approach to analyze county-level data and determine the influence of epidemiological and economic processes on voting behavior.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalThe European Physical Journal Special Topics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 2, 2021

Motorways shape the sociology of cities

Researchers found that motorway connections lead to a 42% increase in wealthy households but only a 5% increase in lower-income households. This results in higher land prices and urban sprawl, disproportionately affecting those with modest incomes.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalThe Economic Journal·TypeNews article·DateNov 2, 2021

Better models of atmospheric ‘detergent’ can help predict climate change

Researchers used computer simulations to predict the presence of hydroxyl radicals, which clean pollutants from the atmosphere. The study showed that traditional models had widely varying forecasts due to uncertainties in gas emissions, and that better models can aid in combating climate change.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 2, 2021

Research shows mass production can make customised PPE for healthcare workers

A team of researchers has successfully designed and manufactured customised respiratory protection for healthcare workers using digital facial capture. The technology, developed by the University of Birmingham and King's College London, provides a comfortable close-fitting seal suitable for nearly 90% of face shapes and sizes.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 2, 2021

Giant leap taken in fighting antibiotic resistance

Researchers have made a giant leap in fighting antibiotic resistance by using supercomputers to redesign existing antibiotics. The new approach shows that the redesigned antibiotic is up to 56 times more active than two existing antibiotics on the World Health Organisation's list, and potentially effective against three top-ranked bact...

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2021

The influence collective risks have on the acceptance of social norms is being analysed

A study by UC3M researchers found that higher collective risks lead to stronger social norms and increased punishment for non-compliance. However, as perceived risk decreases, compliance with these norms also drops. The study, published in Nature Communications, provides evidence on how collective risks impact social behavior.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2021

Social motivation in voles differs by species and sex

A study reveals that prairie voles are highly motivated by social interactions with familiar animals, while meadow voles tolerate friends and family but lack strong motivation. Oxytocin receptor density is associated with individual variation in social behavior.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateNov 2, 2021

Abnormal brain changes over time with bipolar disorder

Longitudinal study reveals cortical thinning in people with bipolar disorder, especially those with more manic episodes. The findings suggest that bipolar disorder may be a neuroprogressive disorder, worsened by the progression of symptoms.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateNov 2, 2021

Researcher traces concept of taste in literature to 16th century

A researcher has traced the concept of taste in literature to the 16th century, highlighting Francis Bacon's 1597 aphorism that influenced the development of aesthetic discrimination. The study utilized Early English Books Online and found language patterns that shifted over time, ultimately leading to the modern meaning of taste.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalTextual Cultures·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 2, 2021

A commonly found parasite could treat certain types of cancer, say scientists

Researchers found that Toxoplasma gondii, a commonly found parasite, can 'tame' the parasite to induce inflammatory responses and make tumours more responsive to treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors. This approach has shown promise in treating melanoma, Lewis lung carcinoma, and colon adenocarcinoma in mouse models.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2021

Coronavirus: Minimal transmission risk when playing football

A study by the Universities of Basel and Saarland found almost no risk of coronavirus infection in football players, contradicting previous assumptions about team contact risks. The research team collected data from over 1,300 cases and concluded that outdoor sports with minimal physical contact pose a very low risk of infection.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateNov 2, 2021

Prior poor mental health is associated with higher COVID-19 infection rates

A nationwide US population-level study found that prior poor mental health at the county level had a positive and significant association with COVID-19 infection rates. Areas with greater vulnerability in poor mental health prior to the pandemic had a greater burden of COVID-19. The study used aggregated survey data from 2,839 US count...

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 2, 2021

C4 bioenergy grass: Working towards higher productivity under fluctuating light

A recent study found that C4 bioenergy grass species outperform C3 species in assimilating carbon during fluctuating light conditions. This discovery could lead to increased productivity and reduced dependence on fossil fuels through targeted plant breeding programs.

One in twenty achieve remission from type 2 diabetes

Researchers found that around 5% of patients with type 2 diabetes in Scotland are in remission, suggesting a need for updated guidelines to support clinicians. Individuals in remission tend to be older and have lower blood sugar levels at diagnosis, and often achieve remission after weight loss since their diagnosis

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 2, 2021

Unexpected antibody type found in people with malaria infections

Researchers have detected antibodies primarily made in response to mucous membrane infections, not typically thought of as a blood and liver infection, in study participants with malaria. The discovery provides new insight into the human body's response to malaria and may help identify new ways to treat or develop vaccines.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·Journalnpj Vaccines·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2021

Gravitational ‘kick’ may explain the strange shape at the center of Andromeda

A new study suggests that a gravitational 'kick' from colliding supermassive black holes could be responsible for the strange shape of stars at the center of the Andromeda Galaxy. The team used computer simulations to track the consequences of such a merger, finding that it could knock millions of stars into wonky orbits.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 2, 2021

Transparency and kinder managers could lead to less collusion among staff, finds study led by NTU Singapore

A study led by NTU Singapore found that combining transparency with kinder management styles reduces collusion attempts among employees. The researchers conducted a roleplaying experiment in Amsterdam, assigning participants as managers or employees and observing the effects of increased transparency on collaboration.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalAccounting Organizations and Society·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2021

Drinking alcohol to stay healthy? That might not work, says new study

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that people who abstain from alcohol do not necessarily have a shorter survival time than those who consume low to moderate amounts. The study, which analyzed data from over 4,000 German adults, suggests that factors such as previous substance abuse or poor health are more significant predic...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 2, 2021

Helical conducting polymers go viral

Scientists from the University of Tsukuba have created a method to grow conducting polymers with magnetic properties using harmless virus particles as templates. The resulting polymer networks exhibit helical antiferromagnetic behavior, opening doors for applications in biosensors and virus detection.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalJournal of Polymer Science·DateNov 2, 2021

Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill scientists identify new antibody for COVID-19 and variants

Researchers at Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill have identified a new antibody that can block infections and minimize symptoms against a broad array of coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2. The antibody was tested in animal models and found to be effective in protecting mice against developing severe lung symptoms.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2021

The state of research into youth helplines

A systematic review of youth helplines found that while they appear to be beneficial, there is limited evidence on their effectiveness, particularly for lower socioeconomic backgrounds. The study highlights the need for further research and tailored services to address systemic barriers to help-seeking.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 2, 2021

Cord blood cell transplantation and curcumin administration tested as therapy of Tay-Sachs disease

A new study investigates the effects of cord blood cell transplantation and curcumin administration on Tay-Sachs disease. The results show an increase in enzyme production and a decrease in inflammation after transplantation, as well as improved symptoms and reduced GM2 ganglioside levels when combined with curcumin.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalLife·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2021

Light pollution makes crickets chirp in the daytime and may disrupt reproductive processes

Exposure to artificial light at night impairs crickets' activity cycles, disrupting their nocturnal chirping and potentially affecting reproduction. The study, conducted by researchers at Tel Aviv University and the Open University, highlights the need to reduce artificial light pollution to protect environmental behaviors.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateNov 2, 2021