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Science News for April 8, 2020


Researchers assess bird flu virus subtypes in China

In a recent study published in Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, researchers isolated two H16N3 subtype influenza viruses that can bind to both human and avian-type cell receptors. The viruses showed evidence of genetic material from other species, suggesting they could infect humans and animals in the future.

SourceWiley·JournalTransboundary and Emerging Diseases·DateApr 8, 2020

How effective is quarantine alone or in combination with other public health measures to control coronavirus (COVID-19)?

This review found that quarantine can significantly reduce infections and deaths from COVID-19 when combined with other public health measures such as physical distancing, school closures, and travel restrictions. The effectiveness of quarantine alone was less consistent, but still showed promise in controlling outbreaks.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateApr 8, 2020

Public policies push schools to prioritize creating better test-takers over better people

Public schools in the US have shifted their focus to academic excellence, prioritizing standardized test scores over personal growth, job skills, and student self-awareness. The UB-led study found a significant rise in the ranking of academic excellence among public school principals, while personal growth and job skills declined.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalEducational Administration Quarterly·DateApr 8, 2020

Drinking green tea may help with food allergies

Research at Shinshu University found that green tea consumption increases Flavonifractor plautii bacteria in the gut, leading to a suppressed Th2 immune response to food allergies. This study suggests that drinking green tea may be a potential anti-allergy probiotic.

SourceShinshu University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateApr 8, 2020

Wallflowers could lead to new drugs

A team of researchers has identified the wallflower as a suitable model plant for discovering new cardenolides, which could lead to safer versions of heart disease and cancer treatments. The study provides a foundation for understanding the biosynthesis of cardenolides and their potential applications.

COVID-19 critical care bed modelling study: potential shortage in Canada

A national modelling paper suggests that Canada's ICU beds may not be enough to handle the demand during a COVID-19 outbreak, highlighting the need for higher rates of self-isolation. The study projects that at the outbreak's peak, the need for ICU beds per 10,000 population could be 2.6 times higher than the number of available beds.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 8, 2020

Harnessing the power of electricity-producing bacteria for programmable 'biohybrids'

Researchers have created a material that supports the growth of exoelectrogenic bacteria while efficiently conducting electricity in a controlled manner. By incorporating DNA strands into a nanocomposite scaffold, they can tailor the conductivity and properties of the material by varying the size and sequence of the DNA fragments.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 8, 2020

Mutation reduces energy waste in plants

Researchers identified mutations that improve photosynthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana by reducing protein degradation and increasing chlorophyll production. The findings suggest a potential mechanism to enhance plant energy efficiency and biomass production.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 8, 2020

Impulse for research on fungi

Researchers have developed a new method to visualize fungi using expansion microscopy, allowing for detailed studies of fungal biology and potential applications in medicine. The technique has been successfully applied to three fungal species, including the clinically relevant Aspergillus fumigatus.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateApr 8, 2020

COVID-19 in children in Spain

A study from Madrid's Hospital Infanta Sofía of COVID-19 testing and treatment in children shows promising results, with over 90% of pediatric patients experiencing mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. The study's findings highlight the importance of early detection and treatment in managing childhood COVID-19 cases.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateApr 8, 2020

First mobile app for caregivers of children with FASD reaches trial stage

A new mobile app, FMF Connect, has been designed to support caregivers of children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). The app provides easily accessible information and connects users with others who understand their experiences. Researchers conducted focus groups and beta tests to refine the app's components, including a Fa...

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateApr 8, 2020

Restricting sleep may affect emotional reactions

Participants in a study perceived pleasant and neutral pictures in a more negative way when their sleep was restricted. Insufficient sleep may impose a negative emotional bias, leading to an increased tendency to evaluate emotional stimuli as negative.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Sleep Research·DateApr 8, 2020

STEM students learn as well online as in classrooms

A study by Cornell University found that STEM students learned equally well in online courses as they did in traditional classroom settings, with significant cost savings. The research, which tracked over 300 students in Russia, showed that online courses can deliver the same learning outcomes at a fraction of the cost.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 8, 2020

Probiotics may help treat acne

A recent analysis published in Dermatologic Therapy suggests that probiotics may be an effective alternative to traditional treatments for acne. The study found that probiotics can reduce inflammation and help the skin's natural defenses against acne, but further research is needed to confirm these findings.

SourceWiley·JournalDermatologic Therapy·DateApr 8, 2020

Online education platforms could scale high-quality STEM education for universities

A multi-site study found that online and blended instruction produced similar learning outcomes to traditional in-person classes, with students scoring higher on course assignments but reporting slightly lower satisfaction. The study also showed significant cost savings, with blended instruction lowering costs by 15-19% and fully onlin...

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 8, 2020

The Lancet Gasteroenterology & Hepatology: First clinical trial finds probiotic treatment with dead bacteria is better than placebo at alleviating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome

A new 12-week clinical trial found that heat-inactivated Bifidobacterium bifidum MIMBb75 improved IBS symptoms by at least 30% in 34% of patients compared to 19% on placebo. The treatment was also associated with a strong placebo effect, but the dead bacterial cells were still significantly better than placebo.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology·DateApr 8, 2020

What are the environmental impacts of cancer drugs?

Cancer drugs are detected in water systems due to human excretion and wastewater treatment facilities. Researchers urge proactive measures to identify potential gaps in knowledge regarding the consequences of anti-neoplastic exposure on aquatic organisms.

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateApr 8, 2020

Cancer mutation in dual role

Researchers at the University of Freiburg have discovered that cancer-causing mutations in the KRAS gene lead to inflammation and slow down tumor growth. The study, led by Prof. Dr. Robert Zeiser, shows that K-Ras plays a dual role in both cancer development and immune response.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 8, 2020

Amazonian crops domesticated 10,000 years ago

Researchers confirm early plant cultivation in southwestern Amazonia, dating back to 10,350 years ago, with evidence of manioc and squash. The discovery suggests that the earliest inhabitants were not just hunter-gatherers but also engaged in plant cultivation.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateApr 8, 2020

Putting remdesivir to the test for COVID-19

Scientists are closely monitoring remdesivir trials for COVID-19 treatment, despite caution from infectious disease experts about difficult-to-interpret results. The antiviral drug blocks RNA polymerase used by SARS-CoV-2 to replicate, showing promise in lab experiments and animal studies.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateApr 8, 2020

Knowledge of cancer diagnosis may affect survival

Patients with lung cancer in China who knew their diagnosis survived longer than those who did not, with a median survival time of 18.33 months versus 8.77 months. The study suggests that full disclosure of cancer diagnoses can benefit patients in the long term with proper communication and support.

SourceWiley·JournalPsycho-Oncology·DateApr 8, 2020

A bad egg does good for its mother

Researchers at Northwestern University found that a damaged fertilized egg sends a molecular signal to the mother that protects her from cellular stress and environmental damage. This allows the mother to live longer and produce healthier eggs.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalGenes & Development·DateApr 8, 2020

Rice chemist wins grant to simplify drug design

László Kürti, a Rice University chemist, has received a prestigious grant to speed up drug design by simplifying the synthesis of essential precursors. The five-year grant will support research into amines and their derivatives, which are present in most drug molecules. This could lead to more environmentally friendly drug development.

Is autoimmunity on the rise?

A study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology found a significant increase in autoimmunity prevalence in the US population between 1988 and 2012. The prevalence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) rose from 11.0% in 1988 to 15.9% in 2011-2012, affecting an estimated 41 million individuals.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateApr 8, 2020

The Lancet: Modelling study estimates impact of relaxing control measures on possible second wave of COVID-19 in China

A modelling study suggests that relaxing control measures in regions outside Hubei province could lead to a second wave of COVID-19 infection, with cases potentially exceeding 1 and resulting in higher health and economic loss. The study advises policymakers to fine-tune control measures using real-time monitoring of transmissibility a...

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 8, 2020

X-ray vision through the water window

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a high-repetition-rate laser source producing coherent soft x-rays spanning the entire 'water window', enabling new applications in chemistry and biology. The system, capable of 100 kHz repetition rates, demonstrates a significant improvement over existing sources.

The effects of inflammatory bowel disease on pregnancy

Women with IBD had higher rates of Caesarean section and intrauterine growth retardation compared to those without IBD. Those with mild Crohn's disease did as well during pregnancy as women without IBD, but those with more severe disease experienced increased miscarriage and low birth weight.

SourceWiley·JournalAlimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics·DateApr 8, 2020

Extreme action costs popular support for protest movements, new study finds

A new study found that social movements lose popular approval when action is disruptive. Researchers conducted six experiments to understand the 'activist's dilemma' and how movements can overcome it. The findings suggest that activists should weigh their options carefully to achieve their objectives.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateApr 8, 2020

Therapy dogs may help lower emergency clinicians' stress

Interacting with therapy dogs for several minutes reduces self-reported anxiety and salivary cortisol levels among emergency providers. The study suggests a small benefit in stress reduction after the interaction, but the extent of the benefit is unclear.

SourceWiley·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateApr 8, 2020

Neuropsychological and psychological methods are essential

The collection of articles highlights the importance of neuropsychological and psychological applications in neurorehabilitation, addressing various etiologies and recovery outcomes. Innovative treatment methodologies such as solution-focused brief therapy and holistic milieu-oriented neurorehabilitation are also discussed.

SourceIOS Press·JournalNeuroRehabilitation An International Interdisciplinary Journal·DateApr 8, 2020

New NUI Galway study helps improve accuracy of future climate change predictions

A new study published in Nature's journal Climate and Atmospheric Science reveals that adding sea-salt can dampen the effect of clouds becoming brighter, which could impact climate change predictions. The research found that pollution-induced changes to cloud reflectance are a major uncertainty in predicting future climate change.

SourceUniversity of Galway·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·DateApr 8, 2020

Early bedtime may help children maintain healthy weight

A new study published in Acta Paediatrica found that children who go to bed early experience greater weight gain than those who go to bed late. The study of 1,258 Indigenous Australian children aged 6 years revealed consistent early bedtime routines may reduce the risk of overweight or obesity.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Paediatrica·DateApr 8, 2020

National online education platforms could make STEM degrees more affordable, Russia-based study shows

A Russia-based study found that national online education platforms can significantly lower instruction costs for STEM courses, allowing resource-constrained universities to enroll more students. The study also discovered that blended instruction formats offer the greatest cost savings of 19.2% for one course and 15.4% for another.

Foods high in vitamin D may benefit heart health

A study of over 3,000 adults found that higher vitamin D intake from food sources was associated with lower rates of cardiovascular events, particularly in men. The researchers suggest that increased vitamin D consumption may protect against heart-related problems.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics·DateApr 8, 2020