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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 506


Page 506 of 512

Cystic fibrosis carriers are at increased risk for cystic fibrosis-related conditions

Researchers found that people with one mutated copy of the cystic fibrosis gene, known as CF carriers, are at higher risk for various CF-related conditions, including pancreatitis and type 1 diabetes. The study's results suggest a substantial burden of illness from these conditions, impacting over 10 million Americans.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 8, 2020

Directly measuring function in tiny hearts

Researchers at Children's National Hospital developed a direct measurement technique for cardiac output in newborns, utilizing changes in blood velocity after injecting saline. The study used ultrasound dilution and reported promising results, with potential implications for personalized care of critically ill newborns.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalJOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS AND NEONATAL MEDICINE·DateJan 8, 2020

Study examines the benefits of childbirth education classes during pregnancy

A retrospective study found that participating in childbirth education classes nearly tripled the likelihood of a successful normal vaginal delivery. The study controlled for socioeconomic factors and other differences, suggesting that these classes lead to lower intervention needs and less instrumental deliveries.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics·DateJan 8, 2020

Fish switch: Identity of mystery invader in Florida waters corrected after 20 years

After 20 years of misidentification, researchers have confirmed the presence of the chanchita in Florida waters, a South American freshwater fish that could outcompete native species for habitat and food resources. The correct identification is crucial for proper management and conservation efforts in the state's aquatic ecosystems.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalBioInvasions Records·DateJan 8, 2020

New metabolic pathway discovered in rumen microbiome

A German-American research team has discovered a new metabolic pathway in the rumen microbiome of ruminants that allows the bacteria to adapt to extreme fluctuations in sodium content. This adaptation enables the production of ATP through two different respiratory circuits, one requiring sodium ions and the other using hydrogen ions.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 8, 2020

Double-checking the science

A new study reveals that ocean acidification has no direct impact on the behavior of coral reef fish, contradicting previous high-profile studies. The exhaustive analysis, led by Université de Montréal researchers, found consistently normal behaviors in fish under predicted end-of-21st-century CO2 levels.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature·DateJan 8, 2020

Complete filling of batches of nanopipettes

Researchers at Kanazawa University developed a method to fill nanopipettes using a temperature gradient, achieving complete filling of a batch with pore diameters below 10 nm. The 'air bubble' that typically remains near the pipette's pore end can be removed by applying the temperature gradient.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateJan 8, 2020

FSU study aids fight against HIV, hepatitis B

Researchers at Florida State University College of Medicine have discovered the mechanism responsible for how two widely used antiviral drugs inhibit viruses, including HIV and hepatitis B. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more potent and effective treatments for millions of people worldwide.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJan 8, 2020

APS Tip Sheet: Trudging until take-off

Researchers from Norway, Latvia, and Israel found that allowing slower airplane passengers to board first decreases total boarding time. By simulating passenger movement using physics, the team predicted boarding times for various passenger groups, confirming that slow passengers being boarded first is up to 28% faster.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review E·DateJan 8, 2020

Brazilian scientists unveil chemotherapy resistance mechanism related to p53 mutation

A Brazilian research team identified the presence of mutant p53 protein clusters in chemotherapy-resistant glioblastoma cells, which can lead to drug resistance. The study found that these clusters are organized in a way that makes them resistant to temozolomide, a common treatment for the disease.

Bacterial link in celiac disease

Scientists have discovered a molecular foundation for bacterial exposure as a potential environmental factor in coeliac disease development. Receptors from immune T cells can recognize protein fragments from certain bacteria that mimic gluten, leading to aberrant recognition and health problems.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJan 8, 2020

Nanomaterial fabric destroys nerve agents in battlefield-relevant conditions

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a composite material that can efficiently detoxify nerve agents, including VX and soman, under battlefield-relevant conditions. The material uses metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) integrated onto textile fibers, which can capture gases and vapors without the need for liquid water.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 8, 2020

Oregon researchers test hearing by looking at dilation of people's eyes

Researchers at the University of Oregon have developed a new method to assess hearing by measuring pupil dilation, which is as sensitive as traditional testing methods. The approach has shown promising results in detecting sound in individuals who cannot respond, such as babies and young adults with developmental disabilities.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalJournal of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology·DateJan 8, 2020

Gut microbes may improve stroke recovery

Research suggests that supplementing with short chain fatty acids can improve stroke recovery by reducing inflammation and promoting neuroinflammation. The study found that mice who drank water with added fatty acids experienced better stroke recovery, including reduced motor impairment and increased spine growth.

Relation between physical violence and not having adequate check-ups during pregnancy

A study published in the European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology found that women who don't attend regular hospital check-ups during pregnancy are more likely to experience physical violence. The research highlights the importance of healthcare professionals detecting warning signs of gender violence.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalEuropean Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology·DateJan 8, 2020