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Science News Archive April 2020 - Page 20


Page 20 of 37

Small study shows paper towels much more effective at removing viruses than hand dryers

A recent study by European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases found that paper towels significantly reduce virus contamination compared to hand dryers. The study simulated contaminated hands using paper towels and jet air dryers, finding that paper towels reduced viral dispersal to environmental surfaces by 5 times.

SCAI issues recommendations on adult congenital cardiac interventional training

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions has issued recommendations on adult congenital cardiac interventional training, focusing on eligibility, training environment, and procedural volume. The guidelines suggest a minimum of 150 ACHD catheterization cases for trainees to participate in as primary or first assistant.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateApr 16, 2020

Insight into the synapses

A recent study published in Science Advances has shed light on the molecular organization of synapses, revealing that glutamate receptors are directly connected to calcium channels and Munc-18-1. This new understanding could lead to a better comprehension of brain function and signal transmission.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 16, 2020

How did an ancient plant from Latin America become Asia's second-most-important cash crop?

Cassava has increased yields dramatically in Asia over the last 50 years, with yields in Vietnam rising from 3 tons per hectare to 20 tons through improved varieties and fertilizer management. Researchers have also developed new varieties for industrial use, such as high-starch cassava ideal for higher latitudes.

Caring for cancer patients in the COVID-19 era

The seven European cancer centers of Cancer Core Europe have shared their experiences and measures taken to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic. They emphasize the importance of adapting clinical activities, communication with patients, qualified personnel, and regional collaborations to ensure continuity in cancer care.

SourceNetherlands Cancer Institute·JournalNature Medicine·DateApr 16, 2020

Study: Cultural variables play important role in perceptions of status, power

A new study finds that cultural orientation significantly affects how individuals perceive the relationship between power and status. In cultures with a vertical collectivist orientation, powerful leaders are often seen as having high status, while in horizontal collectivistic cultures, high-status individuals are viewed as powerful. T...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateApr 16, 2020

Visual impairment among women and dementia risk

An observational study of 1,000 older women found a significant association between visual impairment and an increased risk of dementia. The study suggests that addressing visual impairment could be an important prevention strategy for reducing dementia risk.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateApr 16, 2020

Researchers discover treatment for spasticity in mice, following spinal cord injuries

A new study by University of Copenhagen researchers shows that administering nimodipine, an already approved drug for high blood pressure, can prevent the development of spasticity after spinal cord injuries. The effect is long-lasting and continues even after treatment has stopped.

New universal Ebola vaccine may fight all four virus species that infect humans

Scientists at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center report development of a potential universal vaccine for Ebola viruses. The new vaccine uses glycoproteins from two Ebola virus species and has shown promise in neutralizing all four pathogenic species, generating cross-reactive responses against multiple viruses.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJournal of Virology·DateApr 16, 2020

Healthy climate news: Fava beans could replace soy

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen found that fava beans can be processed into a concentrated protein powder using a unique method called wet fractionation, which increases protein content and improves digestibility. Fava beans are also more climate-friendly than soy due to local cultivation and reduced genetic modification.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalFoods·DateApr 16, 2020

Study finds evidence for existence of elusive 'metabolon'

Researchers at Penn State have directly observed functional metabolons involved in generating purines, the most abundant cellular metabolites. The findings suggest that enzymes are not haphazardly located throughout cells but instead occur in discrete clusters, or metabolons, that carry out specific metabolic pathways.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateApr 16, 2020

New 'toolbox' for urological cancer detection

Researchers developed a new method to separate extracellular vesicles from urine with high purity, revealing protein signatures specific to urological cancers. This breakthrough brings us closer to developing promising new urine tests for faster diagnosis and timely treatment of urological cancers.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalJournal of Extracellular Vesicles·DateApr 16, 2020