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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 245


Page 245 of 512

Phantom-limb pain reduced through brain power

A study published in Neurology found that training with a brain-computer-interface can significantly reduce phantom-limb pain in amputees. After just three days of training, patients experienced a 30% reduction in pain intensity, and the effect lasted up to five days after training was complete.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNeurology·DateJul 16, 2020

A population of asteroids of interstellar origin inhabits the Solar System

Scientists at São Paulo State University identify 19 Centaurs of interstellar origin with highly inclined orbits, suggesting they formed around other stars and were later captured by the Solar System. This discovery sheds light on the formation of the Solar System and the chemical enrichment of the Sun.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 16, 2020

Patients with substance use disorder discriminated against by post-acute care facilities

A study by Boston Medical Center found that 29% of private post-acute care facilities in Massachusetts explicitly discriminated against hospitalized individuals with opioid use disorder, rejecting their referral for admission. The rejections were often due to a substance use disorder diagnosis or treatment with buprenorphine or methadone.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalJournal of Addiction Medicine·DateJul 16, 2020

Reprogramming of immune cells enhances effects of radiotherapy in preclinical models of brain cancer

A study found that radiotherapy alters the behavior of immune cells, and reprogramming them with an existing drug can enhance its effects in brain cancer. The researchers demonstrated that combining radiotherapy with daily dosing of a CSF-1R inhibitor extended survival in mouse models of glioblastoma.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 15, 2020

Setting up an alarm system in the Atlantic Ocean

Scientists are working on establishing an early warning system for sudden changes in the Atlantic Ocean's sea currents. These changes can impact global temperatures and climate patterns. By monitoring temperature and density metrics, researchers aim to detect subtle shifts before they become catastrophic.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalJournal of Climate·DateJul 15, 2020

Study: Single drop of blood could help rapidly detect radiation sickness

A new testing method has shown promise in rapidly identifying radiation sickness based on biomarkers measured through a single drop of blood. The test uses microRNAs to quantify the actual radiation dose absorbed, allowing for early and real-time identification of the condition to enable timely clinical interventions.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 15, 2020

Experts strongly recommend varenicline over the patch for adult smokers hoping to quit

The American Thoracic Society's new guideline recommends varenicline as the optimal controller medication for clinicians to use initially in treating tobacco dependence. Introducing varenicline before a patient expresses willingness to quit results in an additional 308 patients achieving abstinence.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJul 15, 2020

Biomedical instrument based on microvesicles

Researchers have developed a technology to obtain microvesicles from human stem cells, showing significant biological activity and therapeutic potential. The induced microvesicles can reduce the intensity of immune response and may be used to treat inflammations and autoimmune syndromes.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 15, 2020

Identifying sources of deadly air pollution in the United States

A new University of Minnesota study identifies livestock, wood stoves, farms, and residential buildings as significant contributors to deadly air pollution in the United States. The research highlights the need for targeted regulations to reduce emissions from these sources, which account for a substantial portion of PM2.5-related deaths.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateJul 15, 2020

Making balanced decisions

Research on Drosophila melanogaster reveals that dopaminergic neurons respond to both internal behavioral states and external signals, enabling flexible and individualized decision-making. The study provides insights into how dopamine contributes to neural circuit functionality and behavior.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 15, 2020