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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 464


Page 464 of 512

Social media users 'copy' friends' eating habits

A new study from Aston University found that social media users are influenced by their friends' eating habits. The research suggests that those who believe their friends consume junk food are more likely to overeat themselves. In contrast, those who think their friends eat healthy diets tend to consume more portions of fruit and veg.

SourceAston University·JournalAppetite·DateFeb 6, 2020

Story tips: Fusion squeeze, global image mapping, computing mental health, Na+ batteries

Researchers have developed a new computational tool for simulating fusion plasmas, which could help hold and squeeze superheated gas in extreme conditions. Additionally, scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have created an approach to scan massive datasets of large-scale satellite images more efficiently, allowing for faster map...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalEnergy Storage Materials·DateFeb 6, 2020

What decides the ferromagnetism in the non-encapsulated few-layer CrI3

Researchers have found that non-encapsulated few-layer CrI3 has a rhombohedral structure at low temperatures, contradicting previous findings. The study also shows spin-phonon coupling occurring below 60K, which affects the Hamiltonian of Raman modes and has potential implications for novel spintronic devices

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Materials·DateFeb 6, 2020

Sugar ants' preference for pee may reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Researchers at the University of South Australia found that sugar ants prefer higher concentrations of urea in urine, which could reduce nitrous oxide emissions. The discovery shows a symbiotic relationship between ants and vertebrates in dry environments, highlighting the importance of nitrogen cycling.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalAustral Ecology·DateFeb 6, 2020

Bridging the gap between AI and the clinic

Researchers developed an open-source app to interactively explore predictive algorithms for meningioma patients. The models effectively predicted outcomes in individual patients, but further refinements are needed using larger datasets.

SourceMcGill University·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2020

Researchers develop a roadmap for growth of new solar cells

A new study outlines a roadmap for perovskite-based solar cells to gain traction in the global market. Starting with higher-value niche markets, manufacturers can avoid steep initial capital costs and gradually expand production capabilities.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJoule·DateFeb 6, 2020

New tool monitors real time mutations in flu

A Rutgers-led team has created a tool to monitor live influenza A virus mutations in real time, allowing for the analysis of viral RNA without killing cells. This breakthrough could aid virologists in understanding and stopping viral replication.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateFeb 6, 2020

Scientists discover how rogue communications between cells lead to leukemia

Researchers at the University of York discovered that mutations in stem cells can cause blood cancer by disrupting normal cell communication. The study used super-resolution microscopy to observe how cells receive instructions from signalling proteins, leading to uncontrolled signals and imbalance in healthy blood cells.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalScience·DateFeb 6, 2020

UTA study examines potential sources of groundwater contamination in private wells

A UTA study found that only five of 36 private water wells showed signs of contamination from unconventional oil and gas development. The study suggests collaborations with trained citizens to collect reliable measurements for better understanding the environmental implications of shale energy extraction.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateFeb 6, 2020

Natural compound in vegetables helps fight fatty liver disease

Researchers have discovered that indole, a natural compound found in gut bacteria and cruciferous vegetables, can reduce inflammation and fatty deposits in the liver. This study provides hope for new treatments and preventive measures for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalHepatology·DateFeb 6, 2020

Computer simulation for understanding brain cancer growth

Researchers developed a three-dimensional model that realistically models cancer mechano-biology while maintaining resolution power, enabling cost-effective simulations. The BioDynaMo platform provides a software platform for scientists and medics to create, run, and visualize 3D agent-based biological simulations.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalMethods·DateFeb 6, 2020

A new approach to calm that angry nose

A new study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that semaphorin protein contributes to allergic reactions and development of nasal polyps in patients with eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis. Elevated levels of semaphorin protein were associated with disease severity.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateFeb 6, 2020

Recognize and control new variants of the deadly Ebola virus more quickly

A new test developed by a German Center for Infection Research team allows for quick characterization of the genetic material of ebolaviruses, enabling specific diagnostic tests and efficient outbreak control measures. This breakthrough could help reduce the number of lives lost to Ebola outbreaks.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalEurosurveillance·DateFeb 6, 2020

Antioxidant reverses BPD-induced fertility damage in worms

A study published in Genetics found that Coenzyme Q10 reversed most of the reproductive harms caused by exposure to BPA in Caenorhabditis elegans worms. The antioxidant improved or reversed multiple types of damage, including lower rates of egg cell death and fewer chromosome abnormalities.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalGenetics·DateFeb 6, 2020

Chemical found in drinking water linked to tooth decay in children

A new study by West Virginia University researchers links higher concentrations of perfluorodecanoic acid in children's blood to increased tooth decay rates. The chemical, found in some drinking water systems, may disrupt the healthy development of enamel, making teeth more susceptible to cavities.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalJournal of Public Health Dentistry·DateFeb 6, 2020

Researchers recommend early walking in a brace for Achilles tendon rupture

A new study found that early walking in a brace provides similar outcomes to plaster casting with no increase in the risk of complications. The UKSTAR trial randomized 540 participants and showed better early outcomes for patients who immediate weight bear in a walking boot, leading to potential reduced immobilization time.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 6, 2020

Psychology: High volumes of mental health-related tweets associated with crisis referrals

A study published in Scientific Reports found that high volumes of mental health-related tweets were associated with a significant increase in crisis referrals to two London hospitals. The researchers analyzed data from 2010-2014 and observed a 5-15% rise in crisis episodes on days with higher-than-average tweet activity discussing dep...

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 6, 2020

Why bumble bees are going extinct in time of 'climate chaos'

Researchers at the University of Ottawa develop a new technique to predict the impact of climate change on species extinction risk, finding that bumble bee populations are disappearing in areas with hotter temperatures. The study's findings suggest a future with fewer bumble bees and reduced diversity, both in the wild and on our plates.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalScience·DateFeb 6, 2020

Mosquitoes seek heat using repurposed ancestral cooling receptor

Researchers identified a key driver of heat-seeking behavior in Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes, a primary vector of malaria transmission, by repurposing an ancestral thermoreceptor. Blocking this receptor significantly reduced the ability of female mosquitoes to find blood sources.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 6, 2020

Cedars-Sinai to study how fat may promote cancer spread to liver

A Cedars-Sinai team will investigate the interplay between dietary fat and fatty liver disease to understand how cancer spreads to the liver and find ways to block it. The study aims to identify key mechanisms that allow cancer to spread to the liver and develop potential treatments.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·DateFeb 6, 2020

Marine biology: Whales coordinate deep dives to evade predators

Researchers analyzed data from 26 beaked whales using sensors that tracked their depths and sounds. The study found that the whales performed closely coordinated deep dives to forage using echolocation while limiting vocalizations at shallow depths to avoid killer whale attacks.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 6, 2020

Setting up fundamental bases for information metasurface

A general information theory of metasurface has been proposed to analyze the relation between the information of metasurface and its far-field radiation pattern. The scientists found an upper bound of information contained in the radiation pattern of a metasurface, revealing theoretical upper limit of orthogonal radiation states.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateFeb 6, 2020

Stopping onchocerciasis on two sides of a border

Researchers successfully coordinated MDA to stop onchocerciasis transmission in Sudan and Ethiopia, demonstrating the effectiveness of binational cooperation. The study marked the first known interruption of transmission across international borders.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateFeb 6, 2020

Half of lupus rashes harbor high levels of bacteria responsible for infections

Researchers found that 50% of lupus skin rashes contained high levels of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. A protein called interferon increases the stickiness of staph to the skin. This discovery highlights the increased risk of infection and spreading in lupus patients.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateFeb 6, 2020

Study: Two enzymes control liver damage in NASH

University of California San Diego School of Medicine researchers identify a molecular pathway that allows nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) to progress into liver cell death. They found that suppressing AMPK and increasing caspase-6 activity can stop progression from fatty liver to NASH and subsequent liver cell death.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·DateFeb 6, 2020

Collaboration lets researchers 'read' proteins for new properties

A collaborative research effort has identified key amino acid sequences responsible for liquid-liquid phase separation in proteins. The study's findings reveal that spacers play a crucial role in diluting the interaction strength of sticky amino acids, allowing proteins to condense into liquids.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScience·DateFeb 6, 2020

Words matter when it comes to apparel for people living with disabilities

A new study from the University of Missouri suggests that the term 'adaptive' can be stigmatizing for consumers with disabilities. The researchers recommend using more inclusive descriptors in marketing and communications strategies to promote universal design and inclusive products.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalClothing and Textiles Research Journal·DateFeb 6, 2020

Graphene mapping 50 times faster

Researchers at UT University have developed an algorithm that improves Raman spectroscopy's signal-to-noise ratio, allowing for faster graphene mapping. The technique can also be applied to other two-dimensional materials, such as germanene and silicene.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateFeb 6, 2020

Oh my aching back: Do yoga, tai chi or qigong help?

A comprehensive review of movement-based mind-body interventions found yoga, tai chi, and qigong to be effective in treating chronic lower back pain. The studies showed reductions in pain intensity, disability, and improved functional ability, with longer duration and high-dose yoga intervention and tai chi showing greater benefits.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalHolistic Nursing Practice·DateFeb 6, 2020

Brain tumor surgery that pushes boundaries boosts patients survival

A retrospective study by researchers at UC San Francisco found that removing the non-contrast-enhancing tumor increases survival for adults with glioblastoma. Patients with IDH-mutant tumors who underwent resections of both contrast-enhancing and non-contrast-enhancing tumor had a significantly longer average survival time, around 37.3...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateFeb 6, 2020

Experimental fingerprint test can distinguish between those who have taken or handled cocaine

Researchers at the University of Surrey developed an experimental fingerprint detection approach that can identify traces of cocaine on human skin even after washing hands. The test distinguishes between individuals who have consumed and those who have handled cocaine, utilizing a molecule produced in the body when cocaine is ingested.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 6, 2020

Direct synthesis of azulene continues to reveal alluring properties

Researchers at Shinshu University successfully synthesized 2-arylazulene, a breakthrough that enables the production of azulene derivatives on a larger scale. The study also revealed unexpected fluorescence properties in acidic conditions, which the team is investigating to elucidate.

SourceShinshu University·JournalChemical Communications·DateFeb 6, 2020

Microglia regulate forgetting in the adult brain

A recent study has shown that microglia regulate forgetting in the adult brain by weakening and eliminating synapses connecting engram neurons. Inhibiting microglial activity or depleting them prevents forgetting, while intact microglia facilitate the dissociation of engram cells, leading to memory erasure.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 6, 2020

Researchers study elephants' unique interactions with their dead

Researchers found that elephants display a generalized interest in their dead, with common behaviors including touching, approaching, and investigating carcasses. This suggests that elephants may be experiencing some form of emotional response to death, potentially related to grief or memory.

SourceSan Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance·JournalPrimates·DateFeb 6, 2020

Global study maps cancer mutations in large catalogue

Researchers have compiled a global catalogue of cancer mutations to help doctors tailor treatments and improve patient outcomes. The study found that 95% of cancer occurrences can be explained by genetic mutations, paving the way for precision medicine.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature·DateFeb 6, 2020

Breathing may change your mind about free will

Research at EPFL suggests that breathing patterns influence conscious decision-making and acts of free will. The study found that voluntary actions are linked to the body's internal state, particularly during exhalation.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 6, 2020

New robot does superior job sampling blood

A new robot created by Rutgers University has performed as well or better than humans in blood sampling, providing quick results and reducing complications. The device includes an ultrasound-guided robot that draws blood from veins, and could be used in various medical procedures to improve patient outcomes.

SourceRutgers University·JournalTECHNOLOGY·DateFeb 6, 2020

Gaps remain in rural opioid crisis research

A new study by Rutgers University and colleagues highlights the need for more research on rural opioid crisis treatment, citing barriers to access and inadequate resources. The researchers recommend expanded telemedicine, low-cost technology-assisted treatment, transportation subsidies, and pharmacy legislation changes.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse·DateFeb 6, 2020