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Science News for August 20, 2020


When learning on your own is not enough

Researchers found two unique learning signals computed in distinct brain regions, one for direct learning and the other for social learning. This integrated brain network supports social influence in human decision-making, particularly in uncertain situations.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 20, 2020

Researchers create nanoclusters that mimic biomolecules

A research team at Cornell University created nanoclusters that can self-assemble and mimic the complex structures of DNA, RNA, and proteins. The clusters have three levels of organization with an interlocking, chiral design, making them potential candidates for metabolic and enzymatic processes.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 20, 2020

Affirmative action incentivizes high schoolers to perform better, new research shows

A study by University of California San Diego researcher Gaurav Khanna finds minority students attain 0.8 additional years of education where affirmative action policies are in place. Affirmative action makes going to a good college more attainable, encouraging minority groups to work harder to get into such schools.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalThe Review of Economic Studies·DateAug 20, 2020

Australia's wish list of exotic pets

A study found that Australians prefer pets from threatened species, invasive species, and popular US imports, posing a risk to native populations. The trade of these animals is often unregulated, making it difficult to track demand and assess the public's interest in owning exotic pets.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalNeoBiota·DateAug 20, 2020

Elevated "hunger" hormone leaves trauma-exposed teens at higher risk for PTSD

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that trauma-exposed adolescents with moderately elevated acyl-ghrelin hormone levels are almost eight times more likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study also suggests that lower acyl-ghrelin levels may reduce the risk and severity of subsequent PTSD.

CU student helps bridge teams at Clemson

A CU student collaborated with three research teams to study perovskite nanocrystals, which have numerous applications. The team discovered a phase transition that affects the material's optical properties and has relevance to applications already in use.

SourceClemson University·JournalNanoscale Advances·DateAug 20, 2020

Anthropogenic CO2 increase is unprecedented

Researchers at the University of Bern used a new measurement technology to analyze Antarctic ice cores and found that CO2 concentration rose rapidly during interglacial periods, even when ocean circulation was disturbed. This challenges the assumption of stable climate conditions during previous interglacials.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalScience·DateAug 20, 2020

Animal mummies unwrapped with hi-res 3D X-rays

Three ancient Egyptian animals, a snake, bird, and cat, have been digitally unwrapped using high-resolution 3D scans. The scans revealed the animals' ages, possible causes of death, and conditions they were kept in, providing new insights into animal mummification, religion, and human-animal relationships in ancient Egypt.

SourceSwansea University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 20, 2020

Your in-laws' history of drinking problems could lead to alcohol issues of your own

A recent study published in Psychological Science found that marriage to a spouse with a history of parental alcohol misuse increases the likelihood of developing alcohol use disorder. The research suggests that it's not the spouse's genetic makeup but rather their upbringing by an AUD-affected parent that influences this risk.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 20, 2020

Aerogel - the micro structural material of the future

Researchers at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology have successfully produced stable, well-shaped microstructures from silica aerogel using a 3D printer. The printed structures exhibit excellent thermal insulation properties, making them ideal for thermally insulating small electronic components and shie...

Development of serological assays to detect SARS-CoV-2 antibodies

Scientists developed four serological assays to detect SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and two for neutralizing antibodies, showing that antibody responses appear 5-6 days after symptoms, with neutralizing activity after 7-14 days. The assays were highly sensitive and specific, with varying levels of availability depending on equipment.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 20, 2020

Graphene sensors find subtleties in magnetic fields

Researchers at Cornell University developed a graphene-based Hall-effect sensor that can operate over a greater temperature range than previous sensors. The device can detect miniscule changes in magnetic fields, even within a larger magnetic background, making it ideal for various technological applications.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 20, 2020

Mount Sinai researchers identify master regulator genes of asthma

Researchers have identified master regulator genes that causally regulate key biological processes underlying asthma. These genes provide a novel path forward for uncovering mechanisms and developing novel therapies for asthma. The study also identified nasal gene signatures for mild, moderate, and severe persistent asthma.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateAug 20, 2020

Dementia education

A new dementia education program has shown significant improvements in dementia knowledge and attitudes among primary school students. The intergenerational program brings together children and older adults, promoting empathy and understanding.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·DateAug 20, 2020

Dilated blood vessels in the lung may explain low oxygen levels in severe cases of COVID-19

A new study suggests that COVID-19 is causing significant dilation of the lung's blood vessels, contributing to low oxygen levels and unusual respiratory behavior. The dilation was detected using a non-invasive ultrasound technique, and its correlation with oxygen levels may help explain why some patients experience 'happy hypoxia.'

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 20, 2020

Anorexia may stunt young women's growth

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism highlights the impact of anorexia nervosa on young women's growth. The research found that girls with anorexia nervosa tend to have stunted growth, which may affect their overall health and well-being.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateAug 20, 2020

Move over Michaelis-Menten!

Researchers at Aarhus University have developed a new equation to describe the activity of enzyme cascades in cells. This breakthrough could lead to a better understanding of how enzymes control cellular signaling and potentially improve drug development for cancer treatment.

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 20, 2020

Vaccine developed for human herpesvirus 6B (HHV-6B)

A new vaccine candidate has been developed for HHV-6B, a virus that causes exanthem subitum in infants. The vaccine targets the gH/gL/gQ1/gQ2 complex and induces strong immunity against the virus. Animal experiments have shown that the vaccine prevents HHV-6B infection and activates dendritic cells to induce innate immunity.

SourceKobe University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateAug 20, 2020