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Science News for April 13, 2020


Livestock and poultry farming should be the future focus of agricultural ammonia emissions control

Research reveals that livestock and poultry farming account for 78.08% of agricultural ammonia emissions in Jiangsu Province, with nitrogen fertilizer application contributing 21.92%. The study suggests focusing on controlling ammonia emissions from these sources to mitigate haze pollution.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateApr 13, 2020

NIH BRAIN Initiative tool helps researchers watch neural activity in 3D

The NIH BRAIN Initiative's SCAPE microscopy technique allows researchers to observe large volumes of tissue in 3D, revealing more complex interactions between nerve cells responding to mixed odors. This breakthrough has implications for understanding how the brain perceives smells and may lead to new treatments for neurological disorders.

Mathematical modeling draws more accurate picture of coronavirus cases

A mathematical model produced more realistic estimates of COVID-19 cases by incorporating population density, age distribution, and transmission probability. The model suggested significant underreporting in various countries, including Italy, South Korea, and Spain, highlighting the need for improved testing and data reporting.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateApr 13, 2020

When fathers are pregnant

A team of scientists discovered that genetic alterations in the immune system of pipefishes and seahorses allow them to tolerate paternal genetic information and develop their offspring. The study found that genes involved in female mammalian pregnancy are also activated in male pregnancy, suggesting similar molecular mechanisms.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 2020

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Annals of Internal Medicine publishes new COVID-19 research, including a review on diagnostic tests and the critical role of community pharmacists in Taiwan's mask distribution system. Researchers also investigate the inflammatory response to COVID-19, identifying specific immune cells in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 13, 2020

Ocular scientists advise contact lens and spectacles wearers during COVID-19 pandemic

Ocular scientists provide evidence-based guidance for practitioners and patients on safe use of contact lenses during COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing importance of good hand hygiene, proper lens care, and temporary lens removal when ill. Experts also debunk rumors about glasses/spectacles providing protection against COVID-19.

SourceMcDougall Communications·JournalContact Lens and Anterior Eye·DateApr 13, 2020

Illuminating the future of renewable energy

A new photosensitizer compound created by West Virginia University researchers has the potential to significantly improve the efficiency of solar panels and other technologies. The compound, made from zirconium, can convert light into electrical energy, making it a more sustainable and cost-effective option for renewable energy.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateApr 13, 2020

Precipitation will be essential for plants to counteract global warming

A new study from Columbia University reveals that the balance between soil water and energy availability determines whether plant growth is limited by precipitation or temperature. This finding highlights the crucial role of precipitation in supporting plant photosynthesis, particularly during the late growing season.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 2020

Limitations on end-of-season photosynthesis

A study using satellite data and in-situ sensor observations found that the end date of plant photosynthesis is constrained by both temperature and water limits. As temperatures decrease, soil water demands increase to support continued vegetation growth, potentially leading to expansions of regions with limited photosynthesis.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 2020

New model finds countries should work together to control coronavirus, harmful species

A new model developed by Arizona State University researcher Adam Lampert suggests that countries should work together to control the spread of harmful species, including diseases like COVID-19. The model indicates that in some cases, a clear division of labor may be necessary, while in others collaboration is more effective.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 2020

Tailoring treatment for triple-negative breast cancer

A new study has identified a molecular pathway responsible for the progression and spread of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). By blocking the signaling pathway, researchers found that tumors grew and spread more slowly. The findings suggest that patients with low ELF5 protein levels should be given interferon-gamma signaling-block...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateApr 13, 2020

Tight spaces tip presence of petrochemicals

Researchers at Rice University have found that the size of the space trapping petrochemicals is the primary factor behind puzzling NMR signals, leading to better interpretation of logs in unconventional shale formations. The discovery is crucial for extracting oil and gas safely and economically.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry B·DateApr 13, 2020

Future aerosol emission reductions will worsen atmospheric diffusion conditions in eastern China

Eastern China's air pollution has been a major concern, and new research suggests that future aerosol emission reductions could worsen atmospheric diffusion conditions conducive to extreme haze events. The study found that climate effects induced by aerosol reduction play a leading role in the anticyclone change in eastern China.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateApr 13, 2020

Hospitalizations down once power plants retired coal or installed better emission controls

After four Louisville, Kentucky, coal-fired power plants either retired coal or installed stricter emissions controls, local residents' asthma symptoms and related hospitalizations and ED visits dropped dramatically. The study found nearly 400 avoided hospitalizations and ED visits each year across Jefferson County.

Graphene heterostructures with black phosphorus, arsenic enable new infrared detectors

Researchers developed photodetectors using graphene layers with varying proportions of black phosphorus and arsenic, achieving lower dark currents and high photosensitivity. These sensors can enhance the performance of infrared telescopes and replace existing detectors, benefiting various scientific and technological applications.

Study finds remdesivir effective against a key enzyme of coronavirus that causes COVID-19

Scientists at the University of Alberta have shown that remdesivir is highly effective in stopping the replication mechanism of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. The drug works by tricking the virus into incorporating itself as a building block, effectively preventing it from replicating.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 13, 2020

Cell membrane proteins imaged in 3D

Scientists developed a new technique to image proteins in 3D with nanoscale resolution using lanthanide-binding tags, enabling researchers to identify precise protein locations within individual cells. This breakthrough provides new insights into disease mechanisms and potential treatments.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 13, 2020

Tech not hurting social skills of 'kids these days'

A new study from Ohio State University found that children's social skills have not declined due to increased screen time, with teachers rating both generations similarly. The study also showed that even heavy screen users showed similar development in social skills compared to those with little exposure.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Sociology·DateApr 13, 2020