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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 390


Page 390 of 512

Want to stop consumer hoarding in times of crisis?

A new study measures consumer planning horizon based on buying behavior and inventory, estimating a typical planning horizon of 8 weeks. The research suggests that anticipating shortages and high prices can lead to panic buying as a form of rational stockpiling behavior.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·DateApr 2, 2020

Genetic self-activation maintains plant stem cells

Scientists have discovered a key mechanism by which plant stem cells maintain their developmental potential, enabling branching and optimizing crop architecture. The study shows that the SHOOT MERISTEMLESS (STM) gene activates its own expression to keep its lineage active.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 2, 2020

A new way to fine-tune exotic materials: Thin, stretch and clamp

Scientists have developed a novel way to manipulate complex oxide materials by creating super-thin, flexible membranes and applying gentle heat to melt glue. This technique allowed them to stretch the material up to 8% and flip its electronic states from insulator to conductor and back again.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalScience·DateApr 2, 2020

Researchers solve structure of 'inverted' rhodopsin

Scientists from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology have determined the high-resolution structure of a protein from the recently discovered heliorhodopsin family. The study reveals a unique 'inverted' structure, with key differences from other known rhodopsins, and suggests possible functions for heliorhodopsins.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 2020

Most people consider becoming vegetarian for their health

A study found that nonvegetarians are most motivated by health concerns, while those committed to vegetarianism cite environmental or animal rights motives. This disparity poses a challenge for advocacy efforts, as targeting specific groups based on their motivations could lead to increased adoption rates.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 2, 2020

Checklist for emergency department team's COVID-19 surge

The article provides a COVID-19 surge preparedness checklist for emergency departments, created using a translational science approach. The checklist aims to reconfigure Emergency Departments to meet the surge of patients and improve resilience of healthcare systems.

SourceSociety for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc.·JournalDisaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness·DateApr 2, 2020

Starving pancreatic cancer of cysteine may kill tumor cells

A new study found that starving pancreatic cancer cells of cysteine leads to their death by ferroptosis, a form of programmed cell death. The compound was shown to be effective in mice with pancreatic cancer and may lead to new treatments for this deadly disease.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalScience·DateApr 2, 2020

Study suggests marijuana may impair female fertility

A recent study found that THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, impairs female fertility by decreasing embryo development and quality. The research suggests that females exposed to THC have lower rates of viable pregnancies and are more likely to experience infertility.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateApr 2, 2020

For stroke survivors, light physical activity linked to better daily function

Researchers found that stroke survivors who engaged in light physical activity reported fewer physical limitations than their more sedentary peers. Light physical activity was associated with improved performance on routine physical tasks and daily activities.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation·DateApr 2, 2020

Climate disasters increase risks of armed conflicts: New evidence

A recent study reveals that climate disasters increase the risk of armed conflicts in vulnerable countries, where large populations, political exclusion, and low development create instability. The research combines statistical analysis with regional case studies to demonstrate the link between disaster occurrence and conflict onsets.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·DateApr 2, 2020

Coastal pollution reduces genetic diversity of corals, reef resilience

A new study found that human-induced environmental stressors reduce coral reef populations' genetic diversity, compromising reef resilience. The research identified an adaptive response by corals to watershed discharges containing sediment and pollutants, leading to closer genetic relationships between nearshore corals.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalPeerJ·DateApr 2, 2020

Tailoring an anti-cancer drug for optimal tumor cell killing

Researchers at Université de Montreal tailored a PARP inhibitor to increase its capacity to kill cancer cells, resolving a long-standing puzzle over differences between effective treatments. The new design principles could also be applied to other diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and inflammation.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalScience·DateApr 2, 2020

When three species of human ancestor walked the Earth

Researchers unveil 2 million-year-old Homo erectus skull, shedding light on three co-existing human ancestors in Africa. The discovery confirms African origin of Homo erectus and provides insights into childhood growth and development.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateApr 2, 2020

Breast density, microcalcifications, and masses may be heritable traits

A Swedish cohort study found that breast density, microcalcifications, and masses have a significant genetic component, with heritability estimates of 58%, 23%, and 13% respectively. The study also identified positive associations between these traits and genetic predisposition to breast cancer.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateApr 2, 2020

Robo-turtles in fish farms reduce fish stress

Researchers found that robotic turtles with small size and slow movements disturb fish minimally, promoting better fish welfare and efficiency. This technology can provide online updates and monitoring without human intervention, leading to quicker responses and lower mortality rates.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateApr 2, 2020

Fourth new pterosaur discovery in matter of weeks

A new pterosaur species has been discovered in Morocco, belonging to the tapejarid group and characterized by its large crest and broad wingspan. The discovery is significant as it marks the first time a pterosaur has been found on African soil.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalCretaceous Research·DateApr 2, 2020

Gut communicates with the entire brain through cross-talking neurons

A recent study published in Autonomic Neuroscience: Basic and Clinical reveals the extent of connections between the small intestine and the entire brain. Half of the neurons transmitting signals from the gut to the brain also send motor signals, enabling cross-talk within the same neuron.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateApr 2, 2020

An all-organic proton battery energized for sustainable energy storage

Researchers have created an all-organic proton battery with the ability to charge in seconds and retain capacity down to -24°C. The battery uses quinones as active material and an acidic aqueous solution as electrolyte, providing a safe and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional batteries

SourceUppsala University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateApr 2, 2020

Calcified Tissue International announces high-impact papers

The journal has announced its most frequently cited papers from 2018-19, which will be freely accessible. These papers focus on various aspects of musculoskeletal research, including bone metabolism, osteoimmunology, and gut-muscle axis.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalCalcified Tissue International·DateApr 2, 2020

COVID-19 vaccine candidate shows promise in first peer-reviewed research

A new vaccine candidate, PittCoVacc, has generated a surge of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 within two weeks of injection. The vaccine follows a more established approach, using lab-made viral protein pieces to build immunity, and is delivered through a novel microneedle array that can be manufactured at scale.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalEBioMedicine·DateApr 2, 2020

BU researchers find opioid prescriptions linked to obesity

Two studies from Boston University School of Public Health found that patients with higher BMIs were up to 158% more likely to use prescription opioids long-term. Osteoarthritis, other joint disorders, and back pain accounted for most opioid prescriptions linked to obesity.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateApr 2, 2020

Single mutation leads to big effects in autism-related gene

Researchers at NIH found that a single amino acid change in the NLGN4 gene can drive the difference in male and female cases of autism. The study suggests that this mutation may result in autism-related symptoms, including intellectual deficits, due to the inability of the Y-chromosome version of the protein to compensate.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNeuron·DateApr 2, 2020

Capturing 3D microstructures in real time

Researchers have developed a machine-learning based algorithm for quantitatively characterizing materials with features as small as nanometers. The tool can detect faults and cracks, predict lifetimes under different stresses and strains, and track the evolution of microstructures in real time.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·Journalnpj Computational Materials·DateApr 2, 2020

Giant umbrellas shift from convenient canopy to sturdy storm shield

Researchers have created a preliminary design for giant kinetic umbrellas to provide shade during fair weather and form a flood barrier in advance of storms. The proposed structures, made of reinforced concrete, would be able to withstand acute storm surges with stability at 75% of their deployed height.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalJournal of Structural Engineering·DateApr 2, 2020

New treatment for childhood anxiety works by changing parent behavior

A new treatment, SPACE, has been found to be as efficacious as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating childhood and adolescent anxiety disorders. The study enrolled 124 children with existing clinical anxiety disorders and randomly assigned them to receive either SPACE or CBT.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateApr 2, 2020

Subtle flavors

A team of scientists at UC Santa Barbara has discovered that multiple opsin proteins function as taste receptors, enabling the detection of subtle chemical signals. This finding raises questions about the original role of opsin proteins in ancient organisms and may extend to mammals, including humans.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 2, 2020

Advanced liver disease patients and transplant recipients need specific care during COVID-19

The Position Paper provides recommendations for clinicians treating patients with chronic liver diseases during the pandemic, including prioritizing outpatient care and reducing direct exposure to COVID-19. The paper aims to support clinicians in providing best possible care despite limited healthcare resources.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of the Liver·JournalJournal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology Reports·DateApr 2, 2020

Our direct human ancestor Homo erectus is older than we thought

A new study published in Science has found that Homo erectus ancestors are older than previously thought, with fossils dating back to 2.04-1.95 million years ago in South Africa. This challenges the long-held theory of Africa's origin as the homeland of modern humans.

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalScience·DateApr 2, 2020

Paleontology: Fossil trove sheds light on ancient antipodean ecology

A fossil trove from Southern Gondwana has shed light on the ecology of ancient Australia and New Zealand, preserving the oldest known animals and plants. The findings include rare 'frozen behaviour' of long-legged flies, oldest known fossil ants, and first Australian fossils of a tiny insect species.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 2, 2020

In South Africa, three hominins, including earliest Homo erectus, lived during same period

The study finds that Homo and Paranthropus fossils in the region date back to 2.04-1.95 million years, providing new insights into the transition of species in southern Africa during this period. The findings suggest a shift from endemic species like Australopithecus going extinct, while new migrants like Homo and Paranthropus moved in.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 2, 2020