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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 494


Page 494 of 512

Structual color barcode micromotors for multiplex biosensing

Researchers at Southeast University have developed a novel kind of microtort with stable structural color for multiplex assays. These micromotors can efficiently accelerate mixing speed and increase probe-target interactions, leading to faster and more sensitive detection. The unique structural color coding allows for simultaneous mult...

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJan 16, 2020

Study gauges efficacy of drugs against pork tapeworm

A systematic review found that albendazole (ALB) and praziquantel (PZQ) are effective in treating taeniasis caused by the pork tapeworm. The study analyzed 20 studies, including before-after designs and controlled trials, and reported cure rates ranging from 52% to 99.5%.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJan 16, 2020

A secreted signature of aging cells

Researchers have discovered a secreted protein signature of aging cells, which is enriched with biomarkers found in human plasma. This breakthrough could lead to the development of therapeutic approaches to treat age-related diseases by targeting senescent cells.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 16, 2020

Lights on for germ-free wound dressings

Researchers have introduced a gel that is activated by red light to produce reactive oxygen compounds effectively killing bacteria and fungi. The hydrogel combines photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy with fully synthetic properties, overcoming previous biocompatibility issues.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 16, 2020

Do studies underestimate the prevalence of typhoid?

A study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that typhoid prevalence is likely higher than estimated due to missed blood cultures, with patients more likely to have cultures if older, feverish or suspected urinary tract infection.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJan 16, 2020

How anti-sprawl policies may be harming water quality

Higher-density development with more impervious surfaces causes runoff, leading to increased water pollution. Agriculture also contributes significantly to water pollution, and anti-sprawl policies can prevent much-needed land-use changes that reduce pollution.

SourcePenn State·JournalResource and Energy Economics·DateJan 16, 2020

Nanopore sequencing of African swine fever virus

African swine fever virus can replicate in various pig cells and has a relatively conservative genome. Whole-genome sequencing is crucial for understanding the transmission route of ASFV. Nanopore sequencing technology proved more efficient than traditional next-generation sequencing methods in obtaining viral genomes.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateJan 16, 2020

Pretty with a twist

Researchers at TUM functionalized a simple rod-like building block with hydroxamic acids to form molecular networks displaying complexity and beauty. The networks exhibit exceptional properties and chiral symmetry, with unique opportunities for bottom-up nano-templating.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 16, 2020

Mix of stress and air pollution may lead to cognitive difficulties in children

Researchers found that combined exposure to air pollution and early life stress affects attention and thought problems in school-age children. The study, published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, suggests a 'double hit' on shared biological pathways connected to these issues.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateJan 16, 2020

New model shows how crop rotation helps combat plant pests

A new computational model shows that regular crop rotations switching every other year may not be optimal for maximizing crop yield when threatened by plant pathogens. The analysis identified patterns of crop rotation that maintain soil quality and diminish pathogen load, suggesting a more sustainable approach to agriculture.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJan 16, 2020

The Lancet Digital Health: Real-time flu prediction may be possible using wearable heart rate and sleep tracking devices

A study found improved real-time prediction of influenza-like illness in five US states compared to current surveillance methods using de-identified data from wearable devices. The researchers used Fitbit data to identify abnormal resting heart rates and sleep patterns, which were linked to increased risk of flu.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·DateJan 16, 2020

Improved brain chip for precision medicine

The Akay Lab has developed a new microfluidic brain cancer chip that can simultaneously administer multiple drugs and assess their response to glioblastoma cells. The device enables fast drug combination testing in as little as two weeks, potentially improving patient survival rates.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalIEEE Open Journal of Engineering in Medicine and Biology·DateJan 16, 2020

Fossil is the oldest-known scorpion

Researchers have discovered a fossilized scorpion from the Silurian period, revealing its transition from aquatic to terrestrial life. The ancient animal's internal organs show similarities to modern-day scorpions and horseshoe crabs, indicating it was pre-adapted for life on land.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 16, 2020

Are bigger brains better?

A larger hippocampus may not guarantee better memory in older adults, with a new study highlighting the significance of its white matter connectivity. The research analyzed over 330 participants and found that faster learning was only seen in those with both a larger hippocampus and uniform white matter structure.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateJan 16, 2020

Helping patients prep mind and body for surgery pays off, study suggests

A prehabilitation program that encourages patients to move more, eat healthier, cut back on tobacco, breathe deeper, reduce stress, and focus on their goals after surgery has been shown to reduce hospital length of stay and total costs. The study involved hundreds of patients in 21 hospitals across Michigan and found that prehab patien...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJan 16, 2020