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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 403


Page 403 of 512

New material developed could help clean energy revolution

Researchers at Aalto University developed a new graphene-carbon nanotube catalyst to improve the efficiency of hydrogen fuel cells and water electrolyzers. The catalyst's electrocatalytic activity can be altered depending on the material it is deposited on, offering a promising strategy for producing green technology.

SourceAalto University·JournalACS Catalysis·DateMar 23, 2020

New device quickly detects harmful bacteria in blood

Engineers created a tiny device to rapidly detect harmful bacteria in blood, allowing for prompt diagnosis and treatment of potentially deadly infections. The device can capture up to 86% of target bacteria, including E. coli, making it ideal for laboratory and healthcare settings.

SourceRutgers University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMar 23, 2020

Unlocking schizophrenia

A novel imaging marker has been developed to help diagnose and treat schizophrenia, using abnormal striatal function as a promising biomarker. The study, published in Nature Medicine, shows that this biomarker can distinguish between schizophrenia patients and healthy controls, while also predicting treatment response.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 23, 2020

April's SLAS Discovery now available

A new case study using 5 head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines shows improved drug screening through morphology and dead cell readouts. The research aims to enhance the value of cancer drug discovery and development success rates.

SourceSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)·JournalSLAS DISCOVERY·DateMar 23, 2020

Taking a break helps drosophila germline cells reach their destination

Scientists from Japan's University of Tsukuba discovered a regulatory pathway governing the first quiescence period in Drosophila germline cells. This break is crucial for pole cell migration and gamete development. The study confirmed that the two rest periods are essential for Drosophila germline development.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournaliScience·DateMar 23, 2020

Gwenith Fisher named SIOP fellow

Dr. Gwenith Fisher has made significant contributions to occupational health psychology, particularly regarding the aging workforce and its impact on society and work organizations. She is a leader in I-O psychology, currently serving on four editorial boards and authoring over 50 peer-reviewed articles.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Organizational Psychology·DateMar 23, 2020

Anxious about COVID-19? Stress can have lasting impacts on sperm and future offspring

A study found that stress can alter sperm composition and influence fetal brain development in the womb, potentially affecting future generations. Researchers discovered a biological mechanism by which stress changes sperm and interacts with maturing sperm, leading to significant changes in brain development and stress response.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 23, 2020

Electric cars better for climate in 95% of the world

A new study finds that electric cars produce lower carbon emissions than petrol cars in 95% of the world, even when production and electricity generation are considered. The research suggests that even in regions with high fossil fuel usage, such as Poland, driving an electric car is better for the climate.

SourceRadboud University Nijmegen·JournalNature Sustainability·DateMar 23, 2020

Solar system acquired current configuration not long after its formation

A study by Brazilian researchers suggests the Solar System took shape in its current form between 10-60 million years after its formation. The model, supported by São Paulo Research Foundation - FAPESP, reveals a chaotic phase that placed objects in their current orbits within the first 100 million years.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalIcarus·DateMar 23, 2020

Pain in a well-toned body

A study of 865 sports students found that over half experience pain in two or more regions of the body, with frequent depressions, anxiety, and low self-compassion. The lack of attention to physical limitations can lead to chronic pain, emphasizing the need for early discussion and consideration of athletes' health.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalJournal of Sports Science and Medicine·DateMar 23, 2020

Automated speech recognition and racial bias

Researchers found that state-of-the-art ASR systems performed worse on black speakers than white speakers, with error rates of 0.35 and 0.19 words per hour respectively. The study attributes these disparities to limitations in the acoustic models' ability to capture African American Vernacular English pronunciation and prosody.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 2020

COVID-19 workers get training to protect their own health

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) is launching a new COVID-19 worker training program to protect frontline responders' health. The program aims to provide virtual safety training and resources to employees at high risk of exposure, with the goal of preventing illness and reducing transmission.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·DateMar 23, 2020

Study reveals an inherited origin of prostate cancer in families

Researchers analyzed DNA haplotypes associated with hereditary prostate cancer (HPC) and found that one mutation increased risk by 22-fold. The study identified 183 variants linked to HPC at genome-wide significance, shedding light on the genetic factors contributing to disease.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 23, 2020

Labor after previous cesarean should be considered

A recent study published in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth found that labor after cesarean (TOLAC) is a safe option for many women, with 64.1% opting for TOLAC and 91.3% experiencing successful vaginal births. Health professionals are advised to educate expectant mothers on the risks and benefits of each delivery option.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Pregnancy and Childbirth·DateMar 23, 2020

Among wild mammals too, females live longer

Research compiled demographic data for 134 populations of 101 mammalian species, finding that 60% of female mammals live longer than males. Mortality risk is lower among females at all ages, but the rise in mortality with age varies between sexes.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 2020

Concrete solutions that lower both emissions and air pollution

Concrete production contributes to both global greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollution, but a study from the University of California, Davis, found that using cleaner-burning kiln fuel, more renewable energy, and replacing cement with lower-carbon alternatives can reduce climate and health damage costs by up to 44 percent.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 23, 2020

Stem cells and nerves interact in tissue regeneration and cancer progression

Researchers have discovered that dental pulp stem cells promote neuronal growth in tissue regeneration and cancer progression, while also recruiting facial neurons. The findings open up new paths towards effective therapies against cancer using drugs that modify the communication between neurons and cancer stem cells.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCells·DateMar 23, 2020

Organellogenesis still a work in progress in novel dinoflagellates

The discovery of two novel dinoflagellates, MGD and TGD, reveals that the process of organellogenesis is less advanced in these strains than previously thought. The organisms contain nucleomorphs with DNA transfer events ongoing, allowing researchers to study this critical stage of organelle formation.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 2020

April's SLAS Technology is now available

CURATE.AI is an AI-derived mechanism-independent technology platform that profiles individual patients based on their data and recommends optimal drug doses. This approach aims to improve treatment efficacy while reducing toxicity levels and addressing the challenges of personalized dosing.

SourceSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)·JournalSLAS TECHNOLOGY·DateMar 23, 2020

Sex differences in aging and lifespan

A study examines the impact of sex on the lifespan and aging rate of mammals. Wild female mammals have an average 18.6% longer lifespan than their male counterparts in 60% of analyzed populations.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 2020

Skulls gone wild: How and why some frogs evolved extreme heads

A study of 158 frog species reveals that radically shaped skulls have evolved more than 25 times in frogs. These armored frog skulls often feature intricate patterns of grooves, ridges, and pits formed by extra layers of bone, which tend to appear together with specific feeding habits or defenses.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 2020

Pertinence of climate indices

Researchers analyzed climate data from 1951-2018 and found changes in the Pacific Decadal Oscillation and North Pacific Gyre Oscillation indices. These changes resulted in reduced relevance of these indices to ecological variability in the Pacific Ocean.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 2020

Uncertainty about facts can be reported without damaging public trust in news -- study

Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that communicating uncertainty around key facts and figures can maintain public trust in information and its source, even on contentious issues. The study suggests presenting numerical ranges or verbal cautions can effectively signal uncertainty without reducing trust.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 2020

Star formation project maps nearby interstellar clouds

A team of astronomers has captured detailed radio maps of three nearby interstellar gas clouds, including the Orion A region. The maps reveal details as small as 60 times the size of our Solar System and will help improve our understanding of high-mass star formation.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of Japan·DateMar 23, 2020

New genetic editing powers discovered in squid

Researchers have found that squid edit their genetic instructions outside the nucleus, in the axon, allowing for localized protein function adjustments. This discovery has implications for understanding neurological disorders and potentially harnessing natural RNA editing processes for therapeutic benefits.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateMar 23, 2020

Towards an unhackable quantum internet

Harvard and MIT researchers have developed a prototype quantum node that can correct for signal loss, paving the way for a practical quantum internet. The breakthrough enables secure communication over long distances using entangled particles, making it impossible for eavesdroppers to intercept messages.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature·DateMar 23, 2020

Jets of bacteria carry microscopic cargoes

Scientists at the Niels Bohr Institute have successfully controlled bacterial jets to carry strings of microscopic cargos, opening up new possibilities for biological tools and medical applications. The novel approach utilizes a liquid crystal to dictate bacterial movement, suppressing instabilities and enabling precise cargo transport.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 23, 2020

Science snapshots from Berkeley Lab

Scientists at Berkeley Lab have discovered a natural mosquito-killing compound that could lead to safer and more effective anti-mosquito products. Researchers have also made progress on developing fast-charging batteries and created a new library of artificial antibodies with molecular precision.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 23, 2020

Simple framework helps future ocean studies

A new framework will help marine scientists design more accurate experiments to understand the impact of global warming on marine life. The framework provides a simple way to select future CO2 levels and temperature for experiments, taking into account regional variability and local conditions.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMar 23, 2020

Extraterrestrial superconductors

Scientists identify two meteorites containing minerals with superconducting properties, shedding light on the potential for natural superconductivity in space. The discovery could help explain the formation of magnetic fields in celestial objects.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 2020

Underweight diabetic patients in Singapore have increased risk of tuberculosis

A study by Singapore researchers found that underweight diabetics have an eight-fold increase in risk of contracting active TB compared to obese individuals. The study highlights the importance of early diagnosis and targeted screening for this vulnerable population.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalThe International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease·DateMar 23, 2020

Teamwork in a cell

A team of researchers has systematically characterized 145 regulatory proteins that control the cytoskeleton's dynamic remodeling process. This comprehensive database reveals a new perspective on how these proteins work together to coordinate processes such as cell division, differentiation, embryonic development, and wound healing.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateMar 23, 2020

Bilateral symmetry in the fossil record

Fossils of Ikaria wariootia represent one of the oldest examples of bilateral symmetry and anterior-posterior differentiation. The discovery provides a critical link between Ediacaran and Cambrian animals.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 2020

Beyond your doorstep: What you buy and where you live shapes land-use footprint

A new study finds that individual consumption habits have a significant impact on land use, with rural residents using up to 10 times more land than urban counterparts for their homes. The researchers suggest simple choices like reducing food waste and buying fewer clothes can significantly reduce one's indirect land footprint.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 23, 2020

Study: Climatic-niche evolution strikingly similar in plants and animals

A recent study found that rates of climatic-niche evolution are similarly slow in both plants and animals, with only slight variations across different clades. This research highlights the importance of understanding climate change impacts on species distribution and evolution.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 23, 2020

Electric cars better for climate in 95% of the world

A new study finds electric cars lead to lower carbon emissions overall, even if electricity generation involves fossil fuels, in 95% of the world. In most regions, including Europe and the US, electric cars produce up to 70% fewer emissions than petrol cars.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Sustainability·DateMar 23, 2020

Clemson researcher's novel MOF is potential next-gen semiconductor

A Clemson University team created a double-helical metal-organic framework with unique S-shaped charge transport pathways, enabling it to conduct electricity. The material shows promise as a next-generation semiconductor due to its energy efficiency and temperature tolerance.

SourceClemson University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMar 23, 2020

Pablo Escobar's hippos may help counteract a legacy of extinctions

Researchers find that introduced herbivores, like Escobar's hippos, restore important ecological traits lost due to human impacts. This is achieved through the introduction of species that share traits with extinct ones, such as giant llamas and semiaquatic habitats.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 2020

Chatty kids do better at school

Children from wealthier families tend to excel academically due to enhanced language abilities at nursery school age. These verbal skills explain around 50% of the achievement gap between family backgrounds.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalChild Development·DateMar 23, 2020

Stanford researcher investigates how squid communicate in the dark

Researchers suggest that squid use visual communication to establish order in near-darkness, utilizing light-producing organs and shifting skin patterns. The study found supporting evidence for this hypothesis in anatomical studies of captured squid.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 2020