COVID-19 and the built environment
The review emphasizes the importance of natural daylight and air circulation in reducing disease transmission. Opening windows to improve airflow and admitting natural light can help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Science News for April 10, 2020
Video games improve the visual attention of expert players
Research reveals that long-term experience of gaming improves cognitive development, particularly in allocating brain resources to individual visual stimuli. Expert players outperform beginners in tasks requiring rapid processing and attentional control.
Discovery of a mechanism plants use to toggle on photosynthesis chosen by top journal
A research team at Washington State University has identified the lipid controlling the switch in light-harvesting proteins to dissipate excess energy. This discovery could lead to optimizing photosynthesis in crops for specific environments, reducing waste and increasing food production.
A model for better predicting the unpredictable byproducts of genetic modification
Researchers developed a model to predict changes in tree genes, reducing unintended consequences of genetic modification. The model captures cross-regulatory influences between genes, enabling more efficient gene-modification strategies.
What is the origin of water on Earth?
A team of researchers led by Cédric Gillmann found that water on Earth has been there since its formation, likely buried deep in the planet. This discovery challenges previous ideas about the origin of water and has implications for habitability of ancient planets.
Ion channel VRAC enhances immune response against viruses
The VRAC ion channel transports the messenger substance cGAMP from cell to cell, strengthening the immune response to DNA virus infections. This discovery could also have implications for cancer treatment and new strategies against DNA viruses.
Large majority of Washington state's heroin users want to reduce use
A survey of Washington state's heroin users found that most are interested in reducing or stopping their use and are open to services to help manage substance use. Syringe exchanges have seen increased possession of naloxone, a drug that reverses opioid overdose.
Suicide mortality and COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has been linked to an increase in US suicide rates, according to a recent study. The researchers found that the pandemic may have contributed to rising rates of mental health problems and decreased access to healthcare services.
Neurologic manifestations of hospitalized patients with COVID-19
A study investigating neurologic symptoms in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 found notable cases of neurological disorders, including stroke and seizures. The research provides insight into the often-overlooked but serious neurological manifestations of the disease.
Piercing the dark birthplaces of massive stars with Webb
The James Webb Space Telescope will study three dense clouds, known as infrared-dark clouds, to understand the formation process of massive stars. These clouds are thought to be raw dough before baking, providing a unique window into the environment needed for star birth.
Self-powered X-ray detector to revolutionize imaging for medicine, security and research
The perovskite-based detector is 100 times more sensitive than conventional silicon-based detectors, enabling low-dose dental and medical images with reduced risks. The new technology also enhances resolution in security scanners and X-ray research applications.
Magnet research takes giant leap
Scientists at the University of Central Florida and partners have successfully created anti-ferromagnetic devices that operate on the terahertz level, paving the way for ultra-fast electronics. This breakthrough technology has the potential to revolutionize guidance systems, communications, and even mimic brain function.
New protocol identifies fascinating quantum states
Researchers at the University of Innsbruck propose a new measurement protocol to identify topological states in interacting systems. This method can extract topological invariants from statistical correlations of simple, local random measurements.
Belgian scientists identify ATP10B as novel risk gene for Parkinson's disease
Researchers have identified ATP10B as a novel risk gene for Parkinson's disease, revealing its role in transporting glucosylceramide, a lipid critical to the disease's pathogenesis. Mutations in this gene can lead to neuronal loss and increased sensitivity to environmental risk factors.
COVID-19 response plan addresses unique challenges for rural hospitals and health systems
A rural health care system has developed a preparedness response plan that expands use of telehealth and streamlines systemwide staff communication. The plan includes a rapid expansion of telehealth, prioritizing nonessential staff work-from-home, conserving PPE, and postponing elective procedures.
SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateApr 10, 2020
PARP inhibitor drugs can be 'tuned' for better killing of tumor cells
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered a way to modify PARP inhibitor compounds to increase their effectiveness in killing cancer cells. By structurally modifying veliparib, a previously ineffective compound, they were able to boost its ability to trap and kill tumor cells.
USDA-ARS scientists find new tool to combat major wheat disease
Researchers have identified a gene that can help combat Fusarium Head Blight (FHB), a major threat to wheat crops worldwide. The discovery sheds light on molecular mechanisms making wheat resistant to the pathogen and paves the way for new varieties with improved FHB resistance.
Ants or plants? Evolutionary diversification factors of aphids
Researchers found that Stomaphis aphid diversification was primarily driven by host plant shifts, rather than associated ant species. The study revealed a surprising finding that the aphids had not shifted between closely related plant species, but instead between very distantly related host plant taxa.
A new strategy to create 2D magnetic order
Researchers at Peking University and Chinese Academy of Sciences discover atomic mechanism of spin-valve magnetoresistance at asymmetry SrRuO3 grain boundary. The study reveals a new strategy to create 2D magnetic order in grain boundaries, which can dominate response in nanoscale devices.
Caring for patients with cancer during the COVID-19 outbreak in Italy
A recent study highlights the difficulties healthcare providers face when caring for cancer patients during a pandemic. The authors discuss strategies to mitigate these challenges and improve patient outcomes in Italy during the COVID-19 epidemic.
Single-electron pumping in a ZnO single-nanobelt transistor
Scientists have developed single-electron pumping devices in ZnO nanobelt transistors, enabling controlled single- and double-electron pumping at room temperature. This breakthrough has significant implications for spin-based quantum computing and quantum information processing.
UC San Diego researchers move closer to producing heparin in the lab
Researchers at UC San Diego discovered the critical gene ZNF263, which regulates heparin biosynthesis in human cells. This breakthrough could enable the production of heparin in well-controlled cell culture, providing a safer and more sustainable alternative to current methods.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 10, 2020
Psychology research: Vaccine skeptics actually think differently than other people
Research finds people with vaccine skepticism tend to overestimate the likelihood of rare negative events, including mortality-related causes. This suggests a possible explanation for their concerns: cognitive or affective variables influencing vaccine skepticism.
Hair surface engineering to be advanced by nano vehicles
Researchers at Kazan Federal University develop a technology to modify hair fibers using functional ceramic nano containers, expanding the field of application for natural fibers. The technology can change aesthetic properties, protect against biodegradation, and release topical anti-inflammatory drugs.
Working together to combat mental health challenges during COVID-19 pandemic
A study from Hubei, China offers potential methods to focus on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors propose strategies to promote mental well-being and reduce stress among individuals affected by the pandemic.
With TxDOT grant, UTA team to test feasibility of recycled plastics in road construction
Researchers are testing the feasibility of building roads from recycled plastics, mixed with asphalt for a safe and durable consistency. The project aims to create more sustainable roads while reducing waste and costs.
Extra-tropical Cyclone Harold caught by NASA's Terra Satellite
Cyclone Harold's transformation into an extra-tropical cyclone was captured by NASA's Terra satellite, revealing elongated clouds and convection displaced to the southeast. The system is undergoing a transition characterized by wind shear and baroclinic processes, which may retain hurricane-force winds.
Development of new photovoltaic commercialization technology
A research team has identified the cause of performance degradation in CQD PV devices and developed a material processing method to stabilize their performance. The method uses ligand substitution with potassium iodide, maintaining device efficiency above 80% for 300 hours.
SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 10, 2020
A novel Li-ion superconductor makes possible an era of safe battery
Researchers at KIST have developed a sulfide-based superionic conductor that delivers Li-ion conductivity comparable to liquid electrolytes, solving a key challenge in all-solid-state battery technology. The new material enables accelerated mass production and commercialization of safe batteries.
Details of treatment for patients in China who died of COVID-19
A case series study in China describes clinical characteristics of patients who died from COVID-19, highlighting differences in treatment approaches. The study aims to provide insights into factors contributing to mortality rates in critically ill patients with COVID-19.
Should infants be separated from COVID-19-positive mothers?
The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine recommends keeping mothers and infants together, citing no evidence that separation improves outcomes. Separation may minimize virus transmission but can have negative consequences for both mother and infant, including disrupted breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact.
SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBreastfeeding Medicine·DateApr 10, 2020
Technique offers path for biomanufacturing medicines during space flights
A NASA-built instrument uses shearing force to grow E. coli bacteria, demonstrating a more suitable method for space travel than existing alternatives. The research opens a new path to bio-manufacturing drugs during long-term space flights.
AGA releases official guidance for patients with IBD during the COVID-19 pandemic
The American Gastroenterological Association has released official guidance for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the AGA, patients with IBD should continue their medication, including scheduled infusions, and stop certain medications if they develop COVID-19 symptoms.
Computer model predicts how drugs affect heart rhythm
UC Davis researchers developed a computer model to screen drugs for unintended cardiac side effects, especially arrhythmia risk. The model uses a drug's chemical formula to predict its impact on heart rhythm and has been validated with comparisons to clinical data from electrocardiogram results of patients.
Mental health consequences of COVID-19, physical distancing
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on mental health, emphasizing the need for effective physical distancing strategies. The study found that prolonged social isolation can lead to increased symptoms of anxiety and depression.
A remote military medical team can offer insights to US hospitals preparing for COVID-19
A remote military surgical team transformed into a pandemic response team to provide care in an isolated population, adapting innovative solutions. Their recommendations emphasize the importance of evaluating everyone's skillsets and experience, including non-medical labor to provide medical interventions.
SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateApr 10, 2020
Light driven proton pump in distant relative
Researchers discovered a novel light-sensitive protein in Asgard archaea that functions as an inward proton pump, opening possibilities for controlling pH levels in cells or microorganisms with light. This finding could lead to the development of new biomolecular tools and applications in optogenetics.