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Science News Archive August 2020 - Page 39


Page 39 of 45

Plate tectonics goes global

Researchers discovered evidence of ancient subduction in China and six other continents, revealing that plate tectonics went global 2 billion years ago. This finding provides the first global evidence for the operation of plate tectonics at this age.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalJournal of Mathematical Sciences Advances and Applications·DateAug 5, 2020

HPV vaccination linked to lower risk of precancerous condition

A study published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica found that HPV vaccination significantly reduces the risk of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, a precancerous condition leading to cervical cancer. Vaccination coverage was high among young women born in 1993, resulting in a 30% lower risk compared to those...

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateAug 5, 2020

Sustainable chemistry at the quantum level

Researchers have developed a three-pronged approach to predict novel electrocatalysts, which can simulate many atoms at once and transform catalyst development. The new method allows for high-throughput screening powered by machine learning, accelerating the discovery of efficient electrocatalysts.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalInterface·DateAug 5, 2020

Life at its limits

A new study reveals that microbes in the seabed can survive on extremely low levels of energy, with some using methane and sulphate as alternative sources. This discovery challenges our understanding of life's limits and has significant implications for Earth's carbon and nutrient cycles.

Initiative to promote a culture of mobility in hospitals yields encouraging results

An initiative promoting hospital mobility in the US yielded encouraging results, with 76% of participating sites implementing successful programs. Implementing mobility programs reduced bed or chair alarm use by 1.8-fold and increased daily walks for patients by 2-fold.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateAug 5, 2020

Study examines skin diseases in older adults

A study of 552 older adults found 80% had at least one skin disease requiring treatment, with fungal infections and eczema being the most prevalent. The research also revealed that more than a third had multiple simultaneous skin diseases, highlighting the importance of whole body skin evaluations in this age group.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateAug 5, 2020

A one-step diagnostic may bring faster, cheaper cancer testing to remote settings

A rapid and affordable test for breast cancer has been developed to combat delayed diagnoses in developing regions. The compact CytoPAN test uses image cytometry to analyze individual cells, yielding results in under 1 hour and requiring minimal training, making it ideal for resource-limited settings.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 5, 2020

Neuroendocrine markers of grief

Research examines neuroendocrine effects of grief, finding elevated cortisol levels in bereaved individuals with possible long-term health consequences. The study calls for more research on potential markers of neuroendocrine activity associated with grief to inform tailored interventions.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Neuroendocrinology·DateAug 5, 2020

New strategy against osteoporosis

Researchers identified a small protein that mobilizes bone resorbing cells under osteoporotic conditions. Chemical inhibitors targeting this protein show promise in blocking bone resorption without disrupting normal bone turnover.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 5, 2020

Dinosaur relative's genome linked to mammals

The study reveals a remarkable genetic connection between the tuatara, a reptile that lived with dinosaurs, and mammals such as platypus and echidna. The genome analysis shows an unusual combination of mammalian and reptilian components, with some sequences similar to those found in platypus.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature·DateAug 5, 2020

New study may refine predicted survival outcomes and treatment in younger adults with acute leukemia

Researchers at Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center have found that molecular characteristics can refine prognostic recommendations for AML patients under age 60. The study detected mutations in several categories, which were associated with better or worse outcomes and may help improve treatment choices.