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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 370


Page 370 of 512

Carbon dioxide sensor can lower energy use, reduce utility costs

A new carbon dioxide sensor developed by Purdue University researchers can help manage climate control and indoor air quality, reducing energy consumption. The sensor uses resonant sensing and resistive sensing to detect CO2 levels, allowing heating and ventilation systems to adjust accordingly.

SourcePurdue University·DateApr 21, 2020

UTSA professor wins grant to protect wearable tech and mobile devices

Assistant Professor Dr. Murtuza Jadliwala is developing a new approach to protect against uncoordinated sensing and actuation in modern ubiquitous environments. His project aims to provide holistic privacy protection by efficiently sharing sensitive user-contexts across diverse devices and applications.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateApr 21, 2020

Establish contingency plans to meet COVID-19 surge in urban areas

Experts from Philadelphia's Temple University Hospital share their contingency plans for meeting increased demand for hospitalization during the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan includes staff training, infection control measures, and protocols for triaging patients with suspected COVID-19 infection.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateApr 21, 2020

Tetracycline-family antibiotics may offer early diagnostic for degenerative eye disease

Researchers discovered a potential new method to detect age-related macular degeneration using tetracycline staining and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy. Tiny deposits of lipids, proteins, and minerals under the retina can be visualized with this technique, offering enhanced early detection.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateApr 21, 2020

Is it safe to spin-dry leafy greens in a washing machine?

A UMass Amherst team is studying the microbial safety risks of processing leafy greens in washing machines, aiming to develop guidelines for safe use. The researchers are examining contamination risk factors, sanitation options, and best practices for farmers.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateApr 21, 2020

Scientists shed new light on viral protein shell assembly

Scientists have gained new insight into the conditions that control self-assembly in viral protein shells, which could lead to a promising new approach to hindering viral infections. The study highlights factors that can cause incorrect self-assembly and suggests manipulating these factors to induce misassembly could be effective.

SourceeLife·DateApr 21, 2020

£100,000 project will see AI used to speed up ADHD diagnosis in adults

A £100,000 project is harnessing Artificial Intelligence to accelerate ADHD diagnosis in UK adults, addressing the growing wait times for treatments. The AI-powered system can identify clear-cut cases, reducing the need for further assessment and enabling clinicians to prioritize those who require additional support.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·DateApr 21, 2020

Behavioral intervention, not lovastatin, improves language skills in youth with fragile X

Researchers found that a telehealth-delivered behavioral intervention improved language skills in youth with fragile X syndrome, while lovastatin showed no efficacy. The study used Parent-Implemented Language Intervention (PILI) to enhance parent-child interactions and promote language development.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders·DateApr 21, 2020

Media literacy can improve child nutrition, family relationships

A study published in Childhood Obesity found that a media literacy program improved children's eating habits and parent-child communication. Parents and kids learned to recognize marketing techniques, leading to better nutrition and more open discussions about food.

SourceWashington State University·JournalChildhood Obesity·DateApr 21, 2020

How tweets may influence substance abuse in youth

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that youths express pride and confidence online about their drug-related behaviors, indicating a craving for drugs. The study analyzed 23 million drug-related tweets to understand the potential mechanisms driving substance use behavior in youth.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalJMIR Public Health and Surveillance·DateApr 21, 2020

Cool down fast to advance quantum nanotechnology

Physicists create Bose-Einstein condensate by rapidly cooling magnons to room temperature, eliminating the need for complex equipment and achieving a long-sought goal in quantum physics research. The discovery has significant implications for advancing quantum computing at room temperature.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateApr 21, 2020

Scientists identify cause of leakiness in eye diseases

Researchers discovered a key mechanism behind eye vessel leakiness in diseases like age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. By targeting this specific step, they hope to develop new treatments that can selectively block leak-inducing effects without harming nerve and blood-vessel cells.

SourceeLife·DateApr 21, 2020

Charismatic invasive species have an easier time settling into new habitats

Research found that the physical characteristics of charismatic invasive species, such as body size and coloration, contribute to their appeal and can lead to increased human interaction and difficulty in management. Conversely, other species that are considered problematic may be viewed less favorably due to cultural perceptions.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateApr 21, 2020

The best things come in small packages

A miniaturized carbon dioxide monitoring instrument based on non-dispersive infrared technology has been developed to observe carbon dioxide concentrations in the boundary layer. The instrument provided consistent results with conventional gas chromatography analyzers and revealed that CO2 concentration decreases with increasing altitude.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateApr 21, 2020

Nutrient deficiency in tumor cells attracts cells that suppress the immune system

Researchers discover that nutrient deficiencies in tumor cells trigger the release of cytokines and chemokines, attracting immune cells that inhibit effective attacks. The lack of blood supply is interpreted as a wound, triggering an inflammatory response that promotes angiogenesis and tumor growth.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 21, 2020

Developing human corneal tissue

Scientists at Osaka University have developed a new method to isolate and generate human corneal tissue from induced pluripotent stem cells. By using specific proteins and magnetic-activated cell sorting technology, researchers were able to purify corneal epithelial cells and produce highly pure corneal sheets for therapeutic purposes.

SourceOsaka University·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateApr 21, 2020

Pulse oximetry monitoring overused in infants with bronchiolitis

A study by CHOP researchers found that continuous pulse oximetry monitoring is being used in infants with bronchiolitis who do not require supplemental oxygen. The use of this practice varies widely among hospitals, with some institutions using it as a safety net despite national recommendations against it.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJAMA·DateApr 21, 2020

A new biosensor for the COVID-19 virus

Researchers at Empa developed an optical biosensor that can quickly detect SARS-CoV-2 in the environment. The sensor combines two effects to identify the virus safely and reliably, using gold nanoislands and LSPR technology.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 21, 2020

High-quality boron nitride grown at atmospheric pressure

Graphene Flagship researchers successfully produce large and very high-quality crystals of monoisotopic hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) at room temperature using a new methodology. The hBN crystals exhibit exceptional quality, isotopic purity, and scalability for large-scale production.

SourceGraphene Flagship·Journal2D Materials·DateApr 21, 2020

Researchers uncover mechanisms of protective antibody response during Marburg infection

Researchers uncovered novel mechanisms of protective antibodies against Marburg virus infection through a study of monoclonal antibodies from a survivor. The findings suggest that these antibodies recruit immune cells to kill infected cells and strengthen the protective effect by rearranging the viral glycoprotein. This research provid...

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateApr 21, 2020

New POP atomic clock design achieves state-of-the-art frequency stability

Researchers at Chinese Academy of Sciences developed a pulsed optically pumped (POP) atomic clock with unprecedented frequency stability of 4.7 × 10−15 at 10^4 seconds. The new design overcomes challenges in temperature control and barometric effects, ensuring accuracy for global navigation and communication services.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateApr 21, 2020

Milestone for the early detection of sepsis

Researchers developed a ground-breaking method to detect sepsis 2-3 days before clinical symptoms appear using endogenous signals (biomarkers). The test has high accuracy and may increase survival chances for sepsis patients. Approval in the US FDA is underway, with clinical trials starting soon.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalJournal of Biotechnology·DateApr 21, 2020

HudsonAlpha plant genomics researchers surprised by cotton genome

The study found that wild and domesticated cotton genomes are remarkably similar, with less diversity between species than within humans or cells. This limits the ability to introduce beneficial traits like disease resistance through gene mining.

SourceHudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 21, 2020

A biological mechanism for depression

Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago found increased amounts of unmodified tubulin in depressed individuals' cells compared to non-depressed individuals. Tubulin's modification plays a crucial role in harnessing Gsa signaling molecules, which are involved in neurotransmitters like serotonin.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJNeurosci·DateApr 21, 2020

Keep children from hospital during crisis

A study by Flinders University suggests that keeping children with chronic conditions at home during a crisis can help manage their health. The research highlights the importance of supported self-management plans, telehealth options, and technology in enabling children to maintain control over their own health.

SourceFlinders University·JournalPatient Education and Counseling·DateApr 21, 2020

Spinal cord injury increases risk for mental health disorders

Adults with spinal cord injuries are at a higher risk of developing mental health disorders, including anxiety disorders (19.3% vs 14.1%) and depressive disorders (29.3% vs 9.3%). The study highlights the need for understanding mental health needs in this patient population to improve quality of life.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateApr 21, 2020

Scientists uncover major cause of resistance in solid electrolytes

Researchers from Argonne National Laboratory and Northwestern University used electron holography and atom probe tomography to study grain boundaries in a solid electrolyte material. They found that impurities such as silicon and aluminum caused resistance, which can be mitigated by intentionally inserting elements into the material.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 21, 2020

Penn Engineers' 'nanocardboard' flyers could serve as martian atmospheric probes

Researchers create tiny aircraft made from 'nanocardboard' that can levitate and carry payloads ten times heavier than themselves in the Martian atmosphere. The design uses a temperature differential to generate thrust, enabling the flyers to potentially serve as atmospheric probes on Mars, Pluto, and other planets.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 21, 2020

Study identifies potential drug treatments for telomere diseases

A new study identifies several small molecules that selectively lengthen telomeres in stem cells, potentially treating telomere diseases such as dyskeratosis congenita. The compounds, including BCH001 and RG7834, boost TERC levels and restore telomere length, showing promise for a clinical treatment.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateApr 21, 2020

How do our cells respond to stress?

Researchers investigated how stress granules assemble and dissolve, shedding light on their role in neurodegenerative diseases like ALS. Stress granules formed in response to stress can promote the assembly of dynamic structures that may trigger motor neuron death.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalCell·DateApr 21, 2020

SCAI, ACC, and ACEP release consensus on managing AMI patients during COVID-19

The SCAI, ACC, and ACEP released a consensus statement providing recommendations for systematic care of AMI patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. The document outlines strategies to minimize exposure to the virus while ensuring healthcare worker safety.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateApr 21, 2020

Printed to find a cure

The new device developed by the Institute of Physical Chemistry uses non-contact printing to test antibiotic combinations and concentrations. It offers flexibility and precision, allowing users to produce sterile plates on demand with different antibiotics in various combinations.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalMicromachines·DateApr 21, 2020

Water replaces toxins: Green production of plastics

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have developed a new synthesis method that uses only hot water to produce important polymers like polybenzimidazoles and pyrron polymers. The process avoids the use of toxic substances, making it an environmentally friendly alternative.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateApr 21, 2020

Got seasonal allergies? Beetles could help

A study suggests a species of beetle could help control an invasive weed at the root of many people's suffering from seasonal allergies. Biological control may reduce the number of people affected by ragweed pollen and associated health costs in Europe.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 21, 2020

CRISPR helps identify potential Alzheimer's-related protein

Researchers used CRISPR/Cas9 to search for genes related to Alzheimer's disease and found that low levels of CIB1 lead to high amyloid beta production. The study suggests that regulating CIB1 and gamma secretase could be a new target for Alzhemier's disease therapy.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateApr 21, 2020

How the brain recognizes change

Researchers discovered that presynaptic PTPσ trans-synaptically regulates postsynaptic NMDA receptor responses, enabling novelty recognition in mice. Mice lacking PTPσ showed impaired social novelty recognition and failed to recognize new objects, stranger mice, and rules.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·DateApr 21, 2020

North pole will be ice-free in summer

A new study suggests that reducing CO2 emissions rapidly could lead to ice-free years in the Arctic, occurring only occasionally. The research indicates that humans can still determine how often the Arctic Ocean will be ice-free, depending on future emissions levels.

SourceMcGill University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 21, 2020

$1 million to study treatment for first responders with PTSD

A new randomized control trial will examine the effectiveness of Goal Management Training, a cognitive remediation strategy, in improving functional outcomes among first responders with PTSD. The study aims to understand changes in brain structure and function using magnetic resonance imaging.

SourceMcMaster University·DateApr 21, 2020