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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 229


Page 229 of 512

Water molecules are gold for nanocatalysis

Researchers from Ruhr-Universität Bochum have discovered that water molecules facilitate oxygen dissociation in aqueous solutions, reducing energy costs by 25%. This breakthrough helps explain the high catalytic activity of gold nanoparticles on metal oxides for selective oxidation.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalACS Catalysis·DateJul 27, 2020

RNA biology provides the key to cell identity and health

Two studies published in Genome Research provide new insights into the core regulatory networks governing cell types across different vertebrate species. The research highlights the importance of understanding RNA expression in establishing cell function, morphology, and behavior. Long non-coding RNAs were found to affect cell growth a...

SourceRIKEN·JournalGenome Research·DateJul 27, 2020

Hydrogel mimics human brain with memorizing and forgetting ability

Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a hydrogel that mimics the human brain's dynamic memory function, encoding information that fades with time depending on intensity. The hydrogel's memory system can be programmed by temperature and learning time, allowing for stable memory establishment and controlled forgetting processes.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 2020

The solar cell you can print

The £6 million grant will advance organic and perovskite solar cells into new applications, including 5G, the Internet of Things, and zero-carbon buildings. The project aims to develop low-cost manufacturing methods and prototypes to showcase their potential in these areas.

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A team of bioethicists from Johns Hopkins University emphasizes the need for informed consent in public health activities, including those related to COVID-19. The authors suggest that good governance of public health surveillance infrastructure is crucial to maintain public trust and prevent research abuses.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 27, 2020

Safe work protocols can increase the likelihood the business will fail

New research in INFORMS journal Management Science suggests that organizations with safe workplaces have lower odds of survival. Employers who don't prioritize worker safety may gain an economic advantage by reducing costs and increasing productivity. The study analyzed data from 100,000 organizations across 25 years in Oregon.

Yale to lead trial of potential COVID-19 treatment

LAM-002A has shown promise in reducing SARS-CoV-2 virus levels in infected individuals, with Yale leading a Phase II trial to test its safety and efficacy as a COVID-19 treatment. The study aims to enroll 142 newly diagnosed patients to assess the drug's effectiveness in preventing disease progression.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateJul 27, 2020

'Selfish and loveless' society in Uganda really is not

A Baylor University study led by Cathryn Townsend challenges the long-held notion that the Ik ethnic group in Uganda is selfish and loveless. The research found that sharing and cooperation are integral to Ik culture, with a strong emphasis on supernatural punishment for those who do not share.

SourceBaylor University·JournalEvolutionary Human Sciences·DateJul 27, 2020

Pesticides can protect crops from hydrophobic pollutants

Researchers developed two approaches to control plant proteins related to hydrophobic pollutant transport. A pesticide that suppresses MLP gene expression reduced hydrophobic pollutant accumulation, while an MLP-binding pesticide inhibited binding to pollutants. This breakthrough enables safer crop production on contaminated soil.

SourceKobe University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJul 27, 2020

Maternal depression increases odds of depression in offspring, study shows

A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that maternal depression during and after pregnancy significantly increases the odds of depression in offspring during adolescence and adulthood. The research, which examined over 15,000 children, shows that perinatal depression can have a lasting negative impact on mental health.