Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2020 - Page 401


Page 401 of 512

How trans fats assist cell death

Researchers at Tohoku University discovered that certain trans fats can trigger programmed cell death by activating a mitochondrial signaling pathway. This finding has significant implications for understanding the role of trans fats in diseases such as atherosclerosis and neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 25, 2020

Found in mistranslation

Researchers at NCBS found that mistakes in protein synthesis increase the production of a quality control molecule, triggering an early DNA repair response and enhancing mutational resistance. This general advantage of mistranslation persists due to its occasional benefits under stress.

SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 25, 2020

International ozone treaty stops changes in Southern Hemisphere winds

A new study by researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder has found that the international ozone treaty has stopped changes in Southern Hemisphere atmospheric circulation. The Montreal Protocol, which phased out ozone-depleting chemicals, has driven recent reversals in these patterns.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature·DateMar 25, 2020

SLAC researcher discovers giant cavity in key tuberculosis molecule

Researchers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have discovered a giant cavity in a protein that transports a wide range of molecules, including vitamin B12 and antibiotics, into the bacterial cell. The discovery could lead to new ways to treat tuberculosis, but further studies are needed to understand the protein's capabilities.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature·DateMar 25, 2020

Printing complex cellulose-based objects

Scientists successfully printed complex structures containing up to 27% cellulose particles, exhibiting mechanical properties similar to those of natural materials like wood. The developed process enables the creation of customized packaging, cartilage replacements, and potentially even sports car bodies.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 25, 2020

Labeling of cannabidiod products becoming a public health concern

The need for correct CBD labeling is a growing concern due to its increasing use in food and supplements. Accurate labeling helps protect consumers from false or unsubstantiated claims, ensuring they receive evidence-based treatments.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalCannabis and Cannabinoid Research·DateMar 25, 2020

New carbon dot-based method for increasing the efficiency of solar cells & LED

Scientists at ITMO University have developed a new method to increase the efficiency of solar cells and light-emitting diodes by augmenting their auxiliary layers with carbon dots. This approach has led to significant improvements in efficiency, with increases of up to 13% for perovskite-based solar cells.

SourceITMO University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 25, 2020

Mapping the cannabis genome to improve crops and health

A recent study highlights large gaps in the cannabis genome, with less than 50% accurately mapped and 10-25% unmapped. The research aims to develop a molecular breeding program for cannabis comparable to other crops, with potential applications in human and animal health.

SourceUniversity of Saskatchewan·JournalAnnual Review of Plant Biology·DateMar 25, 2020

MIPT scientists explain why new dangerous viruses are so hard to identify

Researchers highlight the challenges of identifying new pathogens, citing a review that explores cutting-edge genetics methods. The study discusses the promise of next-generation sequencing but notes its high cost and complexity. Despite these limitations, experts predict the technology's growing potential in healthcare.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalViruses·DateMar 25, 2020

Health researchers find solution to life-threatening side effect

Researchers have identified the mechanism behind the large drop in blood pressure caused by intravenous paracetamol, which affects critically ill patients. By understanding this process, they believe a new co-therapy design is possible to prevent the side effect.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·DateMar 25, 2020

UD's Jason Gleghorn receives NSF career award

Jason Gleghorn is developing microfluidic devices to culture entire lymph nodes outside the body, enabling real-time study of cell behavior. The project aims to understand chronic infection and inflammation, as well as drug delivery strategies for chemotherapy and antiretroviral therapies.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateMar 25, 2020

Big brains or many babies: How birds can thrive in urban environments

Researchers found that birds with larger brains, like crows or gulls, can thrive in cities due to their intelligence. Conversely, small-brained species like pigeons succeed through frequent breeding attempts, prioritizing future reproductive success over present survival.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateMar 25, 2020

Regular tub bathing linked to lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease

A long-term study found that regular tub bathing is associated with a lower risk of death from heart disease and stroke, with higher frequencies seeming to offer greater protection. The study tracked over 61,000 middle-aged adults in Japan and found that daily hot baths were linked to a 28% lower overall risk of cardiovascular disease.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalHeart·DateMar 24, 2020

Images reveal how bacteria form communities on the human tongue

The study reveals that microbial biofilms on the tongue have a complex spatial organization, with key bacterial genera such as Actinomyces, Rothia, and Streptococcus. The images show patchy community structure, with consorcia dominated by single taxa, and suggest a model for how these communities are generated.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 24, 2020

How to win more B2B contracts with effective e-sales

A new study analyzes e-communications to provide sellers with insights about buyers' needs and behaviors. The research identified four distinct influence tactics: information sharing, recommendation, promise, and assertiveness. Effective use of these tactics requires complementary tactics to prompt internalization or compliance.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMar 24, 2020

Alliance for Academic Internal Medicine honors BU doc

Dr. Emelia J. Benjamin, a renowned researcher and educator, has been recognized with the Alliance for Academic Internal Medicine Diversity Award for her tireless efforts to promote ethnic, racial, and gender diversity within Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateMar 24, 2020

Study shows key factors for reducing brain damage from cardiac arrest

Researchers discovered that shorter time to receiving ECPR significantly improves neurological function in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients, especially those with heart rhythms responding to defibrillation. The study's findings can inform future revisions to international CPR guidelines.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCirculation·DateMar 24, 2020

Health Canada's COVID-19 response grants funding to three projects at the LDI

Researchers at McGill University receive funding to develop a rapid diagnostic device for COVID-19 testing, screen approved drugs for efficacy against the virus, and study key genetic markers of immune response. The goal is to understand how coronaviruses evade human immunity and develop effective interventions to halt the pandemic.

SourceMcGill University·DateMar 24, 2020

A genetic nano-toolkit for the generation of new biomaterials

A team of microbiologists at the University of Bayreuth created a modular system for genetic reprogramming of bacteria, turning them into cell factories for multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles. These nanoparticles combine various useful functions and properties, offering a promising new material in biomedicine and biotechnology.

SourceUniversität Bayreuth·JournalSmall·DateMar 24, 2020

Coronavirus massive simulations completed on Frontera supercomputer

Researchers have created a massive computer model of the coronavirus, which will help design new drugs and vaccines. The model, built by Rommie Amaro's team, contains 200 million atoms and simulates the virus's interaction with human cells.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalACS Central Science·DateMar 24, 2020

Modeling the human eye in a dish

Scientists from Osaka University created a new cellular model of the human eye using hiPSCs, enabling them to isolate specific cells involved in eye development and study related diseases. The novel model uses PITX2, a key protein during eye development, to track cell expression and differentiate between eye cells.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 24, 2020

Past your bedtime? Inconsistency may increase risk to cardiovascular health

A recent study by University of Notre Dame researchers found that individuals who went to bed even 30 minutes later than their usual bedtime presented a significantly higher resting heart rate, which lasted into the following day. This increase in resting heart rate carried over into the next day and was linked to an increased risk to ...

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalNature·DateMar 24, 2020

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: Singapore modelling study estimates impact of physical distancing on reducing spread of COVID-19

A Singapore modelling study suggests that quarantining infected individuals and their families, school closures, and workplace distancing are effective in reducing COVID-19 cases. The combined approach was found to be most effective, preventing a national outbreak at relatively low levels of infectivity.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateMar 24, 2020

How personalization and machine learning can improve cancer outreach ROI

Researchers found that personalized cancer outreach using machine learning and targeted interventions can improve return on investment by 74-96%. The study used a randomized field experiment to analyze the effectiveness of different outreach programs, which varied in their impact depending on patient demographics and characteristics.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMar 24, 2020

Antibodies in the brain trigger epilepsy

A study by the University of Bonn has identified an autoantibody that triggers epilepsy in some patients. The autoantibody targets the protein Drebrin, disrupting nerve cell transmission and leading to inflammation and seizures.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateMar 24, 2020

How fire causes office-building floors to collapse

Researchers tested concrete floors with steel beams to understand fire behavior and structural failure. The study found that even well-designed structures can collapse due to extreme temperature shifts, highlighting the need for improved fire safety measures.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of Structural Engineering·DateMar 24, 2020

Scientists reveal how proteins team up to repair DNA

Researchers discovered a crucial DNA repair process in yeast that involves a protein called Rad51 and two helper proteins called Swi5-Sfr1. This finding may help understand why DNA repair processes fail to function properly in humans, leading to diseases like cancer and inherited conditions.

SourceeLife·DateMar 24, 2020

Self-sanitizing face mask project receives NSF RAPID grant

A Northwestern University researcher received an NSF RAPID grant to develop a self-sanitizing face mask that deactivates viruses on contact. The project aims to reduce the number and activity of viruses in respiratory droplets, providing an additional layer of protection for healthcare workers and others.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateMar 24, 2020

What motivates sales of pollinator-friendly plants?

Consumer awareness and information type significantly impact pollinator-friendly plant purchases. A study found that positive information from trusted sources increases willingness to buy, while neutral or negative info has little effect. Trusted sources include universities, major media outlets, and government agencies.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateMar 24, 2020

Co-occurring contaminants may increase NC groundwater risks

A new Duke University study finds that co-occurring contaminants in North Carolina's private wells can heighten health risks for millions of residents. The study highlights the need for more research to better understand the health impacts of geogenic contaminants and mixtures.

SourceDuke University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 24, 2020

Entanglement by identity, or interaction without ever touching

Researchers explore whether intuition on interaction is justified in quantum mechanics. They show that entangled states can be generated without direct contact using the fundamental indistinguishability of particles.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 24, 2020

Study uses AI to estimate unexploded bombs from Vietnam War

Researchers used AI to detect bomb craters from satellite images, increasing true detection by over 160%. The study suggests 44-50% of the area's dropped bombs may still be unexploded, posing a risk to local farmers. This method could help identify high-priority areas for demining efforts.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 24, 2020

Manipulating ligands

Researchers created surface-clean noble metal aerogels with controlled ligand chemistry, revealing a new dimension for enhancing electrocatalysis performance. The intrinsic electrocatalytic properties of these clean gels were unveiled and found to be positively correlated with the oxidation state of metals.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 24, 2020

Changes in surface sugarlike molecules help cancer metastasize

Researchers at UC Davis have discovered that changes in surface sugarlike molecules, or glycans, on cancer cells help them metastasize. The study found that cancer cells with high levels of mannose glycan were more likely to spread into surrounding tissues.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 24, 2020

How well do you know the back of your hand, really?

A study by York University researchers found that the brain's representation of the back and palm of the hand are different. The perceived width of the back of the hand changes depending on its orientation, but the palm's size is accurately judged.

SourceYork University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 24, 2020

Small horses got smaller, big tapirs got bigger 47 million years ago

Researchers found that ancient horse body sizes shrunk over time due to faster reproduction rates and shorter lifespans. In contrast, big tapir ancestors grew larger as they lived longer and had more resources for reproduction. The study provides new insights into mammal evolution using exceptionally preserved fossils from Germany.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 24, 2020

Telemedicine reduces mental health burden of COVID-19

A new study published in Telemedicine and e-Health highlights the effectiveness of telehealth in reducing depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms among COVID-19 patients. The study emphasizes the importance of mental health support, especially via telehealth, to maintain psychological well-being during the pandemic.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalTelemedicine and e-Health·DateMar 24, 2020

Global surgical guidelines drive cut in post-surgery deaths -- study

A new global guideline aims to reduce post-surgical deaths by improving practice in surgery, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The guideline recommends nine essential steps to prevent Surgical Site Infections (SSIs), which can significantly improve patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalBJS·DateMar 24, 2020

Wuhan study shows lying face down improves breathing in severe COVID-19

A retrospective study of 12 patients with severe COVID-19 found that lying face down improved lung function and reduced the need for high positive pressure. Prone positioning was associated with increased lung recruitability, reducing harm to patients.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 24, 2020

CUNY New York City COVID-19 Survey week 2

A recent survey of NYC residents found that nearly 3 in 10 reported losing their jobs due to coronavirus. Additionally, 80% experienced reduced ability to get food they need, and two-thirds lost social connections. The findings highlight disproportionate impacts on Hispanics, lower-income city residents, and middle-aged respondents.

SourceCUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy·JournalJournal of Health Communication·DateMar 24, 2020

Recipe for neuromorphic processing systems?

Researchers developed a recipe for creating ideal hybrid memristive-CMOS neuromorphic computing systems, exploiting the advantages of low-precision, noisy, and variable neurons. This work aims to enable compact and efficient real-time processing for applications such as bio-signal processing and brain-machine interfaces.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 24, 2020

Sandia initiatives to protect US energy grid and nuclear weapons systems

Sandia's Resilient Energy Systems campaign aims to defend large electrical utility systems against cyberhacks, electromagnetic disturbances, and natural disasters. The Assured Survivability and Agility with Pulsed Power research campaign explores technologies to simulate nuclear explosions without actual tests, aiming to maintain the U...

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateMar 24, 2020

Creating stretchable thermoelectric generators

Researchers at Linköping University have developed a soft and stretchable organic thermoelectric module that can harvest energy from body heat. The breakthrough was made possible by a new composite material with high electrical conductivity and good thermoelectric properties.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 24, 2020

Shining light on sleeping cataclysmic binaries

A new study models the life cycle of cataclysmic binaries, confirming that observable novae are just a small fraction of these systems. The research shows that most binaries spend 90% of their lifetimes in a detached state, waiting to be detected.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalNature Astronomy·DateMar 24, 2020

Brain or muscles, what do we lose first?

Researchers from UNIGE used a database of over 100,000 people to study the relationship between physical and cognitive abilities after 50 years of age. They found that cognitive decline precedes physical activity, suggesting prioritizing brain exercise may slow down an inevitable decline.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalHealth Psychology·DateMar 24, 2020