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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 2


Page 2 of 512

In plants, channels set the rhythm

Researchers found that plants use rapid oscillations of stems and leaves due to wind to activate molecular switches, allowing them to respond to environmental changes. This discovery highlights the importance of plant sensitivity to mechanical signals, enabling them to prepare for storms.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 29, 2020

Large transporter protein linked to schizophrenia

Researchers at Kyoto University's Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences have identified a possible link between a large cholesterol transport protein and schizophrenia. Mice with disrupted ABCA13 protein showed abnormal behaviour, including impaired prepulse inhibition, suggesting a potential role in the pathophysiology of ps...

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateDec 29, 2020

Imaging the twilight zone

Researchers used novel experimental designs to study brain activity during general anesthesia and normal sleep. They found that the effects of anesthesia and sleep on brain activity were surprisingly similar, pointing to a common central core brain network fundamental for human consciousness.

One year later, how does COVID-19 affect children?

A year after COVID-19's impact on children was first assessed, researchers have found that children are less likely to get severely sick than adults, yet some still experience serious symptoms. The study provides guidance for keeping families safe as children grow and thrive.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateDec 28, 2020

Common brain malformation traced to its genetic roots

Research identifies two causal genes, CHD3 and CHD8, contributing to Chiari 1 malformation. Children with unusually large heads are four times more likely to be diagnosed with the condition. The study's findings may lead to new ways to identify people at risk before serious symptoms arise.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateDec 28, 2020

Despite recommendations, patients with treatment-resistant hypertension rarely tested for primary al

A retrospective cohort study found that testing for primary aldosteronism in patients with treatment-resistant hypertension was rare and associated with higher rates of evidence-based treatment and better blood pressure control. An adaptive stepped exercise program improved pain and physical function in knee osteoarthritis patients.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 28, 2020

Faster, greener way of producing carbon spheres

Researchers at Swansea University have developed a faster, greener way to produce porous carbon spheres, which are crucial for carbon capture technology and renewable energy storage. The new method produces spheres with high carbon capture capacity and works effectively at large scales.

SourceSwansea University·JournalCarbon·DateDec 28, 2020

Model used to evaluate lockdowns was flawed

Researchers from Lund University criticized a model used to evaluate lockdowns, stating it had fundamental shortcomings and couldn't be used to draw conclusions. The Imperial College London model attributed almost all reduction in transmission during spring to lockdowns, with Sweden being an exception that offered a different explanation.

SourceLund University·JournalNature·DateDec 26, 2020

Early mammal with remarkably precise bite

Paleontologists reconstructed the chewing motion of a 150-million-year-old early mammal, revealing teeth that worked extremely precisely and efficiently. This unique dentition made it easy for the animal to cut flesh, but also may have limited its ability to adapt to changing food conditions.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 24, 2020

Shapeshifting crystals-varying stability in different forms of gallium selenide monolayers

Scientists investigate the structural stability, electronic states, and transformation of crystal phases of a recently identified polymorph of gallium selenide monolayer. The study reveals that the new phase is metastable, with stability reversing upon applying tensile strain, and large energy barriers for phase transitions.

Multi-population risk scores could improve risk prediction for inflammatory bowel diseases, study finds

Researchers developed polygenic risk scores using genetic data from nearly 30,000 individuals, improving IBD predictions across European, Ashkenazi Jewish, Hispanic, and UK Biobank populations. Lower predictive power was seen in African ancestry due to smaller datasets and greater genetic diversity.

International research team calls for 'glocal' approach to help mitigate flooding damage

An international research team proposes a 'glocal' approach to better predict and prevent flooding disasters by combining global forecasting with local observations. The proposed system, GHS-F, aims to provide highly detailed and consistent rain-flood information, which could help avoid some flooding damage.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateDec 24, 2020