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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 188


Page 188 of 512

Cutting surgical robots down to size

Researchers at Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard have developed a miniature manipulator that uses origami-inspired design to enhance precision and control during teleoperated surgical procedures. The new device enables surgeons to perform complex operations with increased accuracy and reduced tissue damage.

Thin layer protects battery, allows cold charging

A self-assembling monolayer of electrochemically active molecules protects the surface of the lithium anode, preventing dendritic growth and increasing cycle life. This technology enables cold charging and quick-charging capabilities in lithium metal batteries.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Energy·DateAug 25, 2020

'Oral' bacteria may disrupt the balance of the vaginal microbiome

A study suggests that oral bacteria like Fusobacterium nucleatum can promote the growth of harmful pathogens in the vagina, leading to bacterial vaginosis (BV). The research found that Fusobacterium may engage in mutually beneficial relationships with other vaginal bacteria, encouraging dysbiosis and BV features.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 25, 2020

Treatment for teen anxiety

A University of Cincinnati-led study suggests that a specific selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) may be beneficial in treating childhood anxiety disorders. The treatment showed promise in reducing anxiety symptoms in adolescents with generalized anxiety disorder.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateAug 25, 2020

Study shines new light on young tree seedlings

Researchers used a synchrotron to take detailed X-ray images of ponderosa pine seedlings at various hydration stages. The findings show that the tissue surrounding the xylem, not the xylem itself, dries out when seedlings lose water, revealing new insights into tree seedling growth.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateAug 25, 2020

Early adversity and mental health

A longitudinal study of 167 children found that early adversity increases the risk of depression by flattening testosterone slopes, leading to reduced hippocampal growth and increased emotion dysregulation. The findings suggest a need for interventions targeting mental health problems resulting from early poverty.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2020

Spurring our understanding

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have identified a gene critical to the development of columbines' iconic spurs, which has led to rapid expansion in the genus. The discovery provides new insights into how key innovations evolve and could shed light on the genetic changes underlying this trait.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2020

Veterans undergoing elective PCI at community hospitals may have increased chance of death compared to those treated at VA hospitals

According to an analysis of nearly 9,000 veterans, treatment in community facilities for elective PCI is associated with worse outcomes, including a 33% increased hazard of death within the first year after intervention. This trend may be linked to varying levels of expertise among community facilities.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 24, 2020

Growth of children living at higher altitudes

Children growing at higher altitudes showed variations in growth rates, with some experiencing slower growth and others faster growth compared to those living at lower elevations. The study's findings suggest that altitude may play a role in shaping children's growth patterns.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateAug 24, 2020

Japanese expedition identifies East Antarctic melting hotspot

A Japanese expedition has identified a surprising melting hotspot in East Antarctica, with ice beneath Shirase Glacier Tongue melting at an alarming rate of 7-16 meters per year. This finding could significantly impact predictions of sea level rise and climate change, as the Antarctic ice sheet is Earth's largest freshwater reservoir.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 24, 2020

Pigs grow new liver in lymph nodes, study shows

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have discovered that pigs can grow a new liver in their lymph nodes, which could potentially treat various liver diseases. The study found that large animals with damaged livers can regenerate hepatocytes, forming an ectopic liver that takes over liver functions.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateAug 24, 2020

Excessive fructose consumption may cause a leaky gut, leading to fatty liver disease

A new study published in Nature Metabolism suggests that excessive fructose consumption can lead to a leaky gut and subsequently cause fatty liver disease. The researchers found that the high fructose corn syrup disrupts the epithelial barrier protecting internal organs from bacterial toxins, leading to chronic inflammatory conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Metabolism·DateAug 24, 2020

Lensless light-field imaging through diffuser encoding

A novel modality for computational light-field imaging using a diffuser as an encoder has been developed, enabling lensless imaging with adjustable spatio-angular resolutions. This approach avoids the resolution limitation of traditional sensors, allowing for viewpoint shifting, post-capture refocusing and depth sensing capabilities.

Are antivitamins the new antibiotics?

Researchers from the University of Göttingen have developed a promising new approach involving antivitamins to combat bacterial infections. The study found that antivitamins can inhibit bacterial proteins, preventing their function and leading to potential antibiotic effects.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateAug 24, 2020

Autistic people's nerve cells differ before birth

Researchers found autistic nerve cells differ in structure and gene expression from typical individuals as early as 9 days into development. The study used induced pluripotent stem cells to model brain development and provides new insights into the origins of autism.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateAug 24, 2020

Advanced biofuels show real promise for replacing some fossil fuels

A new study by Colorado State University predicts significant climate benefits from advanced biofuel technologies, accounting for carbon flows and comparing them to grasslands and forests. The team found clear strategies for biofuels to have a net carbon benefit, particularly in regions where planting trees is not an option.

SourceColorado State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2020

A leap forward for biomaterials design using AI

A team of researchers at Tokyo Tech successfully used machine learning with an artificial neural network model to predict two key properties of self-assembled monolayers, enabling advanced material screening and design. This approach opens up new possibilities for the development of biomaterials with desired functions.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·DateAug 24, 2020

Citizens' adherence to COVID-19 social distancing measures depends on government response

A new study found that citizens' adherence to COVID-19 social distancing measures depends on government response and citizen perception of trust. The researchers suggest policymakers explore ways to improve adherence, including providing more precise instructions and using social media channels to communicate with citizens.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Denver·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateAug 24, 2020

Energy-efficient design for mmWave-enabled NOMA-UAV networks

Researchers designed an energy-efficient transmission scheme for mmWave-enabled NOMA-UAV networks by optimizing UAV placement, hybrid precoding and power allocation. The proposed design achieved better performance in user fairness, spectrum efficiency and energy efficiency compared to other schemes without UAV placement optimization.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Information Sciences·DateAug 24, 2020