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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 396


Page 396 of 512

HSC professor on team using stem cells to combat COVID-19 pneumonia

A team of international researchers led by Dr. Kunlin Jin used stem cells to boost a person's immune system and ward off COVID-19 pneumonia. The study showed that intravenous infusion of clinical-grade human mesenchymal stem cells is a safe and efficient approach for treating patients with severe cases.

SourceUniversity of North Texas Health Science Center·JournalAging and Disease·DateMar 30, 2020

Experts call for health and climate change warning labels on petrol pumps

Health experts recommend displaying warning labels on petrol pumps, energy bills, and airline tickets to inform consumers about the climate and health risks associated with fossil fuel use. The labels should state that continuing to burn fossil fuels worsens the climate emergency, leading to significant projected health impacts over time.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMar 30, 2020

Stem cell transplantation and fertility in mice

A study by Kanatsu-Shinohara et al. shows that spermatogonial stem cell transplantation can restore sperm development in infertile mice, offering potential treatment for male infertility. The research uses chemically castrated mice with a Cldn11 gene deficiency.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2020

Long-term use of isradipine does not slow Parkinson's progression

Researchers found no significant difference in Parkinson's disease progression between those taking isradipine and placebo. Despite its neuroprotective properties in animal models, the study didn't support the hypothesis that isradipine slows early-stage Parkinson's progression.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 30, 2020

Air pollution linked to dementia and cardiovascular disease

A study at Karolinska Institutet found that long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with an increased risk of dementia. The researchers also found that cardiovascular disease plays a key role in this association, and that reducing emissions can help mitigate the risk.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateMar 30, 2020

Researchers discover potential boost to immunotherapy

Researchers at Mount Sinai have found a way to regulate special immune system cells in lung cancer tumors, suppressing them and allowing tumors to grow. By blocking this pathway, the immune system can be boosted to prevent tumor formation or growth, offering a potential new treatment for immunotherapy.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateMar 30, 2020

Evidence of fossil hominin locomotion

Researchers reconstructed locomotor behavior in fossil hominins by comparing trabecular bone structure. The results suggest a predominantly bipedal gait in one specimen and mixed use of bipedalism and climbing in another.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2020

Investigating SARS-CoV-2 transmission in public bath center in China

A cluster-spreading event was reported in a public bath center in Huai'an, China, where an infected individual transmitted the virus to eight others through bathing. The study highlights the potential for SARS-CoV-2 transmission in close-contact settings without adequate hygiene measures.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 30, 2020

Unique structural fluctuations at ice surface promote autoionization of water molecules

Scientists have found that hydrate protons on the ice surface are generated through autoionization of water molecules, leading to a significant enhancement in proton activity. This discovery has implications for understanding various phenomena such as charge generation and ozone layer destruction.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMar 30, 2020

A 'cardiac patch with bioink' developed to repair heart

A team of researchers has developed a groundbreaking 'cardiac patch with bioink' to repair heart damage. The patch uses genetically engineered stem cells and 3D bioprinting technology to enhance vascular regeneration and improve myocardiocyte survival. The innovative method has shown promising results in treating myocardial infarction.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 30, 2020

'Living drug factories' might treat diabetes and other diseases

Researchers at MIT have developed a way to encapsulate therapeutic cells in a flexible protective device that prevents immune rejection while allowing oxygen and nutrients to reach the cells. This technology could lead to long-term treatment of chronic diseases such as diabetes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateMar 30, 2020

Water pressure: Ancient aquatic crocs evolved, enlarged to avoid freezing

A recent study from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln suggests that ancient aquatic crocodiles evolved to enormous sizes due to water pressure. The minimum survivable size threshold for these aquatic species was found to be around 10 kilograms, and they surpassed their semi-aquatic and landlocked counterparts in average weight by a fa...

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalEvolution·DateMar 30, 2020

TAVR shows favorable safety in patients with bicuspid valve

A new study confirms the safety and success of TAVR procedures in patients with a bicuspid valve, achieving low rates of death or disabling stroke and high device success rates. The procedure proved effective even for complex cases, with a high rate of successful outcomes

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 30, 2020

Carbon content of Earth's core

Researchers estimate Earth's core is composed of approximately 80-90% of the planet's bulk carbon, with a tiny fraction present in the core itself. The study measured the preference of carbon for mixing with iron and nickel at high pressures and temperatures, revealing a significantly lower affinity than previously reported.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2020

Oral apixaban as good as dalteparin for treating cancer-associated clots

The Caravaggio study found that oral apixaban is at least as effective as dalteparin in preventing recurrent venous thromboembolism and major bleeding events in patients with cancer. The trial showed no significant difference in the risk of major bleeding, including gastrointestinal cancers, between the two treatments.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 30, 2020

A new tool for controlling reactions in microrobots and microreactors

Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed a new tool for controlling reactions in microrobots and microreactors, leveraging capillary forces to create self-assembling hanging droplets of aqueous polymer solutions. This technique enables selective transport of chemicals and can be used as encapsulated reaction vessels.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2020

Dropping aspirin for ticagrelor alone better in complex heart disease

A subgroup of high-risk patients with complex heart disease who took ticagrelor alone had fewer episodes of bleeding and no increase in heart attacks or stroke. Ticagrelor monotherapy significantly reduced clinically relevant bleeding without increasing the risk of additional heart attacks, strokes or death.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 30, 2020

Engineers 3D print soft, rubbery brain implants

MIT engineers create soft, flexible neural implants that can conform to the brain's contours and monitor activity over longer periods. The devices are made from a type of polymer that is electrically conductive and can be printed using a conventional 3D printer.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 30, 2020

Cells must age for muscles to regenerate in muscle-degenerating diseases

Researchers found that exercise only improves muscle strength when specific muscle cells age, report Hokkaido University scientists. A cell-aging drug combined with exercise restored FAP aging and improved muscle function and regeneration in mice with chronic inflammatory myopathy.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 30, 2020

New metabolism discovered in bacteria

Researchers at Goethe University discover a unique metabolism in Acetobacterium woodii that enables the bacterium to recycle hydrogen, allowing it to survive in oxygen-poor environments. This discovery has implications for our understanding of ancient life forms and their metabolic capabilities.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateMar 30, 2020

Surfing the waves: Electrons break law to go with the flow

Researchers at OIST Graduate University discovered that electrons can break Ohm's law when moving through a liquid medium, creating capillary waves and ripplopolarons. This behavior is crucial for understanding electron flow in fluids and has potential applications in quantum computing.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 30, 2020

Projecting the outcomes of people's lives with AI isn't so simple

A collaborative study using machine learning techniques to predict six life outcomes for children, parents, and households found that even with high-quality data and state-of-the-art modeling, the predictive models were not very accurate. The study suggests that sociologists and data scientists should use caution in predictive modeling...

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2020

Comparing recall rates, cancer detection in breast cancer screenings

A large observational study compared radiologists' recall rates and cancer detection in breast cancer screenings using digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) and digital mammography. The study found that DBT had higher cancer detection rates but lower recall rates than digital mammography.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 30, 2020

Ecosystem services are not constrained by borders

A recent study evaluates and quantifies ecosystem service flows between countries, highlighting the importance of understanding these interregional connections. Researchers found that Germany benefits from ecosystem services provided in other countries, including flood protection, biodiversity conservation, and cocoa production.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·DateMar 30, 2020

Bariatric surgery before diabetes develops leads to greater weight loss

A recent study suggests that bariatric surgery performed before developing diabetes results in greater weight loss. Patients without diabetes achieved a higher chance of successful weight loss compared to those with diabetes, with diabetes diminishing weight loss by 1.2 BMI points.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateMar 30, 2020

Vulnerability at forest edges

Tropical forests are losing carbon storage potential over time due to changes in structure and function at forest edges. Along these boundaries, the study found aboveground carbon storage declines of 22% up to 100 meters from the edge.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2020

Moffitt identifies novel therapeutic targets in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center identified potential therapeutic targets for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma by studying the activity of protein TAp63 and microRNAs. The study found that miR-30c-2* and miR-497, which are normally expressed in normal skin, are underexpressed in cuSCC tumors and inhibit growth when reintroduced.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalCancer Research·DateMar 30, 2020

Fish storage architecture in ancient Florida

Researchers discovered subrectangular constructs in Calusa archaeological sites, which may have been gates for watercourts. The watercourts contained fish scales from the period of use, suggesting storage and later processing of surplus fish supported the Calusa rulers' authority.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2020

Calibrating tree-ring timelines

A study employing two approaches has accurately dated a collection of wooden timbers from the East Mediterranean using radiocarbon measurements and tree-ring associations. This precise chronology can support archaeological records and provide valuable insights into climate fluctuations during the Bronze and Iron Ages.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2020

Increases in self-reported mental health issues, service use in Ontario

A study published in CMAJ found that self-reported mental health issues and service use in Ontario increased between 2002 and 2014, with a significant rise in the number of people reporting fair or poor mental health status. The increase in help-seeking behavior suggests improved awareness and reduced stigma around mental health issues.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCMAJ Open·DateMar 30, 2020

Diabetes care reaches new heights as drone delivers insulin for patient

A team of international medical experts successfully delivered insulin via a drone to a patient living in a remote community in Ireland, addressing healthcare access issues. The project demonstrated the potential for autonomous drones to deliver life-saving medications and supplies in disaster scenarios.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateMar 30, 2020

Forest hydraulic traits and tree mortality

Shifts towards drought-tolerant traits in forests were associated with increased tree mortality, while photosynthetic and hydraulic trait diversity varied by region. Forest type also influenced the response to tree mortality.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2020

Tree rings could pin down Thera volcano eruption date

Researchers at the University of Arizona Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research used a hybrid approach to assign calendar dates to tree rings, potentially pinning down the Thera volcano eruption date. The study spans over 2,000 years and provides context for civilizations in the Bronze and Iron Ages.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2020

New therapeutic strategies proposed for some lung and kidney cancers

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center propose using glucose transporter inhibitors to treat tumors with high expression of the SLC7A11 amino acid transporter. This approach targets cancer cells' dependency on glucose for survival, selectively killing 'addicted' cells.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateMar 30, 2020

New Yorkers think feds not doing enough for the city and state

A majority of New York City residents (56%) think federal assistance is insufficient to manage the COVID-19 crisis, while anxiety over job loss and housing issues continues to escalate. The pandemic's impact on mental health is stark, with 44% reporting feelings of nervousness or depression.

SourceCUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy·JournalJournal of Health Communication·DateMar 30, 2020

How social media makes it difficult to identify real news

A study by Ohio State University found that social media users pay less attention to the source of content when it's jumbled with entertainment, leading to a higher risk of mistaking satire for real news. This can result in the spread of misinformation and fake news.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNew Media & Society·DateMar 30, 2020

Studies confirm breast surgery health benefits

Studies confirm that breast reduction surgery significantly improves physical health, including pain levels and physical function, as well as mental wellbeing. Women of all shapes and sizes benefit from the surgery, including overweight or obese individuals who were previously barred from the procedure.

SourceFlinders University·JournalBMJ Open·DateMar 29, 2020

Unearthing gut secret paves way for targeted treatments

Researchers at Flinders University have discovered a complex array of sensory nerve endings in the lower colon that can detect sensory stimuli and communicate with the spinal cord. This breakthrough could lead to new medications to treat disorders related to gut-to-brain communication.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Comparative Neurology·DateMar 29, 2020

World-first tool to improve COVID-19 diagnosis, free and online

A new online platform, CovED, aims to improve COVID-19 diagnosis by providing healthcare workers with rapid training and image-based diagnostic tools. Developed by DetectED-X, the platform can be accessed for free and is supported by leading corporations and healthcare experts.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·DateMar 29, 2020