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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 385


Page 385 of 512

COVID-19 in humanitarian settings and lessons learned from past epidemics

The study highlights the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on displaced populations, who are often stigmatized and blamed for disease spread. The authors share lessons learned from past epidemics to inform a more effective, inclusive COVID-19 response.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalNature Medicine·DateApr 8, 2020

Does long-term exposure to air pollution lead to a steeper rate of cognitive decline?

A recent study published in Neurology found an association between long-term air pollution exposure and a steeper rate of cognitive decline in individuals living in urban areas. Participants who lived in areas with higher levels of air pollution scored lower on thinking and memory tests and experienced faster declines in cognitive skills.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateApr 8, 2020

The effects of inflammatory bowel disease on pregnancy

Women with IBD had higher rates of Caesarean section and intrauterine growth retardation compared to those without IBD. Those with mild Crohn's disease did as well during pregnancy as women without IBD, but those with more severe disease experienced increased miscarriage and low birth weight.

SourceWiley·JournalAlimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics·DateApr 8, 2020

Advance in understanding actin sheds light on cell function

Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery about the function of actin, a crucial protein in cells, by uncovering its atomic-scale structure as it is modified. The research reveals that actin's modification plays a key role in regulating its ability to form filaments and interact with other proteins.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 8, 2020

Extreme action costs popular support for protest movements, new study finds

A new study found that social movements lose popular approval when action is disruptive. Researchers conducted six experiments to understand the 'activist's dilemma' and how movements can overcome it. The findings suggest that activists should weigh their options carefully to achieve their objectives.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateApr 8, 2020

A step ahead in the race toward ultrafast imaging of single particles

Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory develop a novel approach to ultrafast imaging of single sucrose nanoclusters using XFEL pulses, finding that shorter pulse lengths are better for optimal signal degradation. The study's computer modeling will help optimize future experiments.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 8, 2020

Periodic physical distancing for COVID-19 control: new modelling study

A new modelling paper from Ontario indicates that dynamic physical distancing measures can reduce COVID-19 transmission while providing periodic psychological and economic relief. The study shows that modulating response measures can prevent ICU overloads without overwhelming the healthcare system.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 8, 2020

Autoimmunity may be rising in the United States

The study found significant increases in antinuclear antibody prevalence in the US population, particularly among males and adolescents. The researchers suggest changes in lifestyle or environment may be involved in these increases.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateApr 8, 2020

Therapy dogs may help lower emergency clinicians' stress

Interacting with therapy dogs for several minutes reduces self-reported anxiety and salivary cortisol levels among emergency providers. The study suggests a small benefit in stress reduction after the interaction, but the extent of the benefit is unclear.

SourceWiley·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateApr 8, 2020

Neuropsychological and psychological methods are essential

The collection of articles highlights the importance of neuropsychological and psychological applications in neurorehabilitation, addressing various etiologies and recovery outcomes. Innovative treatment methodologies such as solution-focused brief therapy and holistic milieu-oriented neurorehabilitation are also discussed.

SourceIOS Press·JournalNeuroRehabilitation An International Interdisciplinary Journal·DateApr 8, 2020

Carbon emission scheme 'succeeding despite low prices'

A European Union programme aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions has made significant progress despite low prices in carbon markets. The EU ETS saved around 1.2 billion tons of CO2 between 2008 and 2016, nearly half of what governments pledged to reduce in their Kyoto Protocol commitments.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 8, 2020

Off-the-shelf artificial cardiac patch repairs heart attack damage in rats, pigs

Researchers developed an off-the-shelf artificial cardiac patch that improves cardiac repair after myocardial infarction in rats and pigs, reducing scarring and boosting cardiac function. The patch is cell-free, easy to store, and offers a clinically feasible alternative to traditional cell-based cardiac patches.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 8, 2020

Promising advance in depression research

Researchers at McGill University have identified a key protein, GPR56, involved in the biology of depression and its response to antidepressants. This discovery may lead to more effective treatments for depression.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 8, 2020

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers from University of California, San Francisco and San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center discuss early studies on using chest computed tomography for COVID-19 detection. They stress the need to avoid rushing science and overinterpreting preliminary data.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 8, 2020

UC Davis researchers launch new COVID-19 tracking application

Researchers at UC Davis have developed a new web application to track COVID-19 cases and testing globally, offering user-friendly data visualization and interactive maps. The app uses publicly available data from reputable sources, including the COVID Tracking Project and Johns Hopkins University.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateApr 8, 2020

New NUI Galway study helps improve accuracy of future climate change predictions

A new study published in Nature's journal Climate and Atmospheric Science reveals that adding sea-salt can dampen the effect of clouds becoming brighter, which could impact climate change predictions. The research found that pollution-induced changes to cloud reflectance are a major uncertainty in predicting future climate change.

SourceUniversity of Galway·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·DateApr 8, 2020

Early bedtime may help children maintain healthy weight

A new study published in Acta Paediatrica found that children who go to bed early experience greater weight gain than those who go to bed late. The study of 1,258 Indigenous Australian children aged 6 years revealed consistent early bedtime routines may reduce the risk of overweight or obesity.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Paediatrica·DateApr 8, 2020

National online education platforms could make STEM degrees more affordable, Russia-based study shows

A Russia-based study found that national online education platforms can significantly lower instruction costs for STEM courses, allowing resource-constrained universities to enroll more students. The study also discovered that blended instruction formats offer the greatest cost savings of 19.2% for one course and 15.4% for another.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 8, 2020

A more personalized approach to improving customer experiences

A new startup, Oqullo, is developing a platform that utilizes computer visual algorithms and network cameras to gather demographic information about customers. This data can be used to offer personalized experiences in shopping, traveling, and other consumer activities.

SourcePurdue University·DateApr 8, 2020

'Fake news' increases consumer demands for corporate action

A study by North Carolina State University found that consumers demand corrective action from companies even if they are victims of fake news. Consumers also expect corporations to take responsibility for combating fake news and want improved media literacy.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalMass Communication & Society·DateApr 8, 2020

Climate change could cause sudden biodiversity losses worldwide

A new study predicts that climate change risks to biodiversity will surge suddenly, with up to 15% of ecosystems facing irreversible damage by 2100. This is due to a 'series of cliff edges' where species face conditions they've never experienced before, leading to extinction.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature·DateApr 8, 2020

Rates of pulmonary complications drastically reduced with newer drug

A new study found that sugammadex significantly reduced rates of pulmonary complications and respiratory failure in patients undergoing surgery compared to neostigmine. The drug works by removing the molecule of rocuronium from muscle receptors, resulting in fewer side effects and a more complete reversal of muscle relaxation.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnesthesiology·DateApr 8, 2020

St. Jude experimental anti-malarial drug shows promise in first clinical trial

A new anti-malarial compound called SJ733 has shown promising results in its first clinical trial, demonstrating a rapid and effective treatment against malaria parasites. The study involved 38 healthy volunteers who received the drug after being infected with malaria, with no significant side effects identified.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateApr 8, 2020

New information about the transmission of the amphibian pathogen, Bsal

Scientists at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture have discovered that host contact rates and habitat structure significantly impact the transmission of Bsal among eastern newts. Adding habitat complexity and reducing population density can curtail transmission rates, similar to COVID-19 mitigation strategies.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 8, 2020

Foods high in vitamin D may benefit heart health

A study of over 3,000 adults found that higher vitamin D intake from food sources was associated with lower rates of cardiovascular events, particularly in men. The researchers suggest that increased vitamin D consumption may protect against heart-related problems.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics·DateApr 8, 2020

McGill researchers identify correlation between MBI and Alzheimer's

A recent study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found a strong association between mild behavioral impairment (MBI) and amyloid plaque deposits in the brains of elderly individuals. MBI may potentially serve as an early indicator of Alzheimer's disease, allowing for earlier diagnosis and intervention.

SourceMcGill University·DateApr 8, 2020

RSNA publishes Fleischner Society statement on chest imaging and COVID-19

The Fleischner Society statement provides guidance on the use of chest imaging in COVID-19 management, recommending its use in patients with worsening respiratory status or moderate to severe features. The panel also found that CT is appropriate in patients with functional impairment and/or hypoxemia after recovery from COVID-19.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateApr 7, 2020

Innovative technologies for satellites

Researchers at the University of Würzburg and Technical University of Braunschweig have developed two innovative technologies, Skith and Wall#E, to simplify satellite construction. Skith enables wireless control and reduces satellite mass, while Wall#E is a fiber-reinforced structure that stores electrical energy.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·DateApr 7, 2020

What other countries can learn from Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic

Italy's experience with the pandemic highlights the importance of preparedness and rapid testing, while also emphasizing the need for coordinated public health strategies. The study suggests that countries can learn from Italy's successes in managing hospital capacity and supply chain logistics.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateApr 7, 2020

Tracking Southern Hemisphere black carbon to Antarctic snow

A team of Brazilian researchers collected shallow snow cores and analyzed BC concentrations to study the particle's effect on Antarctic climate. They found very low BC concentrations, sparking questions about BC seasonal variability and geographical sources.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateApr 7, 2020

Common protein in skin can 'turn on' allergic itch

A study from North Carolina State University found that the protein periostin can directly activate itch-associated neurons in the skin, leading to increased itching in atopic dermatitis. Blocking periostin receptors reduced itch response in a mouse model of eczema.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 7, 2020

Researchers suggest a special diet against asthma

Researchers found that a ketogenic diet significantly reduced inflammation and mucus production in asthmatic mice. The diet's effect was attributed to its ability to slow down the division activity of immune cells, which play a central role in asthma symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalImmunity·DateApr 7, 2020

Risk based approach will optimize socioeconomic recovery

A risk-based approach can mitigate socio-economic damage caused by extreme containment measures, enabling recovery and addressing COVID-19. This strategy targets individual and community risk factors, such as age and population density.

SourceSociety for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc.·JournalDisaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness·DateApr 7, 2020

Pancreatic cancer blocked by disrupting cellular pH balance

Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys have found a new way to kill pancreatic cancer cells by disrupting their pH equilibrium. Suppressing NHE7 lowers the cell's cytoplasmic pH, triggering cell death in both human and mouse tumors. This approach could provide a new therapeutic avenue for treating pancreatic cancer.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCancer Discovery·DateApr 7, 2020

New practices improved stroke care

A new triage system using symptom severity and teleconsultation reduced the time to endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) from 65 minutes to 2 hours and 15 minutes in Stockholm region patients. This led to better patient outcomes, with 34% of EVT patients fully recovering their functional ability compared to 24% in the old system.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateApr 7, 2020

Hangover drug shows wider benefits in USC research

Researchers found dihydromyricetin (DHM) activates mechanisms that quickly metabolize alcohol and reduce liver harm. The study supports DHM as a dietary supplement to offset acute and long-term risks of alcohol consumption.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateApr 7, 2020

Let's do the twist

Researchers designed a polymer that can twist and bend in response to light, mimicking human muscle movement. The polymer's chiral structure changes direction when exposed to different light sources, enabling simultaneous bending and twisting motions.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 7, 2020

Study redefines exi'STING' dogma of inflammatory mechanism

Researchers at Monash University have discovered the mechanism behind one of two signalling arms involved in the cGAS-STING pathway. The findings reveal that a closely related TBK1 homologue, IKK-epsilon, plays a crucial role in cytokine production, leading to new understanding of autoimmune diseases and cancer treatment.

SourceMonash University·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 7, 2020

Depressive disorders are 'under recognized and under treated' in people with HIV/AIDS

A literature review suggests that depressive disorders in people with HIV/AIDS are vastly underdiagnosed and untreated. Evidence-based recommendations are available to improve assessment and management of these conditions, focusing on proper diagnosis, treatment, and addressing special challenges such as stigma and adherence.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalHarvard Review of Psychiatry·DateApr 7, 2020

Locally informed simulation model predicts hospital capacity needs during COVID-19

A new simulation model, CHIME, can help hospital administrators predict and prepare for COVID-19-related capacity strain. The model provides user-friendly estimates of time until capacities would be exceeded, ICU bed and ventilator needs, and surge duration, enabling informed planning and resource allocation.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 7, 2020

Protecting the high seas

A team of researchers from the University of California - Santa Barbara used big data and optimization algorithms to identify high-biodiversity hotspots in international waters. These areas could become the first generation of high seas marine protected areas, leveraging new global data assets and tools for conservation.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalMarine Policy·DateApr 7, 2020

Lipid gradient that keeps your eyes wet

Researchers at Hokkaido University discovered a lipid gradient in tears that helps form and maintain the tear film's inner liquid layer and outer lipid layer. This finding could lead to new treatments for dry eye disease by targeting the lipid layer.

SourceHokkaido University·DateApr 7, 2020

Bubble dynamics reveal how to empty bottles faster

Researchers discovered how to make bottles empty faster by studying bubble dynamics, which reveals key parameters such as liquid film thickness and rise velocity. The study also identifies two distinct bottle-emptying modes and a critical angle of inclination that maximizes the emptying time.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateApr 7, 2020

The evolution of arthritic knees

Researchers found that regulatory switches involved in knee development also play a role in osteoarthritis, a partially heritable disease affecting 250 million people worldwide. The study suggests that subtle modifications in the knee's shape may increase risk of developing osteoarthritis over time.

SourceHarvard University·JournalCell·DateApr 7, 2020

Babies retain even detailed events during a nap

Researchers found that babies build episodic memory during sleep, enabling them to remember details of their experiences. The study showed that brain activity differs in children who slept versus those who stayed awake, especially when recalling specific events.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 7, 2020

Children have very precise expectations about adults' communicative actions

Researchers found that infants aged 12-15 months watched for longer when presented with incongruent speech patterns, suggesting they have formed expectations not only about infant-directed speech but also adult-directed speech. This study raises questions about the mechanisms of infants' expectations and social importance of different ...

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalCognition·DateApr 7, 2020

Lymphoma's different route revealed

Researchers discovered that tumors in lymph nodes are distinct from solid tumors, with a unique pattern of branching and signaling pathways. They identified VEGF-C as the primary driver of angiogenesis in early stages of lymphoma, which can be targeted to slow tumor growth.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalCancer Research·DateApr 7, 2020