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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 409


Page 409 of 512

Supercomputers unlock reproductive mysteries of viruses and life

Researchers used supercomputer simulations to study viral reproduction and DNA replication mechanisms. They discovered that twisting stress in protein filaments plays a key role in creating membrane deformations, which is crucial for virus release and cellular processes.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateMar 18, 2020

Sugar brings a lot of carbon dioxide into the deeper sea

Researchers found that laminarin plays a central role in the marine carbon cycle, storing an average of 12 gigatons of carbon annually. The study also revealed that laminarin comprises 50% of organic carbon in sinking diatom-containing particles.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 18, 2020

Ancient fish fossil reveals evolutionary origin of the human hand

A 1.57-meter long ancient Elpistostege fish fossil found in Canada has yielded the missing evolutionary link between fish and tetrapods, revealing a humerus (arm), radius, ulna, carpus, and phalanges organized in digits (fingers). The discovery pushes back the origin of digits in vertebrates to the fish level.

SourceFlinders University·JournalNature·DateMar 18, 2020

How does an intersex bee behave?

Researchers discovered a Megalopta gynandromorph, exhibiting both male and female characteristics. The bee's activity patterns closely resembled those of females, with higher intensity periods during the day.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalJournal of Hymenoptera Research·DateMar 18, 2020

Getting too little -- or too much -- sleep may be bad for the heart

Research found that sleeping seven or eight hours a night is associated with lower evidence of arterial stiffness and a reduced risk of heart disease. However, both short and long sleep durations were linked to increased plaque buildup in the carotid arteries. A balanced sleep pattern may be key to maintaining cardiovascular health.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 18, 2020

New details revealed on how plants maintain optimal sperm-egg ratio

A team of UMass Amherst biologists discovered how plants maintain an optimal sperm-egg ratio by controlling the environment in their ovules. FERONIA regulates a gene that interacts with pectin, a sugar polymer in cell walls, to create a receptive environment for pollen tubes and prevent polyspermy.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature·DateMar 18, 2020

Having a low birthweight baby may increase risk for early heart failure

A new study suggests that giving birth to a low-weight baby under 5.5 pounds may be an independent risk factor for developing changes in heart function that can lead to heart failure. Researchers found that women who experienced adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preeclampsia or pre-term birth, had a higher risk of heart failure at 30...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 18, 2020

New technique has potential to protect oranges from citrus greening

Researchers identified peptides that trigger immune responses in multiple plant species, including citrus, potentially preventing or reducing yield loss from citrus greening. This discovery offers a new hope for the devastated citrus industry, where no resistant varieties are available and limited disease control measures exist.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateMar 18, 2020

Proximity of hospitals to mass shootings in US

Nontrauma center hospitals are disproportionately close to mass shootings in the US, according to a recent study published in JAMA Surgery. The researchers found that these hospitals were the nearest to most of the mass shootings that occurred in 2019, with an average distance of just 1.8 miles.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateMar 18, 2020

New research unpicks root causes of separation anxiety in dogs

Separation anxiety in dogs is caused by four key forms of distress: getting away from something, wanting to get outside, reacting to external noises, and boredom. Understanding these root causes is crucial for effective treatment.

SourceUniversity of Lincoln·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·DateMar 18, 2020

Where you live may influence your baby's behavior

Research reveals that infants from rural families display more negative emotions like anger and frustration compared to their urban peers. Urban moms tend to be better at responding to their babies' needs, leading to calmer and less upset infants.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Community Psychology·DateMar 18, 2020

Closing the carbon cycle to stop climate change

Researchers at TIFR create metal-free catalyst that converts CO2 to methane with excellent productivity and selectivity. The catalyst is recyclable and shows significant increase in production rate after regeneration cycles.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 18, 2020

Alzheimer's disease: Inflammation triggers fatal cycle

Researchers discovered that an immune reaction in the brain adds fuel to the fire of inflammation, leading to the development of Alzheimer's disease. The microglia cells' activation of inflammasomes makes degradation of Aß proteins more difficult, creating a devastating process.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 18, 2020

In NIH trial, selumetinib shrinks tumors, provides clinical benefit for children with NF1

A phase 2 clinical trial conducted by the National Cancer Institute found that selumetinib improved outcomes for children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), shrinking inoperable tumors and reducing pain. The treatment also led to clinically meaningful improvements in quality of life, strength, and range of motion.

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 18, 2020

Model simulator helps researchers map complex physics phenomena

A Cornell-led collaboration has successfully created a solid-state platform to simulate the Hubbard model in two dimensions, mapping a longstanding conundrum in physics: the phase diagram of the triangular lattice Hubbard model. The team observed a Mott insulating state and mapped the system's magnetic phase diagram.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateMar 18, 2020

Blood platelets trigger events that cause organ damage after heart surgery

Activated platelets attach to vessel walls and interact with mast cells, triggering a powerful inflammatory response that can lead to organ damage and death after heart surgery. Inhibiting platelet activation may prevent or minimize this response, according to a study published in Science Advances.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 18, 2020

Bad sleep habits can depress teens

A study by Flinders University found that bad sleep habits in teenagers are linked to negative thoughts, perfectionism, and an increased risk of depression. The researchers recommend alternative treatments for repetitive negative thinking and perfectionism, including encouraging regular bedtime routines and limiting screen time.

SourceFlinders University·JournalSleep Health·DateMar 18, 2020

Patient navigators cut ER visits, hospitalization for high risk health care users

A study by TTUHSC investigators found that an interprofessional patient navigation program reduced emergency room visits and hospital admissions among high-risk patients. The program, which used DSRIP guidelines, resulted in a significant decrease in hospital utilization, with participants experiencing 1.13 ER visits per year compared ...

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of Healthcare Management·DateMar 18, 2020

Kidney injury risks higher for hospitalized pregnant women

A new study found that hospitalized pregnant women have a significantly higher risk of acute kidney injury (AKI), with black and Native American women at increased risk. The study also suggests that awareness and detection of AKI may be contributing to the rising rates of kidney damage in pregnant women.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalAmerican Journal of Nephrology·DateMar 18, 2020

Common anti-parasite treatments used on cattle have devastating impacts on wildlife

A study by University of Sussex researchers found that common anti-parasite treatments for cattle have devastating impacts on dung beetles, key prey items for various bird and bat species. The treatments, which are widely used and available without veterinary oversight, can attract adult beetles and impair their larvae's development.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateMar 17, 2020

Hollow-core fiber technology closes in on mainstream optical fiber

Researchers have demonstrated a significant leap in hollow-core fibre performance, enabling faster data transmission rates and reducing latency. The new technology has shown a 50% reduction in attenuation and a doubling of maximum transmission length compared to conventional glass fibres.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·DateMar 17, 2020

Engineered botox is more potent and safer in mice

A new study engineered a form of botulinum toxin B with improved binding to nerve cells, increasing potency and reducing diffusion into surrounding tissue. The modified toxin demonstrated enhanced therapeutic potential and reduced adverse effects.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 17, 2020

Predicting reaction results: Machines learn chemistry

Researchers at University of Münster develop AI tool to predict reaction outcomes using molecular structures, enabling accurate predictions for yields and stereoselectivities. The model can be applied to diverse reactions and is expected to significantly change the approach to chemical syntheses.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalChem·DateMar 17, 2020

Immunotherapy combo achieves reservoir shrinkage in HIV model

Researchers at Emory University have achieved significant shrinkage of the viral reservoir in SIV-infected nonhuman primates using a combination of CTLA-4 and PD-1 inhibitors. However, this approach does not prevent or delay viral rebound when antiviral drugs are stopped. The findings have important implications for HIV cure research.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 17, 2020

Natural solutions to the climate crisis? One-quarter is all down to Earth...

A new study reveals that soil has a significant role in mitigating climate change, with up to 25% of global potential for natural climate solutions. The research highlights the importance of agroforestry and improved agricultural practices in enhancing soil health and carbon sequestration.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Sustainability·DateMar 17, 2020

Innovative NICU training lauded as 'best article' by national journal

A NICU training program at Children's National Hospital has been recognized for its innovative approach to emergency evacuation preparedness. The program, led by Lisa Zell and Lamia Soghier, involves periodic evacuation simulations and has been named the 'best article' by The Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing·DateMar 17, 2020

Composing new proteins with artificial intelligence

Researchers use machine learning to translate protein structures into musical scores, generating new proteins with unique properties. The method has the potential to design entirely new biomaterials and improve existing enzymes.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Bioengineering·DateMar 17, 2020

Observed 'gateway' effect of e-cigarettes among teens 'likely to be small'

Research comparing teen e-cigarette users with those who tried other tobacco products first found that only a tiny proportion of experimental vapers went on to smoke. Young vapers were less likely to smoke than peers trying out other tobacco products, contradicting previous studies linking teen vaping to smoking.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalTobacco Control·DateMar 17, 2020

Medical radiation exposure fell in the US from 2006 to 2016

A study found that per capita radiation exposure in the US decreased by 20% between 2006 and 2016, mainly due to a decline in nuclear medicine procedures. Meanwhile, CT scans increased but saw a small drop in effective dose thanks to advancements in dose modulation technology.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateMar 17, 2020

A protein that controls inflammation

Researchers discovered how protein A20 prevents inflammation through a non-enzymatic mechanism, opening up new possibilities for treatment. The study builds upon earlier work demonstrating A20's anti-inflammatory activity and reveals its role in preventing disease development.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalNature Immunology·DateMar 17, 2020

COVID-19: The immune system can fight back

Researchers at the University of Melbourne mapped immune responses from a patient with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 symptoms, showing the body's ability to recover from the infection. The study found that broad immune responses were associated with clinical recovery, similar to what is seen in seasonal influenza infections.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 17, 2020

One of Darwin's evolution theories finally proved by Cambridge researcher

Researchers have proved one of Charles Darwin's evolution theories for the first time, showing that mammal subspecies are crucial to long-term evolutionary dynamics. The study, led by Laura van Holstein, found that subspecies play a pivotal role in shaping the future of species, particularly in response to habitat disruption.

SourceSt. John's College, University of Cambridge·DateMar 17, 2020

Walter Reichman named SIOP Fellow

Dr. Walter Reichman has been named a Fellow of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) for his outstanding contributions to pro-social I-O. As a pioneer in the field, he has made significant impacts through research, teaching, advocacy, and mentoring.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Organizational Psychology·DateMar 17, 2020

'Natural killer' cells could halt Parkinson's progression

Researchers found that natural killer cells can regulate and restrain inflammation of brain tissue, reducing protein clumping and viral resistance. The study suggests NK cells play a critical role in protecting against Parkinson's disease progression.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 17, 2020

The life and death of one of America's most mysterious trees

A study led by University of Arizona researchers challenges the long-held view of the Plaza Tree of Pueblo Bonito as a living tree in an otherwise treeless landscape. Dendroprovenance analysis revealed that the tree did not grow where it was found, suggesting it may have come from distant mountain ranges.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalAmerican Antiquity·DateMar 17, 2020

Janine Waclawski named SIOP Fellow

Janine Waclawski has made significant impacts on senior leadership and talent development in organizations. Her data-driven approaches have driven change in large companies such as Shell Oil and NASA.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Organizational Psychology·DateMar 17, 2020

In-Sue Oh named SIOP Fellow

Dr. In-Sue Oh recognized for his significant research on personality assessment and meta-analysis, with over 7,000 citations and an h-index of 34.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Organizational Psychology·DateMar 17, 2020

How horses can save the permafrost

Researchers found that horse herds can significantly slow the loss of permafrost soils, preserving 80% of them until 2100. The approach, inspired by a Russian experiment, uses large herbivores to manipulate snow cover and reduce freezing temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Hamburg·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 17, 2020