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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 479


Page 479 of 512

Studying the geometry of a common skin disease

Hives affect 1 in 5 people, and researchers used a mathematical model to recreate the patterns of hives. The study suggests that certain mechanisms may inhibit histamine release, adding complexity to the disease. The findings will help create a more detailed picture of how the skin disease develops.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJan 28, 2020

AI could deceive us as much as the human eye does in the search for extraterrestrials

A Spanish neuropsychologist used an artificial neural network to analyze how humans and machines recognize planetary images, revealing that AI can detect shapes that humans miss and vice versa. The results have implications for the search for extraterrestrial life and highlight the need for caution in AI's implementation.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalActa Astronautica·DateJan 28, 2020

Rethinking land conservation to protect species that will need to move with climate change

A new study suggests that accounting for climate change in conservation planning can effectively protect biodiversity, but may come at a higher cost. Researchers analyzed 1,460 species and found that unless climate change impacts are considered, 14% would not have a viable place to live.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateJan 28, 2020

A better building block for creating new materials

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered a way to synthesize organic 'Legos' that can be easily connected to make new materials. The new method uses electricity to create thin films of 2D sheets stacked in multiple layers, resulting in lightweight and heat-tolerant materials with enhanced properties.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 28, 2020

'Scrambled' cells fix themselves

Researchers at University of Montreal found that human cells scramble their membrane fat to fix holes caused by microbes, preventing cell damage. The discovery identifies a molecule, TMEM16F, that can repair these holes and protect humans from certain diseases.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 28, 2020

Scientists short-circuit maturity in insects, opening new paths to disease prevention

Researchers have found that a hormone required for insect sexual maturity cannot freely pass through the blood-brain barrier unless aided by a protein molecule. This discovery opens up new possibilities for controlling mosquito populations and potentially boosting beneficial bee reproduction. The study's findings also suggest potential...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 28, 2020

New mathematical model for amyloid formation

Scientists develop a mathematical model that describes the chemical reactions responsible for amyloid fibril formation, revealing catalytic sites at interfaces and implications for laboratory data interpretation. The model has a simpler mathematical form than previous models, making it more accessible for future studies.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJan 28, 2020

Bone marrow-on-a chip provides new research directions for Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome

Researchers have developed a new tool to study Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome, a disease that affects bone marrow production. The bone marrow-on-a chip mimics the behavior of diseased bone marrow and has shown impaired blood cell production in patients. This discovery provides new research directions for developing treatments for SDS.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJan 28, 2020

Kidney paired donation is an excellent option for transplant candidates

Recipients of kidney paired donation experience equivalent outcomes to those receiving kidneys from other living donors, with similar rates of organ failure and mortality. The study demonstrates the safety and effectiveness of national kidney paired donation programs in treating patients with incompatible living donors.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJan 28, 2020

Harrington Seed Destructor kills nearly 100 percent of US agronomic weed seeds in lab study

A recent study from the University of Illinois found that the Harrington Seed Destructor (HSD) killed nearly 100% of US agronomic weed seeds in a lab study. The HSD, an impact mill developed and widely used in Australia, was tested on common US weeds without field conditions. The study shows that even damaged seeds don

Virtual assistants provide disappointing advice when asked for first aid, emergency info

A study by University of Alberta researchers found that virtual assistants such as Google Home and Alexa perform better than Siri and Cortana in providing accurate first aid information. However, even the top performers fell short, recognizing only 56% of topics correctly and giving accepted advice only 19% of the time.

Eating disorders linked to exercise addiction

A new study led by Anglia Ruskin University found exercise addiction is nearly four times more common amongst people with an eating disorder. The research highlights the importance of monitoring exercise levels in individuals with eating disorders, as excessive exercise can lead to serious medical conditions.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalEating and Weight Disorders - Studies on Anorexia Bulimia and Obesity·DateJan 28, 2020