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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 497


Page 497 of 512

Be wary of online probiotic health-benefit claims

A recent study highlights the unreliable sources of probiotic information online and how health-benefit claims are often not supported by robust scientific evidence. Most websites providing probiotic info are from commercial sources or news outlets, which provide incomplete information on potential side effects and regulatory issues.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·DateJan 15, 2020

Pachacamac Idol of ancient Peru was symbolically painted

The Pachacamac Idol, a sacred icon worshipped for nearly 700 years, was symbolically painted with red, yellow, and white colors using cinnabar pigment. The study confirms the idol's polychromatic design and sheds light on pre-Columbian cultural practices in South America.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 15, 2020

Skin cancer suppressor found by Bath scientists

Researchers at University of Bath identified a molecule called DIRC3 that acts as a tumour suppressor to block melanoma cell growth and spread. High levels of DIRC3 expression in patients were linked to increased survival rates, suggesting its potential as a new treatment for skin cancer.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJan 14, 2020

Memory boost with just one look

Researchers at HRL Laboratories found that targeted transcranial electrical stimulation during slow-wave sleep can improve metamemories of specific episodes by nearly 20% after just one viewing. This non-invasive approach may benefit patients with learning and memory deficits, as well as those with PTSD.

SourceHRL Laboratories·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateJan 14, 2020

Having less sex linked to earlier menopause

Women who have sex weekly are 28% less likely to experience early menopause, according to a new study published in Royal Society Open Science. The research found that having less sex is associated with an earlier menopause, suggesting a biological trade-off between investing energy in ovulation and other activities.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJan 14, 2020

Study: Blood-clotting protein and blood platelets promote immune evasion, cancer progression

Researchers at Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center discover a direct connection between thrombin and TGF-b1, a cytokine promoting tumor progression and suppressing immune responses. Blocking this mechanism prevents tumor resistance to immunotherapy and increases tumor-infiltrating immune cells.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 14, 2020

A novel way to watch paint dry

James Gilchrist's project uses microrheology to study paint drying processes and develop a testing method to predict performance. The goal is to improve paint formulations, reduce energy consumption and costs in the automotive industry.

The wisdom of crowds: What smart cities can learn from a dead ox and live fish

A study by Portland State University researchers found that diverse crowds of local stakeholders can collectively produce complex environmental models similar to those of trained experts. The results correspond more or less exactly to scientific knowledge on the subject, with the final outcomes improving as more individuals are involve...

SourcePortland State University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJan 14, 2020

Exosomes promote remarkable recovery in stroke

Researchers have found that an exosome treatment can promote full recovery in swine with severe stroke, even in cases where brain cells are at risk of dying. The treatment works by interrupting the process of cell death and reducing damage signals throughout the brain network.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalTranslational Stroke Research·DateJan 14, 2020

Study examines attitudes toward transgender athletes

A new study published in Sex Roles investigates public attitudes towards the participation of transgender people in sports. The research finds that women sports fans are more likely to oppose transgender athletes participating in sports by gender identity, holding views similar to male sports fans. However, the study also reveals that ...

SourceUniversity of Toledo·JournalSex Roles·DateJan 14, 2020

Neither fishing tales nor sailor's yarn

Researchers developed a method combining empirical knowledge of fishery stakeholders with scientific understanding to identify ecological cause-effect relationships in pike populations. The collective intelligence of nature users accurately captured complex human-environment relationships, exceeding scientific knowledge in some cases.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJan 14, 2020

Getting to the heart of epinephrine use in pediatric cardiac arrest patients

Researchers found that prehospital epinephrine administration was associated with improved return of circulation in pediatric patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. However, there was no significant improvement in 1-month survival rates. The study suggests that prehospital epinephrine administration should be included in interna...

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJan 14, 2020

Final images from Cassini spacecraft

Researchers analyze Cassini data to study Saturn's ultraviolet auroras and their dynamic processes. The new observations provide unique views of the small-scale structures behind these auroras, revealing similarities with Jupiter's magnetosphere.

SourceLancaster University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 14, 2020

A simple twist of cell fate

A study by University of Michigan researchers sheds light on the role of WDR5 and p53 proteins in influencing stem cell fate, with implications for cancer research and potential treatments for heart disease. The team found that inducing a short delay in WDR5 expression steered embryonic stem cells towards different tissue types.

Many older people's glasses of wrong power

A recent study by the University of Gothenburg found that many 70-year-olds in Sweden overestimate their eyesight, but can still see considerably better with glasses or power correction. The study also highlights the importance of regular eye exams to detect visual impairment and age-related diseases.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalActa Ophthalmologica·DateJan 14, 2020