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Science News for October 14, 2021


A rapid mechanism for muscle self-repair independent of stem cells

Researchers discovered a rapid muscle self-repair mechanism that relies on the rearrangement of muscle fibre nuclei, independently of muscle stem cells. This process occurs rapidly after physiological damage or exercise-induced injury and represents a time- and energy-efficient protective mechanism for minor lesions.

Data continues to show that American’s need at least 5 hours per week of physical activity to prevent some cancers

A new report from the American Cancer Society reveals that over 46,000 cancer cases annually in the US could be prevented with moderate-intensity physical activity. The study found that states in the South had the highest proportion of cancers attributable to physical inactivity, while northern states had lower proportions.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2021

Who's been kissing who? Prairie dog 'greet kisses' reveal complex social networks

A study by University of Arizona behavioral ecologist Jennifer Verdolin mapped the intricacies of prairie dog social dynamics, including degree centrality and between-ness centrality. This research has big implications for conservation efforts, highlighting the importance of considering all factors that support a species' survival.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalBehaviour·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2021

New UMass Amherst study explores the decisions made by physicians in the delivery room, and why they may be making them

A new study by Manasvini Singh found that physicians are more likely to switch between vaginal and cesarean deliveries based on their previous patients' experiences, potentially leading to sub-optimal patient health. The study analyzed 86,000 electronic health records and found a significant increase in the probability of a cesarean de...

Molecular atlas of small cell lung cancer reveals unusual cell type that could explain why it’s so aggressive

Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center have developed a molecular atlas of small cell lung cancer, revealing a rare population of stem-like cells that correlate with patient outcomes. These cells have metastatic properties and are found across many SCLC tumors, suggesting they may be driving the disease's aggressiveness.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalCancer Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2021

New study finds easy way to improve hospital soundscapes

Researchers at McMaster University have found a simple tweak in medical device tones can significantly lower annoyance caused by alarms. The study suggests changing the amplitude envelope of existing sounds to make them sound more musical, without harming efficacy or affecting patient recovery.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalApplied Ergonomics·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2021

Researchers demonstrate a more effective personal protective equipment strategy for COVID-19

Researchers developed a reusable respirator hood that is significantly preferred by frontline healthcare workers and support staff due to its safety and comfort. The new PPE strategy has also led to cost savings and reduced environmental impact, with over 80% of staff requesting their respirators for future use.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalFrontiers in Medical Technology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2021

Nuclei on the move for muscle self-repair

A recent study reveals that muscle regeneration after physiological damage relies on the rearrangement of nuclei, accelerating repair of contractile units. Nuclei are attracted to injury sites and deliver mRNA molecules to initiate protein synthesis for muscle repair, offering a new insight into muscle biology.

SourceInstituto de Medicina Molecular·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2021

Serious injury risk higher for horse riding than for football, motor racing, or skiing

Research found that horse riding has a higher risk of serious injury compared to other high-risk activities. The study analyzed data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Trauma Surgery & Acute Care Open journal, revealing that chest injuries were the most common site, but head and neck injuries were the most lethal.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalTrauma Surgery & Acute Care Open·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2021

Monitoring glucose levels, no needles required

A team of Penn State researchers has created a noninvasive, low-cost sensor that can detect glucose in sweat, enabling less intrusive glucose monitoring for people with diabetes. The device uses a nickel-gold alloy and is flexible enough to be worn on the body.

SourcePenn State·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateOct 14, 2021

Aided by stem cells, a lizard regenerates a perfect tail for first time in more than 250 million years

A USC-led study has improved lizard tail regeneration through stem cell-based therapy, leading to the creation of tails with skeletal and nerve tissue on both sides for the first time in history. This breakthrough informs efforts to improve wound healing in humans, particularly for injuries that don't naturally regenerate.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2021

New journal article examines vaccination misinformation on social media

A new study examines vaccination misinformation on social media, revealing that fear-provoking messaging fuels its spread. The research team developed predictive models to identify true and false information on Twitter, categorizing messages as positive or negative cause-effect statements.

SourceUniversity of Illinois School of Information Sciences·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 14, 2021

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution multidisciplinary team selected for prestigious National Science Foundation Program

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution has been selected by the National Science Foundation to develop a coral reef digital twin, which aims to create a smart, integrated, and connected ecosystem for ocean innovation and sustainable utilization. The project will translate digital twin technology into environmental solutions and bring...

Evidence of superionic ice provides new insights into the unusual magnetic fields of Uranus and Neptune

Researchers have created superionic ice phases XVIII and XX by subjecting water to record-breaking pressures and temperatures. The study provides insights into the formation of these conductive forms of ice and their potential role in explaining the mysterious magnetic fields of Uranus and Neptune.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2021

Cell-based influenza vaccine provides protection against the flu in children

A cell-based quadrivalent influenza vaccine has effectively provided protection against the flu in children and adolescents. The study found that the vaccine produced a sufficient immune response in children aged two to 18 years, with an overall vaccine efficacy of 54.6 per cent.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 14, 2021

Keck Medicine of USC treatment plan significantly reduces hospitalizations and deaths of liver and kidney transplant recipients with COVID-19

A new protocol combining patient monitoring and monoclonal antibody therapy reduced hospitalizations by half and deaths to zero for eligible patients. The study, conducted at Keck Medicine of USC, shows improved outcomes among liver and kidney transplant recipients with COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalTransplantation·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2021

Sense of smell is our most rapid warning system

The study found that negative smells trigger a physical avoidance response, indicating an unconscious and rapid reaction mechanism. The olfactory bulb processes smells rapidly, with signals reaching the brain within 100-150 milliseconds.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2021

Making desalinated water safer and cheaper

Researchers from Technion, Wageningen University and Wetsus have developed an effective method to remove toxic boron from desalinated water while reducing costs. The new technique uses capacitive deionization and found optimal conditions for boron removal, including the placement of electrodes in a specific order.

SourceTechnion-Israel Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2021

Disease outbreak simulations reveal influence of “seeding” by multiple infected people

A new analysis suggests that the continuous arrival of infected individuals has a significant influence on the evolution and severity of local outbreaks. The researchers found an association between the number of seed arrivals and the speed of spread, final number of people infected, and peak incidence rate.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 14, 2021

An unrecognized role for predators: Digging sea otters promote eelgrass genetic diversity

A new study reveals that sea otter predation promotes eelgrass genetic diversity through physical disturbance. The longer otters are present in an area, the more genetically diverse the eelgrass communities become. This underappreciated process highlights the importance of considering indirect effects of predators on ecosystems.

Studying composition of exoplanet interiors as linked to composition of host stars informs planetary evolution

Researchers analyze iron-mass fraction of low-mass rocky exoplanets and find correlation with host star compositions, suggesting role of planet formation processes in shaping final composition. The study reveals distinct populations of super-Earths and super-Mercury class exoplanets with differing compositions.

No to the re-approval of glyphosate – Large aerial dispersal confirmed

A German study reveals that glyphosate and dozens of other pesticides are spreading through the air for miles into national parks and cities. The analysis was published in a peer-reviewed journal and shows that agricultural toxins like glyphosate are classified as probably carcinogenic to humans by the World Health Organisation.

SourceBündnis für eine enkeltaugliche Landwirtschaft e. V.·JournalEnvironmental Sciences Europe·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2021

How highly processed foods harm memory in the aging brain

A study in rats found that a diet of highly processed foods led to inflammation and behavioral signs of memory loss in the brain. Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acid DHA prevented these effects almost entirely. The study suggests that limiting processed foods and increasing DHA consumption may help prevent rapid memory decline in old...

SourceOhio State University·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·DateOct 14, 2021

Americans are eating more ultra-processed foods

An 18-year study found a significant increase in ultra-processed food consumption among US adults, contributing to obesity and chronic diseases. The study recommends policies to reduce ultra-processed food intake, such as revised dietary guidelines and taxes.

SourceNew York University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateOct 14, 2021

A sunny outlook for solar

Researchers found that defects in both organic and inorganic perovskites cause comparable levels of recombination, but the organic molecule in hybrid perovskites actually decreases efficiency due to hydrogen loss. The study suggests all-inorganic materials have potential for outperforming hybrids.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateOct 14, 2021

Sustainable farming: There’s no one solution

A meta-analysis by the University of Basel found that no-till farming alone does not achieve desired results in sustainable agriculture. Retaining crop residues on fields after harvest prevails over no-till farming in promoting carbon storage, soil protection and increased yields.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 14, 2021

Using Disney movies to help with child development

Researchers found that Disney films combine entertainment with life lessons about love, friendship, and social values. The study suggests using Disney movies as tools for parents to improve communication with children about difficult topics, such as death, loss, and acceptance of differences.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalChild and Adolescent Social Work Journal·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2021

By 2500 earth could be alien to humans

Researchers warn that global warming could make the Amazon barren, the Midwest tropical, and India too hot to live in by 2500. Climate models project a future where vegetation and crop-growing areas shift towards the poles, leading to drastic changes and potential human fatalities.

SourceMcGill University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 14, 2021

Molecular mixing creates super stable glass

Scientists at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a new type of super-stable glass by mixing up to eight different molecules. This breakthrough material exhibits ultralow fragility and superior glass-forming ability, making it suitable for applications in display technologies, renewable energy, and pharmaceuticals.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 14, 2021

USC researchers find that interrupting a high-fat, high-calorie diet with regular cycles of a fasting-mimicking diet helps mice live a longer, healthier life

Researchers found that regular cycles of a fasting-mimicking diet in mice helped counteract the negative effects of a high-fat, high-calorie diet. The study suggests that this diet may have potential as 'medicine' to prevent obesity and heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2021

HKUST research shows growing dominance of diatom algae in the Pearl River estuary and paves the way for future study on diatom blooms

A HKUST research team found a nearly doubled Diatom/Dino ratio in the Pearl River Estuary over two decades, challenging the notion that higher ratios indicate better water quality. The study also reveals temperature and nutrient concentration play significant roles in diatom blooms.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 14, 2021

Big differences found in male and female jojoba plant sex genes

Researchers identified a wide divergence of sex chromosomes in jojoba plants, which could lead to the development of a DNA test to identify male and female plants. The study reveals that male and female jojoba plants have diverged genetically due to environmental stress, with differing reproductive resource allocation requirements.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalThe Plant Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 14, 2021

Benchmark genome study demonstrates accuracy of artificial intelligence in rapidly diagnosing rare diseases in critically ill patients

A retrospective study demonstrates that AI-powered Fabric GEM algorithm can detect over 90% of disease-causing variants in infants with rare diseases using whole-genome and whole-exome data. The algorithm also ranks specific genes associated with these variants, assisting clinicians in diagnosis.

SourceRady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine·JournalGenome Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 14, 2021

Researchers identify protein that prevents serious brain damage, reduces risk of fatal HSV-1 infection

University of Illinois Chicago researchers discovered a function of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 in an antiviral defense mechanism, limiting HSV-1 virus infection through rapid activation of antiviral immunity. The protein complex protects the host by preventing encephalitis and possible death due to HSV-1 infection.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 14, 2021

Watching nature videos on social media supported mental wellbeing during Covid-19 lockdown, finds study

Researchers analysed publicly available comments in response to nature video content on Facebook during the UK's first national Covid-19 lockdown. The study found that engaging with this virtual nature content helped people cope with stress and mental fatigue, and increased feelings of connectedness to nature and others.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2021

Ultrafast control of quantum materials

Scientists harness light to alter solid properties and create new applications for high-speed information processing, lossless energy transfer, and quantum technologies. The team reviews the latest developments in ultrafast materials science and explores unifying themes for controlling materials with light.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalReviews of Modern Physics·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 14, 2021

Unique underpinnings revealed for stomach’s acid pump

Scientists have improved understanding of a key protein that makes the stomach acidic, shedding light on potential applications in drug development. The study found an unusual feature in the protein, which needs to bind to only one potassium ion to trigger its pump mechanism.

SourceNagoya University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2021

The planet does not fall far from the star

Scientists confirm a link between planetary and stellar compositions, with some planets exhibiting higher iron content than their host stars. This study provides insights into planetary formation and evolution, shedding light on potential habitability and constraining possible compositions.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalScience·DateOct 14, 2021

Predict phosphine reactivity with one simple metric

Researchers developed a predictive tool using %V bur (min) to categorize phosphine structures as active or inactive in many experimental datasets. This advancement will facilitate organometallic chemistry and catalysis, enabling easier computation and prediction of phosphine reactivity.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 14, 2021

COVID's crushing impact on public health

A new study reveals the devastating impact of COVID-19 on public health, with the workforce experiencing extreme exhaustion and burnout. The pandemic response has swamped healthcare workers, leaving critical services such as chronic disease prevention, maternal-child health, and environmental health on hold.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 14, 2021

Photobiomodulation of the brain: Shining light on treating Alzheimer's and other neuropathological diseases

A special collection of articles reviews the application of photobiomodulation therapy for dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and other brain conditions. The therapy has been shown to promote microcirculation, cellular proliferation, and regeneration, reducing pain, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 14, 2021

New paper lays out agenda for the next generation of biodiversity research

A new paper from University of British Columbia expert Dr. Mary O'Connor emphasizes the need to consider feedbacks in biodiversity research and policy making to mitigate negative consequences for humans. The authors propose building national and global biodiversity observatories to monitor ecosystems and human activities, enabling data...

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 14, 2021

Research confirms findings of high viral loads of SARS-Co-V-2 in children

A study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases found that children can carry high levels of live, replicating SARS-CoV-2 virus in their respiratory secretions, with no correlation between age and viral load. The researchers also noted that viral loads are highest early in the illness in both symptomatic and asymptomatic children.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2021

How long can fiber reinforced polymer sustain concrete structures? Scientists answer

A 13-year-long study finds that fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) coatings can sustain concrete structures for extended periods. The study tested FRP and glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) systems under various environmental conditions, revealing significant impact on bond behavior.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalComposites Part B Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2021

Nanoscale lattices flow from 3D printer

Rice materials scientists develop a method to print arbitrary 3D shapes, creating micro-scale electronic, mechanical and photonic devices. The process involves two-photon polymerization and doping with rare earth salts for photoluminescent properties.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2021

German scientists develop multimodal fiber probe for in vivo tissue diagnostics

A team of scientists from Germany develops a novel all-fiber based endoscopic set-up for multimodal non-linear endoscopy, allowing for the reliable assessment of tissue and successful surgery. The probe enables label-free tissue diagnostics, including tumor margin detection, and has the potential to improve patient care and reduce costs.

Snakes diversified explosively after the dinosaurs were wiped out

A study found that snakes rapidly diversified their diets following the K-Pg mass extinction event, incorporating birds, fish, and small mammals into their diet. This diversification was triggered by ecological opportunities presented by the extinction, with some lineages experiencing further bursts of adaptive evolution.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 14, 2021

Study finds singing and imagining improvised music elicits flow-like brain states

Researchers at Georgia State University found that singing and imagining improvised music elicits the same flow-like brain states as when musicians are actually performing. The study used fMRI data to identify how a musician's brain reconfigures connectivity depending on the degree of creativity required during jazz performances.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 14, 2021

Pesticide linked to chronic kidney disease

A University of Queensland study found that people exposed to higher amounts of the insecticide Malathion have a 25% higher risk of kidney dysfunction. Chronic kidney disease is a permanent condition characterized by loss of renal function and is often associated with age, hypertension, and diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 14, 2021

Vitamin D supplement may enhance dairy cows’ immune health

Researchers found that vitamin D supplementation with calcidiol increased the expression of genes related to cell adhesion and migration, pathogen recognition, and pathogen killing in dairy cows. This suggests a possible link between vitamin D and enhanced immune function, particularly during early lactation.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2021