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Science News Archive August 2020 - Page 13


Page 13 of 45

Researchers create a map that highlights the brain circuits associated with mania

A team of scientists created a map highlighting the brain circuits affected in mania, which could lead to more effective treatments for bipolar disorder. The study identified specific regions, including the orbitofrontal cortex and inferior temporal cortex, as key players in mood regulation and emotional processing.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 24, 2020

Severe viral infection overwhelms immune cells

A team of researchers from the University of Melbourne has identified new mediators of immune exhaustion that may be targeted in therapies for cancer and severe viral infections. T cells can lose function within just a few days of severe infection, contrary to previous thought that it takes longer.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalNature Immunology·DateAug 24, 2020

Acute cardiovascular events common among adults hospitalized with influenza

A large population-based study found that acute cardiovascular events are common among adults hospitalized with influenza, with older age and underlying cardiovascular disease significantly increasing the risk. Vaccination is crucial for these patients, particularly those with cardiovascular risk factors, to prevent such complications.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 24, 2020

Nooks, crannies and critters

Researchers developed a new way to measure habitat complexity, which is crucial for understanding biodiversity and conservation status. The method uses three metrics: rugosity, fractal dimension, and height range, and can accurately predict the distribution of biodiversity in complex ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateAug 24, 2020

New research contradicts claims that Asian American students are harmed when they cannot attend their first-choice university

A new study contradicts claims that Asian American students are harmed when they cannot attend their first-choice university. The study found no significant differences in outcomes between Asian American students who were admitted to and attending their first-choice university and those who were not.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Researcher·DateAug 24, 2020

'Safely returning America to work' -- Occupational medicine specialists offer expertise

The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) has published a set of general guidelines for safely returning to work during the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidelines address various aspects, including clinical manifestations of COVID-19, developing a successful return-to-work policy, and industry-specific guidance.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateAug 24, 2020

When it comes to supporting candidates, ideology trumps race and gender

A study by the American Psychological Association reveals that ideology is a more significant factor than demographics in determining voter support for politicians. Despite expressing prejudice against minorities and women, voters tend to support conservative candidates who align with their ideologies, regardless of race or sex.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateAug 24, 2020

Flexible targets help immune system make finely-tuned antibodies

Researchers discovered that when the foreign antigen is more flexible, the germinal centre can employ a greater number of evolution strategies to make antibodies that bind foreign but not self-molecules. The study provides new insights for vaccine design and may help address the major roadblock in generating effective HIV vaccines.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2020

Ancient star explosions revealed in the deep sea

Researchers found clear traces of iron-60 in deep-sea sediments dating back 33,000 years, suggesting the Earth has been traveling through a cloud of faintly radioactive dust. The discovery suggests that the solar system may have recently passed through a denser cloud of gas and dust, known as the local interstellar cloud.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2020

Fat crystals trigger chronic inflammation

Researchers at the University of Bonn identify a disease mechanism where fat crystals cause immune system hyperreaction, leading to chronic inflammation. The study reveals that deoxysphingolipid crystals disrupt mitochondrial function and activate an inflammatory response in immune cells.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAutophagy·DateAug 24, 2020

How dinosaur research can help medicine

A team of researchers led by Dr. Tanja Wintrich discovered that even Tyrannosaurus rex could have suffered a slipped disc, as ancient reptiles had intervertebral discs similar to those in humans. This finding provides new insights into human spine mobility and medicine.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 24, 2020

Optical illusions explained in a fly's eyes

Scientists at Yale University found that flies perceive motion in static images similarly to humans, using a shared strategy for motion detection. By analyzing specific neuron types and behavior, the researchers developed a theory explaining how optical illusions work, which may also apply to human visual systems.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2020

Faulty brain circuits arise from abnormal fusion

Researchers at the University of Queensland discovered that neurons can fuse together, disrupting electrical circuits and leading to behavioral impairments in nematode worms. The study provides a novel cause for malfunction of brain's electrical circuits and a possible underlying cause of neurological diseases.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2020