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Science News for October 1, 2021


Wayne State University secures $15.88 million from CDC to study viral infection surveillance

The project aims to enhance U.S. surveillance of laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and other respiratory viruses through a network of emergency departments across 21 states and 100 hospitals. Data will be obtained from electronic medical records, providing insights into viral infection trends and patient outcomes.

(Net)Working out solutions to problems: Building a template for the future 6G network

Researchers from DGIST propose an advanced network architecture that combines software-defined networks (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV) to overcome the drawbacks of traditional networks. The proposed system can fine-tune processing resources, support dynamic service chaining, and improve performance and security.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Cloud Computing·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 1, 2021

Research in Brief: UNLV astronomers may have discovered first planet to orbit 3 stars

Researchers identified a potential circumtriple planet in the star system GW Ori, with implications for our understanding of planet formation. The discovery, made using ALMA telescope observations, suggests that planet formation may be more active than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 1, 2021

Is your ML training set biased? How to develop new drugs based on merged datasets

Researchers at GlaxoSmithKline and CCDC combined proprietary and published datasets to train machine learning models for predicting stable polymorphs in new drug candidates. The approach leverages the large volume and variety of data in the Cambridge Structural Database, resulting in more confident predictions and improved model accuracy.

How flawed diamonds 'lead' to flawless quantum networks

Researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology demonstrate that lead-vacancy centers in diamond exhibit dihedral symmetry and large ground state splitting, essential properties for quantum networks. The high-pressure high-temperature treatment recovers damaged crystal lattice, leading to long spin coherence time at higher temperatures.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalACS Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 1, 2021

The road more traveled: Predicting trail choices based on OHV drivers' motivations

Researchers found that OHV drivers' motivations influence the routes they choose, with distinct patterns emerging for different groups. The study's findings can help managers predict which trails are likely to be used and craft targeted messages to promote responsible behavior and conservation-minded practices.

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalJournal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism·TypeSurvey·DateOct 1, 2021

Non-toxic technology extracts more gold from ore

Researchers at Aalto University have developed a non-toxic alternative to traditional cyanide-based gold extraction processes. The new chloride-based method, called EDRR, achieves an impressive 84% gold recovery rate, surpassing the 64% recovered with traditional cyanide methods.

SourceAalto University·JournalChemical Engineering·DateOct 1, 2021

Inspired by photosynthesis, scientists double reaction quantum efficiency

Researchers at Arizona State University have created a bioinspired catalyst that lengthens the productive state of chemical reactions, mimicking the process of photosynthesis. By employing proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET), they successfully slowed charge recombination and improved catalytic efficiency.

SourceArizona State University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 1, 2021

What you need to know about urinary tract infections

A new study found women with recurrent urinary tract infections are unhappy with limited management options and fear the potential adverse effects of antibiotics. Researchers recommend modifying management strategies to address their concerns and devoting more research to improving non-antibiotic options for prevention and treatment.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateOct 1, 2021

Study: Gene therapy can restore vision after stroke

A study by Purdue University researchers has discovered a way to use gene therapy to turn glial brain cells into neurons, restoring visual function. This process is more efficient and less damaging than stem cell therapy, offering new hope for patients who have lost vision or motor skills after a stroke.

SourcePurdue University·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 1, 2021

‘Fight or flight’ – unless internal clocks are disrupted, study in mice shows

Research in mice reveals that coordinated clock-gene and neuronal activity rhythms are necessary for daily hormone release, with the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and paraventricular nucleus (PVN) working together to generate circadian rhythms. Disruption of these clocks can lead to various pathologies.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 1, 2021

When a free cancer check finds something, could cost keep patients from following up?

New studies show that patients with abnormal screening results may face significant out-of-pocket costs for follow-up tests, potentially delaying care. For women, colposcopy costs rose sharply over 13 years, with some facing bills of nearly $1,000. Lung cancer screening CT scans also led to high costs for invasive procedures.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 1, 2021

Researchers discover potential treatment for orphan paediatric condition

A team of researchers has identified a previously unknown condition, 'Zaki Syndrome', affecting children worldwide and discovered a potential treatment using the drug CHIR99021. The drug was able to boost WNT signals and restore development in developing fetuses, potentially preventing birth defects.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 1, 2021

More accurately identifying colorectal cancer

A new study from the University of Tartu aims to improve the detection of colorectal cancer by analyzing microbiome composition in sample tubes used for screening. The research found that these tubes can be used as a resource for biomarker discovery, potentially leading to earlier detection of cancer or precancerous states.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 1, 2021

University of Montana studies how climate change could undermine biodiversity conservation goals

The University of Montana researchers found that climate change may shift ecosystems, making it challenging to conserve biodiversity in protected areas. The team used spatial climate analogs to examine the potential changes and recommend considering climate-driven shifts in patterns of biodiversity for effective conservation strategies.

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateOct 1, 2021

Are you REDI to change the world?

The REDI program offers 40+ talented researchers the opportunity to fast-track their careers through enviable international experience and extensive peer networks. Researchers will have access to top researchers from industry and academia across 12 countries, as well as a once-in-a-lifetime residential year at RMIT in Melbourne.

International experts develop Clinical Care Pathway in response to NASH epidemic

A multidisciplinary taskforce developed a Clinical Care Pathway for NAFLD/NASH, outlining practical guidance from screening to patient care management. The pathway aims to provide efficient, safe, and value-based care for patients with NAFLD and NASH, highlighting the importance of early interventions and shared decision-making.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGastroenterology·DateOct 1, 2021

Details behind kidney transplant recipients’ immune response to the virus that causes COVID-19

Research provides insights on immune responses of kidney transplant recipients following SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study found that production of IgG antibodies against the virus was delayed in these individuals, but their IgM and IgA responses were similar to those observed in non-transplant individuals.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 1, 2021

Republican-led states lifted pandemic restrictions earlier, study finds

A new study from the University of Washington found that Republican-led states eased social distancing policies two weeks earlier than Democratic-led states, despite large Black communities being hit hardest by the pandemic. The researchers analyzed five policies and found that public health indicators played a role, but the influence ...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPerspectives on Politics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 1, 2021

Scientists look to nature to discover method for installing sulfur into complex molecules

A new study from Scripps Research Institute reveals a previously unrecognized way that nature solves the problem of persulfide instability, through the generation of helpful enzymes. The discovery provides researchers with a new method for generating potentially important sulfur-based molecules in the lab.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 1, 2021

October issues of American Psychiatric Association journals cover diabetes and depression connection; schizophrenia treatment; mental health of community college students and more

The American Psychiatric Association journals feature research on the mental health of community college students, diabetes, depression, and schizophrenia treatment. The findings extend and validate previous studies relevant to clinical psychiatry.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateOct 1, 2021