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Science News for October 29, 2021


Researchers discover new type of nerve cell in the retina

A team of scientists at the University of Utah has discovered a new type of interneuron in the mammalian retina called the Campana cell. The discovery marks a notable development for the field, as scientists work toward a better understanding of the central nervous system by identifying all classes of neurons and their connections.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 2021

Waste of space

Researchers have discovered a way to manipulate orbiting debris with spinning magnets, allowing for gentler maneuvering and potential repair of malfunctioning objects. The technology has the potential to help clear space junk from Earth's orbit and extend the life of satellites.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 2021

Drones show promise in speeding up communication with underwater robots for ocean surveys

Researchers from The University of Tokyo Institute of Industrial Science have found that drones can be used as communication bases with underwater robotic devices (AUVs) for ocean surveys. UAVs offer high-speed observations, mobility, and resistance to ocean currents, making them suitable candidates for this application.

Prompt procurement and roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines are as important as their efficacy

A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that prioritizing prompt procurement, distribution, and vaccination pace can maximize public health benefits and economic efficiency. Meeting vaccination targets of 67% or 80% of the population can significantly reduce infections and deaths while minimizing healthcare costs.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 29, 2021

HSE researchers discover how people’s values affect their attitudes to COVID-19 restrictions

The study found that individuals with prosocial values are more receptive to information emphasizing the risks posed to others, whereas those without such values focus on personal threats. Risk framing also significantly increased support for anti-COVID measures, potentially promoting autocratic policies globally.

Molecular imaging suggests Long-COVID symptoms may be caused by fatigue, not regional brain dysfunction

A recent study suggests that Long-COVID symptoms, such as cognitive deficits and fatigue, may be attributed to fatigue rather than pathological changes in the brain. Neuroimaging results showed no significant differences in cerebral glucose metabolism or brain pathology between patients with long-COVID and healthy controls.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateOct 29, 2021

Heparin dose capable of preventing COVID-19 deaths is four times higher than the dose recommended by WHO

A clinical trial of 465 patients found that administering heparin in therapeutic doses reduced mortality from COVID-19 by 78%, with benefits only observed when administered between seven and 14 days after symptom onset. The study suggests that timing is crucial for treatment efficacy.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 29, 2021

Needle-free COVID-19 vaccine shows promise

Researchers at University of Queensland successfully protected mice from COVID-19 using a US-developed vaccine candidate delivered via a pocket-sized, pain-free applicator. The vaccine produced strong immune responses and neutralized multiple variants, including UK and South Africa variants.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 29, 2021

Non-thermal atmospheric plasma stimulates new bone formation in critical bone defects of animal model

Researchers from Osaka City University found that non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma (NTAPP) accelerates cell growth and promotes bone regeneration in animal models with critical bone defects. Micro-CT images showed a 1.51 times larger bone volume after 10-minute treatment, while histological analysis confirmed new bone formation ...

SourceOsaka City University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 2021

Dopamine’s many roles, explained

A new study by Vanessa Ruta and her team found that dopamine neurons in fruit flies correlate strongly with ongoing behavior, reflecting motivation or goal underlying actions. The activity of these neurons not only encode mechanics of movement but also provide moment-to-moment reinforcement, guiding beneficial actions.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateOct 29, 2021

Detector advance could lead to cheaper, easier medical scans

Researchers have demonstrated a new technique for cross-sectional medical images without the need for tomography, enabling faster and more accurate imaging. The breakthrough is made possible by ultrafast photon detectors that can precisely determine the arrival times of photons, allowing for reconstruction-free positron emission imaging.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 2021

Ultra-broadband sound absorber

Researchers create ultra-broadband sound absorber with an average absorption coefficient of 0.93, surpassing previous limitations. The metamaterial's design utilizes near-field non-locality to suppress excessive response and achieve efficient impedance matching.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateOct 29, 2021

Differences in T cells’ functional state determine resistance to cancer therapy

Researchers found that certain T cells stop working before entering the tumor due to changes in gene expression, making ICB therapies less effective. Combining ICB with other forms of immunotherapy targeting different aspects of T cell function may improve response rates for non-small cell lung cancer patients.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology Department of Biology·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 2021

New study shows environmental and social factors contribute to higher rates of pneumonia in children

A new study found that exposure to particulate matter pollution and social factors such as race and socioeconomic status contribute to higher rates of community acquired pneumonia in children. Researchers used satellite data to identify high- and low-risk areas for the disease, highlighting the need for policy adjustments.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 29, 2021

Lithium metal batteries with diluted high concentration electrolytes to power the future

Scientists have demonstrated that diluting high concentration electrolytes can improve the cycling abilities of lithium metal batteries over a wide range of temperatures. The study found that TTE dilution significantly improved Li+ ion transport and reduced dendritic Li plating, leading to better cycling stability.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateOct 29, 2021

This squirrel watches its neighbor's back

Researchers found that Barbary ground squirrels in the Canary Islands rely on synchronized vigilance as their main defense mechanism against predators. They spend a significant amount of time watching each other and scanning their surroundings to detect threats.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 29, 2021

Blasting the zombie out of water-saving tech

A team of scientists found that technology adoption as a water-saving method for improving irrigation efficiency is ineffective and can worsen water scarcity. The study suggests that modern irrigation technologies may only achieve a 10-20% saving under ideal conditions.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateOct 29, 2021

Hollings collaborates on two studies showing how to boost immunotherapy effectiveness for patients with oral-cavity squamous cell carcinoma

Researchers from MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Winship Cancer Institute discovered that pre-surgical anti-PD-1 immunotherapy is safe and effective for OCSCC patients. The studies identified potential molecular biomarkers in blood and tumors to predict treatment response.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateOct 29, 2021

“Towards Straintronics: Guiding Excitons in 2D Materials” -- CCNY & partners make breakthrough

A team of physicists and their collaborators created an excitonic wire, a one-dimensional channel for electrically neutral quasiparticles called excitons. This breakthrough could lead to innovative devices that operate at room temperature and replace certain tasks performed by standard transistor technology.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 2021