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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 412


Page 412 of 512

Biophysicists blend incompatible components in one nanofiber

Researchers created an electrospun fiber blending protein and polymer, demonstrating gradual protein release. The study showcases the versatility of blended mats for biomedical applications like burn dressings, drug delivery, and tissue engineering.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalRSC Advances·DateMar 16, 2020

Sobering new data on drinking and driving: 15% of US alcohol-related motor vehicle fatalities involve alcohol under the legal limit

According to a new study, accidents involving drivers with low blood alcohol concentrations are more likely to cause harm to others than drivers with levels at or above the limit. The study found that stringent alcohol policies can reduce the likelihood of fatal accidents involving drivers with all levels of alcohol blood concentration.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMar 16, 2020

Scientists optimize prime editing for rice and wheat

A research team at the Chinese Academy of Sciences has optimized a prime editing system to create desired point mutations, insertions, and deletions in rice and wheat. The system, called PPE, has achieved efficiencies up to 19.2% with various types of mutations.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMar 16, 2020

Nuclear war and food security

A study using crop models and climate simulations found that a limited nuclear war in South Asia could decrease global temperature by 1.8ºC and precipitation by 8% over the first 5 years, resulting in significant yield losses and food shortages worldwide.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2020

NASA finds Gretel becoming extra-tropical

Tropical Cyclone 23P formed on March 14 and intensified into a tropical storm, later renamed Gretel. The storm's center was located near latitude 26.6 degrees south and longitude 169.7 degrees east, about 675 nautical miles north-northwest of Auckland, New Zealand.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 16, 2020

John D. Kammeyer-Mueller named SIOP fellow

Dr. John D. Kammeyer-Mueller has made significant contributions to the field of I-O psychology through his research on employee well-being and productivity, publishing in top journals like Journal of Applied Psychology and Personnel Psychology.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Organizational Psychology·DateMar 16, 2020

Peter D. Harms named SIOP fellow

Dr. Peter D. Harms recognized for his research on personality, well-being, and leadership, with over 100 peer-reviewed articles published in top journals.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Organizational Psychology·DateMar 16, 2020

Shifts in deep geologic structure may have magnified great 2011 Japan tsunami

Researchers found that the angle at which the ocean plate dives under the continental plate may have gradually shallowed out over millions of years, leading to the formation of an extensional fault that could have magnified the tsunami. The study used computer models and various data sets to support its findings.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 16, 2020

Immunotherapy combo achieves reservoir shrinkage in HIV model

Researchers used a combination of CTLA-4 and PD-1 blockers to shrink the size of the viral 'reservoir' in SIV-infected monkeys. The treatment showed promising results, but did not prevent or delay viral rebound once antiviral drugs were stopped.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 16, 2020

'Toxic,' but still successful professionally?

Researchers at the University of Bonn found that toxic personalities who are socially adept can still succeed professionally due to their ability to deceive others. The study suggests that balancing personal traits with social skills is crucial for career advancement.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateMar 16, 2020

Cancer drug with better staying power, reduced toxicity promising in preclinical trial

Researchers developed a cancer-drug candidate called OxaliTEX that stops tumor growth entirely and delivers more cancer-busting power than many commonly used chemotherapy drugs. OxaliTEX has fewer toxic side effects and is more effective in overcoming resistance compared to existing platinum-based treatments like carboplatin.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2020

People fearful of taking part in vital clinical research

A global review found that fear about testing new treatments and possible side effects is the most common reason for not participating in clinical research. Trust in doctors and clinical staff, as well as a desire to help others, motivated patients to get involved.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalTrials·DateMar 16, 2020

Effects of family member detention or deportation

A survey study of nearly 550 Latino adolescents found a strong association between family member detention or deportation and later suicidal thoughts, alcohol use, and externalizing behaviors. The study highlights the need for policymakers to consider the impact of immigration policies on vulnerable populations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMar 16, 2020

Dual therapy reduces risk for bleeding better than triple therapy for patients with atrial fibrillation

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that dual therapy with a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) plus P2Y12 inhibitor was associated with reduced risk of major bleeding compared to triple therapy with a vitamin K antagonist (VKA) plus aspirin and P2Y12 inhibitor for patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation after percutaneous ...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 16, 2020

New research on brain structure highlights cells linked to Alzheimer's and autism

Scientists at the Wellcome Sanger Institute discovered that astrocytes in mouse brains are organized into distinct layers with molecular forms depending on their location, redefining brain structure. This knowledge will have implications for understanding neurological disorders like Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, and autism.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 16, 2020

SFU research uses simulation game to alter beliefs about poverty

A group of researchers used a poverty simulation game called SPENT to study people's beliefs about poverty and economic inequality. The study found that playing the game helped develop stronger recognition of situational causes of poverty and reduced support for economic inequality.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateMar 16, 2020

Suzanne S. Masterson named SIOP fellow

Suzanne S. Masterson, former Journal of Organizational Behavior editor-in-chief, recognized by SIOP for her significant impact on the field through over 20 publications and 4,379 citations.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Organizational Psychology·DateMar 16, 2020

Limited nuclear war could have big impact on world food supplies

A study by Rutgers University finds that a limited nuclear war between India and Pakistan could result in the worst global food losses in modern history. Sudden cooling, reduced precipitation, and decreased sunlight could disrupt food production and trade worldwide for up to a decade.

SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2020

Richard N. Landers named SIOP fellow

Richard N. Landers named SIOP fellow for his work in advancing I-O psychology through interdisciplinary research and practice. He has made significant contributions to employee selection, training, and research methods, among other areas.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Organizational Psychology·DateMar 16, 2020

Solving the riddle of superbug toxin damage to gut

A bacterial superbug can prevent stem cells in the gut from regenerating the inner lining of the intestine, causing potentially severe disease. This damage impairs tissue repair and recovery from disease, particularly in older adults.

SourceMonash University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2020

Driver of El Niño on orbital-cycle timescales

A study reveals a half-orbital precession cycle in thermocline temperature linked to El Niño-Southern Oscillation fluctuations. The thermocline is identified as a key driver of climate change on orbital timescales.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2020

Scientists have discovered the origins of the building blocks of life

Scientists at Rutgers University have discovered the protein structures responsible for early life on Earth, including ferredoxin and Rossmann folds. These ancient proteins were crucial for metabolism and chemical signals, paving the way for life to emerge.

SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2020

Coronavirus-infected patients needing emergency surgery: Anesthesia standards

Coronavirus-infected patients needing emergency surgery require standardized anesthesia procedures to prevent viral transmission and reduce lung injury. The article discusses the need for negative pressure operating rooms, anesthesiologist protection, and special requirements for equipment and drugs.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalSurgical Infections·DateMar 16, 2020

Researchers sniff out AI breakthroughs in mammal brains

A new computer algorithm inspired by the mammalian olfactory system rapidly learns patterns and identifies smells even with strong sensory interference. The algorithm is applied to a neuromorphic computer chip, Loihi, which can learn to identify patterns or perform tasks a thousand times faster than traditional methods.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateMar 16, 2020

Benefits of fish in moderation while pregnant outweigh risks for child

A new study from Keck School of Medicine of USC found that children whose mothers ate fish 1-3 times a week during pregnancy had lower metabolic syndrome scores than those who ate fish rarely. Moderate fish consumption during pregnancy was associated with reduced inflammation and improved child metabolic health.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 16, 2020

Selective killing of cancer cells by cluttering their waste disposal system

Researchers have discovered a novel approach to selectively target and kill several types of cancer cells using nanoparticles that assemble into crystals. The crystals induce lysosomal swelling, loss of membrane integrity, and cell death in cancer cells but do not harm non-cancerous cells.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 16, 2020

Family member deportation puts Latino adolescents at risk of suicidal thoughts

A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that Latino/a adolescents with a family member detained or deported are at high risk of suicidal thoughts, early alcohol use, and risky behaviors. The study suggests that current U.S. immigration policies might contribute to serious mental and behavioral health risks for these youth.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMar 16, 2020

Fecal microbiota transplants successfully treat patients with C. diff

Fecal Microbiota Transplants (FMT) have shown high success rates in treating C.diff infection, with 78% of patients experiencing no recurrence of diarrhoea within 90 days. This treatment is particularly effective compared to antibiotics, which have lower success rates for relapsing infections.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalEClinicalMedicine·DateMar 15, 2020

Can traumatic memories be erased?

Scientists at Tokyo Metropolitan University have discovered that traumatic memories can be erased in Drosophila flies when exposed to environmental light. The team identified the molecular mechanism responsible for this effect, which involves the regulation of proteins in the brain.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·DateMar 14, 2020

Receptors for the immune defense

Researchers discovered that jawless and jawed vertebrates share similar immune receptor gene structures despite independent evolution. The findings provide insight into the evolution of the adaptive immune system and its importance for human health.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience Immunology·DateMar 13, 2020

How plants sound the alarm about danger

A team of scientists has discovered a complex communication network in plants that responds to the hormone jasmonic acid, allowing them to defend against insects and fungi. The study reveals two key genes, MYC2 and MYC3, which play a crucial role in regulating plant defense responses.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Plants·DateMar 13, 2020

Edie Goldberg named SIOP Fellow

Dr. Edie Goldberg has been recognized as a Fellow of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) for her outstanding contributions to the field of I-O psychology. She is known for developing best practices in talent management systems and building high-performance cultures.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Organizational Psychology·DateMar 13, 2020

Pathways toward realizing the promise of all-solid-state batteries

The researchers focus on inorganic solid electrolytes to create stable chemical interfaces, diagnose and characterize batteries in real-time, and design scalable and cost-effective manufacturing processes. Their work aims to address the challenges of all-solid-state batteries and make them safer, longer-lasting, and more energy-dense.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 13, 2020

Alan L. Colquitt named SIOP Fellow

Dr. Alan L. Colquitt has been recognized by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) for his significant impact on I-O psychology through research and practice. His work has focused on performance management tools, cultural change, leadership identification, and survey strategy, taking an evidence-based approach.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Organizational Psychology·DateMar 13, 2020

One drug, three action modes

The new drug Ru-Pt combines cisplatin, phenylbutyrate, and a PDT drug into one compound, increasing the chances of killing all cancer cells. It shows significant efficiency in killing cancer cells and has a ten times higher efficiency for drug-resistant cell lines than single reagents.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 13, 2020

Diagnosing hypertension in children

A new study found that testing blood pressure load, which detects elevated readings over 24 hours, is not necessary for diagnosing hypertension in children. Having high average blood pressure on a 24-hour test does strongly predict risk of cardiac and kidney disease.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 13, 2020

Control of the fatty acid synthase

Researchers discovered a protein called gamma subunit that controls fatty acid synthase function in mycobacteria, allowing for the inhibition of pathogen proliferation without affecting human cells. This breakthrough could lead to new therapeutic approaches against tuberculosis and provide insights into cancer treatment.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell·DateMar 13, 2020

UK study highlights importance of spirometry in diagnosing COPD

A UK study emphasizes the significance of spirometry in identifying chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), particularly among patients with respiratory symptoms. The study found that over-reliance on radiological changes alone may lead to incorrect diagnoses, highlighting the need for comprehensive assessments.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateMar 13, 2020

Surprising research: Prehistoric hyenas and humans share migration patterns

Research reveals that prehistoric hyenas and humans migrated across continents at approximately the same time, with spotted hyenas showing extensive and complex migration patterns. The study also found signs of a detrimental impact on hyenas due to human activity.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 13, 2020

NASA's Terra Satellite observes development of Tropical Storm 22S

Tropical Storm 22S formed near northeastern Madagascar after being observed by NASA's Terra satellite, which captured strong thunderstorms and rainfall in the western quadrant. The storm is expected to strengthen to 90 knots (104 mph) before becoming subtropical and potentially pass between Mauritius and Rodrigues.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 13, 2020

How associative fear memory is formed in the brain

Researchers demonstrate that fear memory involves strengthening neural pathways between the hippocampus and amygdala, which can be erased by weakening these connections. This discovery provides potential therapeutic strategies to suppress maladaptive fear memories in post-traumatic stress disorder patients.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 13, 2020

Jeffrey D. Facteau named SIOP Fellow

Dr. Jeffrey D. Facteau, a renowned industrial-organizational psychologist, has been recognized as an SIOP Fellow for his significant impact on talent selection and assessment projects. He has published research in top-tier journals and made lasting contributions to the field of performance management.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Organizational Psychology·DateMar 13, 2020

Nathan A. Bowling named SIOP Fellow

Dr. Nathan A. Bowling has been recognized by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) as a Fellow, demonstrating his impact on employee attitudes, counterproductive work behavior, and self-report questionnaires. With over 50 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters published in prestigious publications.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Organizational Psychology·DateMar 13, 2020

The discovery of a new gene that 'supervises' strawberry ripening

A new transcription factor (FaPRE1) has been identified as a key regulator of strawberry ripening, controlling the expression of genes related to color, aroma, and texture. The gene plays a twofold role in regulating expression, silencing development genes and beginning ripening genes.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalPlant Biology·DateMar 13, 2020

Brain-doping produced by your own body

Researchers discovered that Epo increases nerve cell production and connections in the brain, leading to improved cognitive performance. Cognitive challenges trigger oxygen deficits, stimulating Epo production, which drives neuroplasticity and neurogenesis.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 13, 2020