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Science News for August 26, 2020


New analysis shows hydroxychloroquine does not lower mortality in COVID-19 patients, and is associated with increased mortality when combined with the antibiotic azithromycin

A new meta-analysis of published studies on hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 treatment finds no mortality benefit, while combining it with azithromycin is associated with a 27% increased risk. The study supports current clinical recommendations against using these drugs for COVID-19 patients.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·JournalClinical Microbiology and Infection·DateAug 26, 2020

New device can measure toxic lead within minutes

Researchers at Rutgers University have developed a lab-on-a-chip device that can measure toxic lead in sediments and water samples within minutes. This affordable technology has the potential to enable municipalities, schools, and homeowners to quickly test their water supplies for contamination.

SourceRutgers University·JournalIEEE Sensors Journal·DateAug 26, 2020

Getting to the root of the problem

A team from Pennsylvania State University analyzed the root systems of various beans and legumes to identify beneficial characteristics for breeding. They found that roots can balance nutrient exploration in topsoil and subsoil, leading to improved crop resilience under stress.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateAug 26, 2020

Microscopic robots 'walk' thanks to laser tech

The new microscopic robots are controlled by flashing laser pulses and can walk thanks to a simple circuit made from silicon photovoltaics. The researchers explored ways to enhance the robots with more complicated electronics and onboard computation, potentially leading to swarms of tiny robots crawling through human tissue and blood.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateAug 26, 2020

Lung cancer trial of RET inhibitor selpercatinib achieves durable responses in majority of patients with RET gene fusions

The Phase I/II LIBRETTO-001 trial found that selpercatinib achieved durable objective responses in the majority of participants with RET gene fusions, including an ORR of 85% in previously untreated patients. The study also showed promising results in patients with brain metastases and thyroid cancers.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 26, 2020

Genetic causes of severe childhood brain disorders found using new computational methods

A team of researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia used new computational methods to link characteristic presentations of childhood epilepsies with specific genetic variants. They analyzed clinical information and large-scale genomic data, finding associations between 11 genetic causes and specific symptoms.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateAug 26, 2020

How plants shut the door on infection

A new study reveals a protein called OSCA1.3 forms a channel that triggers calcium entry into plant cells, triggering the closure of stomata as a defense response to pathogens. This finding is crucial for understanding plant immune mechanisms and could lead to more resilient crops.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature·DateAug 26, 2020

How cold was the ice age? Researchers now know

Researchers have determined that the Last Glacial Maximum was approximately 6 degrees Celsius (11 F) cooler than today. The study's findings provide a better understanding of the relationship between atmospheric carbon dioxide and global temperature, allowing for more accurate climate predictions.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature·DateAug 26, 2020

Domesticated chickens have smaller brains

Researchers found that selective breeding of junglefowl for reduced fear led to changes in brain composition and affected fear memory. The domesticated birds became accustomed to non-hazardous events more rapidly due to smaller brains relative to body size.

SourceLinköping University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateAug 26, 2020

Nanodots made of photovoltaic material support waveguide modes

Researchers developed a novel spectroscopic technique to study stibnite nanostructures, revealing their potential as high-optical-quality waveguides. The technique allows for the measurement of spectrally resolved intensity profiles within individual nanodots, demonstrating that they can support four modes over a 200-nm bandwidth.

Consuming your own fecal microbiome when dieting may limit weight regain -- Ben-Gurion University

A new study published in Gastroenterology found that consuming frozen microbiome capsules derived from their own feces when dieting may limit weight regain. Participants who followed a green-Mediterranean diet and received fecal microbiome transplantation lost more weight and regained less weight compared to those on other diets.

Unlocking the mysteries of the brain

A study by the University of Montreal has revealed the rules of synaptic plasticity, a process underlying learning and memory. The research found that dendritic spines, tiny protrusions on neurons, amplify or suppress incoming information based on its strength.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 26, 2020

Why flat-faced dogs remain popular despite health problems

Despite severe health problems, 93% of flat-faced dog owners want to own their breed again in the future. Positive behavioral attributes and suitability for a sedentary lifestyle are common reasons for reacquisition or recommendation. However, owners acknowledge significant health risks, including respiratory disease and heat stroke.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 26, 2020

UC creates living tribute to Ohio botanist

A University of Cincinnati biologist collaborated with Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum to replace non-native English ivy with native ground cover on E. Lucy Braun's grave. The tribute features a mix of creeping mint, golden star, and Allegheny spurge, all native to deciduous forests in Eastern North America.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalEcological Restoration·DateAug 26, 2020

Additional data on blood thinner efficacy for COVID-19 and insight on best possible regimens

Researchers found that therapeutic and prophylactic doses of blood thinners reduced mortality by roughly 50 percent in COVID-19 patients. The study also showed that anticoagulation therapy was associated with improved outcomes both in and out of the intensive care unit.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 26, 2020

Study finds that water efficiency achievable throughout US without decree

A recent study published in Environmental Research Letters suggests that targeted efforts to increase water efficiency can save enough water annually to fill Lake Mead. The research found that some regions and industries have the greatest potential for water savings, with improved water productivity in corn, cotton, and alfalfa contrib...

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateAug 26, 2020

Samara Polytech scientists studied a new compound for lithium and sodium-ion batteries

Researchers at Samara Polytech have synthesized a monoclinic NaVPO4F compound using quenching, which exhibits low sodium ion mobility making it impractical as a cathode active material. A comparative analysis with LiVPO4F revealed the triclinic modification is energetically more favorable, limiting its synthesis.

SourceSamara Polytech (Samara State Technical University)·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateAug 26, 2020

New Nitrogen Assembly Carbon catalyst has potential to transform chemical manufacturing

Scientists have discovered a metal-free carbon-based catalyst with potential to transform chemical manufacturing, enabling more efficient reactions without expensive transition metals. The catalysts are robust and deliver unexpected catalytic reactions for various processes including hydrogenolysis, dehydrogenation, and hydrogenation.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 26, 2020

Using math to examine the sex differences in dinosaurs

Paleontologists used a new approach to estimate sexual variation in dinosaur fossils, finding patterns in size differences between males and females. The study suggests that using effect size statistics can produce accurate estimates of sexual dimorphism even with limited fossil data.

SourceField Museum·JournalBiological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateAug 26, 2020

A protein with an unprecedented fold helps bacteria uptake thiosulfate as a sulfur source

Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology discovered a novel membrane protein YeeE that enables bacteria to uptake thiosulfate from the environment. This unique mechanism provides a sophisticated method for sulfur synthesis, potentially lowering production costs in industries like food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 26, 2020

Experts reveal major holes in international ozone treaty

A new study has identified major gaps in the international ozone treaty, which must be addressed to avert stronger climate change and serious risks to human health. The treaty's loopholes include unaccounted for CFC and HFC emissions, leakages from old air conditioners, and emissions of nitrous oxide from agriculture.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 26, 2020

Artificial pancreas effectively controls type 1 diabetes in children age 6 and up

The study found that youth using the artificial pancreas system had significant improvements in blood glucose control, including a 7% improvement during the daytime and a 26% improvement at night. The technology improved overall time-in-range by nearly 11%, translating to more hours per day in a healthy range.

Progress toward a treatment for Krabbe disease

A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers describes an effective gene therapy for Krabbe disease in dogs, which has shown promising results with no significant symptoms after four years. The treatment approach, using the AAV9 vector, has also been found to positively affect both central and peripheral nervous systems.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 26, 2020

Mandatory vote-by-mail modestly increases voter turnout without giving either party an edge in elections, study suggests

A new study analyzing nationwide U.S. county-level data and individual-level voter records from Washington and Utah found that mandatory vote-by-mail modestly increases voter turnout by 1.8-2.9% without favoring either party. The effect on Democratic shares of the vote was not statistically significant, with a minor increase of 0.7%.

Don't forget to clean robotic support pets, study says

A new study found that robotic support pets for older adults and people with dementia acquire bacteria over time, posing a risk of illness. However, a simple cleaning procedure involving anti-bacterial products and wipes can effectively reduce microbial loads to safe levels.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 26, 2020

Stop! Grand theft water

Researchers developed a novel framework and model to analyze drivers of water theft and deterrents. The study found that social attitudes, institutions, and future supply uncertainty contribute to water theft, highlighting the need for stronger deterrents.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Sustainability·DateAug 26, 2020

A ribosome odyssey in mitochondria

Researchers have reconstructed a ciliate mitoribosome using cryo-EM, identifying nine novel proteins encoded in the mitochondrial genome and challenging existing views on mitochondrial translation evolution. The discovery provides new insights into mitochondria's structural and functional complexity.

Native desert bighorn sheep in ecologically intact areas are less vulnerable to climate change

A new study published in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution has found that native desert bighorn sheep populations in landscapes with minimal human disturbance are less likely to be vulnerable to climate change. The researchers analyzed genetic data from over 1,600 individuals across 62 populations in the American Southwest.

SourceOregon State University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateAug 26, 2020

The patients left behind by HIV research

Research reveals that HIV studies are often designed with an unrepresentative population, leading to a lack of effective solutions for diverse groups. The study's findings highlight the need for more inclusive research methods to address health inequalities and improve patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalAIDS Care·DateAug 26, 2020