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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 364


Page 364 of 512

Beta cells from stem cells

Researchers developed an improved pluripotent stem cell differentiation protocol to generate beta cells in vitro, leading to more mature and functional beta cells. The use of CD177 as a quality control marker increases the efficiency and homogeneity of beta cell generation.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 27, 2020

Coupled magnetic materials show interesting properties for quantum applications

Researchers have discovered a novel way to couple the excitations of magnetic spins in two different thin films, leading to strong coupling and potential applications in spintronic and quantum systems. This dynamic coupling enables the exchange of energy between the two layers, allowing for longer-lasting magnetization dynamics.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 27, 2020

QUT researchers to head to Antarctica in preservation efforts

A team of QUT researchers is developing advanced robotic systems to gather data on the Antarctic environment, informing scientific models of climate change responses. The Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future program will provide practical solutions to complex environmental challenges.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·DateApr 27, 2020

Erosion process studies in the Volga Region assist in land use planning

Researchers analyzed sediment yield data from 14 rivers in the Middle Volga Region to assess erosion trends over 50 years. The study found a decrease in erosion activity and volumes of its products, as well as reduced unevenness in river water flow, prompting practical applications for land use planning and resource management.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateApr 27, 2020

Scientists double understanding of genetic risk of melanoma

Researchers identified 33 new regions and confirmed 21 previously reported regions linked to melanoma risk, shedding light on the immune system's role in the disease. The study also uncovered associations between melanoma and common genetic variants in the TP53 gene.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 27, 2020

Scientists unveil how general anesthesia works

Researchers found that isoflurane weakens the transmission of electrical signals between neurons, particularly at higher frequency impulses. The anesthetic preferentially blocks these high frequency signals, while having minimal effect on low frequency impulses that control life-supporting functions.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·DateApr 27, 2020

Snowball earth and great unconformity

Analysis of Proterozoic basement granite in southern Colorado suggests that the Great Unconformity did not form solely due to glacial erosion during Snowball Earth glaciations. Instead, its formation may be linked to varying times and locations.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 27, 2020

Harnessing the power of gallium nitride and machine learning

The $2.5 million project aims to create compact electronic power systems for military installations, utilizing gallium nitride devices for efficient energy storage and discharging. Machine learning will be used to predict the lifespan of GaN devices and circuits.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateApr 27, 2020

Rapid evolution in fish: genomic changes within a generation

Researchers found that genomic changes occurred quickly, with river variants increasing in frequency by 2.5% over a single generation. This study demonstrates rapid evolution in non-microorganisms, potentially aiding organisms to cope with human-induced environmental changes.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 27, 2020

Study finds no overall survival benefit, but improved quality of life with talazoparib in advanced BRCA-mutated breast cancer

The Phase III EMBRACA trial found talazoparib improved patient-reported quality-of-life measures and had a tolerable safety profile in patients with metastatic HER2-negative breast cancer and BRCA1/2 mutations. However, the study did not demonstrate a statistically significant overall survival benefit due to subsequent treatments.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateApr 27, 2020

New findings suggest laws of nature not as constant as previously thought

Scientists from UNSW Sydney report new measurements of light emitted from a quasar 13 billion light years away, reaffirming past studies on tiny variations in the fine structure constant. The findings suggest that one of nature's laws may not be constant, challenging the Grand Unifying Theory.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 27, 2020

Sustainable light achieved in living plants

Researchers have successfully created plants that produce their own visible luminescence through the insertion of DNA from mushrooms. The plants glow brightly and continuously throughout their lifecycle, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional lighting sources.

SourceMedical Research Council (MRC) Laboratory of Medical Sciences·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 27, 2020

Researchers identify drugs that could halt preterm labor

Scientists discovered a common molecular pathway in women who experience preterm labor and are developing new treatments using FDA-approved drugs. The research found that combined administration of nebivolol and N6022 can almost completely halt contractions, improving birth outcomes.

SourceExperimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateApr 27, 2020

Superconductivity: It's hydrogen's fault

Researchers at TU Wien found that incorporated hydrogen atoms change the electrical behavior of nickelates, making them more difficult to produce. Calculations using supercomputers revealed the critical temperature range for superconductivity in these materials.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 27, 2020

What comes after COVID-19? Special issue in the journal Population and Economics

The special issue discusses the uneasy dilemma of saving lives now versus preserving them for the future, drawing parallels with previous pandemics. Research papers examine the role of globalisation, technological shifts, and income inequality, highlighting the need for micro- and meso-institutions to find ways out of the crisis.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalPopulation and Economics·DateApr 27, 2020

Antibiotics may increase risk for opioid abuse

Taking antibiotics with opioids may exacerbate addiction by altering brain responses to opioids, according to research on rats depleted of their gut microbiome. The study found that a weakened microbiome intensified opioid intoxication while reducing withdrawal effects.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateApr 27, 2020

NUS-led team develops artificial intelligence platform to combat infectious diseases

A NUS-led team has developed an artificial intelligence platform called IDentif.AI to rapidly identify optimal drug combination therapies for infectious diseases. The platform uses machine learning to examine billions of possible combinations and doses, resulting in unprecedented speed and accuracy in discovering new treatments.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalAdvanced Therapeutics·DateApr 27, 2020

Researchers' method holds promise for brain study, better tests for viruses

Researchers at UT Dallas have developed a promising method for remotely stimulating activity in deep brain regions using gold nanoparticles and lasers. The approach has the potential to improve tests for viruses, including influenza and COVID-19, by increasing sensitivity and reducing healthcare costs.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateApr 27, 2020

Series of reviews assesses clinically useful tools to identify, diagnose, and treat cognitive dysfunction

Systematic reviews evaluate cognitive tests for Alzheimer's disease, biomarkers for neuropathologic Alzheimer disease, and prescription drugs for cognitive dysfunction. The findings suggest that certain brief cognitive tests are highly sensitive for distinguishing clinical Alzheimer-type dementia from normal cognition.

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

New type of immune cell discovered in breast ducts

Researchers at Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have discovered a new population of immune cells called ductal macrophages that play a crucial role in maintaining healthy breast tissue by clearing away dying milk-producing cells. This discovery could lead to new insights into treating breast cancer.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateApr 27, 2020

Abundant element to power small devices

A team of researchers from the University of Tokyo has developed an iron-based thermoelectric material that can convert waste heat into electricity. The material, which is mostly iron and relatively inexpensive, has shown promise in powering small devices such as remote sensors and wearable devices.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature·DateApr 27, 2020

New understanding of asthma medicines could improve future treatment

Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed a new understanding of asthma medicines through x-ray CT scanning, revealing the microstructure of individual particles. This innovation could lead to improved asthma medications and better quality control.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalEuropean Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics·DateApr 27, 2020

Automating complex 3D modeling

VoroCrust generates accurate digital representations of complex objects using Voronoi-cell meshes that conform to models without needing manual fixes. This software could save scientists hours of work and improve the efficiency of simulations for aerospace and other industries.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateApr 27, 2020

Nursing research informs response to COVID-19 pandemic

Nursing research plays a critical role in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by providing reliable epidemiological data, effective treatments, and vaccines. The research helps advance supportive work environments that save patient lives and promote recovery.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalResearch in Nursing & Health·DateApr 27, 2020

Fracking and earthquake risk

The Stanford study develops a calculation of the risk that shaking triggered by a given project will be felt in surrounding communities. The authors propose setting yellow-light thresholds approximately two magnitude units below the red light to reduce nuisance-level shaking.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateApr 27, 2020

New tool measures quality of life in people with dementia

A new tool measures quality of life in people with dementia by assessing five key domains: physical health, mood, memory, living situation, and ability to do fun activities. The tool reveals that living situation is the most important contributor to quality of life, followed by the ability to engage in fun activities.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPharmacoEconomics·DateApr 26, 2020

Help your children learn about biology with a bedtime story

A new children's book introduces genetics to youngsters of primary school age through a rhyming narrative, explaining DNA and the role of nature and nurture in making each person unique. The book aims to engage young children with science, building on research that shows teaching genetics before evolution improves pupil understanding.

SourceUniversity of Bath·DateApr 26, 2020

Web of psychological cues may tempt people to reveal more online

A study published in CHI 2020 found that users are influenced by contextual cues to disclose personal information, including social security numbers and phone numbers. The researchers identified 12 heuristics, or mental shortcuts, that trigger this behavior, such as the bandwagon heuristic and authority cue.

SourcePenn State·DateApr 25, 2020

Highly concentrated aqueous electrolytes could replace solvents used in batteries

A study by researchers at the University of São Paulo has identified a promising technological alternative to solvents used in batteries. Highly concentrated aqueous electrolytes offer significant advantages over conventional methods, including being nontoxic and cheaper. However, challenges such as hygroscopicity and corrosion need to...

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalCurrent Opinion in Electrochemistry·DateApr 24, 2020

Facing a pandemic while pregnant

A pregnant woman shares her experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the emotional toll of isolation and uncertainty on her mental health. She also discusses how healthcare providers can better support pregnant patients during this time, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateApr 24, 2020

Fueling the world sustainably: Synthesizing ammonia using less energy

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have created a catalyst that enables the production of ammonia at just 50°C, using half the energy required by existing techniques. This breakthrough has significant implications for sustainable agricultural food production and reduces carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel use.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 24, 2020

Water molecules dance in three

Researchers have accurately described the interaction energy among three water molecules for the first time. The study uses advanced spectroscopy and quantum calculations to analyze the intermolecular vibrations of water trimers.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 24, 2020

Researchers solve 'link discovery' problem for terahertz data networks

A team of researchers from Brown and Rice University has developed a means of performing link discovery with terahertz radiation, enabling ultra-fast wireless data transmission. The approach uses a device called a leaky waveguide to exploit the properties of terahertz waves and track client devices in real-time.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 24, 2020

Higher levels of NETs in blood associated with more severe COVID-19

Researchers found a link between higher blood levels of NETs and a more severe disease course in patients with COVID-19. NETs, a product of neutrophil cell death, may be relevant to understanding the inflammatory storm triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJCI Insight·DateApr 24, 2020

Two steps closer to flexible, powerful, fast bioelectronic devices

Researchers develop biocompatible ion-driven soft transistors that can perform real-time neurologically relevant computation. A mixed-conducting particulate composite enables the creation of electronic components out of a single material, allowing for non-invasive recording and processing of brain activity.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 24, 2020

Dramatic loss of food plants for insects

Researchers from the Universities of Bonn and Zurich have found a significant decline in food plants for insects in the canton of Zurich over the past 100 years. This has resulted in a decrease in the abundance of species visited by bees, bumblebees, wasps, butterflies, hoverflies, flies, and beetles.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalEcological Applications·DateApr 24, 2020

Hubble marks 30 years in space with tapestry of blazing starbirth

The Hubble Space Telescope has unveiled a breathtaking portrait of a firestorm of starbirth in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way. This iconic image, nicknamed the 'Cosmic Reef,' showcases the telescope's enduring legacy and transformative impact on modern astronomy.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 24, 2020

Sanfilippo C syndrome: New brain cell models to evaluate therapies

Researchers have developed brain cell models of neurons and astrocytes to better understand the mechanisms of Sanfilippo C syndrome. The studies show that these cell models can reproduce the main features of the disease, allowing for the assessment of potential therapies.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalJournal of Clinical Medicine·DateApr 24, 2020

New active ingredient against allergic asthma

Researchers from TUM have identified a substance that worm larvae use to modulate the host's immune response, activating anti-inflammatory pathways and reducing inflammatory mediators. This active molecule shows promise as a new treatment for chronic airway inflammation in allergic asthma.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 24, 2020