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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 434


Page 434 of 512

Containing methane and its contribution to global warming

A new study reveals that implementing available technology can significantly reduce methane emissions and mitigate climate change. The study estimates that between 30% and 50% of future global methane emissions can be removed at a cost below 50 €/t CO2eq, but acknowledges the need for regional- and sector-specific approaches to mitigat...

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalEnvironmental Research Communications·DateFeb 28, 2020

How much does black carbon contribute to climate warming?

A new framework reconciles model simulations with laboratory and empirical observations, providing a more accurate understanding of black carbon's climate forcing effect. The study finds that black carbon particles are not uniformly coated, resulting in lower absorption rates than models suggest, but still contribute to climate warming.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 28, 2020

A dam right across the North Sea

A proposed North Sea dam could protect over 25 million Europeans from the consequences of a predicted sea level rise. The estimated cost of building such a dam is between 250-500 billion euros, which is relatively small compared to the potential costs of inaction.

SourceRoyal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateFeb 28, 2020

Asteroid impact enriches certain elements in seawater

Researchers have linked enriched chalcophile elements like copper and silver to the end-Cretaceous asteroid impact at the Yucatán Peninsula. These elements were likely supplied to the ocean through processes related to the impact, including iron oxides/hydroxides acting as a carrier phase.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateFeb 28, 2020

Inhalation therapy shows promise against pulmonary fibrosis in mice, rats

A new study from North Carolina State University found that lung stem cell secretions delivered via nebulizer can help repair lung injuries due to multiple types of pulmonary fibrosis in mice and rats. The treatment resulted in a nearly 50% reduction of fibrosis compared to mesenchymal stem cells counterparts.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 28, 2020

DIASyM cluster aims to exploit potential of mass spectrometry for systems medicine

The DIASyM research cluster will use state-of-the-art mass spectrometry to analyze blood parameters of patients with heart failure and compare them to healthy individuals. This will help identify biomarkers and understand the interactions between biological processes, leading to new approaches for diagnosis, therapy, and prevention.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·DateFeb 28, 2020

Eating a vegetarian diet rich in nuts, vegetables, soy linked to lower stroke risk

A recent study published in Neurology found that individuals who follow a vegetarian diet rich in nuts, vegetables, and soy have a lower risk of ischemic stroke. The study, which followed two groups of people from Buddhist communities in Taiwan for an average of six years, also found a significant reduction in overall stroke risk.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateFeb 27, 2020

MRI shows blood flow differs in men and women

A new study published in Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging found that healthy men and women have distinct blood flow characteristics in their hearts. The research used 4D flow MRI to analyze gender differences in the left ventricle, revealing higher kinetic energy in men and greater strain in women.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateFeb 27, 2020

New immunotherapeutic strategy shows promise in eradicating infectious biofilms

Researchers at Temple University Health System have developed a new monoclonal antibody that can break apart communities of harmful bacteria, allowing for more effective treatment of infections. The therapy has shown promise in eradicating biofilms on medical devices and reducing the risk of sepsis.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 27, 2020

Novel photocatalytic method converts biopolyols and sugars into methanol and syngas

Researchers developed a photocatalytic method to convert biomass-derived polyols and sugars into methanol and syngas, promoting a clean and renewable alternative to fossil fuels. The process uses UV light irradiation at room temperature and produces a mixture of CO, H2, and other gases, with CO selectivity up to 90%.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 27, 2020

Not falling far from tree: Ecologists study seed-to-seedling transitions

Researchers examined spatial patterns of seeds and surviving seedlings to understand mechanisms creating these patterns and potential for plant species coexistence. The study suggests that host-specific natural enemies may inhibit seedling survival near parent trees, leading to regular spacing of plants.

SourceUtah State University·JournalEcology·DateFeb 27, 2020

New algorithm tracks pediatric sepsis epidemiology using clinical data

Researchers developed a novel computational algorithm to track pediatric sepsis epidemiology, providing more accurate data on outcomes and incidence over time. The algorithm showed an increasing incidence of sepsis among hospital encounters and mortality rates remained stable.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalPediatric Critical Care Medicine·DateFeb 27, 2020

Extra olive virgin oil keeps healthy properties when used for cooking

Researchers simulated cooking conditions in a domestic kitchen to assess the degradation of antioxidants in extra virgin olive oil. The results show that cooking time and temperature affect the polyphenol content, with antioxidant levels decreasing by 40% to 120ºC and 75% at 170ºC.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalAntioxidants·DateFeb 27, 2020

Socially assistive robot helps children with autism learn

Researchers at USC developed personalized learning robots for children with autism, which could autonomously gauge engagement in long-term therapeutic interventions. The robots achieved 90% accuracy in detecting a child's interest in tasks.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScience Robotics·DateFeb 27, 2020

Researchers solve old biodiversity mystery

The study reveals that species richness is largely determined by the evolution of animal niches and their subsequent dispersal across the continent. The researchers used models to calculate species richness in South America and found a clear pattern following natural habitats or vegetation biomes.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 27, 2020

Illinois study shows universally positive effect of cover crops on soil microbiome

A new global analysis shows cover crops universally improve soil microbiome health, increasing microbial abundance, activity, and diversity. Factors such as climate, termination method, and tillage regime also impact the benefits of cover cropping on soil microbes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalSoil Biology and Biochemistry·DateFeb 27, 2020

Outsmarting pathogens

Scientists develop a new model to predict bacterial resistance to antibiotics and explore approaches for universal flu vaccines. Researchers also create a platform to accelerate drug development and study the impact of antibiotics on gut bacteria.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateFeb 27, 2020

A better way to detect underground water leaks

A new method has been proposed to swiftly and accurately detect underground water leaks in transmission mains. By assimilating data from pressure sensors into a mathematical model, the researchers claim faster results with higher accuracy than current methods, reducing computational costs and improving speed.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalWater Resources Research·DateFeb 27, 2020

Team deciphers how myotonic dystrophy generates lethal heart dysfunctions

A study published in Developmental Cell reveals that myotonic dystrophy's genetic abnormalities lead to the overproduction of an alternative-splicing factor that regulates protein processing. This triggers abnormal splicing of proteins essential for heart cell function, causing cardiac conduction defects.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateFeb 27, 2020

How enzymes build sugar trees

The study reveals the modular design of ALG6, an enzyme responsible for forming lipid-linked oligosaccharides, enabling its adaptation to various substrates. The researchers also developed methods for synthesizing complex glycans in the lab, providing new insights into LLO biosynthesis.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateFeb 27, 2020

Telecommuting found to have little impact on corporate careers

A new study by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute finds that telecommuters and non-telecommuters receive an equal number of promotions. However, telecommuters who signal a 'devotion' to their workplace through additional work hours outside normal working hours benefit in terms of both promotions and salary growth.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalJournal of Vocational Behavior·DateFeb 27, 2020

Fine particle air pollution linked with poor kidney health

A recent study found that exposure to fine particulate matter is associated with a higher degree of albuminuria and a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease. The study suggests that efforts to improve air quality may yield health benefits, including reducing rates of chronic kidney disease.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 27, 2020

Two NE tree species can be used in new sustainable building material

Researchers at UMass Amherst have identified eastern hemlock and eastern white pine as structurally sound for cross-laminated timber (CLT) use. The study finds that these trees can create jobs and support better forestry management, addressing climate change.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJournal of Materials in Civil Engineering·DateFeb 27, 2020

Identifying pathogenic genes in virus strains at a glance

Researchers are developing new algorithms to quickly compare genetic data from viruses, bacteria, and other organisms to identify pathogenic genes. This project, Pangaia, aims to make computer-assisted pangenomics faster and more user-friendly for biomedicine applications.

SourceBielefeld University·DateFeb 27, 2020

Distrust of past experience may underlie obsessive-compulsive symptoms

People with higher obsessive-compulsive symptoms tend to distrust their past experience, leading to increased uncertainty and exploratory behaviors. This study found that individuals with OCD have difficulty trusting acquired knowledge, resulting in an excessive need for updated evidence.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateFeb 27, 2020

Eat less, live longer

A new study by Salk scientists shows that caloric restriction can protect against aging in cellular pathways, reducing inflammation and increasing life span. The study found that 57% of age-related changes in cell composition were not present in rats on a restricted diet.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateFeb 27, 2020

Scientists discover new 'Jekyll and Hyde' immune cell

Researchers have identified a rare immune cell type that expresses both alpha-beta and gamma-delta T-cell receptors, which can both protect against infection and trigger autoimmune responses.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateFeb 27, 2020

Rare diseases - Key insights from small samples

A team of researchers has identified a membrane-associated protein crucial for human T-cell development and immune function. The study, published in Nature Communications, sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying rare genetic diseases that cause severe immune deficiencies.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 27, 2020

Polymers get caught up in love-hate chemistry of oil and water

Scientists studied oligomer self-assembly at an oil-water interface to create tunable, monolayer thick surfaces with custom properties. Adjusting ions in the water phase aided in forming well-defined interfaces and modifying surface size and shape.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 27, 2020

How does the brain put decisions in context? Study finds unexpected brain region at work

Researchers discovered the anterior lateral motor cortex plays a crucial role in integrating vast amounts of information to make decisions, surpassing previous understanding of its primary function. This finding highlights the brain's remarkable ability to adapt to context and informs scientists' larger understanding of brain function.

SourceThe Zuckerman Institute at Columbia University·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 27, 2020

The era of quantum supremacy is here

Researchers highlight successes and challenges of quantum computing in the NISQ era, a period where quantum computers approach evidence of quantum supremacy. Key findings include the development of new strategies to reduce measurement errors and the demonstration of programmability on quantum computers.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateFeb 27, 2020

Unlocking animal behavior through motion

Researchers use physics and technology to track animal movement, revealing key findings on flock behavior, neural network tracking, and burrowing forces. By analyzing animal motion, scientists gain a deeper understanding of collective behavior and individual animal actions.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateFeb 27, 2020

Study: The opioid crisis may be far worse than we thought

New research reveals that opioid-related deaths may be 28% higher than reported due to incomplete death records. The study found that almost 72% of unclassified drug overdoses involved prescription opioids, heroin, or fentanyl.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalAddiction·DateFeb 27, 2020

Climate change: Modeling the problem, searching for solutions

Researchers unveiled new methods to decode climate system behavior, develop recyclable composites, and explore alternative energy sources. These advancements aim to improve climate predictions, provide cost-effective adaptation strategies, and promote sustainable practices.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateFeb 27, 2020

Eco-friendly biodiesel from palm oil?

Researchers from the University of Göttingen found that using palm oil from first rotation plantations leads to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels. However, there is potential for carbon savings in plantations established on degraded land or by introducing longer rotation cycles or new oil palm varieties.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 27, 2020

Data centers use less energy than you think

A comprehensive analysis by Northwestern University and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that data center energy use has remained roughly flat over the past decade, despite increasing demand for data. The researchers made strategic policy recommendations to manage future growth in energy use.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateFeb 27, 2020

A molecular atlas of skin cells

A detailed molecular atlas of skin cells has been created, revealing over 50 different cell types and new variations of cell types. The study uncovers how cells are coordinated during hair growth and rest, providing vital knowledge on the flexibility of the skin.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateFeb 27, 2020