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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 374


Page 374 of 512

Study detects presence of disease-causing E. coli in recreational waters, including in bathing waters rated excellent under EU criteria

A recent study found disease-causing E. coli in recreational waters across Ireland, including those rated excellent under EU criteria. The research highlights the limitations of current water quality assessments, which only consider total E. coli counts without accounting for pathogenic variants.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·DateApr 17, 2020

From watching reruns to relationships, there are many ways of feeling connected

New research from the University at Buffalo suggests that non-traditional social strategies, such as 'guilty pleasures,' can fulfill critical social needs just like traditional ones. Studies show that feeling connected through various means, including music, TV shows, or pets, predicts positive outcomes and is essential for well-being.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalSelf and Identity·DateApr 17, 2020

A new treatment for liver cancer

Researchers at Skoltech and MIT have developed a new combinatorial therapy for liver cancer using a siRNA approach coupled with lipid nanoparticle technology. This treatment caused a significant decrease in tumor load in a mouse model of hepatocellular carcinoma.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateApr 17, 2020

Shin & Borup receive funding for webinar series about online teaching

Researchers Joan Kang Shin and Jered Borup developed a three-webinar series and wrote three blogs to support English teachers worldwide in remote learning. The webinars, recorded and posted on National Geographic Learning's website, focused on engaging students and building a supportive classroom environment.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateApr 17, 2020

Cell biology: Your number's up!

The study found that an mRNA molecule's lifetime is correlated with the rate of protein synthesis, and a key protein complex plays a crucial role in this process. The researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to identify the molecular basis for the link between mRNA degradation and ribosomal efficiency.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScience·DateApr 17, 2020

The Lancet Public Health: Study examines how Hong Kong managed first wave of COVID-19 without resorting to complete lockdown

A study published in The Lancet Public Health found that Hong Kong successfully controlled the first wave of COVID-19 without resorting to a complete lockdown. By implementing measures such as border entry restrictions, quarantine, isolation, and social distancing, the city was able to contain the outbreak and reduce transmission rates.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·DateApr 17, 2020

New route of assembly and ionic channel traffic in cardiac cells

Researchers describe an alternative mechanism for the placement of potassium ion channels in cardiac cell membranes, which is crucial for heart function and may contribute to cardiovascular diseases. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of cardiac physiology and the development of new treatments for related disorders.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 17, 2020

Nanoparticles: Acidic alert

Researchers at LMU synthesized nanoparticles that rapidly release ionized iron within cells, triggering pyroptosis and potentially eliminating malignant tumors. The nanoparticles' structure and coating enable controlled release of iron ions in acidic environments, making them a promising therapeutic agent for cancer treatment.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 17, 2020

New economic model may prevent stops of capital flow

Researchers at the University of Malaga have developed a new global prediction model for sudden stops of capital flows using decision trees. The model identifies key economic factors that predict this event in both emerging and developed countries, allowing for early detection and prevention.

SourceUniversity of Malaga·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 17, 2020

Dance with your grandma (not during COVID-19 of course)

A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) improved mood and physical activity in grandmothers, while also allowing their female dance/movement therapists to process their grandparents' eventual death. The therapy promoted a strong intergenerational bond between the two groups.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateApr 17, 2020

Individual genetic variation in immune system may affect severity of COVID-19

Research suggests that individual genetic variation in the immune system may affect susceptibility to and severity of COVID-19. The study found that certain immune system genes, such as human leukocyte antigen genes, vary from person to person and can influence how well the immune system recognizes SARS-CoV-2.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalJournal of Virology·DateApr 17, 2020

Cancer drug resistance study raises immune red flags

A new study found that inhibiting the cancer drug resistance gene MDR1 can have unintended side effects on specialized immune system cells called CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes. This could dull anti-cancer immune responses and increase vulnerability to infection. The research raises questions about the safety and utility of using systemi...

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateApr 17, 2020

Chamber measurement standards established for fine particles

The University of Helsinki has established a new standard procedure for analyzing fine particles in experimental chambers, enabling researchers to better understand the mechanisms associated with fine particle formation and its impact on global warming. This standard will help simulate past and future atmospheric conditions, providing ...

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Protocols·DateApr 17, 2020

Quantum entanglement offers unprecedented precision for GPS, imaging and beyond

Researchers at the University of Arizona are using quantum entanglement to detect radio frequencies with unprecedented sensitivity and accuracy. By combining RF photonics sensing and quantum metrology, they've created a technology that can improve GPS systems, astronomy labs, and biomedical imaging capabilities.

SourceUniversity of Arizona College of Engineering·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 17, 2020

Increased rate of infections may indicate a future cancer diagnosis

A study found that patients experienced higher rates of infections in the years leading up to a cancer diagnosis compared to those without cancer. The researchers discovered an association between specific infections and increased risk of certain types of cancer.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Immunology Research·DateApr 17, 2020

3D models of mountain lakes with a portable sonar and airborne laser

Researchers have developed a low-cost methodology for creating high-resolution three-dimensional models of lake bottoms, combining data from an echo sounder and LiDAR detection data collected from an airplane. The technique has been successfully implemented in the Truchillas Lake in Spain, providing insights into the origin of the lake...

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalQuaternary International·DateApr 17, 2020

The lipid code

Researchers have developed light-activated tools to influence lipid concentration in living cells, shedding light on the 'lipid code'. This approach could enable medical professionals and biochemists to verify results with quantitative data from living cells.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2020

The origin of feces: CoproID reliably predicts sources of ancient poop

Researchers developed CoproID, a reliable method to distinguish between human and dog feces based on ancient host DNA and microbiome composition. This technique enables the investigation of changes in the human gut microbiome throughout time, shedding light on food intolerances and other health issues.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalPeerJ·DateApr 17, 2020

New discovery settles long-standing debate about photovoltaic materials

Researchers at Ames Laboratory have experimentally proven the presence of the Rashba effect in bulk organometallic halide perovskites using terahertz light bursts. This discovery settles the long-standing debate about the effect's existence, offering significant advancements for spintronic and photovoltaic applications.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 17, 2020

UM study finds diverse diet as effective as sports supplements for female athletes

A recent University of Montana study found that a diverse diet rich in carbohydrates is just as effective for muscle recovery as sports supplements for female athletes. The study showed that muscles in both men and women replenish carbohydrate stores similarly, regardless of whether they used potato products or sports supplements.

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalEuropean Journal of Applied Physiology·DateApr 17, 2020

RIT researchers build micro-device to detect bacteria, viruses

Researchers designed a new microfluidic device that uses magnetic nano-beads to isolate minute bacterial particles. The device improves the detection of drug-resistant strains and difficult-to-detect micro-particles such as Ebola and coronaviruses.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 17, 2020

Lighting the way to safer heart procedures

A new study from Johns Hopkins University proves the feasibility of using photoacoustic imaging for medical procedures, offering a potential replacement for current radiation-based methods. The technique involves using light and sound to produce images without ionizing radiation.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging·DateApr 17, 2020

Trade friction: Adaptiveness of swarms of complex networks

The study found that core networks are more adaptive to environmental changes in complex systems. Peripheral networks can introduce new ideas and methods to the entire system when core networks cannot adjust. Interactions between core and peripheral networks are crucial for adaptation.

SourceShinshu University·JournalFashion and Textiles·DateApr 17, 2020

Mysterious tuft cells found to play role in pancreatitis

Researchers at Salk Institute discover formation of tuft cells during pancreatitis, which secrete IL-25 to promote immune response. The finding may lead to development of new treatments for pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateApr 17, 2020

Dissecting the mechanism of protein unfolding by SDS

Scientists used molecular dynamics simulations to understand how SDS causes protein unfolding, revealing microscopic details of the process. The study provides insights into the properties of SDS-protein interactions and their applications in protein sequencing.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalNanoscale·DateApr 17, 2020

Under pressure: New bioinspired material can 'shapeshift' to external forces

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have created a self-adapting material that can change its stiffness in response to applied force, mimicking how human bone adjusts to its environment. This advancement holds promise for developing materials that can self-reinforce damaged areas and accelerate treatment of bone-related diseases.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 17, 2020

Virginia Tech's fog harp harvests water even in the lightest fog

The fog harp design uses parallel wires to collect ambient water from fog, gathering more water than existing mesh collectors. Field tests at Virginia Tech's Kentland Farm showed that the fog harp outperformed traditional mesh harvesters in even light fog conditions.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalAdvanced Sustainable Systems·DateApr 17, 2020

Nasal smear as an allergy screening test

A new diagnostic method for allergic rhinitis has been developed using nasal smears, providing a gentle alternative to blood tests. The method detected identical allergic sensitization patterns in both blood and nasal secretions for a wide range of airborne allergens.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAllergy·DateApr 17, 2020

Researchers achieve remote control of hormone release

MIT researchers have developed a method to remotely control hormone release from the adrenal gland using magnetic nanoparticles, offering a less invasive alternative to existing treatments. The technique uses heat-sensitive ion channels to stimulate hormone production, potentially treating conditions such as PTSD and chronic pain.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 17, 2020

Better data framework needed to improve rare disease diagnostic rates

A new study highlights the need for a better data framework to reanalyze genetic data, which could improve diagnostic rates for rare diseases by up to 32%. The study found that current practices vary widely and raise concerns about laboratory and clinician responsibilities, as well as patients' ability to advocate for themselves.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalFamilial Cancer·DateApr 16, 2020

Molecular networks serve as cellular blueprints

Stress granules and P-bodies are formed when external stress halts the RNA assembly line, clumping RNA together. Researchers discovered a simple principle underlying their assembly, revealing how protein-rich compartments condense from cytoplasm into liquid droplets. This understanding may lead to new therapeutics for diseases of aging.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalCell·DateApr 16, 2020

Influenza: researchers show that new treatment reduces spread of virus

Researchers at University of Melbourne and Imperial College London tested baloxavir, the first new treatment for influenza with a novel action mechanism, against oseltamivir. Baloxavir significantly reduced transmission of the flu virus in ferrets under conditions mimicking household settings.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateApr 16, 2020

Proteins may halt the severe cytokine storms seen in COVID-19 patients

A team of MIT researchers has developed specialized proteins that can soak up excess cytokines, alleviating symptoms from coronavirus infection. The proteins, designed to mimic cytokine receptors, have shown promise in laboratory tests and are now being tested in human cells and animal models.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateApr 16, 2020

How many children is enough?

A recent study analyzing reproductive attitudes in Russia found that most families desire two children, but the actual number is often lower due to various factors. The average desired and expected numbers of children have been declining over the past five years, with a slight decrease in both indicators.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·DateApr 16, 2020

Can coral reefs 'have it all'?

A recent study found that only five percent of tropical reefs globally can meet multiple goals, including providing enough fishing stocks and maintaining biodiversity. Marine reserves placed in areas with low human pressures had the best results for helping reefs get on the 'A-list', meeting all goals simultaneously.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalScience·DateApr 16, 2020

Psychedelic compound from magic mushrooms produced in yeast

Scientists at DTU Biosustain successfully produced psilocybin de novo in yeast, eliminating the need for expensive substrates and enabling large-scale fermentation. This breakthrough could pave the way for the commercial production of psilocybin as a potential treatment for depression and other psychological conditions.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalMetabolic Engineering·DateApr 16, 2020

Genetic variation not an obstacle to gene drive strategy to control mosquitoes

Researchers at UC Davis cleared a major obstacle to using CRISPR-Cas9 gene drive technology to control mosquito-borne diseases. A study found that 90% of protein-coding genes in mosquito populations have suitable target sequences for the gene drive, making it effective against disease-causing viruses and parasites.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 16, 2020

Odor experts uncover the smelly chemistry of lemur love

Researchers identified three key chemicals used by male lemurs for attracting females, which are linked to testosterone levels. In contrast, when females were presented with these individual odors or a neutral control, they showed no increased interest.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 16, 2020

Solving the puzzle of Mitchell disease

Scientists identified a mutation in the ACOX1 gene as the cause of Mitchell disease, a rare neurodegenerative disorder. The discovery was made using a combination of human genetics and fruit fly studies, which revealed a previously unknown role for peroxisomes in glial cells.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateApr 16, 2020

Support plan boosts confidence of military spouses

A support programme for military spouses has reported increased confidence in employment prospects and goodwill towards the Armed Forces. The Spouse Employment Support programme provided training grants and career support, leading to improved job market engagement and recognition by the military.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalMilitary Psychology·DateApr 16, 2020

Scientists make step towards understanding the universe

Research by University of Sheffield physicists indicates a difference in neutrino and antineutrino behavior, which could help explain the universe's matter-matter asymmetry. The T2K experiment strengthens previous observations and paves the way for future discoveries.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalNature·DateApr 16, 2020

Novel sperm membrane protein FIMP facilitates mammalian fertilization

A new protein called FIMP plays a crucial role in sperm-oocyte membrane fusion during fertilization, a process critical to creating a new individual. The discovery of FIMP could lead to the development of novel fertility treatments and non-hormonal male-specific contraceptives.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 16, 2020

Designing peptide inhibitors for possible COVID-19 treatments

Scientists have designed four peptides that mimic the virus-binding domain of the human protein allowing SARS-CoV-2 to enter cells. The peptides contain amino acids from ACE2 that interact with the viral protein, and were found to have good binding energies in computer simulations.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 16, 2020

Researchers use genomics to estimate Samoan population dynamics over 3,000 years

A new study found that the effective population size of the first Samoans was small, ranging from 700 to 3,400 people, with population growth starting around 1,000 years ago. The research highlights the importance of population history and size in understanding health conditions such as obesity and diabetes.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 16, 2020

Innovating the peer-review research process

A team of researchers has developed a new system to evaluate proposed scientific research projects that distributes the workload among proposers and uses machine learning to match reviewers with proposals. The system also includes a feedback mechanism to improve the review process.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Astronomy·DateApr 16, 2020