Researchers at KAIST found that neuropeptide somatostatin improves visual processing and cognitive functions by reducing excitatory inputs to parvalbumin-positive interneurons. The study provides a new insight into the therapeutics of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease.
SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 23, 2020
Researchers from IKBFU, Moscow, and Kiev investigate the effects of deuterium on adipose tissue differentiation in an in vitro model. They found that varying deuterium concentrations can influence the formation of brown/beige or white adipocytes.
SourceImmanuel Kant Baltic Federal University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 23, 2020
A team of researchers from Tokyo University of Science proposes a novel solution to the qubit accessibility problem in quantum computing. They design a modified superconducting micro-architecture that simplifies the wiring system by arranging qubits in a 2D bi-linear array, reducing crosstalk and increasing efficiency.
SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateApr 23, 2020
Scientists studied fossil vertebrae of a giant teenage shark, discovering it grew to 4-7m and lived 30 years. This rare find suggests ptychodontid sharks may have faced environmental changes that led to their demise.
Goblet cells in nasal passages highly express ACE2 receptor, allowing COVID-19 virus to enter airway cells. Researchers suggest these cells may serve as viral reservoir, helping to disseminate the disease.
SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalNature Medicine·DateApr 23, 2020
A recent study from Tampere University found that direct gaze during video calls elicits similar psychophysiological responses as in-person eye contact. The researchers measured skin conductance and facial muscle activation to investigate the effects of eye contact in various situations.
SourceTampere University·JournalPsychophysiology·DateApr 23, 2020
A new study published in INFORMS journal Marketing Science found that cost transparency boosts sales by 21%, increasing consumer trust and willingness to purchase. Voluntary disclosure of production costs has a significant impact on sales, even when prices are unexpectedly low or high.
SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·DateApr 23, 2020
A new study by Flinders University highlights the need for better support systems for PTSD partners of veterans and emergency workers. Partners reported feeling invisible in their recovery, with their contributions to trauma management often overlooked.
SourceFlinders University·JournalHealth & Social Care in the Community·DateApr 23, 2020
Researchers Vera Tiesler and Guilhem Olivier examine the techniques and devices used in human heart extractions, shedding light on the relationship between ritual violence and cosmological interpretations. Their study reveals three distinct extraction methods and provides a framework for analyzing sacrificial rituals in other ancient s...
SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateApr 23, 2020
A study by New York University researchers found that children who hold positive views of women are also likely to have negative ones, with girls' benevolent sexism decreasing with age but not boys', while both sexes' hostile sexism decreases with age.
A new study confirms that ethambutol, a key TB drug, targets specific proteins in the bacteria. Researchers used cryogenic electron microscopy and x-ray imaging to show how the drug binds to and inactivates these proteins, producing crucial components of the TB cell wall.
SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalScience·DateApr 23, 2020
Researchers at RIT have developed the first three-dimensional model to show where microplastic pollution is collecting in Lake Erie. The study found that plastic particles accumulate more heavily on the eastern shore of the lake, with different types of plastics concentrated in different areas.
SourceRochester Institute of Technology·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·DateApr 23, 2020
The National Science Foundation has awarded a $440,000 grant to Rochester Institute of Technology researchers to develop the Einstein Toolkit for simulating black holes, neutron stars, and other astrophysical phenomena. The toolkit will be scaled up to handle exascale-level resources on large supercomputers.
Researchers at UTEP have created a nanohybrid vehicle that can selectively deliver polyphenol ellagic acid into the brain to mitigate neurodegenerative disorders. The vehicle reduces cytotoxicity while enhancing anti-oxidant properties, allowing for extended drug release.
SourceUniversity of Texas at El Paso·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 23, 2020
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a new class of X-ray detectors based on layered perovskites, which are 100 times more sensitive than conventional detectors. The detector can detect X-rays over a broad energy range, making it suitable for various applications such as medical imaging and airport security.
SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 23, 2020
The University of Saskatchewan's VIDO-InterVac has been awarded $23 million to fast-track COVID-19 vaccine development. The funding will support pre-clinical testing and two phases of clinical trials, with the goal of making a safe and effective vaccine available as early as next spring.
The commentary piece reviews eight behavioral pitfalls that challenge sound judgment during the pandemic, such as personal embarrassment and neglect of competing risks. Awareness of these issues might help maintain behavior changes needed to fight the pandemic.
SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 23, 2020
Ethicists from Carnegie Mellon and McGill universities recommend prioritizing rigorous research approaches, such as master protocols, to ensure high-quality clinical trials. They argue that crises like the COVID-19 pandemic heighten the responsibility of key actors in the research enterprise to uphold scientific standards.
SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalScience·DateApr 23, 2020
Astronomers have improved a mathematical model to accurately gauge the temperatures of planets from solar systems hundreds of light-years away. This new model allows scientists to gather data on an exoplanet's molecular chemistry, gaining insight into the cosmos' planetary beginnings.
SourceCornell University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateApr 23, 2020
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that geodesic measurements from 3D photographs predicted sleep apnea with high accuracy. The algorithm's accuracy was 89%, outperforming traditional linear measurements alone, and identified key facial features such as neck width and lower jaw retrusion as indicators.
SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateApr 23, 2020
A survey of US cancer survivors and their spouses found that nearly half stay in their jobs due to concerns about losing health insurance. The study suggests that maintaining employment is crucial for accessing post-treatment care and managing long-term health needs.
A team of doctors and engineers created biocompatible electrodes for compression stockings to stimulate muscles while bedridden. The technology aims to retain muscle mass in intensive-care patients, potentially reducing recovery time.
A new study finds that children who are perceived as 'fun' to be around experience increased popularity and likability among their classmates. The researchers discovered that this characteristic uniquely contributes to a child's social status, promoting creativity, reducing rejection, and increasing the salience of rewards.
SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Personality·DateApr 23, 2020
Researchers unveil the structure of a key protein in human metabolism, which could lead to better obesity treatments. The study found that calcium ions play a crucial role in the protein's function, opening new paths for developing targeted pharmaceuticals.
SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience·DateApr 23, 2020
A new approach uses European Space Agency Sentinel-2 satellites to detect patches of floating plastics in marine environments, distinguishing them from other materials with 86% accuracy. The method successfully classified different types of plastics and natural materials across four coastal areas.
SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 23, 2020
Researchers discovered that helper proteins Swi5-Sfr1 and Rad51-related helpers collaborate to activate Rad51 in DNA repair. Mutations in Swi5-Sfr1 compromised activation, but yeast cells lacking Rad51-related helpers still repaired DNA, suggesting a compensatory role.
Researchers sequence and dissect the structure of the extrachromosomal DNA replicon underlying glyphosate resistance in Palmer amaranth. The eccDNA replicon contains 59 genes, including the EPSPS gene, which shows higher expression after glyphosate treatment.
SourceAmerican Society of Plant Biologists·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateApr 23, 2020
Scientists studied 36 bat species from the western Indian Ocean and Africa, finding that different groups of bats had their own unique coronavirus strains. The research sheds light on how coronaviruses evolved and can help prevent future outbreaks.
SourceField Museum·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 23, 2020
Researchers warn that current regulations do not consider the combined effects of dissolved oxygen and acidification on aquatic life, which can be more severe than individual stressors. Revising water quality criteria could help improve coastal ecosystems.
SourceStony Brook University·JournalScience·DateApr 23, 2020
The discovery of ancient frog fossils in Antarctica provides insight into a warm and temperate climate before the continent's separation. The 40-million-year-old fossils found on Seymour Island suggest that the Antarctic Peninsula may have had forests similar to those in modern-day South America.
SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 23, 2020
The Kem Kem Group, a region famous for its Jurassic-era fossils, is reviewed in this comprehensive monograph. The study describes the paleoenvironments and fauna of the area, including massive theropod dinosaurs and sail-backed Spinosaurus.
A study by Carnegie Mellon University and Johns Hopkins University found that coordinated attention, specifically patterns of email communication, is linked to better performance in groups. Groups that sent emails in bursts had greater success capitalizing on available resources.
SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalAcademy of Management Discoveries·DateApr 23, 2020
Hyperdiploid B-ALL, the most common subtype of pediatric leukemia, arises from a malfunctioning Condensin complex, Aurora B kinase, and mitotic checkpoint in cell division. Researchers have unveiled the molecular mechanisms underlying HyperD-ALL origin and progression.
SourceJosep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute·JournalBlood·DateApr 23, 2020
Researchers at DKFZ successfully blocked a receptor that stimulates tumor growth and metastasis with an antibody, slowing down cancer progression. The study found that the antibody reduced metastases in treated mice without affecting blood vessel formation.
SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateApr 23, 2020
A new diagnostic strategy has been developed by Brazilian researchers to detect biomarkers of early-stage multiple sclerosis. The method uses a nanobiosensor that can accurately identify specific antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid and blood serum, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalUltramicroscopy·DateApr 23, 2020
A new study found that very low doses of Avastin are effective in preventing blindness in preterm infants. The treatment was tested on 59 preterm infants with type 1 ROP and showed success in improving vision with minimal side effects.
SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateApr 23, 2020
A team of researchers has restored sensation to a paralyzed man's hand using a brain-computer interface (BCI) system, enabling him to detect objects by touch and experience enhanced control. The BCI system enhances neural signals that are too small for conscious perception, resulting in greatly improved motor function.
Researchers found that astrocytes lacking the NFIA gene had defective shapes, altered functions, and impaired ability to detect neurotransmitters. This led to defects in learning and memory, providing evidence that astrocytes control neuronal circuits mediating these processes.
SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateApr 23, 2020
Researchers found that atmospheric tidal waves formed from solar heating on the planet's dayside and cooling on its nightside maintain Venus' super-rotation. The study also reveals a dual circulation system that transports heat across the globe.
Researchers have developed a new oral polio vaccine that uses genetic wizardry to prevent the virus from evolving into a deadly form. The vaccine showed promise in a Phase 1 clinical trial, with participants generating plentiful antibodies against the poliovirus and no paralysis in mice.
SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateApr 23, 2020
A study has identified frequent cancer-driving mutations in healthy human endometrium, suggesting that these events may occur early in life. These mutant stem cells can accumulate further driver mutations over time, leading to invasive cancer years or even decades later.
SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature·DateApr 22, 2020
A new sensor system developed at Saarland University uses AI and machine learning techniques to identify the exact cause of disturbances in industrial plants. The system can distinguish between useful signals and false alarms, reducing operationally disruptive and costly responses.
Researchers found that technological growth passed its peak in 2018 and will be followed by a new wave of acceleration, driven by global demographic changes. The study predicts that progress will slow down in the second half of the century.
SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalTechnological Forecasting and Social Change·DateApr 22, 2020
Researchers found that feelings of preparedness in one area can lead to more confident thoughts about unrelated topics, even if those thoughts are not based on actual knowledge. Participants who were told they had to prepare for bad news later showed more positive attitudes towards research funding proposals than those who didn't prepare.
SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateApr 22, 2020
Researchers linked prolonged, heavy rainfall in May 2018 to the Kīlauea eruption, which was characterized by intense activity, lava flows, and ash clouds. The study suggests that water content changes in the Earth's shallow crust can trigger eruptions.
SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature·DateApr 22, 2020
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center create a new platform to study the single-cell genomics of various diseases, potentially making genetic-based diagnoses more precise and effective. The study focuses on linking gene mutations to disease-causing processes in blood diseases like severe congenital neutropenia.
SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNature·DateApr 22, 2020
Scientists have developed a method for precise, fast and high-quality laser processing of halide perovskites, promising light-emitting materials for solar energy, optical electronics, and metamaterials. The new technology can help to solve the problem of complicated processing and degradation of perovskites under various conditions.
The Southern Ocean's biodiversity is at risk due to current marine protected areas, which are insufficient to represent the region's unique habitats and species. To address this, a new study suggests doubling existing protected areas to better safeguard biodiversity and resilience in the face of climate change.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 22, 2020
Researchers found trends in human behavior absent in social media bots, including increased social interaction and decreased content production over time. The study suggests these differences can be used to develop more sophisticated bot detection strategies.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physics·DateApr 22, 2020
A case series of lung cancer patients taking osimertinib (Tagrisso) revealed a rare twist in the right side of their colon, cecal volvulus. Doctors using this drug with EGFR+ non-small cell lung cancer patients should watch for these cases alongside more expected side effects.
SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalFrontiers in Oncology·DateApr 22, 2020
A new blood test has been developed to detect Alzheimer's disease, which measures a specific variant of tau protein in ordinary blood samples. The test shows great promise for diagnosing and monitoring the condition early on, particularly in primary care settings.
SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateApr 22, 2020
George Mason University's National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases will provide expertise and resources to Emergex in developing CD8+ priming RNA virus vaccines. These vaccines offer advantages over traditional vaccines by providing a cell-mediated immune response, reducing allergic and autoimmune side effects.
The study examines pediatric cases of SARS-CoV-2 from China and Singapore, highlighting key clinical features and diagnostic tests. Current therapeutic management and prognosis are also discussed, providing valuable insights into managing the disease in this vulnerable population.
Researchers at Spintec Laboratory and CNRS/Thales Laboratory developed a non-magnetic system to detect spin information at low power. This breakthrough enables the creation of ferroelectricity-based spintronic devices that consume significantly less energy than traditional systems.
A Texas A&M University study found that older adults are more likely to use driver-assistance technologies if taught through interactive videos. The research suggests that video-based training is the most effective method for introducing these technologies to seniors, reducing mental workload and increasing safety on the road.
SourceTexas A&M University·JournalApplied Ergonomics·DateApr 22, 2020
A new study published in Neurology suggests that combining highly processed meats with starches and snacks like cookies and cakes may raise the risk of dementia. Researchers found that people with dementia were more likely to eat these foods together, while those without dementia had a greater variety of healthier food options.
SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateApr 22, 2020
Researchers developed a new design to reduce energy loss in optical fiber communications by radiating light in a single direction. This breakthrough has the potential to improve data communications for commercial data centers and enable battery-powered photonic computers.
SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalNature·DateApr 22, 2020
A new study analyzes thousands of phylogenetic trees to shed light on the nature of the earliest living organisms. It suggests that early mutation rates were much higher than at present, leading to a complex 'family tree' of life. The research provides insight into how quickly early organisms may have evolved billions of years ago.
SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateApr 22, 2020
Researchers at NIST create a brick made of white flour mixed with fluorescent powder to visualize the spread of drug particles under UV light. They find that frequent glove changes, large-mouth vials, and two sets of wash bottles can minimize particle spread.
SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalForensic Chemistry·DateApr 22, 2020
Scientists at University of Copenhagen have discovered a new way to create topological superconductivity and Majorana zero modes using a cylindrical superconductor surrounding a semiconductor, potentially offering an alternative route for qubits. This breakthrough unifies two existing ideas in quantum mechanics.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalScience·DateApr 22, 2020