Science X Newsletter Thursday, Jun 18

Dear Mahesh Sagar Khanal,

Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for June 18, 2020:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

The synchrony between neurons in different brain hemispheres could aid behavioral adaptation

Teaching humanoid robots different locomotion behaviors using human demonstrations

Use of forests to offset carbon emissions requires an understanding of the risks

Natural fluid injections triggered Cahuilla earthquake swarm

Scientists decode how the brain senses smell

What jumps out in a photo changes the longer we look

Soft and ion-conducting hydrogel artificial tongue for astringency perception

AI creates realistic faces from crude sketches

Plants are marvelous chemists, as the gardenia's DNA shows

Researchers uncover new insights into Alzheimer's disease

Physical activity prevents almost four million early deaths worldwide each year

Researchers study catastrophic disease events in marine mammals

Researchers take a bloody good look at the medicinal leech genome

Scientists solve a thorny problem

Studying the Neandertal DNA found in modern humans using stem cells and organoids

Nanotechnology news

	Two-dimensional carbon networks: Graphdiyne as a functional lithium-ion storage material Lithium-ion batteries usually contain graphitic carbons as anode materials. Scientists have investigated the carbonic nanoweb graphdiyne as a novel two-dimensional carbon network for its suitability in battery applications. Graphdiyne is as flat and thin as graphene, which is the one-atomic-layer-thin version of graphite, but it has a higher porosity and adjustable electronic properties. In the journal Angewandte Chemie, researchers describe its simple bottom-up synthesis from tailor-made precursor molecules.
	Study unveils new mechanism for long-distance cell communication An extracellular vesicle—a nanoparticle released by cells—can use jerky movements similar to a car weaving in and out of traffic to navigate the obstacle-filled environment outside of cells, according to new discoveries made by researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
	Toward ultra-sensitive diagnostic chips An international team, led by Swinburne researchers, has developed an ultra-thin nanostructure gold film—or metasurface—with the potential to revolutionize next-generation bio-sensing chips.
	Graphene smart textiles developed for heat adaptive clothing New research on the two-dimensional (2-D) material graphene has allowed researchers to create smart adaptive clothing which can lower the body temperature of the wearer in hot climates.
	Researchers develop urine test that identifies pregnancy outcome after threatened miscarriage Researchers at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore)and clinicians at KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH) have developed a urine test that can, within 30 minutes, gauge pregnancy outcomes for women presenting with signs of threatened miscarriage.
'Nanotorch' highlights ultrafast biochemical reactions Life depends on remarkable arrays of biochemical reactions. Understanding the workings of biomolecules involves real-time monitoring of these reactions. Happening in only tiny fractions of a millisecond, this is very difficult even with highly sensitive optical instruments. Therefore, Ph.D. researcher Yuyang Wang uses a 'plasmonic nanotorch," a single metal nanoparticle that illuminates single fluorescent molecules, making it possible now to detect those ultrafast biochemical reactions. Wang defends his Ph.D. on 19 June.

Physics news

	Quantum rings in the grip of laser light Ultracold atoms trapped in appropriately prepared optical traps can arrange themselves in surprisingly complex, hitherto unobserved structures, according to scientists from the Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Cracow. In line with their most recent predictions, matter in optical lattices should form tensile and inhomogeneous quantum rings in a controlled manner.
	Researchers perform quantum simulation of dynamical phase transitions Quantum simulation uses a controllable quantum system to mimic complex systems or solve intractable problems, among which the non-equilibrium problems of quantum many-body systems have attracted wide research interest. Such systems are hard to simulate using classical computers. Instead, popular quantum simulators, such as superconducting circuits, can provide insights into these problems. As considerable advances have been made in scalability, coherence and controllability, superconducting circuits have become one of the most important quantum simulation platforms.
	Exploring mass dependence in electron-hole clusters In solid materials, when an electron changes position without another to fill its place, a positively charged 'hole' can appear which is attracted to the original electron. In more complex situations, the process can even result in stable clusters of multiple electrons and holes, whose behaviors all depend on each other. Strangely, the masses of each particle inside a cluster can be different to their masses when they are on their own. However, physicists aren't yet entirely clear how these mass variations can affect the overall properties of clusters in real solids. Through a study published in EPJ B, Alexei Frolov at the University of Western Ontario, Canada, reveals that the behavior of one type of three-particle cluster displays a distinct relationship with the ratio between the masses of its particles.
	New connections between quantum computing and machine learning in computational chemistry  Quantum computing promises to improve our ability to perform some critical computational tasks in the future. Machine learning is changing the way we use computers in our present everyday life and in science. It is natural to seek connections between these two emerging approaches to computing, in the hope of reaping multiple benefits. The search for connecting links has just started, but we are already seeing a lot of potential in this wild, unexplored territory. We present here two new research articles: "Precise measurement of quantum observables with neural-network estimators," published in Physical Review Research, and "Fermionic neural-network states for ab-initio electronic structure," published in Nature Communications.

Earth news

	Use of forests to offset carbon emissions requires an understanding of the risks Given the tremendous ability of forests to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, some governments are counting on planted forests as offsets for greenhouse gas emissions—a sort of climate investment. But as with any investment, it's important to understand the risks. If a forest goes bust, researchers say, much of that stored carbon could go up in smoke.
	Natural fluid injections triggered Cahuilla earthquake swarm A naturally occurring injection of underground fluids drove a four-year-long earthquake swarm near Cahuilla, California, according to a new seismological study that utilizes advances in earthquake monitoring with a machine-learning algorithm. In contrast to mainshock/aftershock sequences, where a large earthquake is followed by many smaller aftershocks, swarms typically do not have a single standout event.
	Arctic Ocean acidification worse than expected The Arctic Ocean will take up more CO2 over the 21st century than predicted by most climate models. This additional CO2 causes a distinctly stronger ocean acidification. These results were published in a study by climate scientists from the University of Bern and École normale supérieure in Paris. Ocean acidification threatens the life of calcifying organisms—such as mussels and "sea butterflies"—and can have serious consequences for the entire food chain.
	Massive Sahara dust plume headed for southeastern US, could bring sensational sunsets The southeastern U.S. is getting dusted by the Sahara.
	'Like having a truck idling in your living room': the toxic cost of wood-fired heaters Australians are accustomed to having fresh air, and our clean atmosphere is a source of pride for many.
	Earth's rock-solid connections between Canada and Australia contain clues about the origin of life (Update) The rocks at the surface of the modern Earth are broadly divided into two types: felsic and mafic. Felsic rocks are generally relatively low density—for a rock—and light in color because they are made from whitish minerals rich in silicon and aluminum. Half Dome in California is made of granite that is a felsic rock. Mafic rocks, in contrast, are relatively high in density and dark in color because they contain minerals rich in iron and magnesium; Giants Causeway in Northern Ireland is made of basalt, which is a mafic rock.
	Fossilized fish could indicate rich deposits of valuable rare-earth metals Rare metals crucial to green industries turn out to have a surprising origin. Ancient global climate change and certain kinds of undersea geology drove fish populations to specific locations. As remains of the fish fossilized, they accumulated valuable elements and these fossil beds became concentrated deposits of such metals. This discovery could aid future prospects for deposits of so-called rare-earth elements in other undersea locations.
	EPA drops regulation for contaminant harming babies' brains The Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday ended an Obama-era drive to regulate a widespread contaminant in drinking water linked to brain damage in infants. The agency rejected warnings that the move will mean lower IQs for an unknown number of American newborns.
	Popular doesn't mean influential among Cambodian farmers It's become common practice for NGOs and environmental development agencies to use 'influencers' for the roll out of environmentally sustainable farming practices, but this isn't always the most effective method, say social network analysts from the University of Sydney.
	Virus crisis gives throwaway plastic a new lease on life Just when you thought it was beyond the social and environmental pale, single-use plastic is making a comeback, be it for throwaway facemasks, gloves or shrink-wrapped vegetables.
	Food deliveries during virus lockdown fuel Thailand plastic usage Single-use plastic waste in Thailand ballooned during the coronavirus lockdown as demand for home food deliveries soared, activists say, setting back efforts to reduce the country's dependency on the environmental scourge.
	Glaciers may record the story of the coronavirus pandemic The coronavirus pandemic will be remembered for decades to come through history books, oral narratives and an abundance of personal protective equipment. However, the glaciers of the Himalayas, the Alps, Patagonia and other regions may also hold the story of this time. Among the layers of ice lay records of many things—volcanic eruptions, other pandemics, ancient civilizations, and anthropogenic climate change. The precipitous decline in air pollutants, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and changes in atmospheric composition during the coronavirus pandemic might eventually be observed in glacial ice.
	RV Polarstern returns to the MOSAiC floe After a month's absence, on 17 June the German research icebreaker Polarstern rendez-voused with the MOSAiC floe at 82.2° North and 8.4° East, after having left it on 19 May 2020 to exchange personnel and bunker supplies near Svalbard. Full of energy, the research team for the fourth leg of the expedition, which consists of experts from 19 countries, is looking forward to continuing the one-year-long MOSAiC expedition and its research on the ocean, ice and atmosphere in the Arctic. Earlier this week, their predecessors from Leg 3 returned to Bremerhaven/Germany on board the research vessels Sonne and Maria S. Merian.
	Artificial intelligence could revolutionize sea ice warnings Today, large resources are used to provide vessels in the polar seas with warnings about the spread of sea ice. Artificial intelligence may make these warnings cheaper, faster, and available for everyone.

Astronomy and Space news

	Astronomers make composition drawing of elusive wandering black holes When two galaxies collide, their central black holes merge, emitting gravitational waves. Astronomers theorize that a recoil effect sometimes kicks the merged black hole out of the galaxy while dragging nearby stars along for the ride. Researchers from SRON and Radboud University have now made a prediction of what these clusters will look like to identify them and prove their existence. Their findings are published in MNRAS.
	HOPS 383: X-rays from a newborn star hint at our sun's earliest days By detecting an X-ray flare from a very young star using NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory, researchers have reset the timeline for when stars like the sun start blasting high-energy radiation into space, as reported in our latest press release. This is significant because it may help answer some questions about our sun's earliest days as well as some about the solar system today.
	Scientists reveal a lost eight billion light years of universe evolution Last year, the Advanced LIGO-VIRGO gravitational-wave detector network recorded data from 35 merging black holes and neutron stars. A great result—but what did they miss? According to Dr. Rory Smith from the ARC Centre of Excellence in Gravitational Wave Discovery at Monash University in Australia—it's likely there are another 2 million gravitational wave events from merging black holes, "a pair of merging black holes every 200 seconds and a pair of merging neutron stars every 15 seconds" that scientists are not picking up.
	Researchers shed new light on solar flares Plasma astrophysicists at KU Leuven have created the first self-consistent simulation of the physical processes that occur during a solar flare. The researchers used Flemish supercomputers and a new combination of physical models.
	Stunning new Hubble images reveal stars gone haywire The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope demonstrates its full range of imaging capabilities with two new images of planetary nebulae. The images depict two nearby young planetary nebulae, NGC 6302, dubbed the Butterfly Nebula, and NGC 7027. Both are among the dustiest planetary nebulae known and both contain unusually large masses of gas, which made them an interesting pair for study in parallel by a team of researchers.
	NASA's next Mars rover honors medical teams fighting virus NASA's next Mars rover is honoring all the medical workers on the front lines of the coronavirus battle around the world.
	Launch is approaching for NASA's next Mars rover, Perseverance NASA's Perseverance Mars rover is just over a month from its July 20 targeted launch date. The rover's astrobiology mission will seek signs of past microscopic life on Mars, explore the geology of the Jezero Crater landing site, and demonstrate key technologies to help prepare for future robotic and human exploration. And the rover will do all that while collecting the first samples of Martian rock and regolith (broken rock and dust) for return to Earth by a set of future missions.
	Spacecrafts get a boost in 'aerogravity assisted' interactions In a recent paper published in EPJ Special Topics, Jhonathan O. Murcia Piñeros, a post-doctoral researcher at Space Electronics Division, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais, São José dos Campos, Brazil, and his co-authors, map the energy variations of the spacecraft orbits during 'aerogravity assisted' (AGA) maneuvers. A technique in which energy gains are granted to a spacecraft by a close encounter with a planet or other celestial body via that body's atmosphere and gravity.
	Reducing the risk of space debris collision As humanity expands its horizons beyond the Earth and begins to consider space missions with extended duration, sustainability necessitates the launch of more space vehicles, increasing the risk of collision with existing space debris. One method of clearing this debris involves a tug vehicle dragging it to a safe region. In a new paper published in EPJ Special Topics, authors Antônio Delson Conceição de Jesus and Gabriel Luiz F. Santos, both from the State University of Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil, model the complex rendezvous maneuvers a tug vehicle clearing space debris would have to undergo to mitigate the risk of a collision that could cause irreparable damage at the moment of coupling.
	Protecting Earth from asteroid impact with a tethered diversion Our planet exists within the vicinity of thousands of Near-Earth Objects (NEOs), some of which—potentially hazardous asteroids (PHAs)—carry the risk of impacting Earth and causing major damage to infrastructure and loss of life. Methods to mitigate such a collision are highly desirable. A new paper published in EPJ Special Topics, authored by Flaviane Venditti, Planetary Radar Department, Arecibo Observatory, University of Central Florida, suggests the use of a tether assisted system to prevent PHA impact.
	High school students build lockers for trip to the International Space Station Pulling that final zipper closed on a stuffed suitcase or getting the tailgate of a packed car shut is a true feeling of victory at the start of any road trip. Sending supplies to the International Space Station—including on NASA's SpaceX Demo-2 test flight that launched the first astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley on SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule May 30 from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida—requires a different packing method and special lockers to transport supplies.
	Planets must be formed early, study finds Scientists have found evidence that planets form in a blink of an eye on a cosmic scale. New results, obtained using the combined power of Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) and Very Large Array (VLA), show that very young disks, with ages of between 0.1—0.5 million years, have more than enough pieces to assemble planetary systems.

Technology news

	Teaching humanoid robots different locomotion behaviors using human demonstrations In recent years, many research teams worldwide have been developing and evaluating techniques to enable different locomotion styles in legged robots. One way of training robots to walk like humans or animals is by having them analyze and emulate real-world demonstrations. This approach is known as imitation learning.
	What jumps out in a photo changes the longer we look What seizes your attention at first glance might change with a closer look. That elephant dressed in red wallpaper might initially grab your eye until your gaze moves to the woman on the living room couch and the surprising realization that the pair appear to be sharing a quiet moment together.
	AI creates realistic faces from crude sketches Back in the Sixties, one of the hottest toys in history swept America. It was called Etch-A-Sketch, and its popularity was based on a now-laughably simple feature. It was a handheld small-laptop-sized device that allowed users to create crude images by turning two control knobs that drew horizontal, vertical and diagonal lines composed of aluminum particles sealed in a plastic case. It allowed experienced artists to compose simple and sometimes recognizable portraits. And it allowed inexperienced wannabe artists who could barely draw stick-figure characters to feel like masters of the genre by generating what, frankly, still looked pretty much like mush. But Etch-A-Sketch was fun, and it went on to sell 100 million units to this day.
	Deep learning-based surrogate models outperform simulators and could hasten scientific discoveries Surrogate models supported by neural networks can perform as well, and in some ways better, than computationally expensive simulators and could lead to new insights in complicated physics problems such as inertial confinement fusion (ICF), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) scientists reported.
	Engineers develop new fuel cells with twice the operating voltage as hydrogen Electrification of the transportation sector—one of the largest consumers of energy in the world—is critical to future energy and environmental resilience. Electrification of this sector will require high-power fuel cells (either stand alone or in conjunction with batteries) to facilitate the transition to electric vehicles, from cars and trucks to boats and airplanes.
	A deep-learned e-skin decodes complex human motion A deep-learning powered single-strained electronic skin sensor can capture human motion from a distance. The single strain sensor placed on the wrist decodes complex five-finger motions in real time with a virtual 3-D hand that mirrors the original motions. The deep neural network boosted by rapid situation learning (RSL) ensures stable operation regardless of its position on the surface of the skin.
	Chinese e-commerce giant JD soars on Hong Kong debut Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com soared nearly six percent on its Hong Kong debut Thursday, after raising almost $4 billion in an initial public offering that was the world's second-biggest this year.
	Qatar Airways says no new planes in 2020 or 2021 Qatar Airways has said it will not take any new aircraft in 2020 or 2021, deferring orders with Boeing and Airbus as demand diminishes amid the coronavirus crisis.
	Facial recognition: IT and police in delicate dance Tech giants love to portray themselves as forces for good and as the United States was gripped by anti-racism protests a number of them publicly disavowed selling controversial facial recognition technology to police forces.
	IEA floats 'green recovery' plan to boost economies, cut emissions The International Energy Agency (IEA) on Thursday unveiled a three-year, post-pandemic master plan to simultaneously salvage the global economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
	Novel vision-based algorithm to track position of spacecraft in real time Guidance, navigation, and control technologies on spacecraft require accurate tracking of the relative six-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) pose of the spacecraft at close range during space maneuvers such as debris removal, landing, rendezvous and docking.
	Amazon can't make facial recognition go away Amazon, IBM, and Microsoft have generated a lot of excitement by announcing that they will, at least for a while, stop selling facial recognition software to police departments. Municipalities have imposed moratoriums. Some activists are calling for an outright ban, on the grounds that the technology can disproportionately—and wrongly—identify people of color as criminals.
	The electric car battery boom has screeched to a halt, for now Three decades of advances took lithium-ion batteries from powering handheld Sony camcorders to propelling Tesla's popular electric vehicles. The rapid rise is facing a major test in the COVID-19 pandemic.
	Who shares the most fake news? New study sheds light Facebook is a more fertile breeding ground for fake news than Twitter, and those on the far ends of the liberal-conservative spectrum are most likely to share it, according to new CU Boulder research.
	AI technology takes football player performance analysis to a new dimension Computer scientists at Loughborough University have developed novel artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms that are set to transform the way football clubs analyse team and individual players' performances on the pitch.
	'Low cost android' to study the brain The two main pitfalls of robots which imitate the human body are their control and the difficulty encountered when manufacturing them in a cost-effective manner.
	How robots could help injured workers recover Training robots to guide injured workers through simulated tasks could make return-to-work evaluations and treatment programs more effective and accessible, according to researchers at the University of Alberta.
	Virtual demolition Researchers at Osaka University demonstrated a prototype for real-time augmented reality that can virtually remove both static structures as well as moving objects. This work can be used to visualize future landscapes after urban renovations without interference from passing cars or pedestrians.
	Jeep SUVs recalled to fix problem that can cause power loss Fiat Chrysler is recalling almost 95,000 Jeep Cherokees worldwide because a transmission problem can cause the small SUVs to lose power unexpectedly.
	New research leads to Army drones changing shape mid-flight Soon, the U.S. Army will be able to deploy autonomous air vehicles that can change shape during flight, according to new research presented at the AIAA Aviation Forum and Exposition's virtual event June 16.
	Google's new light field video research showcases high-quality experience Google is taking immersive media technology to the next level, showing a practical system for light field video. Wide field of view scenes can be recorded and played back with the ability to move around within the video after it has been captured, revealing new perspectives. Developed by a team of leading research scientists and engineers, the new research shows the ability to record, reconstruct, compress, and deliver high-quality immersive light field videos lightweight enough to be streamed over regular Wi-Fi, advancing the state of the art in the rapidly emerging field of immersive augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) platforms.
	Self-driving bus services tested out in Tallinn Two types of self-driving bus are being tested out in Estonia this week as part of initiatives that could revolutionise public transport in Europe.
	'Hey Siri,' shortcut put to use against police abuse The widespread protests against police brutality have created a buzz around a software shortcut letting people cue iPhones to start video recording during a traffic stop in case of misconduct by officers.
	Capturing moving subjects in still-life quality Researchers at EPFL's Advanced Quantum Architecture Laboratory and the Wision Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a technique for building crystal-clear images of moving subjects. The team will present its paper at the prestigious SIGGRAPH 2020 conference in August.
	DoorDash valued at nearly $16 bn in funding round US delivery startup DoorDash said Thursday it raised $400 million from investors in a financing round valuing the company at nearly $16 billion.
	Money-losing Mitsubishi says executives will take pay cuts Mitsubishi Motors told its shareholders Thursday that its top executives are taking pay cuts to share responsibility for the Japanese automaker's financial losses.
	Google boosts racial equity program pledge to $275 mn Google on Wednesday announced a $175 million package to support black business owners, startup founders, job seekers and developers, along with an array of racial equity initiatives at the technology giant.
	Qantas cuts international flights until October Australian flag-carrier Qantas on Thursday said it had cut all international flights until late October, except those to New Zealand, as border restrictions look set to remain in force.
	France slams 'provocation' as US halts digital tax talks France and the US locked horns Thursday over taxing digital giants such as Google and Facebook, after Washington said it was breaking off talks aimed at establishing a global framework for making the companies pay larger levies where they operate.
	US civil rights groups call for Facebook ad boycott over hate speech US civil rights groups have called for advertisers to boycott Facebook in July, saying hate speech and incitement to violence are not being moderated on the platform.
	Report: Apple's head of diversity and inclusion has left the company Apple's head of diversity and inclusion Christie Smith has reportedly left the company as the tech giant commits to combating racism in the wake of renewed calls for equality in America.
	Review: Here's a handy list of gifts and gadgets for Father's Day Father's Day is June 21, so it's time to do some hard-core gift shopping.
	Amazon signs big allies in pledge to be carbon neutral Amazon has attracted new allies for The Climate Pledge that founder and CEO Jeff Bezos announced last September.
	Apple WWDC: What to expect from the online-only event The coronavirus crisis may be preventing Apple from holding its annual worldwide developers conference in its traditional setting in front of a huge crowd of adoring fans, programmers and content creators, but that doesn't mean Apple has given up on the tech-centric gathering.
	Attention Apple Card users: You can finance more new Apple devices interest-free Apple is offering interest-free financing on new iPad, Mac and AirPod purchases for those enrolled in its branded credit card program. And you'll get 3% cashback up-front.
	AI based early stage design support for efficient buildings The construction, exploitation, and demolition of buildings make up for about 40% to 60% of the total energy and resource expenditure in Europe. It goes without saying that improving the material and energy efficiency in the built environment will be very beneficial with respect to societal challenges like climate change, environmental pollution, and resource depletion. With the help of AI techniques and optimization technology, the Ph.D.-research of Sjonnie Boonstra can support designers to make influential decisions during the early stages of a building's design, aiming at improving material and energy efficiency.
	Austrian low-cost airline Level Europe files for insolvency The Austrian low-cost airline Level Europe announced Thursday it was filing for insolvency and would not resume flights which had already been suspended since March due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
	Russia lifts ineffective ban on Telegram messaging app Russia's communications watchdog said Thursday it would lift a ban on the popular messaging app Telegram after two years of unsuccessful attempts to block it.
	Britain scraps virus tracing app for Google-Apple system Britain scrapped plans to launch its own coronavirus contact tracing smartphone app because of technical problems and will now work on building one using technology supplied by Apple and Google, health authorities said Thursday.
	Facebook says it's promoting accurate info on vote-by-mail Facebook said Thursday that it is working to help Americans vote by mail, including by notifying users about how to request ballots and whether the date of their state's election has changed.
	Batman and Kim Kardashian headed to Spotify podcasts Spotify has penned a podcast deal with DC Comics—home to Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman—bringing scripted superhero episodes to the audio streaming platform.

Chemistry news

	Soft and ion-conducting hydrogel artificial tongue for astringency perception Artificial tongues have received increased attention due to their ability to detect the five basic tastes, but until now scientists have been unable to fully enable human tongue-like biomimicry for astringency in the lab. To mimic the mechanisms of human tongue-like perception of astringency, Jeonghee Yeom and a team of scientists in energy engineering and chemical engineering at the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology in the Republic of Korea, used a saliva-like, chemiresistive ionic hydrogel anchored to a flexible substrate to create a soft artificial tongue. They exposed the construct to astringent compounds and allowed hydrophobic aggregates to form in the microporous network, transforming it into a micro/nanoporous structure with improved ionic conductivity. Using the unique human tongue-like structure, they detected tannic acid (TA) across a wide spectrum (0.0005 to 1 weight percentage) with high sensitivity and a fast response time. As a proof-of-concept, the sensor detected the degree of astringency in beverages and fruits based on a simple wipe-and-detect method. The platform will have powerful future applications in humanoid robots and as taste monitoring devices, the research work is now published on Science Advances.
	Researchers create a new class of rate-sensitive mechanical metamaterials Researchers at the Department of Biomechanical Engineering of Delft University of Technology have created a new class of metamaterials that can dynamically switch their mechanical behavior. It may form the basis for practical applications such as fall-protective clothing for the elderly. The results are to appear in the journal Science Advances on 17 June.
	Smart chemistry rids anti-cancer drugs of serious side effects Researchers of the Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC) and the Leiden Institute of Chemistry have made an important discovery about the commonly used anti-cancer drug doxorubicin. They have found a way to reduce its side effects without sacrificing the effectiveness of the medication. This is encouraging because the serious side effects are often a reason to discontinue treatment.
	Off the scales: Fish armor both tough and flexible Humans have drawn technological inspiration from fish scales going back to ancient times: Romans, Egyptians, and other civilizations would dress their warriors in scale armor, providing both protection and mobility. Now, using advanced X-ray imaging techniques, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) scientists have characterized carp scales down to the nanoscale, enabling them to understand how the material is resistant to penetration while retaining flexibility.
	Researchers make next-generation, high-toughness battery component A team of Brown University researchers has found a way to double the toughness of a ceramic material used to make solid-state lithium ion batteries. The strategy, described in the journal Matter, could be useful in bringing solid-state batteries to the mass market.
	Vapor fix lifts up perovskite crystal performance A simple and noninvasive treatment could become a prime post-crystallization process to optimize the optoelectronic properties of hybrid perovskite solar cell materials.
	Efficient indium oxide catalysts designed for CO2 hydrogenation to methanol Catalytic hydrogenation of carbon dioxide (CO2) is a green and sustainable means of synthesizing commodity chemicals such as methanol. This conversion process is key to realizing the 'methanol economy' or creating 'liquid sunshine,' both aspects of the circular economy. Recent studies revealed the potential for a family of metal oxides to catalyze this reaction. However, further optimizing their catalytic performance for industrial applications remained a great challenge, mostly due to the difficulties related to the rational design and controlled synthesis of these catalysts.
	Researchers create a photographic film of a molecular switch Molecular switches—they are the molecular counterparts of electrical switches and play an important role in many processes in nature. Such molecules can reversibly interconvert between two or more states and thereby control molecular processes. In living organisms, for example, they play a role in muscle contraction but also our visual perception is based on the dynamics of a molecular switch in the eye. Scientists are working intensively to develop novel molecular components that enable switching between different states, so that molecular processes can be specifically controlled.
	Researchers discover unique material design for brain-like computations Over the past few decades, computers have seen dramatic progress in processing power; however, even the most advanced computers are relatively rudimentary in comparison with the complexities and capabilities of the human brain.
Researchers make new discovery on the molecular structure of natural products Researchers from the Institute of Molecular Science (ICMol) of the University of Valencia have managed to synthesize a new porous material that makes it possible to encapsulate a series of active principles of natural substances and determine their chemical structure by using X-ray diffraction. This will allow for the future characterisation of natural products, hitherto unknown, and to reveal their chemical properties. The work has been published in Nature Communications.
	Scientists working to make molecule-sized robots swarm together to perform tasks Multi-disciplinary research has led to the innovative fabrication of molecule-sized robots. Scientists are now advancing their efforts to make these robots interact and work together in the millions, explains a review in the journal Science and Technology of Advanced Materials.
	A simple and universal design for fuel cell electrolyte Researchers at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST) and Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, have successfully established a universal synthetic design using porous organic polymers (POPs) for fuel cell electrolytes, according to an Editor's choice hot article published in the journal Materials Chemistry Frontiers.

Biology news

	Plants are marvelous chemists, as the gardenia's DNA shows Plants are some of nature's most extraordinary chemists. Unlike animals, they can't run from predators or pathogens. They can't uproot themselves to seek out a mate or spread their seeds.
	Researchers study catastrophic disease events in marine mammals As the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps across the globe, people are beginning to understand, at a very personal level, the ways in which infectious diseases can devastate life. But disease outbreaks are not confined to just humans or to life on land.
	Researchers take a bloody good look at the medicinal leech genome The results of new research published this week in Scientific Reports reveal insights that may have profound effects on the use of medicinal leeches in hospital-based medicine.
	Scientists solve a thorny problem "Why do plants have thorns?" is an easy question: The thorns help protect against hungry animals that like to munch on the plants. "Where do thorns come from?" is a more complicated question—but Yale scientists have found an answer.
	Studying the Neandertal DNA found in modern humans using stem cells and organoids Protocols that allow the transformation of human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines into organoids have changed the way scientists can study developmental processes and enable them to decipher the interplay between genes and tissue formation, particularly for organs where primary tissue is not available. Now, investigators are taking this technology and applying it to study the developmental effects of Neandertal DNA. The findings are reported June 18 in the journal Stem Cell Reports.
	Forest loss escalates biodiversity change New international research reveals the far-reaching impacts of forest cover loss on global biodiversity.
	African lion counts miss the mark, but new method shows promise The current technique used for counting lion populations for research and conservation efforts doesn't add up, according to a University of Queensland researcher.
	Tibetan antelopes developed a unique way to survive high in the mountains A team of researchers at the University of Nebraska's School of Biological Sciences has found that Tibetan antelopes evolved in a unique way to survive high in the mountains. In their paper published in the journal Science Advances, the group describes their genetic analysis of the high-altitude Tibetan antelope and what they learned about its genetic evolution.
	Bobwhites listen to each other when picking habitat Northern bobwhites are attracted to a habitat based on whether other bobwhites are present there, researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign report. This phenomenon, called conspecific attraction, could aid conservation efforts.
	Innovation by ancient farmers adds to biodiversity of the Amazon, study shows Innovation by ancient farmers to improve soil fertility continues to have an impact on the biodiversity of the Amazon, a major new study shows.
	Antioxidant-rich diet reduces stress response during bird migration A research team led by a University of Rhode Island ornithologist had birds fly in a wind tunnel to simulate migration and found that birds that consume dietary antioxidants before and during fall migration can reduce the endocrine stress response triggered by long-duration flights.
	Viruses can steal our genetic code to create new human-virus genes Like a scene out of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers," a virus infects a host and converts it into a factory for making more copies of itself. Now researchers have shown that a large group of viruses, including the influenza viruses and other serious pathogens, steal genetic signals from their hosts to expand their own genomes.
	Goodbye 'extinction,' hello 'evanescence'? Validating a new paradigm Naturalist and zoologist Georges Cuvier established extinction as a distinct field of science in a series of publications beginning in 1799. He confirmed that fossil species were formerly living species no longer extant, confirming similar conclusions of classical Greek scholars. However, mechanisms thought to control the process remained controversial for two centuries.
	High-tech CT reveals ancient evolutionary adaptation of extinct crocodylomorphs The tree of life is rich in examples of species that changed from living in water to a land-based existence. Occasionally, some species took the opposite direction. New insights into the anatomy of the inner ear of prehistoric reptiles, the thalattosuchians, revealed details about one of these evolutionary turning points. During the Mesozoic era, these now extinct crocodile relatives ventured into the ocean after a long semiaquatic phase.
	Researchers identify key steps in development of kidneys The discovery of how certain key structures in the kidneys are formed could have important implications for treating renal fibrosis (or scarring), a feature of chronic kidney disease (CKD), according to a new study by a researcher at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH).
	AI goes underground: root crop growth predicted with drone imagery Root crops like cassava, carrots and potatoes are notoriously good at hiding disease or deficiencies which might affect their growth. While leaves may look green and healthy, farmers can face nasty surprises when they go to harvest their crops.
	Risk factors for heatstroke in UK dogs Dogs that are older and heavier than their breed average or that have flat faces are at higher risk of heat-related illness, according to a study in Scientific Reports.
	Scientists say the last of British Columbia's old-growth trees will soon be gone, if policies don't change Most of British Columbia's old-growth forests of big trees live only on maps, and what's left on the ground is fast disappearing, a team of independent scientists has found.
	As climate warms, fire ants head north Fire ants are on the move, and aided by climate change, they're heading north.
	Genetic detectives ID microbes suspected of slowly ruining humanity's treasures A new study of the microbial settlers on old paintings, sculptures, and other forms of art charts a potential path for preserving, restoring, and confirming the geographic origin of some of humanity's greatest treasures.
	Mapping microbiomes to improve food quantity, quality and safety Thanks to its key role in development, immunity and nutrition, the microbiome—the genetic material of all microorganisms that live in the human body—has attracted a lot of attention in recent years. The gut microbiome in particular, and how it affects overall health, has become a popular topic of scientific and medical research amid growing interest in fermented foods due to their proposed benefits for gastrointestinal health.
	Scientists unlock secrets of Ethiopia's superfood in race to save it from warming climate Teff, an ancient grain originally from Ethiopia, is a staple crop for 50 million people in the country. It is also increasingly popular worldwide, touted as a superfood for its gluten-free, high fiber and protein, and low-sugar properties.
	Non-native species threaten 73% of African states Non-native alien plants and animals are threatening fish production, water supply and other natural resources in almost three quarters of African countries, a study has concluded.
	Bonelli's eagle: Five steps to stop the death of the most threatened birds of prey due to unnatural causes An article published in the journal Global Ecology and Conservation presents a five-step protocol to mitigate the mortality of birds of prey due to accidents with infrastructure (power lines, ponds, etc.) and other unnatural causes (direct hunting). The protocol, which could also be applied to the conservation of other terrestrial vertebrates, including marine species, is a new scientific contribution from the Conservation Biology Group, led by the lecturer Joan Real, from the Faculty of Biology and the Biodiversity Research Institute (IRBio) of the University of Barcelona.

Medicine and Health news

	The synchrony between neurons in different brain hemispheres could aid behavioral adaptation In order to survive and thrive, humans and other living organisms must continuously acquire new strategies to adapt their behavior to changing environments. Past studies suggest that the synchronization between different brain cells could create flexible brain states that facilitate behavioral adaptation to different situations.
	Scientists decode how the brain senses smell Scientists have further decoded how mammalian brains perceive odors and distinguish one smell from thousands of others.
	Researchers uncover new insights into Alzheimer's disease A new study by Florida State University researchers may help answer some of the most perplexing questions surrounding Alzheimer's disease, an incurable and progressive illness affecting millions of families around the globe.
	Physical activity prevents almost four million early deaths worldwide each year At least 3.9 million early deaths are being averted worldwide every year by people being physically active, according to a new study published in The Lancet Global Health today by researchers at the Universities of Cambridge and Edinburgh.
	How cancer drugs find their targets could lead to a new toolset for drug development In the watery inside of a cell, complex processes take place in tiny functional compartments called organelles. Energy-producing mitochondria are organelles, as is the frilly golgi apparatus, which helps to transport cellular materials. Both of these compartments are bound by thin membranes.
	New intestinal cancer treatment approach identified A MedUni Vienna study group has identified a previously unknown mechanism involved in the development of intestinal cancer: The bacterial microbiome activates the so-called immune checkpoint Ido1 in Paneth cells, a special cell that is only found in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby preventing local intestinal inflammation. However, this also gives rise to immunosuppressed areas, in which intestinal tumors can develop. The Paneth cells are therefore a new cellular target for immune-based therapies against intestinal tumors. The study was recently published in the Nature journal Communications Biology.
	Blood test to monitor cancer up to 10 times more sensitive than current methods A new method of analyzing cancer patients' blood for evidence of the disease could be up to ten times more sensitive than previous methods according to new research led by the University of Cambridge.
	Creating a new paradigm for understanding the individual effects of diet Researchers at the Australian National Phenome Centre at Murdoch University and partners at Imperial College London have made a major breakthrough in understanding how individuals can have different reactions to the same diets.
	Neuroimaging suggests resilience to drug addiction may come from better control over compulsive behaviors A team of researchers at the University of Cambridge has found evidence suggesting that people who are addicted to drugs may find gaining control over compulsive behaviors a path to recovery. In their paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the group describes their study of fMRI images of the brains of volunteers and what they learned from them.
	Human brain size gene triggers bigger brain in monkeys The expansion of the human brain during evolution, specifically of the neocortex, is linked to cognitive abilities such as reasoning and language. A certain gene called ARHGAP11B that is only found in humans triggers brain stem cells to form more stem cells, a prerequisite for a bigger brain. Past studies have shown that ARHGAP11B, when expressed in mice and ferrets to unphysiologically high levels, causes an expanded neocortex, but its relevance for primate evolution has been unclear.
	Decide now or wait for something better? When we make decisions, we don't always have all options available to choose from at the same time. Instead they often come one after another, as for example when we search for an apartment or a flight ticket. So we have to decide on something without knowing if a better option might have come along later. A study at the University of Zurich has shown that our standards drop more and more in the course of decision-making.
	Nanoparticle for overcoming leukemia treatment resistance UConn associate professor of pharmaceutics Xiuling Lu, along with professor of chemistry Rajeswari M. Kasi, was part of a team that recently published a paper in Nature Cell Biology finding a commonly used chemotherapy drug may be repurposed as a treatment for resurgent or chemotherapy-resistant leukemia.
	How chandelier cells light up the brain Within the intricate network of cells that make up the brain, chandelier cells stand out for their elaborate, branching structure. With an elegant shape similar to that of its namesake, a single chandelier cell reaches out to connect and communicate with more than 100 other neurons. Abnormalities in chandelier cells have been linked to epilepsy, autism, and schizophrenia, underscoring their critical role in keeping brain signaling in balance. However, these cells have been notoriously difficult to study as their numbers are few, so until recently, chandelier cells remained largely enigmatic.
	Without intervention, a 70% reduction in strokes or death in patients with brain AVMs For people with a brain arteriovenous malformation, a congenital vascular system defect, fate has a name: stroke. To avoid this risk, patients sometimes undergo interventions to remove the malformation. But is this very beneficial? Not necessarily. According to an international clinical trial, co-directed by researchers from the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM), interventional treatment—by neurosurgery, neuroradiology or radiation therapy—could be more dangerous than the disease itself.
Study links financial hardship to more ED visits; less preventive care A new American Cancer Society study finds higher medical and nonmedical financial hardships are independently associated with more emergency department visits, lower receipt of some preventive services, and worse self-rated health in cancer survivors. The authors of the study say as healthcare costs grow, unmet medical and nonmedical financial needs may worsen health disparities among cancer survivors. The study appears in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
	Complications of premature birth decline in California, study finds California's most vulnerable premature babies are now healthier when they go home from the hospital, according to a new study led by researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine and the California Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative.
	Medical cannabis consumers use less healthcare resources and report better quality of life: study Although more than 2 million people are registered in state medical cannabis programs across the United States, very little is known about the medical benefits of cannabis. What knowledge has been gained is from programs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for cannabis products to treat a type of pediatric epilepsy, anorexia in patients with AIDS, and nausea and vomiting in patients with cancer.
	Poor sleep significantly linked with teenage depression Teenagers who experience very poor sleep may be more likely to experience poor mental health in later life, according to a new study.
	Suicide rate for people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders 170 times higher The suicide rate for people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) is 170 times higher than the general population according a study just published in the journal Schizophrenia Research, a figure the authors call "tragically high."
	Seeing corneal degeneration in a new light The molecular changes that lead to Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) occur decades before the disease causes blurry vision and other noticeable symptoms in patients, new research by UT Southwestern scientists shows. This insight into this earliest stage of FECD may eventually lead to new ways of screening for and treating the common condition, which affects an estimated 4 percent of U.S. adults over the age of 40.
	Silicosis: Ominous resurgence of an occupational lung condition reported A new study appearing in the journal Chest, documents an increased incidence of silicosis, which progressed rapidly to massive pulmonary fibrosis in a significant proportion of patients who had previously worked artificial stone (AS), also called artificial quartz agglomerate or conglomerate, a popular new countertop material, despite cessation of exposure after diagnosis.
	Open-source machine learning tool connects drug targets with adverse reactions A multi-institutional group of researchers led by Harvard Medical School and the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research has created an open-source machine learning tool that identifies proteins associated with drug side effects.
	Disparities in stroke care at urban vs. rural hospitals impacts quality of care, patient survival People living in rural areas are less likely to get the most advanced treatments for stroke and are more likely to die in the hospital than those treated for stroke at hospitals in urban areas, according to new research published today in Stroke, a journal of the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association.
	Researchers find a new therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer The development of pancreatic cancer is driven by co-existing mutations in an oncogene involved in controlling cell growth, called KRAS, and in a tumor suppressor gene, called p53. But how these mutations cooperate to promote cancer is unknown. A new study co-led by Steven Leach, MD, Director of Dartmouth's and Dartmouth-Hitchcock's Norris Cotton Cancer Center (NCCC), uncovers a direct link between these mutations and the mechanism that regulates cell activity, providing insight for future development of therapeutics that could hit this newly found target in pancreatic cancer.
	Genetic variation may affect bacterial composition and healing of wounds Genetic variability across patients might play an important role in shaping the microbiome composition of wounds, thereby influencing the healing process, according to a study published June 18 in the open-access journal PLOS Pathogens by Caleb Phillips of Texas Tech University, and colleagues. As noted by the authors, knowledge about genomic sites associated with microbiome diversity in chronic wounds could guide the identification of predictive biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets.
	A near-infrared light treatment could help manage a rare form of lung cancer Treating a rare type of malignant lung cancer could improve, thanks to near-infrared irradiation and a cancer-targeting compound. Nagoya University oncologist Kazuhide Sato and colleagues tested the treatment and published their findings in the journal Cells.
	Women more likely than men to die waiting for a liver transplant, study finds A large cohort study has revealed that women are 8.6 percent more likely than men to die while waiting for a liver transplant and 14.4 percent less likely than men to receive a deceased donor liver transplant. It is a finding that University of Alabama at Birmingham researchers say highlights the longstanding sex-based disparities in liver allocation and should be a catalyst for a comprehensive approach for change in allocation that extends beyond the geographic factors currently under consideration by the transplant community.
	Researchers develop endoscope that takes sharp, 3-D images of cells There's been an explosion in the use of endoscopes in medical procedures over the past 30 years, from examining the liver and stomach (known as laparoscopy) to minimally invasive surgery. The use of these instruments is firmly established as an imaging technique that allows surgeons to 'see' inside the body, allowing them to recognize lymph nodes they need to avoid, or assess the health of lung tissue, for example.
	Vitamin D could help mitigate chemotherapy side effects As many cancer patients will confirm, the chemotherapy prescribed to kill the disease is often more debilitating than the cancer itself, with a range of horrendous side effects.
	Sea swimming linked to illness, study shows People who go in the sea are more likely to experience symptoms of illness compared to non-bathers.
	Study finds Oregon's gender-affirming health care looks good on paper, but still lacking in practice While Oregon ranks highly nationwide for its gender-affirming policies and health care for transgender women, many of those polices are not fully realized in practice, a recent study from Oregon State University found.
	Researchers define type of Alzheimer's that affects people in their younger years Mayo Clinic researchers have defined a form of Alzheimer's disease that strikes younger people as early as their 40s, presents with atypical symptoms, and affects a different part of the brain not usually associated with Alzheimer's. In their study, the researchers describe a progressive dysexecutive syndrome which they say affects a person's ability to multitask, organize and plan to a greater degree than the episodic memory deficits seen in typical Alzheimer's disease. Although this form of Alzheimer's is not new, it has not been defined or studied to a significant degree, contributing to misdiagnosis and delays in diagnosis. The paper was published in Brain Communications.
	New vaccine modelling helping to shape global policies for hepatitis B elimination Cost-effective ways to improve the delivery and management of hepatitis B (HBV) vaccine, identified in new Burnet Institute research, have attracted interest from global policy makers including the World Health Organization (WHO) and Gavi, the international vaccine alliance.
	Impact of maternal anaemia in pregnancy on childhood anaemia discovered A study investigating the impact of maternal anemia in pregnancy on infant anemia has found it to be a more significant risk factor than being born premature or low birth weight (LBW).
	Study explores strain on dementia patient care partners The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown has further strained care partners of those living with dementia to the point where they are having trouble balancing care for their loved ones with their own self-care, resulting in physical and emotional exhaustion, health problems, and feelings of anxiety, depression and irritability.
Socioeconomic factors appear to influence how brain injuries are treated A Duke Health analysis of treatments for patients with traumatic brain injuries shows that race, geographic region and payment status were significantly associated with the decision to withdraw life support.
	Maternal obesity linked to increased risk of early-onset neonatal sepsis The risk of early-onset neonatal bacterial sepsis increases with maternal obesity, according to a new study of University of Michigan and the Karolinska Institute in Sweden.
	Not smoking and being socially active keys to longevity, research shows University of Otago researchers have discovered some of the secrets to longevity with new research revealing not smoking and being social engaged throughout older age are common traits of New Zealand centenarians.
	Beliefs about cannabis influence older adults' choice of treatments for chronic pain Pain levels and quality-of-life issues have little influence on older adults' decisions to treat chronic pain and other long-term diseases or conditions with cannabis or opioids, a new study found.
	"Digital contact tracing might be our best shot" Many countries are relying on corona contact tracing apps to identify the contacts of infected persons and isolate those affected in order to break the infection chains. Germany has now also published an app that uses Bluetooth technology to warn people if they have been in the vicinity of infected people. One of the first scientific studies on the subject has been published already in 2014. Computer scientist Manuel Cebrian showed together with Kate Farrahi and Remi Emonet that smartphone data can help with contact tracing during an epidemic. Today Manuel Cebrian heads the Digital Mobilization research group in the Center for Human and Machines at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development. In the Interview he explains if contact tracing needs technical support and why it can work even if not everyone installs a tracing app.
	Newly discovered interactions between proteins can reduce DNA damage and cancer development Researchers at the Karolinska Institutet have discovered a new interaction between two proteins that reduce the risk of DNA damage and cellular cancer development. The findings on the proteins RTEL1 and Poldip3 are published in the journal Genes & Development.
	Cancer treatment: personalised blood tests can better detect DNA from tumours in the body – new research Many cancers, especially in earlier stage disease, are treated by removing the tumor. But even after the tumor has been removed, there's still a chance that cancer cells remain in the body and the cancer can come back. Currently, patients undergo regular check-ups, scans, and blood tests so that doctors can monitor their status and make decisions about any further treatments that may be needed.
	Comparison of contraceptive pills reveals differences in adverse metabolic effects between different estrogen compounds A joint study by the University of Oulu and University of Helsinki, Finland, compared the effects of two different types of estrogen in combined contraceptives (COCs) on blood inflammatory markers and lipid levels. Similar comparisons between these two types of estrogens have never been done before.
	This 3-D printed 'bone brick' could transform how we treat bomb injuries – inside story For thousands of Syrian refugees who have suffered horrific blast injuries after being hit by barrel bombs and other devices of death in their war-torn homeland, the only option is amputation. When you see the damage a blast injury can do it's a shock to the system and is so very sad and upsetting.
Managing pain after sports medicine surgery A Henry Ford Hospital study published in the Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, has found that patients who underwent knee surgery and other types of sports medicine procedures could manage their pain without opioids or a minimal dosage.
Homeless likelier to go on ventilators for respiratory infections than the non-homeless Researchers from UCLA, Harvard Medical School and the University of Tokyo found that during a recent six-year period, homeless people in New York state were more likely to hospitalized and treated with mechanical ventilators for respiratory infections than people who are not homeless.
	Antioxidant agent may prevent chronic kidney disease and Parkinson's disease Oxidative stress is the result of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and can be damaging to cells and tissues. In a new study, researchers from Osaka University developed a novel dietary silicon (Si)-based antioxidant agent that suppressed the development and progression of kidney failure and Parkinson's disease in rodents.
	An excessive amount of propionic acid (PPA) in food preservatives may hinder brain development Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI, headed by Suh Pann-ghill) announced on the 11th that the research team led by Dr. Mun Ji-young revealed the mechanism of autism induced by an imbalance of human gut microorganisms.
	Less sleep reduces positive feelings Sleeping less than normal impacts how we feel the next morning.
	Women and men still choose partners like they used to Women seem to care more about security, whereas good looks matter more to men. It used to be that way, and it still is in most places, regardless of the major social changes that have occurred over time.
	Mutations linked to intellectual disability point to overly active ion channel Two mutations identified in individuals with developmental and epileptic brain disease can be traced back to the same ion channel. Researchers have now elucidated how both independent mutations affect the channel's function: by making it overly active and highly sensitive to stimulation. The findings are an important step towards unraveling what causes the patients' symptoms.
	Study sheds light on why retinal ganglion cells are vulnerable to glaucoma Millions of sufferers of glaucoma might someday benefit from a study released today in Stem Cells in which a 'disease in a dish' stem cell model was used to examine the mechanism in glaucoma that causes retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) to degenerate, resulting in loss of vision. The knowledge the study provides could result in new therapeutic approaches for this leading cause of blindness worldwide.
	Stirling-led project could be key in tackling 'snail fever' Pioneering research led by the University of Stirling could play a vital role in reducing the prevalence of "snail fever"—a debilitating infection that affects more than 200 million people worldwide.
	COVID-19 collaboration reduces infections in long-term care facilities A collaborative program developed at UVA Health to work with local long-term care facilities control COVID-19 is saving lives and offers a model for communities across the country, a new scientific paper reports.
	High cortisol levels associated with greater risk of death from COVID-19 COVID-19 patients with extremely high levels of the stress hormone cortisol in their blood are more likely to deteriorate quickly and die, according to new research published today.
	First known case of a deadly heart rhythm disturbance from chloroquine therapy for COVID-19 reported A patient who met many of the published safety guidelines for chloroquine therapy against COVID-19 was observed to have a very abnormal ECG pattern after treatment began, leading to multiple episodes of torsade de pointes (TdP), a life-threatening arrhythmia in which the lower chambers of the heart beat out of sync with the upper chambers. Her condition was resolved after chloroquine was discontinued, investigators report in Heart Rhythm, the official journal of the Heart Rhythm Society, the Cardiac Electrophysiology Society, and the Pediatric & Congenital Electrophysiology Society, published by Elsevier.
	Crowded homes, poor neighborhoods linked to COVID-19 A study of nearly 400 pregnant women in New York City is among the first to show that lower neighborhood socioeconomic status and greater household crowding increase the risk of becoming infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
	The first model proposed to simulate the functioning of concept cells in the brain Lobachevsky University scientists together with foreign colleagues for the first time theoretically substantiated the existence of concept cells. These are individual neurons, and each of them is responsible for its own abstract concept, such as the musical note A#. Researchers have shown how these cells work using the example of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony.
	Despite medical advances, people with HIV still live shorter, sicker lives HIV may not be the death sentence it was 20 or 30 years ago, but people who are HIV-positive still face much shorter lives than other adults—even if they're treated with medications that make the virus undetectable.
	Obamacare linked to fewer leg amputations for minorities (HealthDay)—There's been a significant drop in diabetes-related lower leg amputations among non-white patients in states that expanded Medicaid under Obamacare, a new study finds.
	Climate change, smog could mean more preemie babies: study (HealthDay)—Here's more bad news associated with climate change: Pregnant women exposed to air pollution or heat waves face a greater risk of having a preterm or underweight baby, a new research review finds.
	Study shows sedentary behavior independently predicts cancer mortality In the first study to look at objective measures of sedentary behavior and cancer mortality, researchers from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found that greater inactivity was independently associated with a higher risk of dying from cancer. The most sedentary individuals had an 82% higher risk of cancer mortality compared to the least sedentary individuals. An accelerometer was used to measure physical activity, rather than relying on participants to self-report their activity levels.
	Why a large hip circumference protects from type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease In a Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology review article, Norbert Stefan from the German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), the University Hospital of Tübingen and the Boston Children's Hospital highlights why and to what extent a large hip circumference, an estimate of increased fat mass in the lower part of the body, protects from type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). He also provides new information that a high amount of hip and leg fat mass is very important to retain metabolic health. In addition, he discusses lifestyle modifications and pharmacological interventions that improve body fat distribution and exemplifies how a focus on lower body fat mass helps clinicians in risk assessment and patient communication.
	Clinicians identify pink eye as possible primary symptom of COVID-19 A case of pink eye is now reason to be tested for COVID-19, according to University of Alberta researchers.
	Only 'traditional' swearing improves our ability to tolerate pain, new study finds Keele University psychologists have proven that using conventional swear words can increase your pain tolerance by 33% compared to using alternative language.
	Wild animals allow new insights into the skin microbiome In recent decades, under the harmful influence of western lifestyles, the diversity of the microbial colonization of the body has decreased significantly. This 'impoverished' microbiome has led to a sharp increase in so-called environmental diseases in humans. These mostly inflammatory disease patterns often affect the skin, which as a barrier organ is in direct contact with the environment. These diseases are then manifested for example as psoriasis or neurodermatitis.
	COVID-19 has interrupted STD screenings. Sexual health centers are concerned. When the COVID-19 pandemic sparked the stay-at-home order in Philadelphia in March, sexual health centers across the city were allowed to remain open as long as they stopped elective procedures, and adhered to social distancing measures to protect patients and staff.
	Q&A: COVID-19 and gastrointestinal concerns Dear Mayo Clinic: I've been hearing so much information about COVID-19 that I'm worried that every ache or pain may be related. I have been having stomachaches and then I began having diarrhea. I'm wondering if those are symptoms of COVID-19 and if I should get tested?
	Understand sunscreen options The best sunscreen is one that you'll use generously and according to label directions. Here's help understanding sunscreen ingredients, types of sunscreen and more.
	AFRL machine learning and AI experts develop models for COVID-19 decision-making Experts in the Air Force Research Laboratory are applying explainable machine learning and artificial intelligence approaches to develop thousands of models that could help federal, state and local decision makers as they make re-opening decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
	Intersecting racism and transphobia put transgender women at risk A Western Sydney University study has found that transgender women from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds are more likely to be the victim of sexual harassment and violence than other women in Australia.
	Study examines how the COVID-19 pandemic impacts quality of life in patients with cancer Patients with cancer face a serious dilemma during the COVID-19 pandemic, as staying at home could increase their risk of cancer progression, while visiting the hospital for treatment could increase their risk of becoming infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. A new study published in Psycho-Oncology reveals how the pandemic has impacted such patients' quality of life.
	Stigma of broken family relationships compounded by lockdown Lockdown restrictions have not brought estranged family members closer together, and recent focus on the importance of family support has made dealing with the pandemic even more difficult for those with challenging family situations, a new study published today has found.
A psychological intervention to reduce exercise in anorexia A paper published in the current issue of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics explores the effects of an improved program for reducing exercise, which is frequently associated with anorexia nervosa.
Diabetic ketoacidosis threatens hospitalized patients with COVID-19 Diabetic ketoacidosis is a common and potentially fatal complication in hospitalized patients with COVID-19, according to a new clinical perspective published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
	Survey finds many are buying fireworks this year due to COVID-19 cancellations Fireworks are a time-honored tradition of July Fourth celebrations and a signature sound of summer in America, but many public displays are being canceled this year amid COVID-19 social distancing. Health experts worry this could lead to an increase in fireworks-related injuries as more people attempt to put on their own displays, a concern validated by a new national survey by Orlando Health. The survey found more than two in five Americans plan to buy fireworks this year, including 16 percent who say their purchases are a direct result of COVID-19 cancelations.
Digital copy of your body allows treatments to be tried out What if doctors could predict the treatment success for each individual? Patients would not be burdened unnecessarily and healthcare costs would drop. Researcher Natal van Riel of Eindhoven University of Technology is working on mathematical models that show the human metabolism for each person. With his DigiTwin research project, he wants to build a digital copy of individual patients to predict the success and to determine the necessary aftercare of a treatment such as gastric bypass surgery in the case of obesity.
	Homeless patients are more likely to be readmitted to a hospital within 30 days Patients who are homeless are far more likely than housed individuals to be readmitted to a hospital within 30 or 90 days of their discharge, according to a new multi-center analysis of inpatient data from Florida, Massachusetts and New York. The team of researchers, led by experts in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, found the most glaring disparity in Florida, where the 30-day readmission rate among homeless patients was 11 percentage points higher than the rate among housed individuals.
	Global team develops open-source N95 respirator In one of the latest COVID-19 response projects at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the Advanced Digital Design and Fabrication (ADDFab) laboratory is collaborating with a global network of design, engineering and manufacturing experts to help develop an open-source N95 face mask.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

	Measles origin finding could inform COVID-19 research An international group of researchers has tackled the controversial question of when measles first emerged, finding it could be linked to the rise of large cities. The team sequenced the genome of a measles strain from 1912 and looked backwards to assess when the virus likely arose in human populations, dating this at around 6th century BCE.
	Mild virus cases may bestow far lower immunity: study People who catch COVID-19 but don't show symptoms may have significantly lower levels of immunity against the virus than those who become severely ill, new research showed Thursday.
	Study from Chinese city of Guangzhou provides key insights on how COVID-19 spreads in households New modelling research, published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases journal, suggests the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that causes COVID-19 may spread more easily among people living together and family members than severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) or Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). The estimates are the first of their kind to quantify symptomless transmission.
	Study ties blood type to COVID-19 risk; O may help, A hurt A genetic analysis of COVID-19 patients suggests that blood type might influence whether someone develops severe disease.
	Race for virus vaccine could leave some countries behind As the race intensifies for a vaccine against the new coronavirus, rich countries are rushing to place advance orders for the inevitably limited supply to guarantee their citizens get immunized first—leaving significant questions about whether developing countries will get any vaccines in time to save lives before the pandemic ends.
	COVID-19 toll in nursing homes linked to staffing levels and quality A new study shows that residents of long-term care facilities with lower nurse staffing levels, poorer quality scores, and higher concentrations of disadvantaged residents suffer from higher rates of confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths.
	Monoclonal antibody against COVID-19 enters clinical trial On June 5, 2020, China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) officially approved the clinical trials for a fully human monoclonal antibodiy (mAb) against COVID-19 developed by a research team at the Institute of Microbiology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IMCAS).
	Superinfections pose threat to those being treated for the coronavirus Viral infections aren't the only cause of deaths during pandemics. A common complication of viral infections such as the flu or the coronavirus is a secondary, superimposed bacterial infection—or a superinfection—resistant to the treatment being used against the primary infection.
	What's the difference between asymptomatic and presymptomatic spread of coronavirus? With evolving updates from the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta about the novel coronavirus, there may be some confusion about the ways it can spread.
	Study finds that wildlife supply chains for human consumption increase coronavirus spillover risk to people A new study found that animals sampled in the wildlife-trade supply chain bound for human consumption had high proportions of coronaviruses, and that the proportion of positives significantly increases as animals travel from traders, to large markets, to restaurants.
	Systematic review and meta-analysis of coronavirus disinfection rates in water and wastewater SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, is an enveloped virus in the coronavirus family that has been found to replicate in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. While primary transmission of coronaviruses is through respiratory droplets, questions have been raised in the water and wastewater sector about persistence and disinfection of viruses in solution. In response to this need, Assistant Professor Andrea Silverman, in collaboration with Professor Alexandria Boehm of Stanford University, recently published a "Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Persistence and Disinfection of Human Coronaviruses and Their Viral Surrogates in Water and Wastewater" in the journal Environmental Science and Technology Letters.
	Why COVID-19 poses greater risks for men than women While it's not exactly clear why, the finding itself is certain: Men are suffering worse fates than women when it comes to COVID-19, regardless of geography or age. A variety of data from outbreaks across the world has established this fact, and experts like Johns Hopkins biologist Sabra Klein are trying to understand more.
	Quarantine bubbles—when done right—limit coronavirus risk and help fight loneliness After three months of lockdowns, many people in the U.S. and around the world are turning to quarantine bubbles, pandemic pods or quaranteams in an effort to balance the risks of the pandemic with the emotional and social needs of life.
	How the coronavirus escapes an evolutionary trade-off that helps keep other pathogens in check Viruses walk a fine line between severity and transmissibility. If they are too virulent, they kill or incapacitate their hosts; this limits their ability to infect new hosts. Conversely, viruses that cause little harm may not be generating enough copies of themselves to be infectious.
	I study coronavirus in a highly secured biosafety lab – here's why I feel safer here than in the world outside It's quiet in the laboratory, almost peaceful. But I'm holding live SARS-CoV-2 in my hands and this virus is not to be taken lightly.
	Striking differences revealed in COVID-19 mortality between NHS trusts A University of Cambridge team led by Professor Mihaela van der Schaar and intensive care consultant Dr. Ari Ercole of the Cambridge Centre for AI in Medicine (CCAIM) is calling for urgent research into the striking differences in COVID-19 deaths they have discovered between the intensive care units of NHS trusts across England.
	Could lack of vitamin D and ultraviolet be linked to COVID-19 mortality in northerly latitudes? A new international collaborative study between Trinity and the University of Liverpool, published in the British Medical Journal offers fresh insight into COVID-19's impact across countries, and the factors that influence its severity.
	Getting back on the beers after lockdown? Here's what you should know If you're feeling excited about being out of lockdown, you're not alone. Social media is buzzing with plans of big nights out to celebrate the relaxation of coronavirus restrictions in Australia and New Zealand.
	Dexamethasone: What is the breakthrough treatment for COVID-19? Six months and eight million positive cases since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out in Wuhan, scientists have announced the first major breakthrough in the search for a drug to fight the disease.
	One metre or two? The science behind social distancing What constitutes a safe distance when it comes to the spread of COVID-19? The answer depends on where you live.
	Coronavirus: why it's dangerous to blindly 'follow the science' when there's no consensus yet The Lancet and the New England Journal of Medicine are among the most influential scientific journals in the world. Both have recently had to retract studies on the effectiveness of COVID-19 treatments after doubts were raised about the underlying data. The scandal reveals the dangers of "fast science".
	When mosquito and tick season meets COVID-19 With COVID-19 restrictions easing, people are spending more time at socially distanced outdoor gatherings, whether picnics in parks with friends or backyard movie nights with neighbors. But as we escape the confines of COVID-19 quarantines, we're heading outside into peak mosquito and tick season.
	Rural America is more vulnerable to COVID-19 than cities are, and it's starting to show Rural areas seemed immune as the coronavirus spread through cities earlier this year. Few rural cases were reported, and attention focused on the surge of illnesses and deaths in the big metro areas. But that false sense of safety is now falling apart as infection rates explode in rural areas across the country.
	Urban density is not linked to higher coronavirus infection rates, is linked to lower COVID-19 death rates A new study suggests that denser places, assumed by many to be more conducive to the spread of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, are not linked to higher infection rates. The study, led by a researcher at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, also found that dense areas were associated with lower COVID-19 death rates.
	Clear signs of brain injury with severe COVID-19 Certain patients who receive hospital care for coronavirus infection (COVID-19) exhibit clinical and neurochemical signs of brain injury, a University of Gothenburg study shows. In even moderate COVID-19 cases, finding and measuring a blood-based biomarker for brain damage proved to be possible.
	COVID-19 may have consequences for mental health The global COVID-19 pandemic has affected the physical lives of most people. But now there are also indications that the pandemic has negative consequences for the mental health of the people being infected, the healthcare professionals and the population as a whole.
	WHO eyes hundreds of millions of COVID-19 vaccine doses before 2021 The World Health Organization said Thursday that a few hundred million COVID-19 vaccine doses could be produced by the end of the year—and be targeted at those most vulnerable to the virus.
	China races to prevent virus second wave China imposed travel restrictions on nearly half a million people near its capital on Thursday to contain a fresh coronavirus outbreak as deaths surged in other parts of the world.
	COVID-19 affects adolescent and young adults sexual and reproductive health Social distancing and limited access to contraceptive and abortion care during the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the sexual and reproductive health of adolescents and young adults according to a new study by researchers at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and Rutgers University. The researchers address how these challenges, as well as peer and romantic relationships, are being navigated. The findings are published in the journal Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health.
	New understanding in how hydroxychloroquine works undermines its use for coronavirus Researchers at the Radboudumc have discovered an until now, unknown effect of hydroxychloroquine. It inhibits the action of a certain type of white blood cell, which is important in the fight against infections. Based on this research, hydroxychloroquine is unlikely to have a beneficial effect on corona infections. The researchers report their findings in a preprint on MedRxiv.
	More than 80% of Americans report nation's future is significant source of stress More than 8 in 10 Americans (83%) say the future of our nation is a significant source of stress, according to the American Psychological Association's most recent survey report, "Stress in AmericaTM 2020: Stress in The Time of COVID-19, Volume Two." The previous high was 69%, reported in 2018 as part of APA's annual Stress in America survey.
	Organ transplants make a turnaround from COVID-19 decline Along with so much else across America, the coronavirus jolted the system that provides lifesaving organ transplants. As hospitals scrambled and doctors grappled with the risks to patients, the number of procedures plummeted.
	How well do Americans know the facts about COVID-19? (HealthDay)—Months into a global pandemic, some groups of Americans simply don't know enough about COVID-19 to protect themselves and others against the highly infectious respiratory virus, a new study reports.
	Answering the call: how COVID-19 hotline staffers helped panicked New Yorkers (HealthDay)—"I live in Washington state," said the caller, "but my husband is on a plane to New York City, and I just got a call from my doctor telling me that he's positive for COVID! What should I do?"
	Hyperglycemia common in T1DM patients with COVID-19 (HealthDay)—Presentation patterns are similar in patients with type 1 diabetes admitted with confirmed or suspected COVID-19, according to a study published online June 5 in Diabetes Care.
	Blood type, genetics could impact odds for severe COVID-19: study A person's genes and blood type may help determine their odds for a nastier form of COVID-19, should they get infected with the new coronavirus, a new genetics study finds.
	The hunt for COVID-19 treatment, vaccines Dozens of drugs tested. More than 100 vaccine candidates. With hundreds of clinical trials under way, here is a run down of the major developments in the search for COVID-19 treatments and prevention.
	Face-mask use may mitigate spread of COVID-19 (HealthDay)—Requiring face-mask use in public may help to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, according to a report published online June 16 in Health Affairs.
	Want to travel during the pandemic? Here's what to consider (HealthDay)—If you're thinking about traveling this summer, you need to consider the risks posed by the coronavirus pandemic, an expert says.
	US cities with pro sports see more flu deaths Sports leagues may want to consider calling a timeout on reopening their doors to fans, based on new West Virginia University-led research that links an uptick in seasonal flu deaths to U.S. cities with pro sports teams.
	Chinese county restricts travel as Beijing races to contain virus Travel restrictions were placed on nearly half a million people near Beijing on Thursday as authorities rush to contain a fresh outbreak of the coronavirus with a mass test-and-trace effort and lockdowns in parts of the Chinese capital.
	Mexico posts more high virus numbers, acknowledges plateau Mexico's coronavirus cases continued to increase at near-record levels Wednesday, as officials acknowledged the country is on a plateau with few signs of decrease, even as the economy starts reopening.
	Is it safe to stay in hotels as reopenings get underway? Is it safe to stay in hotels as reopenings get underway?
	Florida gambles on reopening, as virus numbers rise Florida is reporting record daily totals of new coronavirus cases, but you'd never know it looking at the Sunshine State's increasingly busy beaches and hotels.
	Japan urges citizens to install virus-tracking app Japan's government on Thursday urged citizens to install the country's first coronavirus-tracing app when it launches this week, pledging that the system would not invade users' privacy.
	Why does coronavirus make people lose their sense of smell? To begin with, it was just anecdotal reports. Ear, nose and throat specialists from around the world were sharing their experiences on online message boards—they were all seeing a spike in patients experiencing anosmia, a loss of smell.
	Turkey makes masks mandatory in Istanbul, 46 other provinces Turkish authorities have made the wearing of masks mandatory in three major cities to curb the spread of COVID-19 following an uptick in confirmed cases since the reopening of many businesses.
	Russian official says 489 medics died from coronavirus Nearly 500 Russian medics who tested positive for the coronavirus have died, the head of the state health watchdog said Thursday, a far higher figure than given before.
	More than just health concern at coronavirus test sites: Are you exposing your personal information to security risks? When Elizabeth Spinelli arrived at Fort Lauderdale's Holiday Park for a coronavirus test, a nurse handed her a form to write her name, address, date of birth and social security number. She hesitated to give her personal information but wanted the test.
	Video: What's the best way to recover from COVID-19? There's no secret potion when it comes to recovering from COVID-19.
Can you visit your dad safely on Father's Day? A doctor gives you a checklist As a physician, daughter and socially responsible human, I'm finding Father's Day to be complicated for me this year, as it is for millions. Questions of whether and how to see my adult children and my own elderly father present medical and ethical quandaries. As an associate professor of family medicine with a focus on wellness, I'd like to share with you my thinking about this using some tools to aid discernment as Father's Day approaches.
	Retail won't snap back. 3 reasons why COVID has changed the way we shop, perhaps forever It's wrong to expect a "snap-back" at shopping centers, food courts, cinemas and other places where people used to gather to spend money.
	The law is clear: Border testing is enforceable. So why did New Zealand's quarantine system break down? The anger and frustration at New Zealand's border quarantine failure have been palpable.
	Adults remain at home despite lockdown easing People in the UK are continuing to spend several days a week at home, despite lockdown measures being eased, finds UCL's COVID-19 social study.
	Coronavirus: why did England ignore an army of existing contact tracers? The coronavirus contact tracing app for England will not be rolled out until winter, the minister responsible for overseeing it has said. Meanwhile, the NHS Test and Trace system, in which individual contact tracers follow up with people who have been in close proximity to positive cases of COVID-19, has been plagued by difficulties.
	How 'vaccine nationalism' could block vulnerable populations' access to COVID-19 vaccines Hundreds of COVID-19 vaccine candidates are currently being developed. The way emerging vaccines will be distributed to those who need them is not yet clear. The United States has now twice indicated that it would like to secure priority access to doses of COVID-19 vaccine. Other countries, including India and Russia, have taken similar stances. This prioritization of domestic markets has become known as vaccine nationalism.
Tracing homophobia in South Korea's coronavirus surveillance program Many people around the world have looked to South Korea's so-called "democratic" response to the coronavirus pandemic as a template for other nations to follow. That response is often contrasted with China's "draconian measures" of forced lockdown in people's homes.
	Scotland unveils next steps in virus lockdown easing Face coverings will be mandatory on public transport in Scotland next week while most retail stores can reopen from June 29, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said on Thursday
	France aims for paracetamol production within three years France will produce the painkiller paracetamol on home soil within three years as part of the government's pledge to reduce its reliance on foreign suppliers for key treatments and equipment in future health crises, officials said Thursday.
	Hydroxychloroquine COVID-19 prevention trials incomplete: WHO Hydroxychloroquine can be ruled out as a treatment for hospitalised COVID-19 patients—but the World Health Organization said Thursday it was aware of ongoing trials into its value as a preventative measure.
	Iran reports 87 new virus deaths Iran on Thursday announced 87 new deaths from the novel coronavirus as authorities moved to tighten measures to stop its spread in some of the country's worst-hit provinces.
	South Africa can get COVID-19 under control if it blocks the routes that enable transmission As the lockdown is relaxed, South Africa's focus should now be on how best to suppress the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus using other strategies. Policy should be informed by understanding the spread of the virus both in terms of the main mechanism of transmission (respiratory particles) as well as in terms of the connections that result in spread between communities. Crucially, not all spreaders are equal, and understanding this is important for policy.
	Nine in ten Americans concerned pharma will use COVID-19 pandemic to raise drug prices Nearly 9 in 10 U.S. adults are "very" (55%) or "somewhat" (33%) concerned that the pharmaceutical industry will leverage the COVID-19 pandemic to raise drug prices. Similarly, 84% are very or somewhat concerned that the general cost of care will rise, and 79% are very or somewhat concerned their health insurance premiums will go up in response to the pandemic. In each of the latter two scenarios, 41% of Americans are very concerned.
	Chest CT can distinguish negative from positive lab results for COVID-19 An open-access American Journal of Roentgenology (AJR) article exploring the diagnostic value of chest CT for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pneumonia—especially for patients with negative initial results of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing—found that the less pulmonary consolidation on chest CT, the greater the possibility of negative initial RT-PCR results.
	Test maker targeted by FDA says it responded to US concerns A company targeted by the Food and Drug Administration for selling unauthorized coronavirus antibody tests says it has responded to regulators' concerns, though it has no business operations in the U.S.
	Official: German slaughterhouse virus outbreak untenable Germany's agriculture minister said Thursday that conditions at a slaughterhouse where hundreds of workers tested positive for COVID-19 were untenable and backed an official investigation into the outbreak.
	Boston partnership leverages local manufacturing to quickly produce reusable face shields Researchers at a major Boston academic medical center designed, fabricated, tested, and implemented a reusable face shield for front-line medical staff within a couple of weeks. The work, presented June 18 in the journal Med, was carried out at the Brigham and Women's Hospital Emergency Department in collaboration with members of the volunteer group Greater Boston Pandemic Fabrication Team (PanFab) and the local maker community.
NYC restaurants can open with outdoor seating on Monday Restaurants will be allowed to open with outdoor seating on Monday as New York City enters the second phase of easing coronavirus restrictions, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Thursday.
	Canada to introduce virus tracing app in July Canada is introducing a contact tracing smartphone app that will notify Canadians of exposure to the new coronavirus.
	Decline in new US virus deaths may be temporary reprieve The number of deaths per day from the coronavirus in the U.S. has fallen in recent weeks to the lowest level since late March, even as states increasingly reopen for business. But scientists are deeply afraid the trend may be about to reverse itself.
Azerbaijan reinstates strict lockdown as virus cases surge Azerbaijan is to reinstate a tight coronavirus lockdown to contain the spread of the disease, officials said Thursday, as infections surged weeks after the country eased restrictions.
	Britain U-turns to Google-Apple for tracing app Britain said Thursday it will use technology developed by Apple and Google for its troubled coronavirus tracing app, completing an embarrassing U-turn after weeks of delay.
	Global virus death toll passes 450,000 The number of people killed by coronavirus worldwide passed 450,000 on Thursday, after the toll doubled in just a month and a half, according to an AFP tally compiled from official sources at 1615 GMT.
	California orders people to wear masks in most indoor spaces California will require people to wear masks in most indoor settings and outdoors when distancing isn't possible under a statewide order issued Thursday.

Other Sciences news

	Achievement isn't why more men are majoring in physics, engineering and computer science While some STEM majors have a one-to-one male-to-female ratio, physics, engineering and computer science (PECS) majors consistently have some of the largest gender imbalances among U.S. college majors—with about four men to every woman in the major. In a new study published today in the peer-reviewed research journal, Science, NYU researchers find that this disparity is not caused by higher math or science achievement among men. On the contrary, the scholars found that men with very low high-school GPAs in math and science and very low SAT math scores were choosing these math-intensive majors just as often as women with much higher math and science achievement.
	New Argentine fossils uncover history of celebrated conifer group Newly unearthed, surprisingly well-preserved conifer fossils from Patagonia, Argentina, show that an endangered and celebrated group of tropical West Pacific trees has roots in the ancient supercontinent that once comprised Australia, Antarctica and South America, according to an international team of researchers.
	It's not always about money—why academic scientists engage in commercial activities For scientists, engaging in commercial activities such as patenting and starting new ventures can be much more lucrative than relying on pure academic work. However, according to new research by Henry Sauermann of ESMT Berlin and colleagues Wesley M. Cohen (Duke University) and Paula Stephan (Georgia State University), money is not the main reason why scientists choose to work on commercial activities. Other motives such as social impact and intellectual challenge appear to be more important. The study, titled "Not in the job description: The commercial activities of academic scientists and engineers," has been published in Management Science.
	High risk of corporate bankruptcy due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new analysis The lockdown which occurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic increases the probability of corporate bankruptcy, according to an analysis co-authored by an academic from Queen Mary University of London.
	Renting a home is clearly better than buying in much of the nation The cost of homeownership is outpacing the cost of renting across the United States, and the discrepancy between the two is rising sharply in parts of the Southeast, Midwest and Pacific Northwest, according to the latest national index by professors at Florida Atlantic and Florida International universities.
	Don't fear the robots: Helping future workers learn how to innovate Flinders University's Professor Giselle Rampersad has undertaken a study to investigate key factors that drive innovation among Worker Integrated Learning students and has found that upskilling workers with vital innovation capabilities is key for the future employment landscape.
	Study reveals dual impact of technology on worker's mental health Led by researchers from the University of Sydney Business School, the peer-reviewed research synthesizes existing studies on how technology-driven changes at work will impact workplace mental health and employee wellbeing.
	How will public spaces change as result of the COVID-19 pandemic? Restaurants, hair salons and retail businesses are reopening throughout the country—many under safety guidelines that call for outdoor seating at restaurants, social distancing, partitions between customers or between customers and cashiers, mandatory masks and frequent sanitizing. A licensed architect who specialized in commercial and retail projects in his 20 years of practice, Illinois architecture professor Benjamin Bross focuses on urban design and history. He spoke with News Bureau arts and humanities editor Jodi Heckel about the changes in social spaces brought about by pandemics and other catastrophes.
	100 days of coronavirus has sent shock waves through the food system The COVID-19 lockdown has exposed a large number of problems in the food system.
	Using LEGO to test children's ability to visualize and rotate 3-D shapes in space Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a test that uses children's ability to assemble LEGO pieces to assess their spatial visualization ability. Spatial visualization is the ability to visualize 3-D shapes in one's mind, which is tied to increased GPAs and graduation rates in STEM college students.
	Age discrimination laws don't protect older women as they do older men Older women in the workforce should be considered collectively as a unique demographic group that includes both gender and age if they're to receive adequate protection against workplace discrimination, according to a new paper published by a University at Buffalo economist.
	Leonardo's 'quick eye' may be key to Mona Lisa's magnetism Scientists believe Leonardo da Vinci's super-fast eye may have helped him catch the enigmatic magic of Mona Lisa's smile.
	'Fake news' lowers trust in mainstream media across party lines, study finds A Rutgers-led study finds that online misinformation, or "fake news," lowers people's trust in mainstream media across party lines. The researchers defined fake news as fabricated information that looks like news content but lacks the editorial standards and practices of legitimate journalism.
	Violin-makers tune in to tradition of Stradivarius in Italy's Cremona Working in the shadow of the great masters, the violin-makers of Italy's Cremona are valiantly fighting a shrinking market and foreign competition as they seek perfection, one violin at a time.
	New study finds 'pedophile hunter' groups violate human rights, must be regulated The methods used by so-called 'pedophile hunter' groups need to be subjected to more rigorous official oversight, according to new research from the University of East Anglia (UEA).
Ankle monitors could stigmatize wearers, research says Electronic ankle monitors—increasingly used as an alternative to incarceration—are bulky and difficult to conceal, displaying their wearers' potential involvement with the justice system for all to see, according to a new article by a Cornell researcher.
Jurors respond negatively to police overreactions to Black Americans As law enforcement's use of body-worn cameras and dash cams has increased in the U.S., the growth of attorneys' introduction of video evidence in court, including jury trials, has followed.
	Evolutionary biology may be solution to economic recovery Researchers are examining policies that can help bring the global economy back on track.
	Community spirit dwindling amongst British public during lockdown says new poll The UK public feel that any sense of 'community togetherness' that has been built during the coronavirus crisis will disperse as soon as it is over says a new study commissioned by the Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues at the University of Birmingham.
	How school systems make criminals of Black youth As support for the Black Lives Matter movement has surged in recent weeks and anti-Black racism reading lists have flooded the internet, education scholar Subini Ancy Annamma noticed a particular issue missing from many of them: the role school systems play in making criminals of Black youth.
	What can police trainers learn from the current crisis? Police reform is on the national agenda in response to the choking death of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer in late May—and many other such incidents before and since. Police Training Institute director Michael Schlosser weighed in on the current crisis. Based at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the PTI trains dozens of police departments across the state of Illinois. Schlosser spoke with News Bureau life sciences editor Diana Yates.
	After coronavirus, universities must collaborate with communities to support social transition COVID-19 comes with a set of pressing social challenges. These include environmental catastrophes such as the Australian droughts and bushfires, and the impending crisis of global warming. Social and health issues—include debilitating poverty, racial and income inequality, and chronic diseases—also loom large.
	Conservation could create jobs post-pandemic Earlier this month, President Trump signed an executive order making it easier for pipeline projects and other oil and gas development to progress, claiming environmental regulations cause economic burdens and cost jobs.
	Commerce in a time of COVID The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic caused by the recently emerged virus SARS-CoV-2 is affecting everyone's lives in many significant and disparate ways. New research published in the International Journal of Integrated Supply Management has looked at how companies are attempting to sustain their supply chains in the face of this disease.
	Here's why some people are willing to challenge bullying, corruption and bad behavior, even at personal risk Utah Senator Mitt Romney voted in February to convict President Donald Trump on the charge of abuse of power, becoming the first senator ever to vote against his own party's president in an impeachment trial.
	How tourist destinations can rebuild after coronavirus Tourism has virtually stopped thanks to the COVID-19 lockdowns. This is hitting many cities hard—see this report about New York galleries and museums losing millions of dollars, for example. Many tourist businesses are now contemplating a future without lucrative international visitors, having to rely instead on those closer to home.
	Coronavirus in the Swedish media—has confidence passed its peak? After a significant increase in April, the Swedish public's confidence in government officials is now back at the same level as it was in March. Swedish Television (SVT) remains the media channel that most Swedes access for news about the coronavirus. These are the latest findings of a study being conducted by the Swedish non-profit organisation VA (Public & Science).
	One press release on OSHA violations yields compliance equal to 210 inspections A single press release naming a company that has violated workplace health and safety regulations can result in a 73 percent improvement in compliance by other facilities, a Duke researcher finds.

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