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Science News for August 19, 2020


Migration and dispersal of butterflies have contrasting effect on flight morphology

A recent study by Vaishali Bhaumik and Dr Krushnamegh Kunte reveals contrasting effects of migration and dispersal on flight morphology in butterflies. Female butterfly populations that disperse over short distances have a higher egg load, but this declines rapidly as their thorax size increases, enabling stronger flight muscles.

SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·JournalBiology Letters·DateAug 19, 2020

Young gay men's health care needs not being met

A Rutgers study found that young gay men who experience healthcare discrimination or have providers lacking in knowledge about gay men's health issues are more likely to miss out on screenings and care. Creating safe spaces for disclosure can build trust and improve access to relevant services.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services·DateAug 19, 2020

UAlberta researchers find way to speed up nerve regrowth for trauma patients

Researchers at the University of Alberta have found a way to accelerate nerve regrowth in trauma patients by three to five times, leading to better outcomes. The treatment, known as conditioning electrical stimulation (CES), involves electrically stimulating nerves before surgery, causing them to regenerate faster.

First immune-evading cells created to treat type 1 diabetes

Salk Institute scientists develop transplantable human insulin-producing pancreatic cell clusters that evade the immune system, providing sustained blood glucose control without immunosuppressants. The cells were created using stem cell technology and a protein called WNT4 to induce a genetic switch that makes them functional.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature·DateAug 19, 2020

New study identifies better treatment option for common complication of dialysis

A new study has identified a better treatment option for arteriovenous fistulas used in hemodialysis, reducing the need for repeated hospital visits and procedures. The drug-coated balloon angioplasty treatment has shown promising results, with patients being 25% more likely to have a functioning access point after 6 months.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 19, 2020

Protein influences regeneration of vascular cells

Researchers at the University of Bonn discovered a protein that influences cell communication in vascular cells. The study found that an RNA-binding protein acts as a gatekeeper, controlling the release of microRNAs that promote regeneration. This breakthrough offers new hope for treating diseases like arteriosclerosis.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Extracellular Vesicles·DateAug 19, 2020

Deep learning will help future Mars rovers go farther, faster, and do more science

The NASA JPL team is using deep learning to develop software for future Mars rovers, which will enable them to travel farther and explore more of the planet. The team has been training machine learning models on the Maverick2 supercomputer and developing novel capabilities such as Drive-By Science and Energy-Optimal Autonomous Navigation.

Can a healthy diet reduce risk of Parkinson's?

A new study suggests that following an alternate Mediterranean or Alternative Healthy Eating Index diet pattern may be linked to fewer non-motor symptoms such as constipation, daytime sleepiness and depression. The researchers found a strong relationship between healthy diet adherence and reduced risk of these preceding symptoms.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateAug 19, 2020

Heating our climate damages our economies - study reveals greater costs than expected

A new study reveals that climate change can cause greater damages to economies than previously thought, with up to three times the estimated output losses of a 1°C hotter year. The research found significant economic losses of 10% globally and over 20% in tropical regions by 2100.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalJournal of Environmental Economics and Management·DateAug 19, 2020

Telemedicine may well outlast the pandemic, say mental health care staff

New research from UCL and King's College London finds that telemedicine may not work for everyone, with major challenges to be addressed for its effective adoption. Mental health staff report concerns about reduced referrals, visits to services, and access to physical healthcare for people with mental health conditions.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalSocial Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology·DateAug 19, 2020

Older adults with existing depression show resilience during the pandemic

A study found that older adults with pre-existing major depressive disorder demonstrated resilience to the stress of physical distancing and isolation during the pandemic. They used coping strategies such as maintaining regular schedules, distracting themselves from negative emotions, and using mindfulness.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateAug 19, 2020

A Reverse Approach to Vessel Surgery May Boost Clinical Outcomes in Dialysis

A new surgical procedure called RADAR has been shown to create arteriovenous fistulae that mature more quickly, remain accessible longer, and are less likely to require reintervention. The study suggests this approach may improve clinical outcomes for patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 19, 2020

Researchers identify better classification system for adult idiopathic scoliosis

Researchers have designed a new X-ray classification system for adult idiopathic scoliosis, providing a more universal and standard assessment of the condition. The three-component method maintains existing curve types while introducing assessments of global alignment and lumbosacral curve, improving treatment options for older patients.

Toward a coronavirus breathalyzer test

A prototype device has been developed to detect COVID-19 in exhaled breath, reducing the need for uncomfortable nasopharyngeal swabs. The sensor shows high accuracy in distinguishing COVID-19 cases from controls and lung infections, with potential applications for screening large populations.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateAug 19, 2020

Medicaid expansion and outpatient surgical care

This observational study found that states participating in Medicaid expansion had higher rates of using common outpatient surgical procedures, including cataract surgery and hernia repair. The study suggests that increased access to healthcare may lead to more medical interventions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateAug 19, 2020

Food from the sea

Sustainably managing the ocean could increase food production by an outsize proportion relative to land-based food, nourishing the growing human population. Researchers estimate a roughly 16% increase in wild-caught seafood by 2050 if fisheries are sustainably managed.

Portrait of a virus

A new platform analyzing medical records of COVID-19 patients has provided intriguing clinical clues about the disease's presentation, evolution, and impact on different organ systems. The data from 96 hospitals in five countries has raised more questions than answers, but holds promise for rapid disease insights.

SourceHarvard Medical School·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·DateAug 19, 2020

Lungfish fins reveal how limbs evolved

A team of biologists has determined how limbs evolved from fins using embryos of the Australian lungfish. The study suggests that a primitive hand was present in lungfish fins but unique anatomy of limbs with digits only evolved during the rise of tetrapods through changes in embryonic development.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 19, 2020

Improving protein digestibility in sorghum

Scientists have identified three genes linked to high protein digestibility in sorghum, which could lead to breeding programs to enhance the crop's nutritional value. This breakthrough aims to improve the lives of people in third-world countries and US livestock producers by increasing the protein content of sorghum.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateAug 19, 2020

Study sheds new light on certainty of opinions

Researchers at University at Buffalo suggest that certain people tend to be more confident in their attitudes across various issues, while others are more uncertain. This dispositional attitude certainty is linked to traits like self-esteem and can predict behavior, including choices made on novel items.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateAug 19, 2020

Unlocking the cell enhances student learning of the genetic code

Researchers create a classroom kit containing cell-free protein synthesis technology to teach transcription and translation in a hands-on manner. The Genetic Code Kit significantly improves student learning gains and increases comfort with biotechnology lab techniques, preparing students for graduate programs and careers.

SourceCalifornia Polytechnic State University·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·DateAug 19, 2020