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Science News for September 22, 2021


Skoltech scientists use supercomputer to probe limits of Google’s quantum processor

Researchers used a supercomputer to emulate Google's quantum processor and discovered a reachability deficit, a performance limitation induced by a problem's constraint-to-variable ratio. The study showed that future experiments will require significantly more quantum resources to overcome this limit.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalQuantum·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 22, 2021

Artificial intelligence brings better hurricane predictions

A new machine learning approach has been developed by researchers at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to improve hurricane intensity predictions. The model uses artificial intelligence techniques and can run on a commercial laptop, offering more accurate forecasts than existing models. It also enables th...

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalWeather and Forecasting·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 22, 2021

Buck researchers provide a framework to study precision nutrigeroscience

Researchers at Buck Institute for Research on Aging provide a framework for precision nutrigeroscience to study the need for individualized dietary interventions. Studies in fruit flies show that lifestyle and genetics impact lifespan and healthspan, leading researchers to challenge the field to adopt a more nuanced approach.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 22, 2021

Contact-tracing apps could improve vaccination strategies

Mathematical modeling suggests that contact-tracing apps can help achieve herd immunity by identifying individuals with greater exposure to others and targeting them for vaccination. The approach, known as 'hot-spotting,' could reduce the number of vaccine doses needed by up to half.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 22, 2021

SARS-CoV-2 screening in an urban public school district

Weekly saliva polymerase chain reaction testing in asymptomatic staff and students in an urban public school district significantly increased SARS-CoV-2 case detection, surpassing county-level infection rates. This study highlights the effectiveness of targeted screening strategies in reducing COVID-19 transmission.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 22, 2021

Wind energy can deliver vital slash to global warming

New research from Cornell University suggests that accelerating wind-energy technology deployment can achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, with potential to reduce global warming atmospheric average temperatures of 0.3 to 0.8 degrees Celsius by the end of the century. The study confirms that advancing wind energy...

SourceCornell University·JournalClimate·DateSep 22, 2021

Dr. Sofia Sheikh awarded National Science Foundation Fellowship for Research & Education at the SETI Institute’s Allen Telescope Array

Dr. Sofia Sheikh has been awarded a Mathematical and Physical Sciences Ascending Postdoctoral Research Fellowship to focus on fast radio bursts and develop improved technosignature detection methods. She will also mentor underrepresented students in physics and astronomy, leveraging the Allen Telescope Array's unique qualities.

Over 120 scientific experts’ global ocean report shows unprecedented climate change impact, as Arctic registers record low ice levels

The Copernicus Ocean State Report reveals record low Arctic ice levels, with a 90% reduction in average sea ice thickness in the Barents Sea. The report also highlights extreme variability in ocean temperatures and oxygen levels, posing significant challenges for marine ecosystems.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Operational Oceanography·DateSep 22, 2021

Metals supercharge promising method to bury harmful carbon dioxide under the sea

Researchers from University of Texas at Austin have discovered a way to accelerate the formation of CO2 hydrate structures that can store billions of tons of carbon for centuries. By adding magnesium, these structures form 3,000 times faster than current methods, offering a promising alternative to reduce climate change.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateSep 22, 2021

Methamphetamine-involved overdose deaths nearly tripled between 2015 to 2019, NIH study finds

Overdose deaths involving methamphetamine rose 180% from 2015 to 2019, outpacing increases in methamphetamine use. Riskier patterns of use, including frequent use and co-use with other substances, contributed to the surge. Diverse populations, particularly American Indians/Alaska Natives and young adults, are disproportionately affected.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateSep 22, 2021

COVID-19 infection increases risk for preeclampsia reported by WSU and PRB investigators

A recent systematic review and meta-analysis found that COVID-19 infection during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of developing preeclampsia. Women with SARS-CoV-2 infection had a 62% higher odds of developing preeclampsia than those without the infection.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 22, 2021

Phyllotaxis-inspired nanosieves with multiplexed orbital angular momentum

Researchers developed phyllotaxis-alike vortex nanosieves that can generate multiple optical vortices within a single nano-device, enabling compact and efficient multiplexing of orbital angular momentum. The design uses judiciously arranged nanoholes on metal films to create multiple spiral patterns, each contributing to a specific OAM...

Phase 3 trial results: mRNA-1273 vaccine continued to be safe and efficacious more than five months after second dose

The mRNA-1273 vaccine has demonstrated sustained efficacy in preventing COVID-19 and severe disease, with consistent high levels of protection observed across various subgroups. Researchers have also found a marginal improvement in reduced cases among those vaccinated more recently during the Delta variant surge.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 22, 2021

Wide heads help sperm swim together

Researchers used machine learning to discover that sperm with a wide head relative to length are more likely to clump together and swim collectively, a rare behavior that sometimes helps them reach an egg faster. The study provides a new method for understanding how form and function are related in cells with complex behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 22, 2021

Pregnant women who receive COVID-19 vaccination pass protection from the virus to their newborns

A new study found that COVID-19 vaccinated pregnant women pass high levels of antibodies to their babies, providing protection against infection. The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna mRNA vaccines trigger the production of protective antibodies in mothers, which are then transferred to newborns.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology MFM·DateSep 22, 2021

Adults with neurologic conditions more likely to have experienced childhood trauma

A study published in Neurology Clinical Practice found that adults with neurologic conditions are more likely to have had adverse childhood experiences such as abuse or neglect. The study suggests that early recognition of these high adverse childhood experiences may improve health outcomes for individuals with neurologic conditions.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology Clinical Practice·DateSep 22, 2021

Hidden mechanisms of apple watercore formation

Single-cell analyses reveal turgor-associated metabolic modifications in watercored apples, leading to increased production of volatile compounds. A significant concentration of these compounds is detected at the border region, where a water potential gradient facilitates water transport to the watercore area.

SourceEhime University·JournalHorticulture Research·DateSep 22, 2021

Color coding molecular mirror images

Scientists at Kanazawa University have discovered a new method for determining the chirality of amines, which involves reactions with 'color indicator' molecules that produce different colors depending on the enantiomer present. The approach enables easy naked-eye differentiation between enantiomers and could be used to quantify enanti...

SourceKanazawa University·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 22, 2021

Model advances understanding of incorporating 3D printing into supply chains

Researchers developed a computational model to optimize the use of additive manufacturing in spare parts supply chains, finding that centralized systems are more efficient for less frequent demand with high variability. The study's findings provide a step forward in understanding how to incorporate AM technologies into supply chains.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Defense Analytics and Logistics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 22, 2021

Sex and the symbiont: Can algae hookups help corals survive?

Researchers at Rice University have made a groundbreaking discovery about the reproductive habits of dinoflagellate algae, which can help coral reefs adapt to climate change. By studying sex in these tiny creatures, scientists hope to breed strains that are more tolerant of environmental stress.

SourceRice University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2021

Engineers discover way to turn organic waste into renewable biofuel additives using radiation

Researchers at Lancaster University have developed a new method to generate renewable biofuel additives from organic waste using nuclear radiation. This process could help increase the proportion of petrol with renewable content from 5% to 20% by 2030, reducing carbon emissions and tackling climate change.

SourceLancaster University·JournalCommunications Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2021

Improving control for users of robotic prosthetics

Researchers have developed a new interface technology that can provide natural sensory feedback from robotic prosthetics to amputees, reducing abnormal sensations and cognitive burden. The innovation uses ultra-small recording sites and molecular guidance cues to stimulate sensory axons selectively, improving control of robotic limbs.

A computer algorithm called ‘Eva’ may have saved lives in Greece

A new study suggests that Greece's computer algorithm 'Eva' caught nearly twice as many asymptomatic infected travelers as traditional testing methods, helping to curb COVID-19's spread. The AI-powered system used real-time data to identify high-risk visitors for targeted testing, revealing its potential in managing the pandemic.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 22, 2021

Suicide rates fell in Canada during pandemic despite rise in unemployment

Despite increased unemployment, Canada's suicide rates dropped between March 2020 and February 2021, according to a study. The Canadian government's economic support measures, including financial assistance and reduced mortgage payments, are believed to have contributed to this decrease in suicide rates.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 22, 2021

Online searches may reduce predisposed belief in misinformation

A new analysis suggests that online searches can reduce belief in misinformation about Zainichi Koreans, particularly among those who were predisposed to believe it. However, participants showed an increase in negative feelings toward the group after conducting their searches, despite correction of specific misinformation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2021

Research: Very low effective tax rates often do not reflect high levels of corporate tax avoidance

A new study from Indiana University Kelley School of Business found that very low effective tax rates often do not reflect high levels of corporate tax avoidance. Instead, non-tax items such as valuation allowance releases and accounting for uncertain tax positions are the major drivers of these low ETRs.

SourceIndiana University·JournalContemporary Accounting Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 22, 2021

UTSA develops model to understand how a city’s design creates congestion

The UTSA-Glasgow model analyzed nearly 100 American cities to understand the relationship between city design and traffic congestion. It found that high-intensity urban land use and polycentric city shapes are associated with higher levels of congestion, supporting the long-held belief that traffic congestion is tied to urbanization.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalComputers Environment and Urban Systems·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 22, 2021

Now everyone can build battery-free electronic devices

Researchers introduce a new platform called BFree that allows users to build battery-free devices using intermittent energy harvesting. The system includes energy-harvesting hardware and a power-failure-resistant version of Python, making it accessible to novice programmers.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Interactive Mobile Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2021

Nationwide study of 295,000 brain cancer patients examines differences due to age and sex

A nationwide study of 295,000 brain cancer patients reveals significant differences in survival and incidence based on sex and age. The findings suggest that males have higher incidence rates, while females have longer survival rates at almost every age group, except among children aged 0-9 years.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalNeuro-Oncology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 22, 2021

The north movement of Intertropical Convergence Zone on synoptic-scale causes heavy rainfall in the northern South China Sea in autumn

Research by Prof. Lifang Sheng and team reveals the northward movement of Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) causes heavy autumn rainfall in the northern South China Sea. The ITCZ's shift north is triggered by abnormal equatorial easterlies, which strengthen during La Niña years.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateSep 22, 2021

Blowing up medieval gunpowder recipes

The study of medieval gunpowder recipes reveals that the evolution of the perfect powder was a slow trial-and-error process. Researchers analyzed energies released during combustion and found that certain additives made gunpowder stronger, while others had no energetic advantages but might have served other purposes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Omega·DateSep 22, 2021

An experimental loop for simulating nuclear reactors in space

Researchers at Penn State have developed a small-scale laboratory experiment known as a hydrogen test loop to investigate nuclear thermal propulsion. The simulation, which includes a stainless steel pipe and a heating element, successfully models the operation of a reactor in space. The study's findings could lead to more efficient and...

SourcePenn State·JournalFusion Science & Technology·DateSep 22, 2021

Special transcription factor and its target genes as an important approach for therapy at rare leukemia type identified

A study by MedUni Wien researchers has discovered that the transcription factor BATF3 and its target genes play a crucial role in the growth of tumour cells in anaplastic large cell lymphoma. The findings suggest that targeting the IL-2R system could be an effective therapeutic approach, with promising results in animal models.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 22, 2021

Scientists show how mucus protein contributes to worsening COPD, asthma, lung conditions

Researchers at UNC School of Medicine discovered that MUC5AC mucin disrupts airways in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. The study suggests that MUC5AC could be a target for better therapeutics to address the sticky mucus associated with these conditions.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2021

Understanding uncertainty with a new take on questionnaires

Researchers developed an interval-valued response method to address uncertainty in questionnaires, providing a more flexible approach to data collection. The new method uses ellipses to allow respondents to choose a range when answering a question, resulting in better quality data and potential improvements in data privacy.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalBehavior Research Methods·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 22, 2021