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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 8


Page 8 of 512

Brain tissue yields clues to causes of PTSD

A post-mortem analysis of brain tissue from people with PTSD reveals distinct differences in gene expression patterns between those with and without the disorder. These changes affect two cell types - interneurons and microglia - which may contribute to impaired stress response, particularly in women.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 21, 2020

Variety: Spice of life for bumble bees

Researchers found that bumble bees collect a wide range of pollen from different plant species to satisfy their protein needs, whereas honey bees focus on a limited number of target plants. This study highlights the importance of considering diverse foraging behavior in nature conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateDec 21, 2020

How one pain suppresses the other

Researchers investigate the body's own pain control system using Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM) and find that two different stimuli can reduce pain to a similar degree. The study used electrical stimulation of the skin as a new test stimulus, allowing for objective measurement of brain activity.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalBMC Neuroscience·DateDec 21, 2020

A community-level intervention reduces alcohol-related crashes

A community-level alcohol intervention in California resulted in a significant reduction of alcohol-involved crashes among drivers aged 15-30. The study found that the intervention, which included sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols, translated into approximately 310 fewer crashes across the intervention cities.

SourcePacific Institute for Research and Evaluation·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateDec 20, 2020

Experts call for Europe-wide COVID-19 targets

A group of over 300 global scientists is urging European governments to adopt a coordinated approach to managing the pandemic by setting clear COVID-19 case number targets. The proposed strategy aims to achieve low case numbers, enhance mitigation measures, and develop long-term common vision to protect people's health, societies, and ...

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalThe Lancet·DateDec 18, 2020

New drug molecules hold promise for treating rare inherited terminal childhood disease

Researchers at the University of Exeter have identified a new treatment approach for mitochondrial diseases, such as Leigh Syndrome, by using novel drugs that metabolically reprogram mitochondria to generate energy. The study successfully normalized or improved energy production in genetically mutated microscopic worms.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Inherited Metabolic Disease·DateDec 18, 2020

World's first transmission of 1 Petabit/s using a single-core multimode optical fiber

Researchers demonstrated the world's first transmission exceeding 1 petabit per second in a single-core multi-mode optical fiber, increasing the current record data rate by more than 2.5 times. This achievement showcases the potential of single-core multimode fibers for high-capacity transmission using standard manufacturing processes.

Researchers determine factors associated with ovary removal in patients with ovarian torsion

A retrospective study of patients with ovarian torsion found that older age, larger ovarian size, and gynecologic oncologist performance were linked to increased oophorectomy rates. The study suggests that surgeon ability to diagnose necrosis is poor, and patient race does not impact the likelihood of oophorectomy.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Gynecologic Surgery·DateDec 18, 2020

Stem cell treatment for vascular diseases can be predicted through real-time observation

Researchers developed a method to predict therapeutic efficacy of stem cell treatment for vascular diseases based on initial distribution and migration of transplanted cells. The method enabled predicting superior therapeutic efficacy when treatment cells form into condensed 'round shape' during initial treatment.

Inverted fluorescence

Researchers have discovered a new class of fluorescent dyes that can convert visible light into ultraviolet light, overcoming one of the biggest challenges to harnessing sunlight for energy. This breakthrough could enable more efficient solar-powered water splitting and other high-energy reactions.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 18, 2020