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Science News for October 28, 2021


Study of destructive California fire finds resilience planning must account for socially vulnerable

A recent study by Oregon State University researchers highlights the importance of considering the needs of socially vulnerable populations in disaster resilience planning. Schools and healthcare facilities play a crucial role in supporting student, teacher, and staff mental health, as well as providing essential services to the commun...

SourceOregon State University·JournalNatural Hazards·TypeCase study·DateOct 28, 2021

Scientists discover two coexisting pseudo-mirror heteromolecular telomeric g-quadruplexes differentially recognized by thioflavin T

Researchers describe two coexisting pseudomirror heteromolecular telomeric G-quadruplexes with distinct loop progressions differentially recognized by thioflavin T. The study highlights the impact of a single altered flanking base on mutual recognition between G-rich oligomers.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2021

On-water creation of conducting MOF nanosheets

Scientists at Osaka Prefecture University developed a novel method for creating uniform, electrically conductive nanosheets using oil and water interfaces. The approach resulted in highly organized three-dimensional nanostructures with high electrical conductivity, offering potential applications in energy devices and sensors.

SourceOsaka Prefecture University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeNews article·DateOct 28, 2021

Engineers devise a way to selectively turn on RNA therapies in human cells

Researchers at MIT and Harvard University have developed a way to selectively turn on gene therapies in target cells by detecting specific messenger RNA sequences. This technology can fine-tune gene therapies for applications ranging from regenerative medicine to cancer treatment, potentially reducing side effects and increasing efficacy.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateOct 28, 2021

Machine learning may be the right tool for predicting success of opioid dispensing outcomes

A new study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health uses machine learning to predict successful opioid dispensing models in U.S. counties. The analysis reveals that prescription drug monitoring program access provisions are the most consistent predictors of high-dispensing and high-dose dispensing counties.

Urgent action needed to reduce uncertainty on CO2 storage prospects

Researchers at Princeton University urge for increased policy support and investment in carbon capture and storage (CCS) to reduce energy sector emissions. Current storage capacity is insufficient to meet ambitious decarbonization targets, highlighting the need for strategic planning and characterization capabilities.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 28, 2021

New dataset reveals effects of land dispossession and forced migration on Indigenous peoples in North America

A new dataset compares historical tribal lands to present-day tribal land, revealing a 99% reduction in Indigenous land density since European colonization. The analysis shows that Indigenous populations were forced into lands with fewer natural resources and are now inhibited from managing their own lands.

Lifting the veil over mysterious desert truffles: Terfezia’s ecology and diversity towards cultivation

Researchers from the University of Évora discovered seven new species of Terfezia fungi in Portugal, including two previously unknown to science. The study provides valuable insights into their ecological range and potential hosts, enabling the development of truffle cultivation techniques that can positively impact local communities.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalMycoKeys·DateOct 28, 2021

Sending up the bat signal on forest use by endangered species

A team of scientists tracked individual endangered Indiana bats and northern long-eared bats to understand their foraging behaviors and habitat preferences. The results show that most timber harvest strategies are neutral or even positive for the bats, with smaller patch cuts and thinning being compatible with conservation.

Donors long to be heard: New Ben-Gurion University study reveals the key to successful fundraising

A new study by Ben-Gurion University researchers found that soliciting an opinion about a campaign before asking for a donation is more effective than simply asking for a donation. Donors who were encouraged to share their thoughts and feelings about a cause were more likely to contribute online over the long term.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalJournal of Business and Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateOct 28, 2021

The goal in mind

Researchers found that future goals are represented by a pattern of neural activity resembling previous visits, and this activity can re-emerge upon decision to target a location. The orbitofrontal cortex plays a key role in representing future goals during navigation.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2021

Behavioral synchronization in complex societies of feral horses

Research at Kyoto University using drones and a multi-agent system found that feral horses synchronize their behavior not only within unit groups but also across different parts of the herd. The study's results suggest that individual horses can recognize the behavior of distant individuals, averaging a nearest distance of 39.3m.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateOct 28, 2021

Researchers identify core genetic networks driving human embryonic stem cell behavior

A genome-wide screening technique reveals the interrelated activities of genes controlling pluripotency and apoptosis in human embryonic stem cells. The study provides new insights into cancer genetics and a novel approach for regenerative medicine research, enabling the systematic mapping of genetic networks involved in tissue formation.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 28, 2021

Chatbot for addressing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy

A chatbot tested with 338 individuals showed a 37% increase in positive views of vaccination and a 20% decrease in vaccine refusal after just a few minutes of interaction. The study suggests that the chatbot could be an effective tool to reduce vaccine hesitancy.

SourceCNRS·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology Applied·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2021

Researchers use new x-ray technique to conserve Henry VIII’s favorite warship

A multidisciplinary team of researchers used a new X-ray technique to discover zinc-containing nanoparticles lodged within the wooden hull of the Mary Rose, leading to its deterioration. The nanoparticles, likely from anaerobic bacteria, have been found in conjunction with polymer deposits that were added to preserve the ship's remains.

Oxidation-tolerant solid electrolyte provides high energy capacity for Li2S cathode

Researchers at Osaka Prefecture University create a high-capacity Li2S-based positive electrode using an oxidation-tolerant solid electrolyte, bringing all-solid-state batteries closer to reality. The study found that the electrochemical window of solid electrolytes must exceed 0.2V for high energy capacity.

SourceOsaka Prefecture University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeNews article·DateOct 28, 2021

Research Delivers Hope for Epilepsy Patients

A new diagnostic model developed by Rutgers researchers can predict whether patients with generalized epilepsy will respond to treatment with 80% accuracy. The study combines electroencephalogram (EEG) data with clinical observations to determine prognosis, providing valuable information for clinicians.

SourceRutgers University·JournalEpilepsia·TypeCase study·DateOct 28, 2021

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: CoVID-19 vaccines lower risk of infection with delta variant, but infection can still be passed on in household settings

A study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found that COVID-19 vaccines reduce the risk of infection with the delta variant, but vaccinated people can still spread the virus in household settings. Vaccination remains effective at preventing severe disease and deaths from COVID-19.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateOct 28, 2021

'Trade-offs' between wellbeing and resilience

A new study reveals that increasing human wellbeing and improving environmental resilience are not always compatible, especially when understood too simplistically. The research team argues that a more nuanced approach can help find win-win scenarios, prioritizing both people's livelihoods and the planet's health.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 28, 2021

Artificial intelligence accelerates search for markers of resistance to sugarcane yellow leaf disease

Researchers used machine learning and genomics to identify molecular markers of resistance to sugarcane yellow leaf disease in over 97 sugarcane genotypes. The study found that energy cane varieties with higher fiber content are more resistant to the disease, paving the way for commercial launches.

Experts name new species of human ancestor

A new species of human ancestor, Homo bodoensis, has been named by an international team of researchers, providing clarity to the poorly understood Middle Pleistocene period in human evolution. The new classification resolves long-standing terminology issues and recognizes a direct human ancestor.

SourceThe University of Winnipeg·JournalEvolutionary Anthropology Issues News and Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 28, 2021

Plant from plastics: Bio-based polymers can be transformed into fertilizer

Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed an environmentally friendly process to chemically recycle bio-based plastics into fertilizers. The process, which uses ammonia to break down the plastics, produces nitrogen-rich molecules that can be used as fertilizer, showing promising results in plant growth experiments.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalGreen Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2021

Creating a new toehold for RNA therapeutics, cell therapies, and diagnostics

Scientists at Harvard's Wyss Institute create eToeholds to target specific diseases, enabling more precise RNA therapy and diagnostic approaches. The technology, developed by James Collins and his team, uses internal ribosome entry sites to produce proteins only when a cell-specific or viral RNA is present.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2021

Trapping molecules to find new physics

Researchers at the University of Groningen have successfully trapped molecules of strontium fluoride, setting a new record for molecular trapping. This achievement is significant because it allows scientists to investigate the fundamental laws of the universe, including the asymmetry between matter and anti-matter.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2021

New Curtin study solves energy storage and supply puzzle

A Curtin University study has found a simple and affordable way to test which chemicals are best used to store and supply energy, solving the puzzle of energy storage and supply. The breakthrough method can be performed in a basic lab with minimal equipment, producing full charges that last for at least four days.

SourceCurtin University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2021

How many children don’t eat lunch on school days in Canada? A new study documents the gaps of current school food programs

A recent study published by the University of Ottawa found that over 1 in 20 Canadian children do not eat lunch on school days, with older kids and those from food-insecure households being the most affected. The study also reveals that children living in food-insecure households are twice as likely to miss lunch compared to their peers.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalJournal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition·DateOct 28, 2021

Technology’s impact on worker well-being

A new study by Georgia Institute of Technology researchers found that automation and AI may have a uniformly positive impact on worker well-being, but only partially. The results show that workers facing automation risk experience less stress but worse health and minimal job satisfaction. Notably, high-risk occupations like receptionis...

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalTechnology in Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 28, 2021

Smartphone sensing platform provides early warning for lung cancer and ketosis/diabetes

A new smartphone-based platform detects biomarkers for lung cancer and ketosis/diabetes using fluorescent nanoprobes. The platform provides early warning and visual detection of biomarkers in exhaled breath or blood, offering a convenient and potential method for preliminary monitoring and clinical diagnosis.

Durable and yet degradable

A team of researchers at the University of Konstanz has developed a new method for producing polyethylene with added polar groups, which enhances its degradability while maintaining its durability. The new plastic exhibits slow chain degradation in simulated sunlight, unlike conventional polyethylenes.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalScience·DateOct 28, 2021

Specific form of autism identified, hallmarked by “neurons with too many synapses”

A study published in Nature Communications identifies a specific form of autism caused by an excessive number of synapses in the cerebral cortex, potentially guiding the development of future treatments. The research found that inhibiting mTOR protein activity can restore synaptic function and connectivity.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2021

New simulation model helps with COVID-19 planning in world’s largest refugee settlement

Academics developed an agent-based model to simulate COVID-19 spread in Cox's Bazar refugee settlement, finding mask-wearing highly effective in slowing the spread. The study suggests that handling positive cases in isolation has little impact compared to home isolation for individuals with mild symptoms.

SourceDurham University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 28, 2021

Blue is the clue to evaluating diabetic retinopathy

Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University have developed a non-invasive imaging technique using blue light to identify areas affected by diabetic retinopathy. The study found that blue images obtained through multicolor widefield scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) can reveal hyporeflective areas indicative of damage associa...

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalAsia-Pacific Journal of Ophthalmology·DateOct 28, 2021

After California’s 3rd-largest wildfire, deer returned home while trees were ‘still smoldering’

Researchers tracked black-tailed deer before, during, and after the Mendocino Complex Fire, finding that all 18 deer survived. Despite burned areas with no vegetation, most deer returned home within hours, potentially due to their loyalty to habitat. However, some deer's body condition declined as they expanded their range.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalEcology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateOct 28, 2021

Increased cognitive demands offset low-back exoskeleton advantages, research finds

A new study published in Applied Ergonomics found that the cognitive demands of wearing a low-back exoskeleton can hinder its mechanical advantages, offsetting benefits in reducing spine loading. The researchers used ambulatory brain imaging and connectivity analysis to demonstrate how increased cognitive response to tasks can cancel o...

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalApplied Ergonomics·TypeNews article·DateOct 28, 2021

Survivor salmon that withstand drought and ocean warming provide a lifeline for California chinook

Late-migrating juvenile spring-run Chinook salmon of California’s Central Valley have a survival advantage during droughts and ocean warming due to their ability to grow in cool-water habitats. The study highlights the importance of secure habitats for fish to survive difficult conditions, emphasizing the need for reintroduction to sav...

SourceNOAA Fisheries West Coast Region·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeObservational study·DateOct 28, 2021

The GIST scientists confirm horse riding as a viable mobility treatment for cerebral palsy

A study by GIST scientists found that physical interaction between children with cerebral palsy and horses improves motor skills and balance. The research team recorded horse and child movements, tracking acceleration and angular velocity to quantify interactions, which were linked to improved outcomes.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalJournal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2021

Increasing sediment flux from rivers in High Mountain Asia poses regional risks

A new study reveals that rivers in High Mountain Asia have experienced significant increases in sediment flux over the past 60 years, with projected doubling of sediment flow by 2050 under extreme climate change. This change has far-reaching implications for hydropower generation and environmental security in the region.

An application to monitor people at risk of psychosis

A new application allows for daily monitoring of psychotic symptoms in people at risk, enabling adapted medical follow-up and identification of triggers. The study, published in Schizophrenia Research, used an app to assess 86 individuals with microdeletion of chromosome 22q11.2, finding it a reliable tool for monitoring symptoms.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalSchizophrenia Research·TypeNews article·DateOct 28, 2021

Postmenopausal women may benefit from estrogen compound research

Researchers have identified a novel estrogen compound that provides benefits similar to hormone replacement therapy but without the risk factors associated with it. The compound has been shown to reduce excess lipid deposition in the liver and prevent the progression of fibrosis, which can lead to liver failure and metabolic problems.

Effects of meteorological factors and airmass movements on airborne pollen in Betula wetland in Xinjiang

Airborne pollen concentrations in Betula microphylla-dominated wetland of Ebinur Lake, Xinjiang, are influenced by meteorological factors such as temperature, precipitation, wind speed, and direction. The study found that airborne pollen composition corresponds to local vegetation and reflects long-distance transported pollen taxa.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateOct 28, 2021

Countermarketing based on anti-smoking campaigns reduces buying of sugary ‘fruit’ drinks for children

A University of Washington study finds that countermarketing campaigns based on anti-smoking tactics decrease the buying of sugary 'fruit' drinks for children. The campaign effectively reduced virtual purchases by 31% and significantly lowered trust in fruit drink brands among participating Latinx parents.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 28, 2021

Satellite images show positive impact of conservation efforts for China's coastal wetlands

Satellite images reveal a substantial increase in saltmarsh area and stable trends of tidal flat areas after 2012, driven by decreased anthropogenic activities and increased conservation and restoration efforts. Conservation efforts have positively impacted China's coastal wetlands, mitigating the loss of these important ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalNature Sustainability·DateOct 28, 2021

Brain monitoring suggests common link between electrical tremors and mental health disorders

A review of current literature found irregular brain responses to challenging tasks and mistakes may be key to understanding links between abnormal behaviors in mental illness and cognitive disorders. Studies suggest that people with conditions like anxiety, OCD, and ADHD have different brain waves following mistakes compared to health...

SourceKing's College London·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 28, 2021

Pasqal announces new machine learning protocol for comparing complex graph-based data on quantum systems

Pasqal has published a paper in the APS Physics journal presenting a new machine learning protocol called Quantum Evolution Kernel (QEK) for measuring similarity between graph-structured data on quantum computers. QEK is stable against detection error and comparable to state-of-the-art graph kernels on classical systems.

SourceHKA Marketing Communications·JournalPhysical Review A·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 28, 2021

Potential new treatment for COVID-19 identified

Researchers have discovered a potential new treatment for COVID-19 by targeting the pentose phosphate pathway, which is necessary for SARS-CoV-2 replication. The study found that inhibiting this pathway with benfooxythiamine suppresses viral replication and reduces virus production.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalMetabolites·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2021

25 km high-resolution climate system model reproduces tropical cyclone activities better

A new high-resolution climate system model has improved the accuracy of simulating tropical cyclones, capturing more realistic features and reducing biases. The model's performance was evaluated using the CAS FGOALS-f3-H model, which showed excellent results in depicting global TC activities.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalGeoscientific Model Development·DateOct 28, 2021

Development of precision focused ultrasound surgery technology destructing only the desired tissues

Researchers have developed a new technique to precisely fractionate biological tissue using pressure-modulated shockwave histotripsy, overcoming the shock scattering effect in existing focused ultrasound technology. This technology enables real-time cavitation analysis and shorter treatment times.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalUltrasonics Sonochemistry·DateOct 28, 2021

Dialysis patients benefit from a third Covid vaccination dose

A recent study suggests that dialysis patients can benefit from a third Covid-19 vaccination dose. Researchers examined 23 dialysis patients who had shown a reduced vaccination response after two doses and found that most developed high antibody titers and killer cell responses against the Sars-Cov-2 coronavirus after a third dose.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalKidney International·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2021