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Science News Archive August 2020 - Page 4


Page 4 of 45

Look beyond opioids to solve national substance use epidemic, study suggests

A new study from Oregon Health & Science University found that three-quarters of hospitalized patients with opioid use disorder reported using more than one substance. The research highlights the complexity of substance use patterns and suggests that a singular focus on opioids may overlook this issue, particularly among people of color.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJournal of Substance Abuse Treatment·DateAug 28, 2020

Low-cost, fly footpad-like adhesive structure capable of repeated attachment/detachment

Researchers at NIMS and Hokkaido University successfully created a reusable adhesive structure inspired by insect footpads, capable of repeated attachment and detachment. The structure's strength and ease of use vary depending on direction of pull, with potential applications in industrial robots and outdoor equipment.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalCommunications Biology·DateAug 28, 2020

LSU Health study explains multipronged SARS-CoV-2 attack and widespread COVID-19 infection

A new LSU Health study reveals that the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor plays a crucial role in the multipronged SARS-CoV-2 attack, leading to widespread COVID-19 infection. The research found high ACE2 expression in various organs and tissues, including the respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalCellular and Molecular Neurobiology·DateAug 28, 2020

Giant nanomachine aids the immune system

Researchers have created an atomic structure of the peptide-loading complex, a biological nanomachine that loads antigens onto MHC molecules. This allows for detailed molecular dynamics simulations to study its dynamics and mechanism, enabling targeted interventions in immune processes.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 28, 2020

Cellular energy audit reveals energy producers and consumers

Scientists at Gladstone Institutes have performed a massive cellular energy audit to understand how cells regulate ATP levels. They identified genes and proteins that can be targeted to manipulate cellular energy and treat disease, including neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. The study reveals new pathways for boosting cellular en...

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 28, 2020

The "gold" in breast milk

The discovery reveals alarmins play a crucial role in developing optimal intestinal bacteria diversity, protecting against diseases. Supplementing with these proteins could support newborns with low alarmin levels or limited breast milk exposure.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateAug 28, 2020

Engineers uncover biomechanical effects of skin rubbing

Biomechanical engineers at Tohoku University developed a formula to describe permeability of rubbed skin. The study found that mechanical rubbing causes gaps in the skin's barrier function and can potentially allow transdermal virus infection. Further research is needed to determine the risk of skin damage from face masks.

SourceTohoku University·JournalInternational Journal of Pharmaceutics·DateAug 28, 2020

Which OCD treatment works best? New brain study could lead to more personalized choices

Researchers found that exposure-based therapy was more effective in reducing symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), while stress-reduction therapy showed better results for those with lower brain activation in certain areas. The study aims to develop a personalized treatment approach for OCD, which may help improve therapy ou...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateAug 28, 2020

Dealing a blow on monetarism

Researchers from Lobachevsky University analyze data on M2 monetary aggregate, monetary base, and money multiplier to study impact of financial innovations on money supply. They find evidence of endogenous origin of money supply in Russian economy for both periods of time, confirming structuralism and preference for liquidity.

SourceLobachevsky University·JournalFinancial Journal·DateAug 27, 2020