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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 424


Page 424 of 512

PET imaging offers new insights into post-transplant care for heart patients

Researchers used PET myocardial perfusion imaging to quantify myocardial blood flow and flow reserve, successfully detecting cardiac allograft vasculopathy and predicting prognosis. The study found MFR had higher accuracy in predicting overall prognosis for cardiac transplant patients.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateMar 5, 2020

Skoltech scientists break Google's quantum algorithm

A team of Skoltech scientists discovered reachability deficits in the widely adopted QAOA algorithm, limiting its ability to solve certain problems. The study found that QAOA's performance depends on the problem density, with high-density instances having optimal solutions that cannot be approximated with guaranteed success.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 5, 2020

App, AI work together to provide rapid at-home assessment of coronavirus risk

A new coronavirus app coupled with machine intelligence will enable individuals to get an at-home risk assessment based on their symptoms and travel history. The app will also provide real-time information to local and public health officials, aiding in the targeting of prevention and treatment initiatives.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateMar 5, 2020

All-solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries with high capacity and long life

The researchers developed a low-cost and straightforward liquid phase process to create an active sulfur material and carbon nanofiber composite. This composite showed higher discharge capacity and better cycle stability than traditional lithium-ion secondary batteries. The new battery technology has the potential to revolutionize the ...

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·DateMar 5, 2020

New approach to sustainable building takes shape in Boston

The new Boston building will be one of the largest residential wooden structures in the US, featuring a cross-laminated timber structure that eliminates most greenhouse-gas emissions. Its kit-of-parts approach and energy-efficient design make it a pioneering example of sustainable building in urban areas.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMar 5, 2020

Researchers question reliability of common autistic personality test

A new study published in Experimental Results journal found that a commonly used autism screening tool, the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ10) questionnaire, lacks reliability in measuring autistic personality traits. The researchers suggest that new systems are needed to better capture the range of autistic traits across the population.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalExperimental Results·DateMar 5, 2020

Illness won't stop vampire bat moms from caring for their offspring

A study on vampire bats found that mothers continued to groom and feed their healthy offspring despite feeling sick, suggesting a strong family connection. Social grooming among unrelated bats decreased when they were ill, but food sharing remained consistent, highlighting the importance of social behavior in survival.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateMar 5, 2020

Using holograms helps in studying the quality of composite materials

Researchers developed a digital holography method for assessing composite materials' quality, particularly ceramic spraying materials. This technique allows for precise analysis without distorting results or requiring sensor installation.

SourceImmanuel Kant Baltic Federal University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics·DateMar 5, 2020

Is life a game of chance?

A new study suggests that life in the universe is likely to be common, but only under specific conditions. The research, led by Professor Tomonori Totani, found that complex RNA structures necessary for life to exist may have formed spontaneously in vast regions of space beyond our observable horizon.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 5, 2020

UConn researchers discover new stem cells that can generate new bone

Researchers at UConn School of Dental Medicine have discovered a population of stem cells residing along vascular channels in bone that can generate new bone-forming cells. These perivascular cells may regulate bone formation and participate in bone mass maintenance.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalStem Cells·DateMar 5, 2020

X-ray eyes peer deeper into deadly pathogen

A new study reveals unprecedented details of the bacterium Francisella tularensis' key membrane protein Flpp3, responsible for its virulence. The researchers used X-ray free electron laser technology to gather detailed structural information, which will help develop targeted drugs and effective vaccines against tularemia.

SourceArizona State University·JournalStructure·DateMar 5, 2020

Microcensus in bacteria

Researchers discovered that bacteria, specifically Bacillus subtilis, can sense the ratios of different bacterial groups in their environment. This ability allows them to adjust their behavior and make informed decisions about their surroundings.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 5, 2020

Cool beans: A vertical crop fit for Africa's changing climate and nutritional gaps

A new study proposes climbing beans as an intensification solution to increase yield and meet Africa's growing demand for food. Climbing beans can adapt to Africa's future climates in several ways, including intensifying cultivation in high-producing areas.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalMitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change·DateMar 5, 2020

Hong Kong study shows best practices protect healthcare workers from COVID-19

A Hong Kong study found that applying best practices for infection control, including handwashing and wearing personal protective equipment, prevented healthcare worker infections during the COVID-19 outbreak. Researchers tested over 1,275 cases and treated 42 active confirmed cases without any hospital-acquired infections.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateMar 5, 2020

Neural hardware for image recognition in nanoseconds

A new chip has been developed at TU Wien that can recognize certain objects within nanoseconds, leveraging artificial intelligence and a special material. The chip integrates the neural network with its AI directly into the image sensor, making object recognition faster by many orders of magnitude.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature·DateMar 5, 2020

Preventing spread of SARS coronavirus-2 in humans

Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 requires the protease TMPRSS2 to enter host cells, a target for therapeutic intervention. The drug camostat mesilate, approved for pancreatic inflammation, shows promise in blocking virus entry into lung cells.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalCell·DateMar 5, 2020

Bacteria killed by new light-activated coating

A new light-activated coating has been developed that successfully kills bacteria in low-intensity ambient light, including <em>Clostridioides difficile</em> and <em>Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus</em>. The coating works by producing hydrogen peroxide, a mild reagent used in contact lens cleaner solutions.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 5, 2020

Native Americans and higher cigarette use: Stereotype goes up in smoke

A recent study by the University of Arizona Health Sciences found that Native Americans do not have inherently higher cigarette use rates, contrary to long-held stereotypes. After adjusting for income and education levels, white Americans were more likely to use cigarettes daily and be nicotine dependent.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateMar 5, 2020

Social isolation could cause physical inflammation

Researchers found that social isolation is associated with increased inflammation in the body, particularly in males. Inflammation can lead to various health issues, including cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalNeuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews·DateMar 5, 2020

Study finds music therapy helps stroke patients

A new study has found that music therapy sessions have a positive effect on the neurorehabilitation of acute stroke patients. The research, conducted at Anglia Ruskin University, showed that NMT helped improve mood regulation, concentration, and brain function through neural reorganisation.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalTopics in Stroke Rehabilitation·DateMar 5, 2020

Solving a mystery in 126 dimensions

Researchers from UNSW Sydney have successfully analyzed the complex structure of benzene in 126 dimensions, shedding light on its stability and interactions. The discovery reveals unexpected electron behavior, where up-spin double-bonded electrons interact with down-spin single-bonded electrons.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 5, 2020

Triglycerides control neurons in the reward circuit

Scientists at CNRS have discovered that triglycerides interact with certain neurons in the brain's reward circuit, reducing their excitability and strengthening reward-seeking behavior. The study also found a correlation between blood triglyceride levels and brain activity in response to food odors.

SourceCNRS·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 5, 2020

ACM publishes new journal on the Internet of Things

The ACM Transactions on Internet of Things (TIOT) journal chronicles the transformative development of the IoT. The journal covers a broad range of topics, including low-power wireless networking, embedded systems, data analytics, and security, with a strong emphasis on experimental validation.

SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·JournalACM Transactions on Internet of Things·DateMar 5, 2020

Caffeine boosts problem-solving ability but not creativity, study indicates

A recent study by University of Arkansas researcher Darya Zabelina found that caffeine significantly improves convergent thinking, while having no impact on divergent thinking. Caffeine consumption did not affect working memory, but improved mood and reduced feelings of sadness in test subjects.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalConsciousness and Cognition·DateMar 5, 2020

Pesticides increase the risk of schistosomiasis, a tropical disease

Researchers found that pesticide-contaminated freshwater bodies support larger snail populations, which can increase the risk of schistosomiasis. The study suggests reducing pesticide use near waterways and improving sewage systems as key measures to mitigate the disease.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 5, 2020

One step closer to understanding the human brain

An international team of scientists has launched a comprehensive overview of all proteins expressed in the human brain, published in Science. The Brain Atlas resource offers medical researchers an unprecedented resource to deepen their understanding of neurobiology.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience·DateMar 5, 2020

The arrival of the laptop in the classroom and parental mediation

A study examines family views on eduCAT1x1 programme, finding parents feel unrest managing out-of-school laptop uses, which compete with academic activities. The research suggests the need to coordinate education reforms with family dynamics.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalRevista Complutense de Educación·DateMar 5, 2020

New sleep method strengthens brain's ability to retain memories

Researchers at Tel Aviv University and Weizmann Institute of Science developed a new sleep method that uses smell to strengthen memory retention in the brain. The technique, which administers a specific scent to one nostril, has shown promise in boosting memory consolidation during sleep.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 5, 2020

City fox and country fox

Researchers identified two genetically distinct 'urban' and 'rural' fox populations in Berlin, influenced by physical barriers and human activity levels. Foxes from the city population are bolder but prefer to avoid areas of high human activity, highlighting their risk management strategies.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateMar 5, 2020

Longest microwave quantum link

Researchers at ETH Zurich create a five-metre long microwave quantum link, demonstrating the feasibility of quantum local networks. The breakthrough could enable the development of powerful quantum computers by connecting smaller devices in a cluster.

SourceETH Zurich·DateMar 5, 2020

Engineered bone marrow cells slow growth of prostate and pancreatic cancer cells

A study published in Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer found that introducing bone marrow cells with a specific gene deletion can induce an immune response against prostate and pancreatic cancer cells. The technique, known as adoptive cell therapy, uses patients' own marrow cells to target cancer.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·DateMar 5, 2020

New next-generation sequencing technique dramatically shortens diagnosis of sepsis

A new next-generation sequencing technique using real-time nanopore sequencing can analyze tiny amounts of microbial cell-free DNA, offering accurate diagnosis of sepsis-causing agents within hours. The technique achieved a 3.5-fold increase in sequencing throughput and allowed for pathogen identification within minutes.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateMar 5, 2020

First real-time observation of the chaos within 3D liquid crystals

Researchers created a 3D nematic system using bacteriophage virus particles and microtubules to study the motion of defects in real-time. They found excitations in 3D nematics were primarily disclination lines and loops that can nucleate, shrink, open and merge.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 5, 2020

AI reveals differences in appearance of cancer tissue between racial populations

Researchers used AI to analyze digitized images of cancer tissues and found critical variations between black and white male patients, which could improve care for black patients with prostate cancer. The study suggests that there are biological differences in the disease that cannot be explained by other disparities.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateMar 5, 2020

Water splitting observed on the nanometer scale

Researchers developed a new investigation method to study electrocatalytic water splitting on gold surfaces with high spatial resolution. The study found that surfaces with nanometer-scale protrusions split water more efficiently than flat surfaces.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Polymer Research·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 5, 2020

Many Lyme disease cases go unreported; a new model could help change that

A new model developed by Columbia University researchers identifies areas in the US where Lyme disease cases are likely to go unreported. The model, based on 17 years of data, helps predict the trajectory of Lyme disease spread, allowing authorities to alert physicians and the public to early treatment opportunities.

SourceColumbia University·JournalJAMA·DateMar 5, 2020

Chlamydia build their own entrance into human cells

Researchers discovered that Chlamydia uses the host cell's endocytosis mechanism to invade by producing SemC, which changes the membrane curvature. This process is essential for infection, and reducing SNX9 protein levels makes it harder for the bacteria to infect cells.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 5, 2020

Layered solar cell technology boosts efficiency, affordability

Researchers at CU Boulder have developed a low-cost solar cell with one of the highest power-conversion efficiencies to date by layering perovskite cells on top of silicon cells. The new technology increases efficiency by up to 27% and is more affordable than current silicon-based cells.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience·DateMar 5, 2020

App helps reduce osteoarthritis pain

A new mobile app has been shown to reduce osteoarthritis pain and improve physical function in patients by an average of 43% over six months. The study, published in PLOS ONE, used a mobile app to track daily exercises and provide information on the disease, with results exceeding expectations.

SourceLund University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 5, 2020