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Science News for October 5, 2021


Vaginal birth may be safer for pregnant women with kidney and liver transplants

A new study found that pregnant women with kidney or liver transplants can safely undergo trial of labor without increased risk to themselves or their babies. In fact, vaginal births resulted in improved outcomes for the baby without compromising maternal health. Conversely, cesarean births were associated with higher risks of complica...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateOct 5, 2021

Income inequality can harm children’s achievement in maths – but not reading, 27-year study suggests

A 27-year study suggests that income inequality is linked to lower maths scores among US children, with even richer students experiencing negative effects. The study found that states with higher income gaps saw poorer maths results, while reading grades were not associated with income inequality. Policymakers may need to consider redu...

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalEducational Review·DateOct 5, 2021

Worm mothers provide milk for their young

Researchers at University College London discovered that worm mothers secrete a milk-like fluid to support their offspring's growth. This unique selfless act helps explain mysteries about the biology of ageing in nematode worms, which could have far-reaching implications for understanding human ageing.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2021

Cachexia: How do immune responses contribute to weight loss?

Cachexia is characterized by weight loss and muscle tissue shrinkage, driven by the immune system's response to chronic infections and diseases. Researchers from CeMM emphasize the need for more research into cachexia, highlighting the importance of interplay between the immune system and metabolism.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Reviews Immunology·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 5, 2021

Increase in fatal opioid overdoses after hospital discharge

Researchers investigated whether hospital admission and discharge are associated with increased risk of fatal drug overdoses. The study found that the first two days after hospital discharge is a critical moment for people who use illicit opioids.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 5, 2021

Georgia State Researchers receive $3.3 million to test novel intervention for preventing binge drinking and sexual assault

Researchers at Georgia State University have been awarded a $3.3 million grant to study a novel behavioral intervention targeting binge drinking and sexual assault among college students, tailored by gender and sexual orientation. The program, Positive Change (+Change), has shown promising preliminary efficacy in pilot studies and aims...

SourceGeorgia State University·TypeObservational study·DateOct 5, 2021

Study: Those under 40 are more likely than older adults to recover COVID-related smell and taste loss

A VCU study found that 4 out of every 5 COVID-19 survivors regain their sense of smell and taste within six months, with younger adults more likely to recover. Those with nasal congestion are more likely to recover their sense of smell, while those with head injuries or shortness of breath have a lower likelihood.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalAmerican Journal of Otolaryngology·TypeSurvey·DateOct 5, 2021

A protein causes significantly higher risk of severe cancer progression for men

A research team at TUM has discovered that the protein TIMP1 is associated with a significantly higher risk of liver metastasis and death in male patients, particularly those with pancreatic, colon, and melanoma cancers. This finding may lead to improved diagnosis and targeted therapy options for men.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2021

Manganese makes its mark in drug synthesis

Rice chemist Julian West and graduate student Yen-Chu Lu discovered manganese as a more efficient catalyst for synthesizing fluoroketones, precursor molecules for drugs. The use of manganese reduces material costs and simplifies purification.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2021

Researchers describe new tardigrade fossil found in 16 million year old Domincan amber

Researchers describe a new modern-looking tardigrade fossil, Paradoryphoribius chronocaribbeus, found in Miocene Dominican amber. The study reveals unique foregut organization and contributes to the scant tardigrade fossil record, providing insight into the ancient superfamily Isohypsibioidea.

SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateOct 5, 2021

Survey finds a need for pet care during hospitalizations

A survey conducted by Michigan Medicine found that nearly two-thirds of respondents experienced difficulty with pet care during hospitalization or knew someone who did. This stress can impact a patient's decision about staying in the hospital. Researchers aim to develop better resources and formalized services to address this need.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Patient Experience·TypeSurvey·DateOct 5, 2021

Simultaneous optical and electrical tracking of heart activity

Researchers developed a new system to measure and stimulate the entire ventricular surface of mouse hearts, allowing for simultaneous optical and electrical tracking of heart activity. The POEMS system provides accurate measurements of action potential propagation with minimal differences between modalities.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2021

Cannabis causes birth defects in susceptible mice

A new study reveals that THC can cause birth defects in genetically predisposed mice, highlighting the risks of cannabis consumption during pregnancy. Pups with a mutation in Hedgehog signalling developed brain and face defects, emphasizing the need for further research into human health implications.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalDevelopment·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2021

Smart parrots need more stimulation, new research finds

A study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B found that intelligent bird species such as parrots and great apes are at risk of poor welfare in captivity. The researchers recommend providing naturalistic diets, enrichment items, and stimulating environments to improve care and reduce psychological problems.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateOct 5, 2021

Metallic complexes made from cyclic molecules

Scientists from Kanazawa University and the University of British Columbia have developed a comprehensive overview of synthesizing polymetallic complexes via macrocycle routes. This approach enables precise control over structure and function, leading to promising applications in catalysts, sensors, and single-molecule magnets.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalChemical Society Reviews·DateOct 5, 2021

Spotify is powerful. Is it biased?

Researchers found that independent-label music and female artists benefit from appearances on Spotify's curated ranked list, which promotes underdog artists. However, the study's findings only apply to New Music Friday playlists and do not address broader industry challenges.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalInternational Journal of Industrial Organization·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 5, 2021

COVID-19: Coughing without masks, distancing alone is not enough

Researchers from McGill University found that unmasked individuals can spread COVID-19 airborne particles up to 70% within a 2-meter radius, highlighting the need for mask-wearing and ventilation. The study suggests that current guidelines relying solely on physical distancing may not be sufficient to prevent transmission.

SourceMcGill University·JournalBuilding and Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 5, 2021

City butterflies keep flying for longer

A new study reveals that city butterflies and moths have genetically adapted to the warmer urban environment, starting their overwintering state later in the year. This allows them to take advantage of a longer growing season, reproducing successfully before winter sets in.

SourceVrije Universiteit Brussel·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 5, 2021

Trapping light with disorder

Researchers at Bar-Ilan University have demonstrated disorder-induced localization, allowing for the control of random laser emission through pump profile shaping. This breakthrough enables the creation of highly efficient and stable microlasers with unprecedented degrees of freedom.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalOptica·DateOct 5, 2021

TGen and Beat Childhood Cancer Research Consortium 10-year study of cancer in children shows promising ways forward for these vulnerable patients

A 10-year study led by TGen and the Beat Childhood Cancer Research Consortium found that refractory or relapsed tumors had a higher number of genetic mutations than tumors at diagnosis. The study suggests that deeper genomic analysis and therapies targeting the immune system may offer greater patient benefit.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalCancer Research·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 5, 2021

Bonelli’s eagle: successful reintroduction of an endangered species in Mallorca

The Bonelli's eagle has been successfully reintroduced in Mallorca through a study coordinated by the University of Barcelona. The non-juvenile eagle release system (WildTrans) emerged as the most effective strategy, enabling the release of mature and experienced individuals that can reproduce faster and grow the population quickly.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalAnimal Conservation·TypeObservational study·DateOct 5, 2021

An X-ray view of carbon

A team of scientists has developed a new X-ray measurement method that can analyze the chemical properties of warm dense matter, a state found in planetary interiors. The method uses the strongest X-ray laser to probe carbon's bonding states, providing new insights into planetary formation and potential applications in materials science.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateOct 5, 2021

#Nomakeup trend fails to discourage use of cosmetics

New research from University of Georgia suggests that the no-makeup movement isn't liberating women from cosmetics. Instead, cosmetic sales have increased alongside the rise of the no-makeup trend. The study found that people perceive 'natural' looks with makeup as more attractive than those without.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of the Academy of Marketing Science·DateOct 5, 2021

Earth’s ‘solid’ inner core may contain both mushy and hard iron

Scientists have discovered a heterogeneous structure in the Earth's inner core, with adjacent regions of hard, soft, and liquid iron alloys. This finding challenges traditional models of the planet's magnetic field generation and provides new insights into the dynamics at the boundary between the inner and outer core.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalPhysics of The Earth and Planetary Interiors·TypeObservational study·DateOct 5, 2021

Van Andel Institute, Maine Medical Center Research Institute scientists earn $9.6 million Transformative Research Award from National Institutes of Health

Researchers will investigate the genetic and epigenetic factors controlling variation in health, with potential implications for combating cancer, obesity, and other diseases. The team aims to identify new sets of disease-related genes, delineate subtypes of disease, and understand the complex interaction between genetics and epigenetics.

Simple method for converting carbon dioxide into useful compounds

Scientists at Kyoto University have created a simple method to convert CO2 into metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), offering a promising approach to dispose of the greenhouse gas. The new technique, which requires lower temperatures and pressures, demonstrates potential for widespread adoption and could help mitigate global warming.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 5, 2021

Mitigating lung damage, mortality due to SARS-CoV-2

A pre-clinical study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers shows that a drug targeting specific immune pathways can prevent lung damage and death in mice infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The study suggests targeted treatments may be more suitable for COVID-19 patients than broad immune suppressants.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalArteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2021

Extreme exoplanet even more exotic than originally thought

The discovery of ionized calcium on the exoplanet WASP-76b suggests that its atmospheric temperature is higher than previously thought or that it has very strong upper atmosphere winds. The research findings are from a multiyear project exploring the diversity of planetary atmospheres using high-resolution spectra obtained with Gemini ...

SourceCornell University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateOct 5, 2021

Packing with protamine: Insights into a high-performance molecular glue holding DNA together

A team of researchers from DGIST has developed a model to understand the condensation and decondensation of DNA induced by protamine in semidilute solutions. Protamine forms transient bridges between DNA, allowing its compaction into bundles. The study could provide valuable information on vaccine development and fertility.

Trans people and cisgender gay men in the UK are most likely to experience violence compared with other LGBT groups in UK, Germany or Portugal

A study by University of Surrey researchers found that trans individuals in Germany and the UK are most likely to experience discrimination, while gay cisgender men were more likely to experience violent attacks. The study also highlights the importance of socioeconomic resources in reducing the risk of unfair treatment.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalCurrent Sociology·DateOct 5, 2021

A novel mouse model that recapitulates the isoform-specific, pathological propagation of tau

Researchers have developed a novel mouse model that accurately replicates the pathological propagation of tau protein isoforms in Alzheimer's disease, corticobasal degeneration, and Pick's disease. The model shows endogenous expression of both 3R and 4R tau, which accumulates in brain regions characteristic of each disease.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science·JournalBrain·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2021

“Once-in-a generation” tardigrade fossil discovery reveals new species in 16-million-year-old amber

Researchers have discovered a new genus and species of tardigrade fossil, Paradoryphoribius chronocaribbeus, preserved in 16-million-year-old Dominican amber. The specimen is the first tardigrade fossil recovered from the Cenozoic era and offers insights into the evolution of this ancient lineage.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeNews article·DateOct 5, 2021

Class act: Clever children tell better jokes

A study of over 200 Turkish schoolchildren found that general intelligence was highly correlated with humor, with children producing high-quality captions for cartoons. The researchers suggest that parents and teachers should be aware of their children's sense of humor as a potential indicator of exceptional intelligence.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalHumor - International Journal of Humor Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2021

Water service fees can help pay for ecosystem preservation in Mexico

A new study explores ways to make payments for hydrological services (PHS) programs more effective and financially sustainable in Mexico. Residents are willing to pay for improved water quality, regulated quantity, and biodiversity conservation, highlighting the potential of PHS to enhance ecosystem preservation.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·TypeSurvey·DateOct 5, 2021

New biomarker for severe COVID-19

Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a carbohydrate called mannose as a biomarker for severe COVID-19 disease severity. The study found that glycolysis and glutaminolysis play a crucial role in SARS-CoV-2's spread and growth, providing potential new therapeutic strategies.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2021

The colonization of the Azores began 700 years prior to the Portuguese arrival

A new study by CSIC researchers reconstructs the conditions under which humans first inhabited the Azores Islands, dating back to between 700 and 850 CE. The findings indicate that early human settlements led to environmental and ecological disturbance, contradicting historical records of pristine forests.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeNews article·DateOct 5, 2021

Revealing the secrets of ground beetle wing casings

A team from The University of Tsukuba used microscopy techniques to analyze the microstructure of the ground beetle's wing casing, revealing a unique helical structure that creates optical effects. This finding has significant implications for the development of new biomimetic materials with enhanced performance.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalMicron·DateOct 5, 2021

Iron deficiency in middle age is linked with higher risk of developing heart disease

A recent study published in ESC Heart Failure found that iron deficiency in middle-aged individuals is associated with a higher risk of developing coronary heart disease and cardiovascular mortality. The study found that functional iron deficiency was linked to a 24% increased risk of coronary heart disease, while absolute iron deficie...

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalESC Heart Failure·DateOct 5, 2021

New tool for energy sector models carbon capture incentives

A new model, developed by Carnegie Mellon University researchers, identifies coal- and natural gas-fired electricity generation plants suitable for carbon capture technologies. The tool takes into account various factors like plant age, efficiency, location, and technology to explore optimal CO2 reduction strategies at an affordable cost.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalInternational Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control·DateOct 5, 2021

Smuggling light through opaque materials

Electrical engineers at Duke University have discovered a way to extend the use of chalcogenide glasses into the visible and ultraviolet parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. By nanostructuring these materials, they can create high-order harmonic frequencies that enable transmission of light at previously inaccessible wavelengths.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2021

Three new species of freshwater goby fish found in Japan and the Philippines

Three new species of freshwater goby fish have been identified in Japan and the Philippines, with distinct color patterns indicating separate lineages. The researchers believe that different color patterns play a crucial role in maintaining these separate lineages during courtship and mate selection.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalSystematics and Biodiversity·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2021