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Science News for September 27, 2021


New control of liquid–liquid interface through non-equilibrium thermodynamics

A Japanese collaborative team presents a novel method for tuning hydrodynamic interfacial instability through a thermodynamic parameter controlling liquid–liquid phase separation. They successfully predict pattern changes of a growing interface by applying the maximum entropy production principle.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry B·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2021

Human rights violations of older people: The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry publishes special issue to tackle ageism, mentalism and ableism

The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry publishes a special issue to strengthen the rights and voices of older people worldwide. The issue aims to reduce the burden of ageism, mentalism and ableism, which currently permeates virtually every aspect of older persons' lives.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateSep 27, 2021

Researchers identified two possible Mott-insulating pictures in magnetic superexchange couplings in Sr2IrO4

Researchers have identified two possible Mott-insulating pictures in magnetic superexchange couplings of Sr2IrO4, shedding light on the mechanism for superconductivity in doped La2CuO4. The study used different theories to analyze the magnetic interactions in the strong-to-intermediate coupling regime.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalPhysical Review B·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2021

Researchers propose strategy to inhibit over-oxidation for oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane

Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics researchers propose dual active site strategy to isolate dehydrogenation and oxidation in oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane, resulting in near 100% ethene selectivity. This approach could be extended to multiple oxidation reactions plagued by over-oxidation.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 27, 2021

Ultrathin quantum dot LED that can be folded freely as paper

Researchers at the Institute for Basic Science have developed a foldable quantum dot LED that can be transformed into various complex 3D structures, such as butterflies and pyramids. The technology employs selective laser-etching to create precise curvature lines, allowing for stable light-emitting performance even after repeated folding.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2021

Eye on the tiger: genetics show global fisheries management should re-think tiger sharks

Research confirms two separate tiger shark populations in the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific oceans, despite trans-oceanic migrations. This long-term separation has resulted in distinct genetic diversity among Hawaiian and Indian Ocean tiger sharks, emphasizing the need for tailored management plans and targeted conservation efforts.

SourceSave Our Seas Foundation·JournalJournal of Heredity·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 27, 2021

Discovery of mechanics of drug targets for COVID-19

A team of international researchers has unraveled the inner workings of C5aR2, a key receptor involved in inflammation and COVID-19. The study provides an additional opportunity for therapeutic targeting with new drug molecules to block its activation and inflammation response.

SourceMcGill University·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2021

New wireless photoelectric implant controls the activity of spinal neurons

Researchers have developed a revolutionary wireless photoelectric implant that can control the activity of spinal neurons, enabling the study of neural function and the development of new treatments for neurological disorders. The breakthrough technology uses pulses of light to stimulate or inhibit specific spinal-cord neurons, potenti...

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2021

How geology and climate shape biodiversity

Tropical rainforests have uneven biodiversity due to geological history and climate. Researchers used a new model to simulate species diversification, finding that historical dynamics of mountain building and climate change drove biodiversity distribution rather than current climate factors.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 27, 2021

SUTD researchers designed an ultralow power artificial synapse for next-generation AI systems

Researchers at Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) have designed an ultralow power artificial synapse for next-generation AI systems. The team's innovation uses a nanoscale deposit-only-metal-electrode fabrication process, achieving an all-time-low energy consumption of 1.8 pJ per pair-pulse-based synaptic event.

Dinosaurs’ ascent driven by volcanoes powering climate change

A new study found that four distinct episodes of volcanic activity coincided with significant environmental changes, including the Late Triassic Carnian Pluvial Episode, which drove animal and plant diversification. The research suggests that large volcanic eruptions had a profound impact on global temperature and humidity.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateSep 27, 2021

New form of expanded dialysis improves quality of life, study finds

A new form of expanded dialysis has been found to improve the quality of life for patients with chronic kidney disease, including increased energy and better sleep. The treatment, which removes a broader range of toxins from the body, was tested in a clinical trial and shown to reduce inflammation and improve overall well-being.

SourceLawson Health Research Institute·JournalKidney Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 27, 2021

Passage of recreational cannabis laws leads to some rise in use but not for all demographics

A study by Columbia University found that recreational cannabis laws led to increased past-year and past-month cannabis use among Hispanic, Other and non-Hispanic white individuals, but not among non-Hispanic Black people or those aged 12-20. The researchers also highlighted persistent racial disparities in cannabis arrests and incarce...

Novel strategy discovered for FLT3-ITD-positive acute myeloid leukemia

Researchers at the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science have developed a novel targeting chaperon protein HSP70 inhibitor QL47 to treat FLT3-ITD-positive acute myeloid leukemia. The study found that QL47 induces FLT3-ITD protein degradation and cell apoptosis, extending animal survival in mice bone marrow engraftment models.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalSignal Transduction and Targeted Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2021

Study of nearly 3 million people finds ‘healthy’ obese people more likely to develop heart failure than those of normal weight—but are not at greater risk of heart attack or stroke

Researchers analyzed data from nearly 3 million adults and found that those with 'metabolically healthy obesity' had a higher risk of developing heart failure and atrial fibrillation. However, they were not at increased risk for heart attacks, strokes, or cardiovascular deaths.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetes Obesity and Metabolism·DateSep 27, 2021

Non-line-of-sight reconstruction with signal-object collaborative regularization

Researchers developed a unified framework for high-quality NLOS reconstructions using Signal-object collaborative regularization (SOCR) method. The technique recovers location, shape, albedo, and normal of targets with clear local structures, sharp boundaries, and little noise, even in heavy noise conditions.

Geologists solve half-century-old mystery of animal traces in ancient rocks

An international team of scientists has resolved a half-century-old mystery by discovering that ancient burrow traces in Australian quartzite were made by crustaceans around 40 million years ago. The discovery was made possible by analyzing unusual radioactive minerals in the sand, which revealed that the burrows were more than a billi...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2021

Princess Margaret Cancer Centre researchers refine test to achieve 'ultrasensitive' detection of HPV in the bloodstream

Princess Margaret Cancer Centre researchers have developed a highly sensitive test to detect human papillomavirus (HPV) in the bloodstream. The new sequencing method detected HPV circulating tumour DNA at much lower levels than previous tests, making it possible to monitor disease progression and tailor treatment.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 27, 2021

Breast radiation following lumpectomy confirmed to reduce incidence of IBR for 'good risk' DCIS

A long-term analysis of NRG-RTOG 9804 shows breast radiation following lumpectomy significantly reduces the incidence of ipsilateral breast recurrence (IBR) for 'low risk' ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). The study found a significant reduction in IBR with radiation, with lower rates observed at 10 and 15 years compared to observation.

SourceNRG Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 27, 2021

Play ball! (It’s good for you)

A new study published in the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics suggests that boys who participate in sports in early childhood are less likely to experience depressive and anxiety symptoms later. The study also found that boys who exhibit higher levels of depressive and anxious symptoms during middle childhood are subseq...

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·TypeSurvey·DateSep 27, 2021

UCI, NASA JPL scientists uncover additional threat to Antarctica’s floating ice shelves

Researchers at UCI and NASA JPL found that a thinning of the ice melange, a slushy concoction of windblown snow, iceberg debris, and frozen seawater, is a major driver of ice shelf collapse. The study revealed that melange thinning can lead to rapid retreat of Antarctica's ice shelves.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 27, 2021

Future prosperity in China is unlikely to be hindered by population aging

A new study published in PNAS suggests that China's declining birth rate and aging population may not negatively impact future prosperity. The researchers found that higher education levels among women can lead to increased labor force participation, potentially offsetting the negative effects of population aging.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2021

NIH-funded study shows screening device accurately detects amblyopia (lazy eye)

A new handheld screening device has been shown to accurately detect amblyopia (lazy eye) in children, with a sensitivity rate of 100% and specificity rate of 85%. Early detection is key to treating the condition, which can affect school performance and lifelong visual acuity.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalJournal of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus·TypeObservational study·DateSep 27, 2021

First reported case of anthrax in wildlife in the Namib Desert: Infected zebra most likely causes death of three cheetahs

A team of scientists from the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research found that three free-ranging cheetahs in the Namib Desert died after feeding on a mountain zebra infected with anthrax. The study highlights previously unknown risks to cheetah populations in the desert.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·TypeCase study·DateSep 27, 2021

Study: Whether journalists who left jobs chose to or were laid off predicts physical, emotional reaction

A study of former journalists found that those who left their jobs voluntarily reported positive well-being and relief, while those who were laid off experienced depression, shock, and financial difficulties. The study also found that the skills honed as a journalist are highly transferable to new careers.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalNewspaper Research Journal·TypeSurvey·DateSep 27, 2021

Prevalence of spatial neglect prompts call for screening survivors of right and left brain strokes

A systematic review found spatial neglect to be prevalent among 29% of unilateral stroke survivors, with higher rates in right brain strokes and ecological assessments. This condition impairs cognitive and motor functions, slowing rehabilitation progress and increasing risk for injury.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalAnnals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 27, 2021

Experimental drug development approach points to better targeted therapies for treatment-resistant leukemia

Researchers have identified a way to restore the effectiveness of drugs in clinical trials for treating AML by using human alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein (AGP) as a 'decoy' to bind and inhibit FLT3-mutated leukemia cells. The approach has potential for improving patient outcomes, particularly for patients with FLT3-mutated AML.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalBlood Cancer Discovery·DateSep 27, 2021

0.75 Gbit/s key distribution with mode-shift keying chaos synchronization

Researchers propose a novel key distribution scheme based on mode-shift keying chaos synchronization to overcome limitations of laser transition time, achieving 0.7503 Gbit/s rate with high security. The method uses Fabry-Perot lasers and random drive source to generate chaotic waveforms, which are then quantized to produce random bits.

New world record in materials research - X-ray microscopy with 1000 tomograms per second

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin have achieved a new world record in materials research by using X-ray microscopy to create 1000 three-dimensional images per second. This allows for the non-destructive study of fast processes in materials, enabling researchers to gain insights into material properties and behavior.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2021

The earlier, the better

A team of researchers from FAU has investigated the timing of treatment in autoimmune diseases and found that early intervention can have a major impact on disease progression. By targeting B cells, which produce autoantibodies and influence other immune cells, researchers were able to prevent or delay severe organ damage.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournaliScience·TypeCase study·DateSep 27, 2021

Late Pleistocene humans may have hatched and raised cassowary chicks

An international team of scientists suggests that early humans in New Guinea collected cassowary eggs near maturity and then raised the birds to adulthood, with evidence supporting this behavior dating back 18,000 years. The researchers used eggshells to determine the developmental stage of ancient embryos/chicks when the eggs cracked.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2021

Amazonian protected areas benefit both people and biodiversity

Research from the University of East Anglia found that communities living within Amazonian Sustainable-Use Protected Areas enjoy better access to essential services, including healthcare, education, and electricity. These areas also lead to improved livelihoods, with household wealth and life satisfaction increasing significantly.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2021

Children and youth at low risk of severe acute COVID-19 during first part of pandemic: Canadian study

A Canadian study found that children and youth are at low risk of severe acute COVID-19 during the first half of the pandemic. The study analyzed hospitalizations of 264 children and youth with SARS-CoV-2 infection and found that only half had severe disease, with underlying health conditions being a significant factor.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 27, 2021

Reducing tropical cyclone impacts: The double benefit of climate protection through both limiting and delaying global warming

Researchers found that limiting global warming to 2 degrees Celsius can postpone severe tropical cyclone impacts to the late second half of the century when there are fewer people at risk. Delaying warming can reduce exposed populations in countries like Japan, China, and the Korean peninsula.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 27, 2021

Anti-seizure medication improves cognitive function in some Alzheimer’s patients

A Phase 2 clinical trial found that levetiracetam improved cognitive function in Alzheimer's patients with epileptic activity, particularly those under 65 when symptoms began. The study demonstrated a clear benefit from the medication for this subtype of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 27, 2021

Parental income has long-term consequences for children’s health

A University of Illinois study found that parental income has a lasting impact on children's health, with lower socioeconomic status linked to increased risk of obesity and related conditions. Permanent income is associated with parents' general socioeconomic conditions, while transitory peaks during adolescence can promote better health.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 27, 2021