Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive April 2020 - Page 15


Page 15 of 37

Behavioral intervention, not lovastatin, improves language skills in youth with fragile X

Researchers found that a telehealth-delivered behavioral intervention improved language skills in youth with fragile X syndrome, while lovastatin showed no efficacy. The study used Parent-Implemented Language Intervention (PILI) to enhance parent-child interactions and promote language development.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders·DateApr 21, 2020

Cool down fast to advance quantum nanotechnology

Physicists create Bose-Einstein condensate by rapidly cooling magnons to room temperature, eliminating the need for complex equipment and achieving a long-sought goal in quantum physics research. The discovery has significant implications for advancing quantum computing at room temperature.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateApr 21, 2020

Scientists identify cause of leakiness in eye diseases

Researchers discovered a key mechanism behind eye vessel leakiness in diseases like age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. By targeting this specific step, they hope to develop new treatments that can selectively block leak-inducing effects without harming nerve and blood-vessel cells.

SourceeLife·DateApr 21, 2020

Charismatic invasive species have an easier time settling into new habitats

Research found that the physical characteristics of charismatic invasive species, such as body size and coloration, contribute to their appeal and can lead to increased human interaction and difficulty in management. Conversely, other species that are considered problematic may be viewed less favorably due to cultural perceptions.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateApr 21, 2020

The best things come in small packages

A miniaturized carbon dioxide monitoring instrument based on non-dispersive infrared technology has been developed to observe carbon dioxide concentrations in the boundary layer. The instrument provided consistent results with conventional gas chromatography analyzers and revealed that CO2 concentration decreases with increasing altitude.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateApr 21, 2020

Nutrient deficiency in tumor cells attracts cells that suppress the immune system

Researchers discover that nutrient deficiencies in tumor cells trigger the release of cytokines and chemokines, attracting immune cells that inhibit effective attacks. The lack of blood supply is interpreted as a wound, triggering an inflammatory response that promotes angiogenesis and tumor growth.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 21, 2020

Developing human corneal tissue

Scientists at Osaka University have developed a new method to isolate and generate human corneal tissue from induced pluripotent stem cells. By using specific proteins and magnetic-activated cell sorting technology, researchers were able to purify corneal epithelial cells and produce highly pure corneal sheets for therapeutic purposes.

SourceOsaka University·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateApr 21, 2020

Researchers uncover mechanisms of protective antibody response during Marburg infection

Researchers uncovered novel mechanisms of protective antibodies against Marburg virus infection through a study of monoclonal antibodies from a survivor. The findings suggest that these antibodies recruit immune cells to kill infected cells and strengthen the protective effect by rearranging the viral glycoprotein. This research provid...

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateApr 21, 2020

New POP atomic clock design achieves state-of-the-art frequency stability

Researchers at Chinese Academy of Sciences developed a pulsed optically pumped (POP) atomic clock with unprecedented frequency stability of 4.7 × 10−15 at 10^4 seconds. The new design overcomes challenges in temperature control and barometric effects, ensuring accuracy for global navigation and communication services.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateApr 21, 2020

Milestone for the early detection of sepsis

Researchers developed a ground-breaking method to detect sepsis 2-3 days before clinical symptoms appear using endogenous signals (biomarkers). The test has high accuracy and may increase survival chances for sepsis patients. Approval in the US FDA is underway, with clinical trials starting soon.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalJournal of Biotechnology·DateApr 21, 2020

A biological mechanism for depression

Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago found increased amounts of unmodified tubulin in depressed individuals' cells compared to non-depressed individuals. Tubulin's modification plays a crucial role in harnessing Gsa signaling molecules, which are involved in neurotransmitters like serotonin.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJNeurosci·DateApr 21, 2020

Keep children from hospital during crisis

A study by Flinders University suggests that keeping children with chronic conditions at home during a crisis can help manage their health. The research highlights the importance of supported self-management plans, telehealth options, and technology in enabling children to maintain control over their own health.

SourceFlinders University·JournalPatient Education and Counseling·DateApr 21, 2020

How the brain recognizes change

Researchers discovered that presynaptic PTPσ trans-synaptically regulates postsynaptic NMDA receptor responses, enabling novelty recognition in mice. Mice lacking PTPσ showed impaired social novelty recognition and failed to recognize new objects, stranger mice, and rules.

North pole will be ice-free in summer

A new study suggests that reducing CO2 emissions rapidly could lead to ice-free years in the Arctic, occurring only occasionally. The research indicates that humans can still determine how often the Arctic Ocean will be ice-free, depending on future emissions levels.

SourceMcGill University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 21, 2020

Humble bug holds key to relieving millions of allergy sufferers in Europe

A study published in Nature Communications reveals that a leaf beetle can significantly reduce pollen from common ragweed, benefiting over 2 million allergy sufferers in Europe. The research also estimates the economic benefits of biological control in Europe, suggesting countries in the Balkan Peninsula will benefit most.

SourceCABI·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 21, 2020

Novel class of specific RNAs may explain increased depression susceptibility in females

Researchers at Mount Sinai have identified a novel class of genes, specifically LINC00473, that regulate mood and drive sex-specific susceptibility versus resilience to depression. These findings provide evidence for an important new family of molecular targets that could help scientists develop more effective pharmacotherapies.