Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for April 21, 2020


AI to make dentists' work easier

A new deep learning model accurately localises the exact location of mandibular canals in lower jaws, making dental implant operations faster and more efficient. The model surpasses existing methods, such as statistical shape models, and performs equally fast and accurately every time.

SourceAalto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 21, 2020

UK coronavirus policy places people aged 60-69 at increased risk

A study published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine found that people aged 60-69 are at a higher risk of complications and death from COVID-19. The authors recommend stringent public health measures for this age group to reduce hospitalizations and deaths.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateApr 21, 2020

Spanish scientists identify a biomarker that detects atherosclerosis before the appearance of symptoms

Researchers at CNIC discovered a biomarker, complement component 5 (C5), that detects atherosclerosis in its preclinical phase. Plasma levels of C5 can identify individuals with subclinical atherosclerosis, helping to select those who would benefit from more costly imaging analysis.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 21, 2020

Protecting yourself from the latest internet sex crime

A new study sheds light on the lesser-known internet crime of sextortion, which poses a threat to adults and minors. The research highlights the importance of protecting the public from online criminals and calls for increasing awareness and changing legislation to include other forms of internet-based sexual abuse crimes.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·DateApr 21, 2020

Present-day dogs defy the domestication syndrome

A study published in Evolution Letters found that dog breeds do not exhibit the expected correlation between their physical traits and behavior, contradicting earlier hypotheses. This challenges our understanding of the domestication process and highlights the need to distinguish between domestication traits and improvement traits.

SourceStockholm University·JournalEvolution Letters·DateApr 21, 2020

Tetracycline-family antibiotics may offer early diagnostic for degenerative eye disease

Researchers discovered a potential new method to detect age-related macular degeneration using tetracycline staining and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy. Tiny deposits of lipids, proteins, and minerals under the retina can be visualized with this technique, offering enhanced early detection.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateApr 21, 2020

Scientists shed new light on viral protein shell assembly

Scientists have gained new insight into the conditions that control self-assembly in viral protein shells, which could lead to a promising new approach to hindering viral infections. The study highlights factors that can cause incorrect self-assembly and suggests manipulating these factors to induce misassembly could be effective.

SourceeLife·DateApr 21, 2020

Behavioral intervention, not lovastatin, improves language skills in youth with fragile X

Researchers found that a telehealth-delivered behavioral intervention improved language skills in youth with fragile X syndrome, while lovastatin showed no efficacy. The study used Parent-Implemented Language Intervention (PILI) to enhance parent-child interactions and promote language development.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders·DateApr 21, 2020

Cool down fast to advance quantum nanotechnology

Physicists create Bose-Einstein condensate by rapidly cooling magnons to room temperature, eliminating the need for complex equipment and achieving a long-sought goal in quantum physics research. The discovery has significant implications for advancing quantum computing at room temperature.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateApr 21, 2020

Scientists identify cause of leakiness in eye diseases

Researchers discovered a key mechanism behind eye vessel leakiness in diseases like age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. By targeting this specific step, they hope to develop new treatments that can selectively block leak-inducing effects without harming nerve and blood-vessel cells.

SourceeLife·DateApr 21, 2020

Charismatic invasive species have an easier time settling into new habitats

Research found that the physical characteristics of charismatic invasive species, such as body size and coloration, contribute to their appeal and can lead to increased human interaction and difficulty in management. Conversely, other species that are considered problematic may be viewed less favorably due to cultural perceptions.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateApr 21, 2020

The best things come in small packages

A miniaturized carbon dioxide monitoring instrument based on non-dispersive infrared technology has been developed to observe carbon dioxide concentrations in the boundary layer. The instrument provided consistent results with conventional gas chromatography analyzers and revealed that CO2 concentration decreases with increasing altitude.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateApr 21, 2020

Nutrient deficiency in tumor cells attracts cells that suppress the immune system

Researchers discover that nutrient deficiencies in tumor cells trigger the release of cytokines and chemokines, attracting immune cells that inhibit effective attacks. The lack of blood supply is interpreted as a wound, triggering an inflammatory response that promotes angiogenesis and tumor growth.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 21, 2020

Developing human corneal tissue

Scientists at Osaka University have developed a new method to isolate and generate human corneal tissue from induced pluripotent stem cells. By using specific proteins and magnetic-activated cell sorting technology, researchers were able to purify corneal epithelial cells and produce highly pure corneal sheets for therapeutic purposes.

SourceOsaka University·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateApr 21, 2020

Researchers uncover mechanisms of protective antibody response during Marburg infection

Researchers uncovered novel mechanisms of protective antibodies against Marburg virus infection through a study of monoclonal antibodies from a survivor. The findings suggest that these antibodies recruit immune cells to kill infected cells and strengthen the protective effect by rearranging the viral glycoprotein. This research provid...

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateApr 21, 2020

New POP atomic clock design achieves state-of-the-art frequency stability

Researchers at Chinese Academy of Sciences developed a pulsed optically pumped (POP) atomic clock with unprecedented frequency stability of 4.7 × 10−15 at 10^4 seconds. The new design overcomes challenges in temperature control and barometric effects, ensuring accuracy for global navigation and communication services.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateApr 21, 2020

Milestone for the early detection of sepsis

Researchers developed a ground-breaking method to detect sepsis 2-3 days before clinical symptoms appear using endogenous signals (biomarkers). The test has high accuracy and may increase survival chances for sepsis patients. Approval in the US FDA is underway, with clinical trials starting soon.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalJournal of Biotechnology·DateApr 21, 2020

A biological mechanism for depression

Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago found increased amounts of unmodified tubulin in depressed individuals' cells compared to non-depressed individuals. Tubulin's modification plays a crucial role in harnessing Gsa signaling molecules, which are involved in neurotransmitters like serotonin.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJNeurosci·DateApr 21, 2020

Keep children from hospital during crisis

A study by Flinders University suggests that keeping children with chronic conditions at home during a crisis can help manage their health. The research highlights the importance of supported self-management plans, telehealth options, and technology in enabling children to maintain control over their own health.

SourceFlinders University·JournalPatient Education and Counseling·DateApr 21, 2020

How the brain recognizes change

Researchers discovered that presynaptic PTPσ trans-synaptically regulates postsynaptic NMDA receptor responses, enabling novelty recognition in mice. Mice lacking PTPσ showed impaired social novelty recognition and failed to recognize new objects, stranger mice, and rules.

North pole will be ice-free in summer

A new study suggests that reducing CO2 emissions rapidly could lead to ice-free years in the Arctic, occurring only occasionally. The research indicates that humans can still determine how often the Arctic Ocean will be ice-free, depending on future emissions levels.

SourceMcGill University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 21, 2020

Humble bug holds key to relieving millions of allergy sufferers in Europe

A study published in Nature Communications reveals that a leaf beetle can significantly reduce pollen from common ragweed, benefiting over 2 million allergy sufferers in Europe. The research also estimates the economic benefits of biological control in Europe, suggesting countries in the Balkan Peninsula will benefit most.

SourceCABI·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 21, 2020

Novel class of specific RNAs may explain increased depression susceptibility in females

Researchers at Mount Sinai have identified a novel class of genes, specifically LINC00473, that regulate mood and drive sex-specific susceptibility versus resilience to depression. These findings provide evidence for an important new family of molecular targets that could help scientists develop more effective pharmacotherapies.

Coffee changes our sense of taste

A study published in Foods found that coffee makes people more sensitive to sweetness and less sensitive to bitterness. The researchers suggest that the bitter compounds in coffee may be responsible for this effect. This discovery could have implications for our understanding of how we regulate sugar consumption.

SourceAarhus University·JournalFoods·DateApr 21, 2020

What helps couples weather financial storms

Research by Ashley LeBaron found that couples who prioritize relationship maintenance behaviors during financial stress tend to have stronger relationships. These behaviors include respecting each other, being present, and showing love and affection. Receiving support from family and friends also plays a crucial role.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Family and Economic Issues·DateApr 21, 2020

High-performance electrolyte solves battery puzzle

Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a new electrolyte that forms a protective layer on silicon anodes, stabilizing their structure and preventing degradation. This breakthrough enables the use of micro-sized alloy anodes, significantly enhancing energy density and paving the way for high-energy batteries.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature Energy·DateApr 21, 2020

ASU scientists lead study of galaxy's 'water worlds'

A team of international researchers has provided a mineralogy lab study for water-rich exoplanets, revealing an unexpected new solid phase with silicon, hydrogen, and oxygen. The findings suggest that the distinction between water and rock layers in these planets may be 'fuzzy' at high pressure and temperature.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 21, 2020