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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 419


Page 419 of 512

APS tip sheet: correlating matter's distribution in the universe with gamma rays

Researchers have found the first direct correlation between dark matter and gamma rays in the universe. The study used gamma ray data from Fermi Large Area Telescope and mapped it with weak gravitational lensing, providing insights into the nature of dark matter and its potential connection to gamma ray emissions.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 10, 2020

Case Western Reserve University research finds high rates of trauma exposure, PTSD symptoms for those in drug court

A new study by Case Western Reserve University found that nearly 94% of defendants in Cuyahoga County drug court have been exposed to trauma, with many suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. The research suggests a need for increased trauma-informed care and possibly specialized, gender-specific support.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Offender Rehabilitation·DateMar 10, 2020

Chemists create new artificial enzyme

Chemists at the University of Miami have created an artificial enzyme with improved catalytic abilities. The new molecule is designed to tackle chemical reactions in industrial settings and could lead to the development of more efficient biofuel production, drug creation, and other applications.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMar 10, 2020

Injection strategies are crucial for geothermal projects

A new study analyzed temporal evolution of seismicity and growth of maximum observed moment magnitudes in various stimulation projects. The results show a clear linear relation between injected fluid volume and cumulative seismic moments for most projects, indicating that seismicity can be managed by changes in injection strategy.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 10, 2020

Intel processors are still vulnerable to attack

Researchers at KU Leuven exposed a security flaw in Intel processors, revealing a vulnerability in SGX enclaves that can be exploited for sensitive information. The 'Load Value Injection' attack allows attackers to inject data into software programs, compromising passwords and other personal data.

SourceKU Leuven·DateMar 10, 2020

Fatal overproduction of antibodies

Researchers identified a mutation responsible for destabilizing light chains, leading to the formation of deadly amyloid fibrils. The study provides new insights into the disease and potential diagnostic methods.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·DateMar 10, 2020

Pain researchers get a common language to describe pain

A new classification system for orofacial pain has been developed by international researchers, providing a common language for medical doctors and dentists to diagnose patients accurately. The system is expected to improve treatment outcomes for individuals suffering from chronic pain in the mouth, jaws, and face.

SourceAarhus University·JournalCephalalgia·DateMar 10, 2020

Patient-friendly brain imager gets green light toward first prototype

Sandia National Laboratories has received funding to develop a patient-friendly brain imager that uses quantum sensors for more accurate and accessible measurements. The new system aims to enable people with chronic pain and motor disorders to participate in MEG scans, improving the accuracy of diagnoses.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateMar 10, 2020

Study shows CRISPR effectiveness against colitis pathogen

Researchers used CRISPR-Cas system to effectively target and eliminate specific gut bacteria, including Clostridioides difficile, the pathogen that causes colitis. The study demonstrates the potential of this approach in preventing disease and promoting human gut health.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalmBio·DateMar 10, 2020

New clinical trial examines a potential noninvasive solution for overactive bladders

A new clinical trial led by Keck Medicine of USC is investigating the effectiveness of Transcutaneous Electrical Spinal Cord Neuromodulation (TESCoN) in treating overactive bladder due to neurological conditions. The trial aims to improve patients' sense of well-being by enhancing bladder control and reducing symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Systems Neuroscience·DateMar 10, 2020

Novel error-correction scheme developed for quantum computers

Researchers have developed a novel error-correction scheme that takes advantage of bosonic symmetry to encode information efficiently. This approach could reduce the number of physical qubits required, enabling the scaling up of experimental quantum computers.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalPhysical Review X·DateMar 10, 2020

Leaf-inspired surface prevents frost formation

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered a new way to reduce frost formation on any surface using a leaf-inspired design. The study found that the optimized surface structure reduces frost by up to 60% and can be defrosted with considerably less energy.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 2020

Further evidence shows clinical viability of natural tooth repair method

Scientists at King's College London have found positive evidence that a natural tooth repair method has the potential to be translated into a clinical approach. The study discovered that reparative dentine produced is sufficient to repair cavities in human teeth, and the drug can activate repair up to ten times larger.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateMar 10, 2020

The axion solves three mysteries of the universe

Researchers propose axion as solution to three mysteries: matter-antimatter asymmetry, dark matter, and the strong CP problem. The axion's rotation creates a tiny excess of matter over antimatter, explaining why we exist.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 10, 2020

The Lancet HIV: Study suggests a second patient has been cured of HIV

A study of a second HIV patient to undergo successful stem cell transplantation from donors with a HIV-resistant gene finds that there was no active viral infection in the patient's blood 30 months after they stopped anti-retroviral therapy. The patient had a healthy CD4 cell count, suggesting they have recovered well from the transplant.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet HIV·DateMar 10, 2020

Baboon mothers carry their dead infant up to 10 days

Researchers found that baboon mothers in the wild carry dead infants for varying lengths of time, with an average duration of three to four days. The mother's age, infant cause of death, and climate conditions may influence the length of time a mother carries her dead infant.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMar 10, 2020

Immune cells against Alzheimer's?

Scientists have identified a specific antibody that binds to brain immune cells and triggers processes that enhance microglia activity. This stimulates the immune cells to detect and degrade abnormal protein deposits, known as plaques, more effectively, potentially providing better protection against Alzheimer's disease.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateMar 10, 2020

Noncitizens are undertreated for heart attack, stroke risk factors

A new study published in Circulation found that noncitizens in the US are less likely to receive treatment for cardiovascular disease risk factors due to lack of insurance coverage and a usual source of care. The disparities were significant, with only 16.5% of noncitizens receiving treatment for high cholesterol.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateMar 10, 2020

Solved: The mystery of the expansion of the universe

A UNIGE researcher has solved a scientific controversy about the speed of the universe's expansion by proposing that it may not be homogeneous on a large scale. This approach eliminates a divergence between two independent calculation methods, which previously yielded conflicting values for the Hubble constant.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPhysics Letters B·DateMar 10, 2020

Chip for liquid biopsy will help to detect prostate cancer

Researchers developed a microfluidics device that isolates cancer cells from urine, achieving high detection rates of up to 85% and 86% for localized cancer cases. The new method provides an alternative to invasive tissue biopsies and blood tests with false positive results.

SourceSechenov University·JournalCancers·DateMar 10, 2020

Novel blood test points to risk of weight gain and diabetes

Researchers developed a computer program analyzing molecules in blood plasma to identify individuals at risk of becoming overweight and developing obesity-related diseases. The test is 90% accurate in detecting whether the subject will gain weight without intervention, also predicting diabetes and other health risks.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·DateMar 10, 2020

Study reveals grasshopper declines associated with declines in quality of prairie grasses

A University of Oklahoma-led study reveals a decline in grasshopper numbers over the past two decades in a Kansas grassland preserve. The research identifies nutrient dilution as a key driver, caused by increased atmospheric CO2 levels, leading to declining plant quality and reduced sustenance for herbivores.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 2020

New branded PrEP not worth the high cost compared with generic formulation

A new branded HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) drug, emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (F/TAF), has been approved but found not to be cost-effective compared to generic formulation F/TDF. The study suggests that the high cost of F/TAF may undermine efforts to expand access to PrEP for the most vulnerable populations.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 9, 2020

Collaborating with a team of rivals can resolve conflict -- and advance science

A team of social scientists from rival institutions came together to reach a scientific consensus on stereotype formation. They developed a joint theory that combined perceived competence and warmth as key factors, but with nuances depending on the situation.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2020

New study on COVID-19 estimates 5.1 days for incubation period

A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health estimates the median disease incubation period for COVID-19 at 5.1 days, affirming earlier estimates and supporting the CDC's current 14-day quarantine period. This estimate suggests that about 97.5% of people develop symptoms within 11.5 days of exposure.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 9, 2020

How new data can make ecological forecasts as good as weather forecasts

A new study reveals that analyzing large-scale ecological patterns can help predict changes in ecosystems. Ecologists are using decades of weather data to forecast bird migrations and wildlife population fluctuations, which can inform conservation measures. The research aims to improve understanding of the climate-ecology link, enablin...

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 9, 2020

Focusing continuity of care on sicker patients can save millions of dollars annually

Research by Southern Methodist University and Texas Tech University found that higher continuity of care leads to improved patient outcomes, including fewer inpatient visits and lower readmission rates. However, at the highest levels of continuity of care, outcomes worsen, suggesting a potential benefit from having multiple providers.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManufacturing & Service Operations Management·DateMar 9, 2020

Clotting problem

A team of researchers led by University of Delaware Professor Velia M. Fowler has made a groundbreaking discovery about MYH9-related disorders, a condition affecting 1 in 25,000 people. The study found that mutations in the MYH9 gene disrupt platelet formation and movement, leading to unstable clots and various health issues.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalBlood·DateMar 9, 2020

Apixaban may be a safer and more effective than rivaroxaban for preventing stroke and blood clots

A large cohort study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that apixaban was associated with a lower risk of stroke or systemic blood clots compared to rivaroxaban in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. The study also showed that apixaban was linked to a lower risk of gastrointestinal bleeding or bleeding in the brain.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 9, 2020

Aging and mitochondrial depolarization

Researchers found that mild mitochondrial depolarization minimizes damage from reactive oxygen species and serves an anti-aging function in naked mole rats and bats. This process involves the shuttle of ATP and ADP through the mitochondrial membrane to certain kinase metabolic sites.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2020

What is best time to deliver twins?

Researchers identified the optimal gestation week for twin births associated with the lowest risk of perinatal death and special education needs. Twins born between 32-34 weeks had the best outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMar 9, 2020

Mathematical model could lead to better treatment for diabetes

Researchers developed a mathematical model to predict the behavior of glucose-responsive insulins in humans and rodents. The model identified optimal designs that could work well in both species, with about 13% predicted to be effective in both, and 14% in humans alone.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalDiabetes·DateMar 9, 2020

Ultrathin organic solar cell is both efficient and durable

Scientists have created an ultrathin organic solar cell with a high energy conversion ratio of 13% and long-term storage stability. The research used a simple post-annealing process to increase durability, achieving both efficiency and longevity.

SourceRIKEN·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2020

Urine test could reduce unnecessary prostate cancer biopsies

Researchers have developed a new method to identify biomarkers for prostate cancer in urine samples, which can help reduce unnecessary biopsies. The test combines multiple components of urine and uses machine learning techniques to accurately predict disease status without invasive biopsy.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalThe Prostate·DateMar 9, 2020

How a virus forms its symmetric shells

A UC Riverside-led study reveals that an interplay of energies at the molecular level enables virus shells to form symmetrically. The research could inform the design of engineered nano-shells used in drug delivery, with potential benefits for targeted treatment and reduced toxicity.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 9, 2020

Climate variations may impact the base of the food web along the California coast

A recent study reveals that natural climate cycles significantly influence the base of the food web along the California coast. Climate changes can alter the timing and prevalence of phytoplankton and harmful algal blooms, which are crucial for understanding ecosystem responses to ocean warming.

SourceCalifornia Polytechnic State University·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·DateMar 9, 2020

Research uncovers a new way of making chiral catalysts

Researchers have developed a method to synthesize one-handed chiral rotaxanes, which can selectively bind to gold atoms and catalyze chemical reactions. This breakthrough enables the creation of single-handed chiral molecules, addressing potential issues with pharmaceutical drug efficacy.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalChem·DateMar 9, 2020

Vulnerable robots foster teamwork

A study found that robot vulnerability fosters teamwork by encouraging humans to spend more time talking to each other, leading to more positive team dynamics. The results suggest that designing artificial agents to promote social engagement can lead to improved human collaboration.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2020

Safety zone saves giant moons from fatal plunge

Numerical simulations reveal a 'safety zone' where warmer gas pushes satellites away from their parent planets, explaining the presence of single large moons like Titan. The findings support the idea that many large moons formed along with their parent planets.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·DateMar 9, 2020

Uncovering novel relationships between SLCs and cytotoxic drugs in human cells

Researchers uncovered how approximately 80% of screened cytotoxic compounds rely on solute carriers for activity, providing insights into drug mechanisms and SLC biology. The study also highlights the need for systematic surveys of transporter-drug relationships to develop more effective precision therapies.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 9, 2020

Brain activity and video popularity

Researchers used functional MRI scans to study brain activity while watching videos. Increased activity in certain brain regions predicted whether individuals would continue watching and even forecasted aggregate video view frequency and duration.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2020