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Science News Archive April 2020 - Page 10


Page 10 of 37

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

Not so sweet

Researchers found that cool temperatures reduce the appeal of sweetness by activating other sensory cells via protein rhodopsin 6, which is typically associated with light detection. This suppresses communication between sweet-sensing taste neurons and the brain, leading to reduced feeding behavior in fruit flies.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 23, 2020

Fishers livelihood measured by more than catch

A study by Michigan State University examines the complex relationships between small-scale fishing activities, including pre- and post-harvest interactions, to understand the impact on fishers' livelihoods. The research highlights the importance of trust and collaborative relationships in shaping these dynamics.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 23, 2020

Digital solutions for dementia care

Researchers found that telehealth services using videoconferences can save travel time, equip families with strategies to promote independence, and reduce costs for non-pharmacologic interventions. The study provides evidence-based information and skills to support people with dementia and their care partners.

SourceFlinders University·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateApr 23, 2020

New study takes the pulse of a sleeping supervolcano

Researchers from Uppsala University discovered that hot magma from inside the Earth is forcing its way into a giant reservoir, keeping the Andean supervolcano alive. The study provides new insights into how large volcanoes work and could help increase chances of survival in case of a future eruption.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 23, 2020

High-altitude adaptations connected with lower risk for chronic diseases

Research team finds that high-altitude adaptations in the Himalayas may lower risk for hypertension and diabetes-associated anemia. The study, led by Katherine Wander of Binghamton University, found that a Tibetan-descended population living in Southwest China had lower rates of these conditions compared to low-altitude Han populations.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateApr 23, 2020

A Europe covered in grasslands or forests: innovation and research on climate models

A new study investigates the biogeophysical impacts of forestation on European climate, revealing that a continent covered in trees would generate up to one degree of extra seasonal heating in winter. The research used a multi-model ensemble approach and compared two ideal scenarios: a forested Europe and a grassland-covered Europe.