Researchers found that smaller forest fragments result in fewer species and interactions between plants and seed-dispersing birds. This leads to a loss of ecological functions, including constant forest regeneration, with larger bird species playing a crucial role in dispersing large seeds.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBiotropica·DateMar 13, 2020
Researchers discovered that resolvins, specialized lipids, can reduce inflammation and prevent memory loss in a preclinical model of Down syndrome. This finding has the potential to lead to new therapies for Alzheimer's disease, targeting inflammation as a key mechanism in healthy aging.
SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalGlia·DateMar 13, 2020
A new analysis of GM Bt cotton in India challenges its effectiveness, citing increased spending on fertilizers and insecticides as key factors behind productivity gains. Despite being credited with tripling cotton production, the seeds' impact is overstated due to factors beyond their agronomic benefits.
SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Plants·DateMar 13, 2020
Researchers combined data from radio and optical telescopes to determine the origins and nature of quasar light. By measuring the polarization, they can tell which part of radiation came from the jet and determine its direction.
SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 13, 2020
Dr. Joseph Allen has been named a Fellow of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of I-O psychology. His research focuses on workplace meetings, occupational safety and health, and community engagement, with significant funding from government agencies.
SourceSociety for Industrial and Organizational Psychology·DateMar 13, 2020
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that treated wastewater contains minimal accumulation of organic micropollutants, posing no toxic effects on fish. The study suggests that tertiary wastewater treatment can be used for growing fish without compromising public health.
SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalAquaculture·DateMar 13, 2020
Researchers propose that Mercury's surface chemistry lab, fueled by solar winds and hot temperatures, can produce ice over a period of 3 million years. This process could account for up to 10% of Mercury's total ice reserves.
SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 13, 2020
Researchers found that machine-harvested edamame is more profitable at lower densities, with optimal rates ranging from 35,200 to 48,600 plants per acre. The new guidelines are specific to the unique aspects of the crop and aim to maximize profitability for US growers and processors.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalHortScience·DateMar 13, 2020
Researchers developed a microRNA-based signature that predicts local-regional failure and overall survival in patients with pancreatic cancer. The four-miRNA risk score provides prognostic information for clinical outcomes after surgical resection.
SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·DateMar 13, 2020
Researchers found elevated concentrations of TPT in Chinese white dolphins and finless porpoises, with the highest concentration being five times higher than reported in false killer whales. Biomagnification of TPT compounds has significant implications for local dolphin populations and human health.
SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalEnvironment International·DateMar 13, 2020
Scientists at Peking University have discovered Majorana zero modes (MZMs) at both ends of 1D atomic line defects in iron-based high-temperature superconductors. The MZMs exhibit robust properties and can be detected using scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy, offering a promising platform for topological quantum computing.
SourcePeking University·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 13, 2020
Researchers at the Centre for Genomic Regulation discovered that a type of kinesin called KIF3A/B transports mRNAs, enabling neurons to build their cellular skeleton and form new connections. This process is crucial for memory formation and storage, with mRNAs playing a key role in reinforcing synapses.
SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 13, 2020
The study reveals that jawless and jawed vertebrates share similar adaptive immune systems, despite independent evolution for over 500 million years. The researchers used CRISPR/Cas9 to disable a gene in lampreys, showing that they rely on a shared tool-kit to create antibodies.
SourceMax Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics·JournalScience Immunology·DateMar 13, 2020
University of Pittsburgh researchers develop microparticles that can trick the body into accepting transplanted tissue as its own, avoiding the need for lifelong immunosuppression. The treatment logistics are simpler and more efficient than current cell-based therapy methods.
SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 13, 2020
The Oncotarget review explores the use of biomarkers, CA19-9, gemcitabine-abraxane, FOLFIRINOX, and other treatments to identify patients who benefit most from therapy in pancreatic cancer. Further studies are needed to better understand pancreatic cancer biology and improve prognosis.
SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·DateMar 13, 2020
A new study found that urbanization of coastal areas in New England leads to smaller size and poorer health in migratory alewife populations. The researchers examined nine coastal ponds and sampled alewife born in 2008, finding that those from more developed watersheds were nearly half as long and up to 10 times lighter.
SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalCanadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences·DateMar 13, 2020
Dr. Alexander Alonso has been named a Fellow of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) for his outstanding contributions to I-O psychology. He is known for using I-O principles to advance human resource management and practice, with hundreds of publications and expertise in competency-based credentialing.
SourceSociety for Industrial and Organizational Psychology·DateMar 13, 2020
Researchers at KAIST developed a 3D hierarchically porous nanostructured catalyst that efficiently converts CO2 to CO, overcoming mass transport limitations. The new catalyst shows high selectivity and mass activity, promising large-scale applications for green energy.
SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 13, 2020
Dr. Tara Behrend, a multidisciplinary scholar with expertise in workplace technologies and workforce readiness, has been recognized as an SIOP Fellow. She is known for her diverse research topics, including STEM education, automation, and decision-making, and has received significant grants and fellowships.
SourceSociety for Industrial and Organizational Psychology·DateMar 13, 2020
The Spiral Graph project uses a tracing method to accurately measure the winding of spiral galaxies' arms. This approach outperforms automated methods and can estimate parameters like black hole mass and dark matter content. By enlisting citizen scientists, researchers aim to better understand galaxy evolution.
SourceNorth Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 13, 2020
A new study aims to identify molecular fingerprints of progressive kidney failure in patients with diabetes, while also exploring the development of targeted therapies. The Transformative Research in Diabetic Nephrology (TRIDENT) study is a $5 million collaboration between Penn Medicine and over 20 institutions nationwide.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateMar 13, 2020
Researchers discovered that blood stem cells can drive a rapid and efficient immune response if previously exposed to LPS, mimicking an infection. The cells store immune response circuits in their DNA using C/EBP? factor, enabling a more efficient response upon subsequent infections.
SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMar 13, 2020
Dr. Dana Born, PhD has been recognized as a Fellow of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) for her outstanding contributions to the profession. She is a pioneering leader who has made significant impacts in I-O psychology, including policy implementation for the Department of Defense.
SourceSociety for Industrial and Organizational Psychology·DateMar 13, 2020
Researchers at UMass Amherst developed a lower-sodium turkey breast that was preferred by consumers in a blind sensory test. The study found that using a blend of sodium salts with a larger molecular structure slowed down the overall sodium diffusion rate, providing enough saltiness without compromising juiciness and texture.
Researchers found that gallium maltolate (GaM) can treat subclinical foal pneumonia without increasing antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The study, published in Scientific Reports, suggests GaM as a viable alternative to overprescribed antibiotics.
SourceMorris Animal Foundation·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 13, 2020
Researchers found that patients prescribed opioids after tooth extraction reported worse pain, and half of prescribed opioids remained unused. The study suggests that alternatives such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or acetaminophen control pain better and improve patient satisfaction.
SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 13, 2020
Researchers found the average serial interval for COVID-19 in China to be approximately four days, indicating a short window for public health responders to identify and isolate cases. This study provides evidence of asymptomatic transmission, which may require more aggressive control measures to curb the spread of the disease.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateMar 13, 2020
Researchers at SUTD develop bioplastic production process using urban waste and bio-inspired engineering, enabling global adoption of sustainable manufacturing. The process reduces energy requirements and transportation costs, using abundant biological polymers like chitin and cellulose.
SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 13, 2020
Researchers found that gastric bypass surgery alters both fecal and mucosal microbiomes, leading to improved metabolic outcomes. The study suggests manipulating the gut microbiome could be a potential alternative to surgery for sustained weight loss.
SourceArizona State University·Journalnpj Biofilms and Microbiomes·DateMar 13, 2020
A new study reveals that maternal obesity triggers cellular stress in the endoplasmic reticulum, disrupting hypothalamic development and leading to offspring obesity. Bile acid treatment mitigates these changes, reversing obesity-related metabolic issues in mice offspring.
Researchers sequenced three hornwort genomes, revealing genes that could boost crop efficiency and reduce nitrogen fertilizer use. The findings shed light on the evolution of early land plants and provide insights into the unique biology of hornworts.
SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalNature Plants·DateMar 13, 2020
Researchers at the National Eye Institute have discovered a tooth-enamel protein, amelotin, that is also present in eyes with dry age-related macular degeneration. The protein may play a role in the formation of calcium deposits in the eye and could be a therapeutic target for treating the blinding disease.
SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalTranslational Research·DateMar 13, 2020
A new composite catalyst has been developed to enhance the performance of metal-air batteries (MABs), which are considered a strong candidate for next-generation electric vehicles. The catalyst, combining two types of materials, improves charge and discharge efficiency by synergistically enhancing the reaction rates.
SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNano Energy·DateMar 13, 2020
Dr. Christopher M. Barnes has been recognized by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) as a Fellow, acknowledged for his pioneering research on sleep deprivation and work. His notable contributions have been cited over 3,000 times, solidifying his impact on the field.
SourceSociety for Industrial and Organizational Psychology·DateMar 13, 2020
Dr. Nathan Ainspan has been recognized as a leading figure in industrial-organizational psychology, focusing on veterans' and disability issues through his research and advocacy efforts. His work has impacted millions of people across the US and internationally.
SourceSociety for Industrial and Organizational Psychology·DateMar 13, 2020
UC San Diego researchers found that the enzyme SPRK1 plays a crucial role in untangling a sperm's genome by kicking out special packing proteins. This process allows for major reorganization of the paternal DNA and enables the fusion of the mother's and father's half-genomes.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell·DateMar 13, 2020
A University of Montana professor collaborated with Malaysian authorities to create protected areas for endangered species, ensuring their survival. This initiative demonstrates the impact of interdisciplinary partnerships in conservation efforts.
SourceThe University of Montana·JournalConservation Biology·DateMar 13, 2020
A recent study published in Oncotarget found that microRNA (miR) dysregulation is associated with immune cell activation, gastric inflammation, and carcinogenesis. Specifically, miR-155 upregulation is considered a key marker of chronic gastric inflammation and predisposes patients to gastric carcinogenesis.
SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·DateMar 13, 2020
A brief entrance test can predict students' success within their first year of study in Economics, outperforming intelligence tests and school grades. The WiWiSET project found that the test assesses domain-specific knowledge and skills, allowing for a reliable prognosis of study progress.
SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·DateMar 13, 2020
A review of COVID-19 infections in children reveals milder symptoms and lower risk of severe disease compared to adults. Children account for only two percent of hospitalizations and most recover within one to two weeks after symptom onset.
SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalThe Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal·DateMar 13, 2020
Research found statistically associated CpG sites were analyzed in blood samples from atherothrombotic stroke cohorts, revealing differences in DNA methylation status of MMP24 between stable and unstable carotid plaques. The study suggests a correlation between DNA methylation patterns and plaque instability.
SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·DateMar 13, 2020
Researchers discovered that keratohyalin granules, which form through phase separation, carry molecular messages that prompt skin cells to flatten and die. This process is crucial for maintaining the skin barrier against pathogens.
SourceRockefeller University·JournalScience·DateMar 13, 2020
Researchers used super-resolution imaging and a computational algorithm to study how bacteria multiply and grow into dense biofilms. They found that growth patterns are analogous to urbanization, with individual bacteria forming 'cities' that merge and expand over time.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 13, 2020
Researchers discovered a temperature-sensing nerve cell that transmits signals activating or inhibiting receiving nerve cells, explaining how worms respond to good or bad temperatures. Genetic studies identified three conserved genes involved in this response, suggesting a similar mechanism may exist in higher organisms.
SourceNagoya University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 13, 2020
Dr. Sharon Glazer has been recognized as a Fellow of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) for her meaningful impact on cross-cultural practice and theory in I-O psychology. She is known for her research on occupational stress, culture, and global virtual teams.
SourceSociety for Industrial and Organizational Psychology·DateMar 13, 2020
Researchers discovered that bones change shape in response to forces, curving to prevent fractures. The study used computational methods to monitor shape changes over an extended period, finding that the curving process needs to be highly targeted and can lead to a built-in warning mechanism.
SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 13, 2020
Scientists from Zhejiang University and Southeast University in China proposed a novel silicon-graphene hybrid plasmonic waveguide, achieving high-performance photodetectors beyond 1.55 μm. The graphene absorption efficiencies are as high as 54.3% and 68.6%, with measured responsivities of 30-70 mA/W at 2 μm and 0.4 A/W at 1.55 μm.
SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMar 13, 2020
A new class of proteins, dubbed 'Hero', has been discovered that protects vulnerable proteins from aggregation and denaturation under extreme heat and other stresses. These flexible proteins may help prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS and Huntington's disease by preserving molecular order.
Researchers used ensemble simulations to quantify uncertainty caused by internal variability in SASM rainfall projections. They found a linkage between the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO) phase and the spread in projected SASM rainfall, identifying IPO as a leading internal mode influencing near-term projection.
SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 13, 2020
A novel technology using salt crystals allows easy observation of carbon nanotubes under room temperature, revealing their shape and position changes. The coating also enables the amplification of optical signals up to hundreds of times, facilitating the detection of molecules on the surface of CNTs.
SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 13, 2020
A study by Washington State University researchers reveals that over 90% of US tap water contains nanoscale plastics, with unknown health and environmental consequences. The team is now working on techniques to remove these plastics from water.
SourceWashington State University·JournalWater Research·DateMar 13, 2020
Drexel University researchers have discovered a water-free method to produce MXenes, altering their chemical structure to improve battery and solar cell performance. This breakthrough enables the use of MXene materials in applications where water is a contaminant or hampers performance.
Researchers discovered that competing against an idealised avatar negatively impacts physical performance, whereas a realistic avatar increases motivation and improves outcomes. The study suggests that exergame designers should use realistic avatar customisation to enhance player experience and performance.
Dr. Catherine Daus recognized for her dedication to teaching and research in emotions in the workplace. She has made significant impacts through her consulting work on emotional intelligence and stress in organizational settings.
SourceSociety for Industrial and Organizational Psychology·DateMar 13, 2020
Dr. Mariangela Battista, a prominent figure in industrial-organizational psychology, has been recognized by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) as a Fellow. Her work has substantially impacted business leaders and educated hundreds of thousands globally on effective talent practice.
SourceSociety for Industrial and Organizational Psychology·DateMar 13, 2020
Researchers from University of Konstanz discover that a molecular chaperone helps form Alzheimer fibrils by exposing a vulnerable area on the protein tau, preventing longer, more toxic fibril formation. The findings suggest a possible defense mechanism against Alzheimer's disease.
SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 13, 2020
Researchers at NCBS discovered that dopamine released by nerve cells activates faster motor neurons, allowing zebrafish to swim faster. This finding suggests motor neuron plasticity can be exploited for rehabilitation after spinal cord injury or stroke.
SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 12, 2020
Researchers at UC Davis found a 50% reduction in greenhouse gases to produce the same quantity and quality of milk between 1964 and 2014. The study also revealed significant reductions in water use and land requirements, saving an amount of land equal to the size of Connecticut.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·DateMar 12, 2020
A new study found that racial and ethnic minority women are more likely to experience gaps in insurance coverage during pregnancy, leading to increased risks of maternal morbidity and mortality. The study suggests that extending Medicaid coverage to one year after birth could reduce disparities in postpartum health.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateMar 12, 2020
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered that statins can kill cancer cells by blocking the creation of a molecule necessary for their survival. The study suggests that statins may be valuable in combating certain types of cancer and could lead to new treatment options.
SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 12, 2020