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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 487


Page 487 of 512

Both simple and advanced imaging can predict best stroke patients for thrombectomy

A multicenter study found that both simple and advanced computed tomography (CT) can accurately predict which stroke patients will benefit from endovascular thrombectomy. Patients with favorable imaging profiles on both CT and CT perfusion had higher odds of receiving endovascular therapy and improved functional independence rates.

Industry funding of patient groups lacks governance and transparency

A systematic review of observational studies found that industry funding of patient groups is common, with estimates ranging from 20% to 83%. Few patient groups have formal policies governing corporate sponsorship, and financial transparency is inadequate. The researchers call for greater transparency in reporting industry funding and ...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJan 22, 2020

Domesticated wheat has complex parentage

Research reveals that domesticated wheat originated from the interbreeding of wild emmer wheat with cultivated varieties in southeast Turkey. This process occurred around 9,500 years ago, contradicting earlier theories of a single origin point.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 22, 2020

Blood tests can predict timing of final menstrual period

Researchers found that measuring anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels can predict when a woman's final menstrual period will occur. AMH serves as an indicator of remaining egg supply, decreasing with age. This new test allows for more accurate predictions within 12 to 24 months in women's late 40s and early 50s.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 22, 2020

CPRIT grant bolsters Rice biosciences

Rice University has received a $6 million grant from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to bolster its growing biosciences initiative. Synthetic biologist Caroline Ajo-Franklin will lead the effort, exploring biological-inorganic interfaces and developing sensors to monitor chemotherapy agents in real-time.

The secret of strong underwater mussel adhesion revealed

Researchers at POSTECH have discovered the key to strong underwater mussel adhesion, finding that Dopa and Lysine molecules work together in a synergistic effect. Their study used molecular biology techniques to analyze adhesive proteins in mussels and confirmed two molecules with strong adhesion even in underwater conditions.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalJournal of Colloid and Interface Science·DateJan 22, 2020

Self-moisturizing smart contact lenses

Researchers developed self-moisturising smart contact lenses to tackle dry eye syndrome, a common problem associated with contact lens wear. The new system uses electroosmotic flow to maintain moisture levels, powered by biobatteries and showing promise for future applications.

SourceTohoku University·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateJan 22, 2020

Ben-Gurion University researchers slash pre-drug screening time from years to days

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem developed a powerful tool that streamlines the development of disease therapies, transforming a multi-year process into just a few days. The new approach simultaneously evaluates thousands of mutations in protein-protein complexes, increasing understanding of m...

The Lancet Global Health: Guided self-help intervention reduces refugees' psychological distress and improves wellbeing in humanitarian crises

A guided self-help approach was safe and effective in reducing psychological distress and improving functioning among female South Sudanese refugee women living in Uganda. The intervention resulted in meaningful improvements in symptoms of depression, PTSD, and explosive anger, with benefits seen across different trauma histories and l...

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateJan 22, 2020

Light at the end of the tunnel for most individuals with low-vision

A special issue of Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience reports remarkable progress in treating conditions of partial blindness. Research explores various aspects of vision loss due to diseases like glaucoma or optic neuropathy, with a focus on stop-cell death and induce regeneration to restore vision.

SourceIOS Press·JournalRestorative Neurology and Neuroscience·DateJan 22, 2020

Study reveals pre-Hispanic history, genetic changes among indigenous Mexican populations

An international team sequenced the genomes of 78 individuals from five indigenous groups in Mexico to understand the demographic history and genetic variation of pre-Hispanic populations. They identified 120,735 single nucleotide variants and found that certain genes were associated with adaptation to physical endurance and other traits.

Tiny price gaps cost investors billions

Research from UVM and MITRE shows that near-light-speed differences in stock prices create opportunities for latency arbitrage, costing investors at least $2 billion annually. High-frequency traders exploit faster information systems to buy stocks at better prices and sell them quickly, resulting in significant profits.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 22, 2020

Life's Frankenstein beginnings

A new study proposes that the first building blocks of life on Earth were not uniform but rather patchwork molecules containing bits of RNA and DNA. The 'RNA World' hypothesis has been revised to suggest a Frankenstein-like beginning, with RNA emerging from a mixture of nucleotides.

SourceHarvard University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 22, 2020

Neutron source enables a look inside dino eggs

Scientists investigate three 67 million year old oviraptorid egg fossils, determining that the embryos were at different developmental stages and likely hatched at different times. The findings suggest a unique nesting biology similar to modern birds, challenging previous assumptions about oviraptorids.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalIntegrative Organismal Biology·DateJan 22, 2020

2019's new medicines

In 2019, the pharmaceutical industry approved 48 new medicines, including treatments for various cancers, sickle cell disease, and migraines. The majority of these drugs had novel mechanisms of action, such as antibody-drug conjugates and small interfering RNA.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJan 22, 2020