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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 481


Page 481 of 512

Discovery could help slow down progression of Parkinson's disease

A collaboration between Rutgers University and Scripps Research has led to the discovery of a small molecule that reduces α-synuclein protein levels, potentially slowing or stopping Parkinson's disease progression. This finding offers hope for early-stage patients and may be applicable to other neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 27, 2020

New study highlights prevalence of PTSD among obstetricians and gynaecologists

A new University of Liverpool-led study found that two-thirds of obstetricians and gynaecologists experience traumatic work-related events, leading to clinically significant PTSD symptoms in 18% of consultants and trainees. The culture in obstetrics and gynaecology is identified as a barrier to trauma support.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalBJOG An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology·DateJan 27, 2020

New aspects of globular glial tauopathy could help in the design of more effective drugs

A study on globular glial tauopathy reveals that phosphate groups are not unique to tau protein and can lead to dysfunction in other proteins. Glial cells also play a crucial role in the disease's progression by facilitating the spread of protein inclusions. This research sheds light on potential new drug targets to stop disease progre...

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalActa Neuropathologica·DateJan 27, 2020

Parkinson's disease may start before birth

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that people with Parkinson's disease before age 50 were born with disordered brain cells. The study suggests a potential new treatment using PEP005, which reduced alpha-synuclein levels and countered abnormal enzyme activity in dopamine neurons.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 27, 2020

Revving up the engine

A study published in Circulation reveals that an imbalance in the ratio of active and inactive myosin protein disrupts heart muscle contraction and relaxation, leading to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Treatment with a small-molecule drug restores proper contraction and energy consumption in human and rodent heart cells.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCirculation·DateJan 27, 2020

Algae shown to improve gastrointestinal health

A study by University of California San Diego researchers shows that consuming green algae improves human gastrointestinal issues associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) such as diarrhea, gas and bloating. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in bowel discomfort and more regular bowel movements among participants.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Functional Foods·DateJan 27, 2020

Nurse home visits after hospitalization for heart failure improve patient outcomes at a reasonable cost

A microsimulation study found that nurse home visits improved health outcomes and reduced readmissions for patients with heart failure, while also being more effective than standard care. The intervention increased quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and costs, resulting in an ICER of $19,570 per QALY gained.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 27, 2020

How to take a picture of a light pulse

A team from TU Wien, MPI Garching, and LMU Munich has developed a new method to measure the shape of light pulses using tiny silicon oxide crystals. This allows for precise information about the interaction of light and matter, enabling applications such as characterizing novel materials and detecting diseases.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 27, 2020

Human Body-on-Chip platform enables in vitro prediction of drug behaviors in humans

The Wyss Institute's Human Body-on-Chip platform uses fluidically-linked systems of multiple human Organ Chips to predict drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. The system quantitatively predicts drug behavior across the entire linked system, offering alternatives to animal tests and improving drug development efficiency.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJan 27, 2020

Making sense of flexible sensor systems

Researchers developed a thin, soft magnetic sensor matrix sheet system with tenfold improvement in sensitivity, enabling real-time visualization of magnetism. The system can be attached to the skin without causing discomfort and has high spatial resolution due to its high permeability.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 27, 2020

Sea level rise to cause major economic impact in the absence of further climate action

New IIASA-led research assesses economy-wide effects of sea level rise globally, highlighting significant GDP losses without further mitigation and adaptation. The study shows that projections for 2050 and 2100 reveal drastic changes in G20 countries' relative GDP impacts, with China facing the highest losses.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalEnvironmental Research Communications·DateJan 27, 2020

An old plant virus inspires the design of a modern vaccine to fight against malaria

A novel malaria vaccine candidate based on the tobacco mosaic virus has shown a 10X improvement over a comparator vaccine in mouse trials. The vaccine uses the TMV coat protein as a scaffold to refocus the host immune system, offering protection against Plasmodium falciparum malaria up to 11 months.

SourceWalter Reed Army Institute of Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 27, 2020

Discovery of a new liquid-liquid interfacial deformation by partial miscibility

A team of international researchers has discovered a new phenomenon where partially miscible liquids deform the liquid-liquid interface. This finding is significant for oil recovery and CO2 injection processes, as it challenges traditional understanding of fluid dynamics in such systems. The study's results have implications for improv...

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalPhysical Review Fluids·DateJan 27, 2020

Current model for storing nuclear waste is incomplete

New research from Ohio State University reveals that high-level nuclear waste storage materials will degrade faster than expected due to their interaction. The study found severe localized corrosion of glass, ceramics, and stainless steel under certain conditions, posing significant challenges for the current storage model.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 27, 2020

AI to help monitor behavior

A study published in Perspectives on Behavior Science found that AI models can accurately interpret behavioral data, outperforming a popular visual-aid tool. This could lead to better decision-making and tailored interventions for individuals with developmental disabilities, mental health issues or learning difficulties.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPerspectives on Behavior Science·DateJan 27, 2020

With high fiber diets, more protein may mean more bloating

A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that people on high fiber diets are 40% more likely to experience bloating if they consume protein-rich diets. The researchers suggest that substituting high-quality carb calories for protein calories may reduce bloating and make these diets more tolerable.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalClinical and Translational Gastroenterology·DateJan 27, 2020

Successfully predicting bone marrow failure caused by drugs, radiation, and disease

A new organ-on-a-chip technology advance from Harvard University enables scientists to effectively replicate drug- and radiation-induced toxicity responses observed in human patients. The chip also replicated blood cell formation defects seen in patients with a rare genetic disorder, accurately predicting previously unknown abnormalities.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJan 27, 2020