Scientists at Tokyo University of Science have synthesized a new thin film that can lower the operating temperature of solid oxide fuel cells. The novel film exhibits high conductivity at room temperatures, enabling potential applications in future power generation systems.
SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalNanoscale Research Letters·DateMar 25, 2020
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
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
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
A new mouse model reveals that YAP activation exceeds a threshold for cancer development, suggesting a paradigm shift in understanding head-and-neck cancers. Inhibiting YAP may suppress cancer development and provide a target for treatments.
SourceKobe University·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 25, 2020
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
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
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
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
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
Researchers found that overexpression of hPCL3S promotes proliferation, anchorage-independent growth, and migration in human LNCaP prostate cancer cells. Silencing of endogenous hPCL3S in DU145 and PC3 prostate cancer cells impairs these effects.
SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·DateMar 25, 2020
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
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
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.
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
A nationwide survey of over 230,000 US adolescents found increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts among those seeking mental health care. The proportion of adolescent girls reporting treatment or counseling rose significantly, while boys' usage declined.
SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMar 25, 2020
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Researchers at University of Sydney have found a new way cancer cells can escape and become more aggressive, resisting chemotherapy. This discovery opens up new possibilities for developing targeted treatments against this previously unknown pathway.
SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateMar 24, 2020
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.
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
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
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
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
A new study found that chlorhexidine mouthwash significantly increases the abundance of lactate-producing bacteria, leading to lower salivary pH and buffering capacity. This may increase the risk of tooth damage. The research also showed reduced microbial diversity in the mouth.
SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 24, 2020
A comprehensive meta-analysis of pre- and perinatal risk factors for psychosis has identified 30 significant risks and five protective factors. Researchers found that nutritional deficiencies, low birthweight, and lack of prenatal care visits pose a risk to children developing psychosis.
SourceNIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateMar 24, 2020
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
Researchers at Institute for Basic Science (IBS) in South Korea have reported the first high-sensitivity results of their axion dark matter search. They used a custom-made CAPP-8TB haloscope to detect potential axions, finding no evidence within a specific mass range.
SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 24, 2020
A Bristol team has developed a new photosynthetic protein system that enables an enhanced and more sustainable approach to solar-powered technological devices. The system uses both chlorophyll and bacteriochlorophyll, demonstrating poly-chromatic solar energy harvesting for the first time.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 24, 2020
The UK Water Resources Portal brings together up-to-date data on river flows, rainfall, soil moisture and groundwater levels, providing insights into floods and droughts. The portal also offers historical records for comparison with previous significant events.
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
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
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.
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.
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
The Virtual Environment for Reactor Applications (VERA) software suite has been licensed commercially for the first time, with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) as its first commercial licensee. VERA provides advanced modeling and simulation capabilities to improve nuclear reactor performance and safety.
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
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
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
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
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen discovered that type IV CRISPR-Cas systems are used by plasmid parasites to battle each other for control of a host bacterium. This finding reveals that CRISPR has multiple uses beyond defense against viruses.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateMar 24, 2020
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
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.
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
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
Researchers identified 497 genes expressed in resistant mice and 22 genes in susceptible mice, showing the development of disease depends on host genetics. The study aims to develop biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment of leishmaniasis.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 24, 2020
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.
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
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
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'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...
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
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
The new monograph presents a total of 2,999 valid extant species belonging to 82 genera and features extensive colour illustrations. The publication provides detailed species distributions, host-parasitoid associations, and summary of available DNA barcodes, offering a comprehensive reference for researchers and biocontrol practitioners.
A study of Southeastern US patients found that living far from a transplant center did not affect referral and evaluation initiation. Key findings indicate that other factors like travel time or transportation options may have a larger impact.
SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 24, 2020
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