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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 19


Page 19 of 512

The farthest galaxy in the universe

Astronomers use a novel spectrograph to measure the redshift of GN-z11, a ancient galaxy located 13.4 billion light years away, marking it as the farthest detectable galaxy in the universe. The team's precise measurement improves the accuracy of the galaxy's distance by a factor of 100.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Astronomy·DateDec 14, 2020

America's crop cousins are numerous, imperiled, and more needed than ever

A new study highlights the plight of US crop wild relatives, many of which are endangered or underrepresented in conservation repositories. The plants, including those related to apples, hops, and sunflowers, have characteristics that can be used to breed hardier crops.

What makes peppers blush

Researchers discovered that peppers undergo a transformation from chlorophyll-rich chloroplasts to carotenoid-rich chromoplasts as they ripen. This process differs from tomatoes, which continue to ripen after harvesting due to an increased respiratory activity.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateDec 14, 2020

High-rate Li-ion batteries demonstrate superior safety

Researchers from University of Warwick investigated high-rate cycling on Lithium Iron Phosphate Cylindrical Cells, discovering increased current capabilities of up to 4.4 times manufacturer's claims. Thermal fatigue was identified as the driving mechanism for jelly roll deformation, which can be mitigated with convection cooling.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalBatteries·DateDec 14, 2020

The uncharted molecular language of the brain

A new study has created the most complete annotated resource of proteins present in synapses, which could aid in early diagnosis and specific drug targets for brain diseases. Researchers identified 1466 synaptic vesicle proteins, many of which were previously unknown, and found that lower-abundance proteins often have crucial functions.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2020

Biomarkers could help predict severe SARS-CoV-2 infection

Researchers discovered biomarkers associated with COVID-19 immunopathology and multi-organ damage, enabling early identification of patients at risk of severe symptoms. The study's findings have potential for developing prognostic classification models to target treatments accordingly.

SourceEMBO·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateDec 14, 2020

Quantum interference in time

Nicolas Cerf and Michael Jabbour identify a new form of quantum interference that occurs through time, using an optical amplifier to produce identical photons. This phenomenon challenges our classical understanding of space-based interference.

SourceUniversité libre de Bruxelles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2020

COVID-19: indoor air in hospitals and nursing homes require more attention

Researchers recommend measures to reduce SARS-CoV-2 aerosol dispersal, including regular ventilation, humidifiers to maintain relative humidity of 40-60%, and portable air purifiers. The risk is high due to infected & healthy people staying in the same room for long periods.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS)·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateDec 14, 2020

Nanoengineered cement shows promise for sealing leaky gas wells

Researchers at Penn State have developed a nanomaterial cement mixture that can effectively seal leaky natural gas wells, reducing methane emissions. The new cement is more resistant to cracking and can be pumped through narrow spaces, making it suitable for use in active unconventional wells and orphaned abandoned gas wells.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control·DateDec 14, 2020

Moffitt program bringing patients, scientists together infuses new meaning into research

The Patient Researcher Forum allows patients and researchers to learn from each other, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. The program has a positive impact on perspectives of both parties, with patients gaining insight into the importance of cancer research and researchers becoming more patient-centered in their work.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalTranslational Research·DateDec 14, 2020

Tracking global soil salinity

A study analyzing 40 years of topsoil data finds that approximately 11.73 million square kilometers of land were affected by salt accumulation between 1980 and 2018. The likelihood of reoccurring salt-affected soils decreased globally, but certain regions like Brazil and Peru experienced increased soil salinity.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2020

Powerhouse plants that bolster the food web

A new study by University of Delaware Professor Doug Tallamy identifies the most critical plants needed to sustain food webs across the United States. These powerhouse plants, including oaks, willows, and goldenrod, support insects that are essential for energy transfer and soil decomposition.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature·DateDec 14, 2020

'Boss' genes could save human hearts - and the reef

Researchers have discovered rare decision-making genes that control cell responses, potentially helping to prevent diseases such as heart attacks and organ failure. This new knowledge can also be applied to understand how aquatic animals respond to global warming and improve human health, agriculture, ecology, and marine biology.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalCell Systems·DateDec 13, 2020