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Science News for April 15, 2020


A new tool to predict volcanic eruptions

Researchers have developed a new tool to predict volcanic eruptions by analyzing the composition of gases in the atmosphere. The tool uses precise measurements to identify the contribution of the atmosphere and Earth's mantle to these gases, allowing for more accurate predictions of future eruptions.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature·DateApr 15, 2020

'Frailty' from age 40 -- what to look out for

A new study found that people aged 40-49 are at a high risk of 'pre-frailty', a precursor to frailty and increased mortality risk. The study suggests that individuals can take proactive steps to improve their health by addressing factors such as poor nutrition, mental state, lung function, and sleep quality.

SourceFlinders University·JournalBMC Geriatrics·DateApr 15, 2020

From deep water to the surface: the nexus between climate, upwelling and marine ecosystems

Researchers studied the nexus between climate, upwelling, and marine ecosystems, finding that each Eastern Boundary Upwelling System (EBUS) has unique drivers and climate variability. The study highlights the importance of considering local and remote forcing factors in predicting long-term variations in upwelling.

Goals, opportunities, guides for advancing soft tissue and soft materials research

Researchers at UMass Amherst have outlined high-priority goals and opportunities for advancing knowledge on cavitation science, which occurs in soft materials and tissues during traumatic brain injury. The team proposes using cavitation as a unique tool to understand soft tissues and develop new medical devices.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2020

Additions to resource industry underwater robots can boost ocean discoveries

Researchers from Australian Institute of Marine Science suggest adding cameras, audio recorders, and sample collectors to remotely operated vehicles to increase scientific data gathering. This could lead to better understanding of marine infrastructure impact on ecosystems and improve ecological management and regulatory compliance.

SourceAustralian Institute of Marine Science·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateApr 15, 2020

How expectations influence learning

Neuroscientists at Ruhr-University Bochum have found that the thalamus plays a key role in decision-making during learning, while the insular cortex is active when participants make correct or incorrect decisions. This suggests that expectations influence brain activity and sensory perception.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateApr 15, 2020

An antibody treatment combats life-threatening sepsis in rodents

Researchers have developed an antibody treatment that improves survival in rodent models of sepsis by targeting a protein called tetranectin. The therapy boosts survival even when started late after sepsis onset, suggesting its potential for treating severe bacterial infections and secondary sepsis in COVID-19 patients.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 15, 2020

T2K insight into the origin of the universe

Researchers at Lancaster University's T2K experiment have found that almost half of the possible parameter values governing matter-antimatter asymmetry in the Universe have been disfavoured. This discovery suggests a basic property of neutrinos, one of the fundamental particles making up the Universe.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNature·DateApr 15, 2020

Impact of donor lymphocyte infusion and intensified conditioning for relapsed/refractory leukemia

A large cohort study found that donor lymphocyte infusion and intensified conditioning improve outcomes for patients with relapsed/refractory leukemia, achieving high 3-year leukemia-free survival rates. The study also showed that these interventions have varying impacts on different types of leukemia and donor recipients.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateApr 15, 2020

COPD as a lung stem cell disease

Abnormal stem cells in COPD patients drive key features of the disease, including mucins that block airways and fibrosis and inflammation. Researchers have identified specific cells responsible for COPD pathology and are screening them against drug libraries to discover new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalCell·DateApr 15, 2020

Two is better than one

A team of scientists has developed a new 2D catalyst that can improve the efficiency of water purification using hydrogen peroxide. The catalyst, composed of two co-catalysts on one nanosheet, was designed to increase the efficiency of the process without additional chemical treatment.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2020

Logging threatening endangered caribou

A recent study by University of Guelph researchers found that logging in Ontario's boreal stands is threatening the population of endangered woodland caribou. The team analyzed video collars attached to 30 caribou, as well as GPS-tracking radio collars on wolves and caribou, to monitor their movements and find evidence of predation.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateApr 15, 2020

Economists find carbon footprint grows with parenthood

A new study found that households with children emit over 25% more carbon dioxide than childless households. Parents' concerns about the environment do not translate to a reduction in carbon footprint, but rather increased transportation and food consumption. This disparity is likely due to time constraints and the need for convenience.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 15, 2020

Face up to eating disorders, and seek help

A recent study found that young adults in Australia are leaving it 'too late' to seek help for eating disorders due to various barriers. Concerns about autonomy, fear of being a burden, and perceptions of the illness's severity prevent many from seeking professional advice.

SourceFlinders University·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateApr 15, 2020

ECMO physicians offer guidance in the context of resource-scarce COVID-19 treatment

In the context of a resource-scarce COVID-19 treatment, ECMO physicians outline their approach to care and provide guidelines for medical centers to respond to patients' needs. The guidance emphasizes optimizing resource utilization to prioritize patients with severe respiratory failure but without other significant co-morbidities.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateApr 15, 2020

Journey to the center of the Earth

Scientists have successfully determined the density of liquid iron and sound propagation speed through it at extremely high pressures. They found the density of the molten outer core to be about 8 percent less dense than pure liquid iron, suggesting the presence of additional lighter elements.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 15, 2020

Applying mathematics to accelerate predictions for capturing fusion energy

Scientists at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory have developed a new technique to predict fusion energy performance using advanced mathematical modeling. This approach combines millisecond behavior with longer-term forecasts, enabling accurate predictions of plasma temperature profiles and heat fluxes at significantly reduced computa...

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateApr 15, 2020

Shedding light on dark traps

Researchers identify 'deep trap' caused by clusters of smaller atomic-sized defect sites at grain boundaries, leading to power losses and instability. The discovery could streamline efforts to increase efficiency of perovskites, bringing them closer to mass-market production.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·DateApr 15, 2020

Prescribing an overdose: A chapter in the opioid epidemic

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that more than half of Americans starting highly regulated opioids may be receiving inappropriate treatment. The research team used pharmacy and medical claims data to identify nearly 300,000 instances of prescriptions for medications reserved for people with opioid tolerance. However, less ...

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 15, 2020