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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 267


Page 267 of 512

New research examines links between religion and parental support from non-family members

A new study found that mothers who receive help from their congregation have higher fertility rates and better child cognitive development. The research suggests that religion supports cooperative breeding strategies, allowing women to have more children without sacrificing their children's success.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateJul 1, 2020

To listen is to survive: Unravelling how plants process information

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich identified hundreds of new information exchange points between plant proteins, revealing that most proteins function in multiple signaling pathways. This discovery may lead to new strategies for biotechnological development or breeding of plants to address climate change challenges.

Feeds of the future

A University of Göttingen research team found that black soldier fly larvae meal and spirulina can be included in poultry feed without negatively impacting quality. Microalgae are also a potential alternative to soybean meal, but remain more expensive due to production costs.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateJul 1, 2020

Crystal wars

A team of researchers at The University of Tokyo and Fudan University studied crystallization processes when multiple structural arrangements are possible. They found that transient precursors of various crystalline orderings coexist and compete with each other, leading to complex crystal engineering methods.

Researchers develop a new ultrafast insulin

Stanford researchers developed a new ultrafast insulin formulation that stabilizes monomeric insulin for over 24 hours, allowing it to take effect almost immediately upon injection. The formulation could potentially reduce the time it takes for insulin to reach peak activity by four-fold.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 1, 2020

Cause of abnormal groundwater rise after large earthquake

Researchers analyzed groundwater level changes around Kumamoto City after a magnitude 7.0 earthquake, finding a significant increase in groundwater levels due to increased permeability of the mountain aquifer. The study suggests that earthquakes can alter hydrological environments and release water from mountains.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 1, 2020

Women who experience high blood pressure during pregnancy more likely to develop heart disease

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 21 studies found that women with gestational hypertension are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and heart failure. Women who experienced high blood pressure during their first pregnancy were 45% more likely to develop overall cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJul 1, 2020

Knowledge of severe storm patterns may improve tornado warnings

Researchers found a statistically significant difference in storm structure between those producing tornadoes and non-tornadic supercells, which could lead to more accurate warnings. The study suggests using polarimetric radar data to identify the orientation of raindrop shapes, potentially improving tornado warning times.

SourcePenn State·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 1, 2020

High-end microscopy refined

Researchers used structured illumination microscopy and expansion microscopy to visualize the three-dimensional ultrastructure of the synaptonemal complex in mouse cells. The study revealed a far more complex structure than previously assumed, with details of molecular organization that were previously hidden.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 1, 2020

Showing pro-diversity feelings are the norm makes individuals more tolerant

A new study from University of Wisconsin-Madison found that showing people how their peers feel about diversity can increase tolerance, reduce exclusion, and close racial achievement gaps. The intervention, which used social marketing strategies, resulted in enhanced sense of belonging among marginalized groups and reduced intergroup a...

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateJul 1, 2020

Identified the genetic landscape of myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms

A study published in the Journal Blood reveals the molecular landscape of myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms (MDS/MPN), a group of rare malignancies with overlapping features. The researchers identified genotype-phenotype associations and potential diagnostic molecular markers that can improve diagnosis and risk stratificatio...

A new view of microscopic interactions

Scientists developed a new experimental approach to study chemistry at very low temperatures, revealing specific molecular properties and providing more accurate theories. The approach uses laser-excited molecules in the same direction, allowing for a better understanding of molecular interactions.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJun 30, 2020

Discovery of key protein behind cancer relapse and progression can lead to new therapies

The study reveals that low levels of MBNL1 protein are associated with poor overall survival in various common cancers. Blocking the JNK protein can reverse this mechanism, providing a potential biomarker for selecting patients for treatment. Researchers plan to investigate MBNL1's role in colorectal cancer and explore anti-JNK therapies.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2020

For cardiac rehab patients, in-home portable air cleaners lower fine-particle pollutant exposure

A pilot study found that providing cardiac patients with in-home portable air cleaners (PACs) significantly reduces their personal-level exposure to fine-particle pollutants, a major risk factor for cardiovascular events. The study showed a 40% reduction in PM2.5 air pollution exposure and potentially lower cardiovascular event rates.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention·DateJun 30, 2020