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Science News for March 30, 2022


New review highlights the potential of smart contracts as a game-changing technology for the energy sector

A recent review highlights smart contracts as a game-changing technology for the energy sector, enabling decentralized generation and consumption. The study identifies applications in smart electric vehicle charging, demand-side response, peer-to-peer energy trading and more.

SourceHeriot-Watt University·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 30, 2022

Intel and QuTech deliver first industrially manufactured qubit

Engineers from Intel and scientists from QuTech have successfully produced the first industrially manufactured qubit, leveraging industrial manufacturing facilities to overcome scalability hurdles. The achievement boasts high uniformity, few defects, and unprecedented device yield, paving the way for practical quantum computation.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalNature Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2022

Americans love football, but differ on whether kids should play

A new study found that Americans are deeply divided about whether youth tackle football is appropriate for kids. While 45% agree, 50% disagree, and the remainder are unsure. The study shows that factors such as race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, family history, and community background influence opinions on youth football.

SourceOhio State University·JournalSocial Currents·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 30, 2022

Genetically modified proteins convert carbon nanotube to programmable optoelectronic device

Researchers developed a full-function bioelectronic photocell using genetically modified proteins attached to a carbon nanotube. The system can change its electronic properties in response to light, operating as a spotlight or memory cell. This discovery opens the door to environmentally friendly electronic elements, memory devices, an...

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 30, 2022

Predicting sudden cardiac arrest

Cedars-Sinai researchers created a clinical risk assessment algorithm that identifies patients at highest risk of treatable sudden cardiac arrest. The algorithm, based on 13 clinical, electrocardiogram, and echocardiographic variables, has the potential to enhance prevention and treatment options for this fatal condition.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 30, 2022

An electronic registry system to improve the health of the migrant population

A study by ISGlobal used an electronic personal health record system to collect data on migrant populations arriving in southern Europe between 2016 and 2019. The results showed a young and healthy population with acute respiratory infections, HIV/TB, and chronic conditions such as diabetes. The system proved useful for collecting effe...

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalJournal of Travel Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 30, 2022

Why are people with allergic asthma less susceptible to severe COVID?

Research reveals that interleukin-13 (IL-13) plays a crucial role in protecting cells against SARS-CoV-2, explaining why people with allergic asthma are less susceptible to severe COVID. The study found that IL-13 upregulates genes controlling glycoprotein synthesis and antiviral processes, reducing viral entry and replication.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2022

Should COVID-19 vaccines and drugs be not-for-profit?

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for equitable access to vaccines and medicines. Mohga Kamal-Yanni argues that waiving intellectual property rules can help share knowledge and technology, ensuring universal access. In contrast, Thomas Cueni emphasizes the importance of financial incentives for biopharmaceutical innovation.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMar 30, 2022

Argon found in air of ancient atmosphere

Scientists have found argon trapped in ice cores from Greenland and Antarctica, which can be used to reconstruct past climate changes and temperature shifts. The discovery could improve our understanding of the Earth's atmosphere and climate over hundreds of thousands of years.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of Glaciology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2022

Where we grow up influences our sense of direction

Research reveals that people who grew up in rural areas have a better sense of direction than those in cities, especially in countries with complex topographies. The study used video game data from Sea Hero Quest to analyze over 400,000 participants from 38 countries.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2022

Researchers identify new paraelectric phase prototypes for use in computational engineering of functional materials

Researchers at NCCR MARVEL identified two new cubic prototypes that exhibit energetically and dynamically stable paraelectric behavior, providing a microscopic representation of the material's properties. The discovery has significant implications for the study of ferroelectricity, superconductivity, and other functional materials.

SourceNational Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) MARVEL·JournalPhysical Review Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 30, 2022

Artificial modification of Earth’s radiation belts by ground-based very-low-frequency (VLF) transmitters

Researchers found that ground-based VLF transmitter waves can significantly contribute to electron losses in the near-Earth space, leading to the bifurcation of the inner energetic electron belt. This phenomenon can be controlled by human VLF wave generation, which may help mitigate natural space radiation environments.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateMar 30, 2022

Developing student learning in the ever-changing landscape of higher education

The special issue of the ECNU Review of Education examines how digital shift, international student mobility, and assessment methods impact student learning in higher education. Research reveals that offline interaction generates more desirable academic outcomes, while online education fosters student autonomy and thesis completion.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalECNU Review of Education·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 30, 2022

Pinpointing the sound of failure

Researchers at Texas A&M University have identified a unique sound signature produced by rocks as they crack and break. This discovery was made using a combination of supervised machine learning, causal discovery, and rapid simulations. The team found that an unusual pattern of positive and negative measurements in sound wave-transmiss...

SourceTexas A&M University·TypeNews article·DateMar 30, 2022

A “perfect storm” of genetic mutations is behind rare sporadic brain malformations that cause stroke, seizures

A new study by researchers at the University of Chicago Medicine has identified a set of sporadic genetic mutations that make it more likely a person will develop cavernous angiomas, which can lead to stroke and seizures. Understanding these underlying causes is key to identifying patients at risk and finding effective treatments.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·DateMar 30, 2022

New study assesses the health impacts of the 2020 lockdowns in three European cities

A new study found that the health impacts of 2020 lockdowns varied across three European cities, with physical activity levels declining by up to 95% and resulting in increased diagnoses of heart attacks, strokes, depression, and anxiety. In contrast, decreases in air pollution and noise had positive effects on health.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 30, 2022

Orb-weaver spider uses web to capture sounds

Orb-weaver spiders have been found to use their massive webs as auditory arrays, capturing sounds and giving them advanced warning of prey or predators. The researchers used a special quiet room and placed a mini-speaker near the web, causing the spider to detect and respond.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2022

Sea turtles’ loyalty to their nesting sites conditions the sex of the offspring

Research by Universidad Complutense de Madrid found that sea turtles consistently choose the same nesting sites each season, affecting the sex of their offspring. The temperature-dependent sex determination of turtles means males are produced at lower temperatures, and nesting beneath trees may increase male births in warmer temperatures.

SourceUniversidad Complutense de Madrid·JournalClimatic Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 30, 2022

We need to increase MMR uptake urgently

Low MMR vaccine uptake is being blamed for a decline in protective immunity, with only 95% coverage needed to prevent outbreaks. Experts urge parents and healthcare professionals to improve awareness and uptake of the vaccine.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMar 30, 2022

New research highlights “significant gap” in evidence about effectiveness of relationship education programmes

A systematic review of 20 relationship education programmes found a lack of high-quality evaluations, with only three programmes following participants for over a year. Experts recommend co-created programmes integrated into mental health-informed curricula and evaluated over the long-term to promote good mental health and wellbeing.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPastoral Care in Education·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 30, 2022

Improving predictions of bacteria in Ala Wai Canal, Hawai‘i

Researchers have developed a model to predict Vibrio vulnificus abundance in the canal by analyzing rainfall, water temperature, dissolved nutrients and organic matter. The study found that warmer waters due to climate change may lead to an increase of twice or three times current levels of bacteria by the end of the century.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeObservational study·DateMar 30, 2022

Researchers find topological phenomena at high, technologically relevant frequencies

A collaborative study from the University of Pennsylvania demonstrates topological control capabilities in an acoustic system at technologically relevant frequencies. The researchers have successfully shown that topological phenomena occur at higher frequency ranges, enabling unique signal propagation properties.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2022

Those who ogle also more likely to have harmful attitudes

A new study from Edith Cowan University found that excessive body gaze is linked with harmful attitudes towards sexual assault. Men who showed strong preferences for gazing at women's bodies were more likely to assume women invite or tolerate rough sexual conduct, while women did not show body gaze preferences.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·TypeObservational study·DateMar 30, 2022

Dressing up RNA molecules to last

A new mechanism has been discovered that decorates the end tails of RNA molecules in a parasite causing sleeping sickness, preventing their degradation and potentially increasing virulence. This fundamental discovery opens new avenues for treatment strategies for this disease, as well as other RNA-based infections/diseases.

SourceInstituto de Medicina Molecular·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2022

The politics of Uber

Platform firms like Uber have adapted to regulations to provide different services and accumulate power, mediating between producers and consumers. The study shows that these companies' power stems from their position in the economy and strategic response to existing regulations.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalRegulation & Governance·TypeCase study·DateMar 30, 2022

Triggering cellular apoptosis by optical targeting

Researchers at Okayama University have created a new method to kill cancer cells using light-activated protein AR3, reducing the risk of adverse reactions. The approach uses green light to trigger apoptosis in targeted cells, offering a promising alternative to conventional treatments.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2022

Global disparities persist in opioid painkiller access

A study led by UCL researchers found significant disparities in opioid painkiller access between countries, with some regions reporting rates as low as 0.01 MME per 1,000/day, while others have surpassed the US in opioid sales. The findings highlight the need for global policies to improve palliative care and pain relief provision.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 30, 2022

Sri Lankan twin study finds one-third of variation in depressive symptoms is genetic; two-thirds is environmentally influenced - and symptoms are strongly associated with health-related quality of life

A recent Sri Lankan twin study reveals that genetic factors contribute to approximately one-third of the variation in depressive symptoms, while environmental influences account for around two-thirds. The study also found a strong association between depressive symptoms and health-related quality of life.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 30, 2022

Disparities in diabetic eye care

A new University of Houston study finds racial and ethnic disparities in diabetic eye care, with Whites more likely to receive regular exams than minorities. The study also reveals that Hispanics have the highest prevalence of diabetic eye complications.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalDiabetes Epidemiology and Management·DateMar 30, 2022

Special issue of energy material advances on research state of nanocrystals

This special issue of Energy Material Advances highlights recent progress in synthesizing and tuning perovskite nanocrystals and other emerging nanocrystal materials. Research focuses on fundamental understanding of doping, synthesis, and spectroscopy, as well as applications in solar cells and light-emitting diodes.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalEnergy Material Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2022

Exercise may reduce depression symptoms, boost effects of therapy

Research found that exercising for half an hour can improve depressed mood state and anhedonia for up to 75 minutes after exercise, with potential benefits lasting beyond this time frame. The study also suggests that exercise may synergize with therapy to deliver the most effective overall intervention.

SourceIowa State University·JournalPsychology of Sport and Exercise·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 30, 2022

Study finds reducing carbon emissions won’t hurt economic growth

The study explores how countries can reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 with continued economic growth through 2100. The results suggest that stringent public policies and rapid deployment of low-carbon technologies are necessary to achieve this goal, with the global economy projected to be five times its size in 2100.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalOxford Open Energy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 30, 2022

Persistent swinging of electrons between atomic sites in crystals

Researchers have observed persistent swinging of electrons between atomic sites in crystals using ultrafast X-ray diffraction. The study reveals relocation of valence charge on the length scale of interatomic distances, paving the way for future studies of functional materials.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2022

The Rule of Two helps make spaces sound better

The Rule of Two method uses multiple measurements to collect reliable data, overcoming the limitations of single sine sweep techniques. This new approach will make it easier and faster to design rooms with optimal acoustic combinations, leading to better sound quality in various spaces.

SourceAalto University·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateMar 30, 2022

Levi A. Garraway, MD, PhD, FAACR, to receive 2022 AACR-Margaret Foti Award for Leadership and Extraordinary Achievements in Cancer Research

Levi A. Garraway is being honored for his groundbreaking contributions to cancer research, including the identification of melanoma genes and development of precision oncology approaches. He has also championed parallel sequencing as a definitive approach to tumor genomic profiling, revolutionizing cancer treatment strategies.

Deserts ‘breathe’ water vapor, study shows

Researchers have discovered that sand dunes in deserts can 'breathe' humid air, allowing microbes to persist deep inside hyper-arid sand dunes. This finding has significant applications in fields such as agriculture, food processing, and pharmaceutical research.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Earth Surface·DateMar 30, 2022

Million-year-old Arctic sedimentary record sheds light on climate mystery, UMass Amherst researchers find

Researchers have provided a continuous look at the dramatic shift in glacial cycles, known as the Mid-Pleistocene Transition, using an ancient Arctic sedimentary record. The study reveals that three interglacial periods were warmer than previously thought, and there was a long-term drying trend during this period.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalClimate of the Past·DateMar 30, 2022

Audio files are being used as digital drugs: Survey

A new study published in Drug and Alcohol Review found that binaural beats are being used as digital drugs by over 30,000 people worldwide, with users primarily seeking relaxation and mood change. The survey also revealed that binaural beat listeners are more likely to be younger and report recent use of prohibited drugs.

SourceRMIT University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Review·TypeSurvey·DateMar 30, 2022

What is the next move for site-specific nutrient management research in sub-Saharan Africa?

Researchers assess development and performance of tailored approaches to fertilizer application in SSA, highlighting scalability and technical challenges. Solutions to overcome barriers to widespread adoption are outlined, including investment in soil capacity estimation and farmer-friendly digital tools.

SourceAfrican Plant Nutrition Institute·JournalField Crops Research·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 30, 2022

How would a nuclear winter impact food production?

A new study published in Ambio highlights the potential for tropical forests to provide food security in the face of a nuclear winter. Researchers identified 33 wild, edible plants and insects that could be cultivated or foraged in post-nuclear war conditions. These findings offer a new perspective on global food security and resilience.

SourcePenn State·JournalAMBIO·DateMar 30, 2022