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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 85


Page 85 of 512

Smart bottle brushes

Researchers from TUM have visualized the changes in bottle-brush polymers using neutron radiation, enabling a deeper understanding of their behavior at different temperatures. This knowledge can be used to optimize their chemical structure for practical applications.

Identifying biomolecule fragments in ionising radiation

A new study reveals the precise energies at which secondary electrons produce certain biomolecule fragments when living cells are irradiated with heavy ions. The research could lead to more effective cancer therapies by understanding how biomolecules such as DNA are damaged by ionising radiation.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateOct 29, 2020

Affinity vs. cooperativity

UC Santa Barbara researchers develop a method to increase both affinity and cooperativity in aptamer-based biosensors, allowing for fine-tuned regulation of receptor properties. This approach enables precision biosensing applications, such as detecting low concentrations of target molecules like chemotherapy drugs.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 2020

Male fin whales surprise scientists by swapping songs

New research suggests fin whales sing multiple different songs, which may be picked up by migrating individuals and spread to different parts of the ocean. This complex behavior provides new insights into how fin whale populations move and change over time.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateOct 29, 2020

How people would choose who gets scarce COVID-19 treatment

A global study of over 5,000 participants found that age and probability of survival are the top characteristics considered when deciding who should receive scarce COVID-19 treatment. The study showed that people worldwide gave these two characteristics the most weight in their decisions, explaining about 50% of their choices.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateOct 29, 2020

Stronger treatments could cure Chagas disease

A more intensive treatment schedule with currently available therapeutics has been shown to completely clear the infection in infected mice. Researchers used light sheet fluorescence microscopy to view intact whole organs from infected mice and found that a less frequent dosage of benznidazole could be effective.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 29, 2020

Facing up to the reality of politicians' Instagram posts

A University of Georgia researcher used computer vision to analyze thousands of images from over 100 Instagram accounts of United States politicians, discovering that posts featuring politicians' faces in non-political settings attract more likes and comments. The study found that images with only the politician's face or in personal s...

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalThe International Journal of Press/Politics·DateOct 29, 2020

Remdesivir for COVID-19: FDA approved but still unproven

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University argue that remdesivir is justified for compassionate use in severely ill patients with COVID-19 due to its potential benefits in reducing recovery time. Despite FDA approval, the current evidence base supports the use of other proven preventive strategies such as social distancing and masking.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalContemporary Clinical Trials Communications·DateOct 29, 2020

NUS researchers develop novel process that turns waste into nutritional supplements

The NUS team has developed a method to convert crustacean shells and wood waste into L-DOPA, a widely used drug for Parkinson's disease, and Proline, essential for collagen and cartilage formation. The process combines chemical and biological approaches, potentially reducing reliance on non-renewable fossil fuels.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 29, 2020

Possible triggers of autism symptoms and motor issues identified for several rare diseases

Research on Prader-Willi and Angelman syndromes reveals associations between UBE3A gene expression levels and social communication difficulties in PWS, as well as fine motor skills impairment in AS. The study's findings suggest a potential link between inflammatory pathways and disease severity in these conditions.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateOct 29, 2020

Rice finds path to nanodiamond from graphene

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method to create nanodiamond from graphene by applying pinpoint pressure, overcoming the energetic barrier to nucleation. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of single-crystal diamond films for electronics and optical applications.

SourceRice University·JournalSmall·DateOct 29, 2020

Shot of alcohol can help an irregular heartbeat

A combination approach of catheter ablation and ethanol infusion significantly reduced atrial fibrillation recurrence rates, with 49% remaining free from AFib after six months. This finding supports the use of the Vein of Marshall Ethanol for Untreated Persistent Atrial Fibrillation (VENUS) trial's treatment as a first-line therapy.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalJAMA·DateOct 28, 2020

A new RNA catalyst from the lab

Scientists at the University of Würzburg have developed a ribozyme that can transfer methyl groups to target RNAs, shedding light on an interesting aspect of evolution. The discovery may mimic a ribozyme that could have been lost in nature, and has potential applications for understanding RNA structure and function.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature·DateOct 28, 2020

Weak equivalence principle violated in gravitational waves

Research reveals that quantum particles can break a key principle of classical physics when passing through gravitational waves, opening up new possibilities for advanced materials and devices. This finding has significant implications for the development of gravitational wave detectors and potential energy harvesting technologies.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal C·DateOct 28, 2020