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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 486


Page 486 of 512

Researchers uncover the genomics of health

Researchers have compiled a genome reference database of thousands of healthy older Australians, providing a powerful framework to identify new disease-causing gene variants. The database shows genetic changes associated with ageing, including shorter telomeres and less mitochondrial DNA, which may predict health outcomes for individuals.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 23, 2020

Teens with obesity and PCOS have more 'unhealthy' bacteria

Research published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that teens with obesity and PCOS have an altered gut microbiome compared to those without the condition. This altered microbiome is associated with higher testosterone levels, metabolic complications, and other health risks.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 23, 2020

Old molecule, new tricks

Researchers at UCSB have developed an electrochemical method for extracting uranium from solution, using carboranes as a key component. This technology enables efficient and reliable capture and release of uranium ions, with potential applications in nuclear waste reprocessing and seawater uranium extraction.

Sustainability claims about rubber don't stick

A new study led by the University of Göttingen calls into question the sustainability claims made by large corporations like Michelin regarding rubber production. The researchers found that local villagers' reports indicated land-ownership, ecosystems, and biodiversity suffered due to deforestation and poor pay conditions.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalJournal of Land Use Science·DateJan 22, 2020

Researchers trace coronavirus outbreak in China to snakes

A new study reveals that the 2019-nCoV coronavirus likely originated from a combination of a bat coronavirus and an unknown coronavirus, with recombination allowing cross-species transmission to humans via snakes. This finding highlights the importance of understanding viral origins for effective control of emerging outbreaks.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Medical Virology·DateJan 22, 2020

Physicists trap light in nanoresonators for record time

Researchers successfully trapped an electromagnetic wave in a gallium arsenide nanoresonator for a record-breaking time exceeding 200 periods of one wave oscillation. The study demonstrates the potential for efficient light frequency nanoconversion and applications in compact sensors, night vision devices, and optical data transmission.

SourceITMO University·JournalScience·DateJan 22, 2020

Coating helps electronics stay cool by sweating

Researchers have developed a coating that releases water vapor to dissipate heat from running devices, outperforming existing strategies in cooling efficiency. The coating uses metal organic frameworks (MOFs) and can absorb moisture from the air, providing effective cooling and quick recovery.

SourceCell Press·JournalJoule·DateJan 22, 2020

Program reduces narcotic prescriptions after surgery with over-the-counter pain medicine

A Houston Methodist study found that using long-acting local anesthetics and scheduled non-narcotic pain medication reduced opioid prescriptions from 87% to 10% after surgery. The program successfully managed pain after surgery using over-the-counter pain medication, decreasing the chance of patients becoming addicted to narcotics.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·DateJan 22, 2020

Kids born to moms with gestational diabetes and preeclampsia at greater risk for obesity

A new longitudinal study shows a link between multiple metabolic disorders in mothers during pregnancy and children's body mass indexes later in life. The study found that when a mother experiences both gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, the child has an increased risk of high childhood BMI over time.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalArchives of Gynecology and Obstetrics·DateJan 22, 2020

Mushrooms are older than we thought

Researchers at Université libre de Bruxelles discover oldest known mushroom fossil, dating back 715-810 million years, using advanced molecular analysis techniques. The findings suggest that fungi played a crucial role in the colonization of Earth's surface around 500 million years ago.

SourceUniversité libre de Bruxelles·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 22, 2020

Genetic identification of human remains from the Spanish Civil War and the dictatorship

A research team at the University of the Basque Country is using genetic analysis to identify human remains from the Spanish Civil War and dictatorship. By comparing DNA samples from remains with those from family members, they are able to determine the profile of the remains and gather enough information to enable identification.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalForensic Science International·DateJan 22, 2020

Locomotor engine in the spinal cord revealed

A novel principle of organisation has been discovered in the spinal cord, which coordinates locomotion by forming three recurrent rhythm-generating circuit modules acting as gears. This discovery provides new insights into how brain commands are translated into rhythmic and appropriately paced locomotion.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNeuron·DateJan 22, 2020