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Science News for April 24, 2020


Highly concentrated aqueous electrolytes could replace solvents used in batteries

A study by researchers at the University of São Paulo has identified a promising technological alternative to solvents used in batteries. Highly concentrated aqueous electrolytes offer significant advantages over conventional methods, including being nontoxic and cheaper. However, challenges such as hygroscopicity and corrosion need to...

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalCurrent Opinion in Electrochemistry·DateApr 24, 2020

Facing a pandemic while pregnant

A pregnant woman shares her experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the emotional toll of isolation and uncertainty on her mental health. She also discusses how healthcare providers can better support pregnant patients during this time, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateApr 24, 2020

Water molecules dance in three

Researchers have accurately described the interaction energy among three water molecules for the first time. The study uses advanced spectroscopy and quantum calculations to analyze the intermolecular vibrations of water trimers.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 24, 2020

Dramatic loss of food plants for insects

Researchers from the Universities of Bonn and Zurich have found a significant decline in food plants for insects in the canton of Zurich over the past 100 years. This has resulted in a decrease in the abundance of species visited by bees, bumblebees, wasps, butterflies, hoverflies, flies, and beetles.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalEcological Applications·DateApr 24, 2020

Quantum electrodynamics experiment

Researchers at Heidelberg University have successfully constructed the symmetries of quantum electrodynamics using ultracold atoms. The findings could lead to the development of large-scale quantum devices capable of simulating complex physical phenomena.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalScience·DateApr 24, 2020

Training instance segmentation neural network with synthetic datasets for seed phenotyping

A team of scientists has developed a system utilizing image analysis and artificial intelligence to analyze the shape of large numbers of seeds from a single image. The trained model detected and segmented individual seeds with high accuracy and analyzed seeds of other crops, accelerating crop breeding and analysis.

How the immune system reacts to hepatitis C viruses

Researchers discovered that hepatitis C virus interacts with the immune system through the interferon-stimulated gene C19orf66, disrupting viral replication machinery and inhibiting its ability to replicate. The study found increased production of C19orf66 in hepatitis C patients, suggesting a potential antiviral effect.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateApr 24, 2020

Learn from past to protect oceans

Historical examples of sustainable and unsustainable fishing practices reveal common 'recipes for failure' that offer warnings for modern-day ocean management. Successful societies achieved balance between economic growth, social equity, and sustainability by managing resources fairly and responding to change.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFish and Fisheries·DateApr 24, 2020

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center describe ventilator triage policies developed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The American College of Physicians Ethics Committee also warns against using universal do-not-resuscitate orders and life-years approaches to ration resources, citing ethical concerns.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 24, 2020

Substituting the next-best protein

Researchers found that FDA-approved drugs Betaxolol and Pravastatin can increase muscle strength in mouse models of DMD by stimulating utrophin production. This approach could lead to novel therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, potentially offering advantages over traditional gene replacement methods.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 24, 2020

A 'corset' for the enzyme structure

Enzyme structure varies depending on whether it's measured in a test tube or a living cell, according to researchers at the University of Bonn. This fundamental principle has implications for drug research and studies involving biomolecules.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 24, 2020