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Science News for April 6, 2020


Cell muscle movements visualized for first time

Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a new microscopy technique that allows them to visualize the dynamics of protein assemblies in cells, providing insights into cellular muscle movements. The study reveals that myosin proteins exhibit different regimes of fluctuations, enabling the cell to exert forces and propagate.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateApr 6, 2020

Sulfur 'spices' alien atmospheres

Researchers found that a small presence of sulfur in the atmosphere can lead to three times more haze particles, primarily organic sulfur products. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about sulfur's role in exoplanet atmospheres and highlights the importance of caution when interpreting spectroscopic data.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNature Astronomy·DateApr 6, 2020

Societal transformations and resilience in Arabia across 12,000 years of climate change

The study reveals how ancient peoples in Arabia adapted to arid conditions through mobility, water management, and economic transformation. In contrast, southeastern populations relied on coastal resources during droughts, highlighting the importance of considering regional responses to climate change.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2020

Oil spill: where and when will it reach the beach? Answers to prevent environmental impacts

A recent study used the MEDSLIK-II model to forecast the spread of an oil spill, predicting its arrival at French beaches 7 days in advance. The collaboration between CMCC Foundation and REMPEC ensured timely exchange of information, producing accurate forecasts that aided coastal preparedness.

Artificial light in the Arctic

Researchers found that fish and zooplankton behavior are disrupted by artificial light during the polar night, affecting stock assessments of commercial and non-commercial fish species. They also discovered that this disruption occurs as far down as the Mesopelagic Zone, where it can impact fisheries surveys.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalCommunications Biology·DateApr 6, 2020

Surgical masks good for most COVID-19 treatment: McMaster

A systematic review of medical masks vs. N95 respirators found that the former did not increase viral respiratory infection or clinical illness; however, N95 respirators are best for aerosol-generating procedures. The study suggests preserving N95 respirators for high-risk care and using medical masks for routine treatment.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalInfluenza and Other Respiratory Viruses·DateApr 6, 2020

Scientists' warning to humanity on insect extinctions

A global group of scientists warns of the accelerating rate of insect extinction, which could have severe consequences for the environment. The team highlights practical steps individuals can take to help conserve insects, such as reducing lawn mowing frequency, avoiding pesticides, and supporting conservation organizations.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalBiological Conservation·DateApr 6, 2020

Gender gap in test scores

A study analyzing 2,646,550 college entrance tests in Chile found that removing a penalty for incorrect answers narrowed the gender gap in test scores, particularly among high-performing students in some STEM fields. This policy change also reduced the gender gap in the number of questions skipped.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2020

Older entrepreneurs as successful as their younger counterparts, study reveals

A new study published in the Journal of Business Venturing found that older business entrepreneurs can be just as successful as their younger counterparts. The study also showed that women's chances of success increase with age. Meanwhile, midlife is considered a challenging time to start a business due to child care and elder care obl...

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalJournal of Business Venturing·DateApr 6, 2020

RIKEN group leads world in single-cell transcriptome profiling

A team of researchers from RIKEN has developed a new single-cell RNA sequencing method called Quartz-seq2 that outperforms other methods in terms of accuracy and reproducibility. The method was benchmarked against 13 different methods using a set of approximately 3,000 cells, and it scored highest on the benchmark.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 6, 2020

Men pose more risk to other road users than women

A recent study published in Injury Prevention journal reveals that men are more likely to drive dangerous vehicles and pose a higher risk to other road users. The researchers suggest that greater gender equity in road transport jobs could help lessen these risks.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalInjury Prevention·DateApr 6, 2020

Follow your gut

Researchers at Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown identified a novel digestive-brain axis that influences food choice and behavior. The study found that post-ingestive signals from the liver through the Vagus Nerve play a crucial role in learning to prefer nutritious foods.

Fiber consumption linked to lower breast cancer risk

A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies found that consuming a diet high in fiber was associated with a reduced incidence of breast cancer. The findings suggest that soluble fiber and higher total fiber intake are linked to lower risks of breast cancer, particularly in premenopausal and postmenopausal women.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateApr 6, 2020

How the chemical industry can meet the climate goals

The chemical industry can achieve net-zero CO2 emissions by using carbon capture and storage (CCS) or carbon capture and utilization (CCU), which require more energy. Biomass-based production is another option, but with intensive land use requirements.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry Research·DateApr 6, 2020

Evaluating grip strength to identify early diabetes

A new study identifies consistent grip strength cut points relative to body weight, gender, and age group in a large nationally representative sample of participants. Researchers found that assessing normalized grip strength can routinely screen for type 2 diabetes in apparently healthy adults.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateApr 6, 2020

Development of new system for combatting COVID-19 that can be used for other viruses

Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have created a reverse genetic system for SARS coronavirus 2, allowing for quick development and evaluation of vaccines and diagnosis of infected patients. The system enables high-throughput testing in 12 hours, significantly reducing turnaround time compared to conventional methods.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateApr 6, 2020

More pavement, more problems

A new Johns Hopkins University study finds that for every percentage point increase in roads and impervious surfaces, annual floods increase by 3.3% on average. The research team used a large dataset of streamgages and impervious surface data to isolate the effect of urbanization on flooding.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 6, 2020

Leaving its mark: How frailty impacts the blood

Researchers at OIST Graduate University developed a new method to diagnose frailty using metabolomics and identified key biomarkers in the blood. The study found that 22 blood metabolites correlate with frailty, cognitive impairment, and hypomobility, offering potential for early diagnosis and treatment.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2020

NYU Abu Dhabi researchers synthesize gold nanoparticles capable of attacking cancer cells

A team of NYU Abu Dhabi researchers have developed a new, one-pot synthetic approach to obtain water-stable and ready-to-use gold nanoparticles. These nanoparticles can be heated with a simple green laser, improving their ability to penetrate and destroy malignant cells through hyperthermia while releasing chemotherapeutic drugs.

SourceNew York University·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateApr 6, 2020

Clinical trial to assess potential treatment for COVID-19-related respiratory failure

A clinical trial is underway to assess the potential treatment of COVID-19-related respiratory failure using the anti-clotting drug tPA. The trial aims to evaluate whether tPA can reduce deaths among patients with severe lung injury, alleviating an expected shortage of ventilators for critically ill patients.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJournal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery·DateApr 6, 2020

Bedroom air filters help asthmatic children breathe easier

A new study finds that using bedroom air filters can significantly improve breathing in asthmatic children. Consistent daily use of filters for two weeks reduced airway resistance, lung inflammation, and increased airway elasticity. The findings suggest that the filters may help prevent asthma flare-ups without costly medications.

SourceDuke University·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateApr 6, 2020

Potential early biomarker to track development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Researchers from Joslin Diabetes Center have identified a potential early biomarker for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is linked to the regulation of liver fat metabolism and fibrosis. The protein NREP was found to decrease in levels as NAFLD progressed, suggesting its role as an early indicator of the disease.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 6, 2020

Innovative birds are less vulnerable to extinction

Bird species that exhibit novel foraging behaviors have reduced risk of extinction, according to a study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution. The researchers found that the more innovative a species is, the lower its risk of extinction, with some species able to adapt to habitat destruction by finding new food sources.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateApr 6, 2020

Changes in brain attention may underlie autism

Research suggests that individuals with autism spectrum disorder exhibit differences in attention regulation, which may be attributed to altered locus coeruleus activity. This study found that participants with autism displayed atypically smaller pupil dilations during a distraction task, indicating dysregulation in the brainstem.

Development of a sticker that indicates whether cold-chain food products have gone bad

A new sticker has been developed to indicate whether cold-chain food products have gone bad. The sticker changes color when exposed to room temperature, allowing users to determine if their food is spoiled. Its low manufacturing cost and flexibility make it suitable for widespread use in the fresh food delivery market.

What makes Saturn's atmosphere so hot

New analysis of data from NASA's Cassini spacecraft reveals that auroral electric currents are likely responsible for heating Saturn's upper atmosphere. The study provides the most complete mapping yet of temperature and density in a gas giant's upper atmosphere, shedding light on how heat circulates in the region.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Astronomy·DateApr 6, 2020