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Science News Archive April 2020 - Page 11


Page 11 of 37

Amperometric sensors assist in analyzing food safety

Researchers at Kazan Federal University have created a novel amperometric sensor to detect sterically hindered phenols, including synthetic phenolic antioxidants. The sensor uses electropolymerized carminic acid as the sensitive layer and has been successfully tested on linseed oils, confirming high accuracy of antioxidant detection.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalJournal of Electroanalytical Chemistry·DateApr 23, 2020

Association of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors with severity or risk of death in patients with hypertension hospitalized for COVID-19

A study examined the association between renin-angiotensin system inhibitors and COVID-19 severity, finding no significant link to increased risk of death or severe illness. However, some studies suggest that these medications may exacerbate respiratory symptoms in patients with underlying hypertension.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateApr 23, 2020

How birds evolved big brains

Researchers found that birds and non-avian dinosaurs had similar brain sizes before the mass extinction, but after, some bird families evolved large-brained birds by shrinking body size. Parrots and corvids, including crows, showed exceptional cognitive capacity and rapid brain evolution.

SourceBruce Museum·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 23, 2020

Iron deficiency in corals?

Microalgae in coral cells may compensate with other metals when iron is limited, potentially affecting vital biological functions. Research found that different species of microalgae acquire other trace metals in unique quantities, which could have cascading effects on coral health.

SourcePenn State·JournalCoral Reefs·DateApr 23, 2020

Conservation research on lynx

Scientists at Forschungsverbund Berlin found that anti-oxidative enzymes, particularly SOD2, contribute to the unusual longevity of the corpus luteum in lynxes. This discovery provides important insights into lynx reproduction and may support conservation breeding programs.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 23, 2020

Breakthrough in genome visualization

Researchers have devised a faster and less memory-intensive method for constructing pan-genome subgraphs, allowing scientists to create visualizations on different scales rapidly. The new method enables the analysis of specific genome parts in a more efficient manner.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalOpen Computer Science·DateApr 23, 2020

Good news for the wheat-sensitive among us

Researchers at Edith Cowan University have developed a way to detect and quantify wheat proteins that trigger intestinal inflammation and chronic ailments. This breakthrough has resulted in a reference map of wheat proteins across diverse varieties and an innovative technique to measure specific proteins.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateApr 23, 2020

Bid to lower COVID-19 deaths

A new investigation at Flinders University seeks to understand why bacterial infections predispose individuals to severe COVID-19. The research aims to connect respiratory tract bacterial colonization with COVID-19 outcomes in the community.

Novel coronavirus detected, monitored in wastewater

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a method to monitor the novel coronavirus in wastewater, offering a new approach to tracking disease outbreaks and identifying hotspots. This technique uses reverse-transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT qPCR) to detect viral RNA genomes in wastewater samples.

SourceArizona State University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateApr 23, 2020

PTSD partners feel invisible, study finds

A new study by Flinders University highlights the need for better support systems for PTSD partners of veterans and emergency workers. Partners reported feeling invisible in their recovery, with their contributions to trauma management often overlooked.

SourceFlinders University·JournalHealth & Social Care in the Community·DateApr 23, 2020