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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 442


Page 442 of 512

Why monkeys choose to drink alone

Researchers at Yale University found a unique brain signature associated with pro-social and anti-social decisions in monkeys. Monkeys prefer to drink alone when faced with the option of sharing fruit juice with another monkey.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 24, 2020

Want to catch a photon? Start by silencing the sun

Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology have developed a 3D imaging system that uses light's quantum properties to create images 40,000 times crisper than current technologies. The system, which employs Quantum Parametric Mode Sorting (QPMS), reduces single-photon noise by exponentially cleaning up noisy images.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 24, 2020

As oceans warm, fish flee

A new study warns that ocean warming will lead to the loss of commercial fish species, with tropical nations facing significant economic and ecological impacts. The research highlights the lack of policy interventions to address this issue, but suggests that international cooperation could mitigate losses and preserve resources.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Sustainability·DateFeb 24, 2020

Antibodies: the body's own antidepressants

Researchers have found that autoantibodies against the NMDA receptor can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety when they enter the brain. The level of these autoantibodies increases with age and is higher in people subjected to chronic stress, but may also play a positive role in reducing depressive symptoms.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateFeb 24, 2020

When coronavirus is not alone

A team of complexity scientists have developed a 'meme' model for multiple diseases, revealing that interacting contagious diseases follow the same complex spreading patterns as social trends. The study found that even one more contagion can dramatically shift dynamics and trigger macroscopic jumps in epidemic size.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 24, 2020

Swarming robots avoid collisions, traffic jams

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a decentralized algorithm that enables swarms of robots to form shapes and avoid collisions. The algorithm views the ground as a grid, allowing each robot to sense its closest neighbors and make local decisions without global information.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Robotics·DateFeb 24, 2020

Engaging with schizophrenia -- experts argue for new approaches to treatment

Researchers at the University of Birmingham suggest integrating various theories to inform clinical practice. They propose a new approach that acknowledges patients' sense of self is disrupted in schizophrenia. By focusing on how patients can lead fulfilling lives with their symptoms, clinicians can improve treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateFeb 24, 2020

Defects add color to quantum systems

Researchers at Stanford University have found a way to identify and control colorful defects in hexagonal boron nitride, a material that can emit bright light as a single photon. This breakthrough has the potential to create predictable sources of quantum light, a crucial component for future quantum technologies.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 24, 2020

Living cell imaging technique sheds light on molecular view of obesity

Researchers at Utah State University developed a novel sensing optical imaging nanoprobe to track cellular events leading to obesity. The probes enable researchers to monitor multiple surface receptors on individual cells, providing an unprecedented view of cellular surface activity.

SourceUtah State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 24, 2020

Animal lacking a mitochondrial genome

Researchers have identified a jellyfish-like animal, Henneguya salminicola, that lacks a mitochondrial genome and aerobic respiration. This finding sheds light on the evolutionary transition from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism in certain multicellular animals.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 24, 2020

The 'purrfect' music for calming cats

Researchers at LSU found that cats were less stressed when played cat-specific music, with lower cat stress scores and handling scale scores compared to classical music and no music. The study suggests that cat-specific music may benefit both cat welfare and owner experience.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·DateFeb 24, 2020

Climate change will cause a loss of olive production in Andalusia

Climate change is projected to reduce the suitable area for growing most olive varieties in Andalusia, particularly Nevadillo, Manzanilla, Lechín, and Picudo, due to less rainfall and soil humidity loss. However, the Picual variety may see an increase in suitable areas in higher regions like Alpujarra.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateFeb 24, 2020

'Make two out of one' -- division of artificial cells

Researchers at Max Planck Institute have achieved unprecedented control over the shape transformations and division process of artificial cells by anchoring low densities of proteins to the cell membranes. This simplified mechanism does not depend on precise molecular interactions, making it a promising tool for synthetic biology.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 24, 2020

Camera trap study captures Sumatran tigers, clouded leopards, other rare beasts

A recent camera trap study in Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park in southern Sumatra has captured images of dozens of species, including critically endangered Sumatran tigers and Sunda pangolins. The study provides valuable insights into the habits and habitats of these rare beasts.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAnimal Biodiversity and Conservation·DateFeb 24, 2020

A promising new strategy to help broken bones heal faster

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed an affordable oral therapy to help broken bones heal faster in people with diabetes. The therapy, grown in plants, uses a protein called insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) to stimulate bone-building cells and promote bone regeneration.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalBiomaterials·DateFeb 24, 2020

Algal darkening of Greenland ice sheet

Algae found in glaciers thrive under extreme conditions, absorbing UV light and producing energy to drive surface melt. Darkening of the Greenland Ice Sheet accelerates surface melt, with algal biomass contributing to its melt, according to a new study.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 24, 2020

The seismicity of Mars

The NASA InSight lander has recorded over 450 marsquakes on Mars, providing insights into the planet's internal structure and tectonic activity. The data reveals a stronger attenuation in the upper mantle compared to the lower mantle, indicating a more fractured crust.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Geoscience·DateFeb 24, 2020

Technology in higher education: learning with it instead of from it

Researchers at the University of Missouri have discovered that activity-based learning with technology fosters student creativity and innovation. By incorporating digital tools, professors can encourage students to develop original ideas and work collaboratively towards novel solutions.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalComputers & Education·DateFeb 24, 2020

Extra chromosomes in cancers can be good or bad

Research reveals some extra chromosomes in cancer cells can inhibit metastasis and even increase survival rates for patients. A study published in Developmental Cell found beneficial aneuploidies associated with increased survival, contrary to the long-held notion that aneuploidy always skews gene activity towards aggressive cancers.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateFeb 24, 2020

The dangers facing fireflies

Fireflies face numerous threats, including habitat loss and artificial light pollution, which can harm their bioluminescent displays and overall survival. Conservation efforts, such as preserving habitats and reducing insecticide use, can help improve firefly populations and mitigate these threats.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateFeb 24, 2020

New method gives glaucoma researchers control over eye pressure

Neuroscientists at the University of South Florida have developed a method to regulate eye pressure, which is sufficient to cause and explain glaucoma. The new technique enables direct knowledge and control of eye pressure, removing experimental variability and enabling systematic studies.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 24, 2020

How sleep helps teens deal with social stress

Adequate sleep is crucial for teenagers to navigate challenging social situations and cope with ethnic or racial bias. The study found that getting a good night's sleep helps teens problem-solve more effectively and seek peer support when faced with hardships.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalChild Development·DateFeb 24, 2020

Rice scientists simplify access to drug building block

The Rice University team has introduced an inexpensive organic synthesis technique that catalyzes the transfer of nitrogen atoms to olefins, making valuable pharmaceutical precursors. The process combines nitrogen and hydrogen atoms in triangular aziridine products, which are readily available to react with other agents.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Catalysis·DateFeb 24, 2020

Modern technology reveals old secrets about the great, white Maya road

Researchers used lidar technology to study the ancient Maya road, revealing over 8,000 tree-shrouded structures along its 100-kilometer length. The road connected two cities, Cobá and Yaxuná, and was built to incorporate preexisting settlements, suggesting a geo-political motivation.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateFeb 24, 2020

Marijuana use among older adults in US

A study analyzing national survey data found that cannabis use increased significantly among women, racial/ethnic minorities, and those with higher incomes or education levels. The proportion of adults who reported past-year marijuana use rose from 2.4% to 4.2% between 2015-2018.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 24, 2020

'CRISPR: A Screener's Guide' headlines the March edition of SLAS Discovery

The discovery of CRISPR-Cas9 systems has revolutionized pharmaceutical research by allowing for industrial-scale gene editing and functional genomic screening. This enables the identification of new biological targets for precision medicines and the exploration of mechanisms of drug resistance and sensitivity ahead of clinical trials.

SourceSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)·JournalSLAS DISCOVERY·DateFeb 24, 2020

Life expectancy and lifespan equality

A study analyzing data from 49 countries and regions found that increased lifespan equality is associated with higher life expectancy. High reductions in mortality at young ages contribute to both increased life expectancy and greater lifespan equality.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 24, 2020

Neural cells speed up function in 3D bioprinted skeletal muscle constructs

Researchers at Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine have developed a way to accelerate functional muscle regeneration by integrating neural cells into 3D bioprinted skeletal muscle constructs. The study, published in Nature Communications, demonstrates the potential for these constructs to restore normal muscle weight and fu...

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 24, 2020

APS tip sheet: Listening to bursting bubbles

Researchers analyzed the acoustics of a bursting soap bubble to decipher the origin of the popping sound, finding that forces exerted by the liquid film create the pop. This study demonstrates how sound signatures can be harnessed to measure forces during violent events.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 24, 2020

Google Award for next generation Deep Learning education

Professor Mary-Anne Williams from the University of Technology Sydney wins a Google TensorFlow Faculty Award to develop educational content with TensorFlow 2.0 and design machine learning experiences. The award aims to support responsible AI technologies that people can understand and trust.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·DateFeb 23, 2020

Experts map future of family caregiving research

A new supplement from The Gerontological Society of America outlines 10 research priorities to better support the needs of family caregivers. These priorities aim to address gaps in current literature and provide concrete directions for future research on family caregiving intervention.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·JournalThe Gerontologist·DateFeb 23, 2020

How earthquakes deform gravity

A new algorithm can detect changes in gravity caused by earthquakes, potentially leading to earlier warnings and more accurate predictions. The signal is generated by the sudden shift in the earth's internal mass during an earthquake, and its detection could help identify strong earthquakes that may trigger tsunamis.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateFeb 21, 2020

Antidepressant harms baby neurons in lab-grown 'mini-brains'

Researchers use lab-grown 'mini-brains' to detect harmful side effects of paroxetine on developing brain cells, revealing reduced synapse growth and support-cell populations. The study suggests mini-brains as a promising alternative to animal testing for detecting neurodevelopmental effects of drugs.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalFrontiers in Cellular Neuroscience·DateFeb 21, 2020

Study detects abnormally low levels of a key protein in brains of young men with autism

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital used cutting-edge imaging technology to detect abnormally low levels of a key protein in the brains of young men with autism. The study suggests that these low levels may be linked to inflammation and metabolism, and could have important implications for understanding the origins of autism.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateFeb 21, 2020

New probe developed to detect a common target of anti-inflammatory drugs

Researchers at Beckman Institute have developed a new probe named CoxFluor that selectively detects Cyclooxygenase-2, an enzyme driving cancer progression. The probe's ability to distinguish between COX-2 and COX-1 could lead to innovative anti-inflammatory and cancer therapy strategies.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateFeb 21, 2020

Brain cells protect muscles from wasting away

Researchers found that a mere four glial cells in the worm's brain control the stress response in cells throughout its body, increasing lifespan by 75%. This discovery suggests that brain cells may play a crucial role in protecting muscles from wasting away, and potentially lead to new treatments for muscle atrophy and obesity.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateFeb 21, 2020

Greener spring, warmer air

A recent study by the Institute of Atmospheric Physics found that advanced leaf-out timing enhances annual surface warming in the Northern Hemisphere. The study revealed that early sprouting and opening leaves intensify water vapor release, leading to snow and cloud cover anomalies in northern high latitudes.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Climate Change·DateFeb 21, 2020

New torula yeast product as digestible as fish meal in weanling pig diets

A new University of Illinois study shows that amino acids from a torula yeast product are more digestible by young pigs than those from fish meal. The yeast-based protein ingredient was found to provide the same amount of digestible amino acids and metabolizable energy as fish meal, but with lower phosphorus content.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateFeb 21, 2020

Deciphering the mechanism that determines organ size and shape

Researchers at IRB Barcelona discovered that Dpp and Wg morphogens stimulate growth through independent pathways, regulating organ proportions. The findings have significant implications for understanding malformations and congenital diseases in humans.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateFeb 21, 2020