Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2020 - Page 480


Page 480 of 512

Cycling to work? You may live longer

A New Zealand study found that people who cycle to work have a 13% lower risk of mortality compared to those who walk or take public transport. The research, which analyzed data from over 3.5 million New Zealanders, suggests that increasing cycling for commuting may lead to health benefits and reduce the environmental impact.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateJan 28, 2020

NUS Medicine researchers can reprogramme cells to original state for regenerative medicine

Researchers at NUS Medicine have discovered a way to induce totipotency in pluripotent embryonic stem cells, allowing for maximum cell engineering and therapeutic potential. This breakthrough provides new avenues for regenerative medicine, particularly in cell replacement therapies for debilitating diseases.

Ethics and Human Research, January-February 2020

The article discusses the vulnerability of crowdsourced research participants and the need for improved ethics oversight. Proposed measures include encouraging collective action by crowd workers and ground-up crowdsourced research ethics guidelines, as well as reviewing the differences between expanded access and Right to Try pathways.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalEthics & Human Research·DateJan 28, 2020

'Curious and curiouser!'

A new analysis of the Curious Marie meteorite chunk reveals the presence of presolar silicon carbide grains, which were thought to be too fragile to have endured the high-temperature conditions near the sun's birth. This finding forces a revision in how scientists understand the environment in the early solar nebula.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJan 28, 2020

Towards better anti-cancer drugs

Researchers have discovered how CDK8 is activated in healthy humans and identified a new method for developing CDK8-specific inhibitors. The study suggests that targeting the 'MED12 activation helix' may be crucial for inhibiting CDK8 activity, which is often mutated in various cancers.

SourceUniversität Bayreuth·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 28, 2020

UL study reveals 'identical' survival for kidney dialysis patients using different treatments

A study by University of Limerick researchers found that patients treated with PD had similar survival rates to those on in-centre HD, regardless of diabetes status or country of origin. The findings suggest that PD may be a more cost-effective and better quality-of-life option for patients approaching kidney failure.

SourceUniversity of Limerick·JournalNephrology Dialysis Transplantation·DateJan 28, 2020

What's in your water?

New study reveals previously unknown, highly toxic compounds formed when chlorine disinfects drinking water. The discovery raises questions about the need for chlorination and potential alternatives like ozone treatment or filtration.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJan 28, 2020

Effects of contact between minority and majority groups more complex than once believed

A recent study found that positive effects of intergroup contact tend to be weaker among members of historically advantaged groups, such as white people and heterosexuals. However, when members of these groups engage in contact with disadvantaged groups, they are more likely to support social change promoting equality.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateJan 27, 2020

Wild tomatoes resist devastating bacterial canker

Cornell University researchers found that wild tomato varieties are less affected by bacterial canker, with the pathogen remaining confined to specific xylem vessels. The team's study confirms that wild tomatoes are susceptible to bacterial canker, but with less severe symptoms than cultivated varieties.

SourceCornell University·JournalPhytopathology·DateJan 27, 2020