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Science News Archive August 2020 - Page 44


Page 44 of 45

Ancient shell llama offering found in lake Titicaca

Researchers from Penn State and Université libre de Bruxelles have discovered an ancient shell llama offering in Lake Titicaca, revealing the lake's significance as a locus of ritual and ceremonial activity for the Inca Empire. The finding suggests that Lake Titicaca played a crucial role in the consolidation of the empire.

SourcePenn State·JournalAntiquity·DateAug 3, 2020

The art of making tiny holes

Researchers have created a method to selectively process surfaces on an atomic scale, leaving one layer intact while perforating another. By utilizing highly charged ions, they can anchor metals on ultra-thin layers, enabling the creation of new materials with promising properties.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalACS Nano·DateAug 3, 2020

An averted glance gives a glimpse of the mind behind the eyes

Scientists found that when someone is caught staring, their brain sends a signal that the gaze is not significant, allowing others to ignore it. This study sheds light on how social dynamics shape visual attention and reveals the brain's ability to perceive intentions behind an averted glance.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 2020

Germany-wide rainfall measurements by utilizing the mobile network

Scientists have developed a new method to measure rainfall in Germany using commercial microwave links, achieving high accuracy and temporal resolution. The technique involves analyzing signal attenuation caused by precipitation, with the help of artificial intelligence, and has been successfully tested for application in West Africa.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalAtmospheric Measurement Techniques·DateAug 3, 2020

Cannabinoids may affect activity of other pharmaceuticals

Penn State researchers identified 57 medications with a narrow therapeutic index that may be impacted by concomitant cannabinoid use. This list helps medical professionals make safe prescribing choices for patients using prescription or over-the-counter cannabinoids.

SourcePenn State·JournalMedical Cannabis and Cannabinoids·DateAug 3, 2020

Racial discrimination linked to suicide

Two studies reveal a compelling story about racial discrimination and its link to suicide. Racial discrimination is found to be uniquely painful for Black adults, increasing their capability for self-harm. Reframing, such as dispositional forgiveness, can serve as a helpful coping strategy associated with fewer depressive symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalSuicide and Life-Threatening Behavior·DateAug 3, 2020

Scientists discover secret behind Earth's biodiversity hotspots

Research reveals Cape Floristic Region in South Africa is rich in plant species due to long period of ecological stability, contradicting theory that high productivity is required for high diversity. The study emphasizes the need for protection and conservation in extraordinary places threatened by climate change.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 2020

Unequal neutron-star mergers create unique "bang" in simulations

A team of researchers found that unequal neutron-star mergers can create an electromagnetic signal, which could be detected using gravitational-wave detectors like LIGO. The simulations revealed that the larger star tears apart its partner, creating a slower merger and allowing an 'electromagnetic bang' to escape.

SourcePenn State·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 3, 2020

Cold-sensitive staphylococci reveal a weakness

Researchers at Université de Genève discovered that the RNA helicase protein contributes to the synthesis of fatty acids, a crucial component of bacterial membranes. The findings provide insight into golden staph's ability to adapt to changing environments and may lead to new treatment options.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateAug 3, 2020

Iron-rich meteorites show record of core crystallization in system's oldest planetesimals

Researchers uncover new details about the oldest planetary objects in our Solar System, which formed iron-rich meteorites. The distinct chemical signatures of these meteorites can be explained by core crystallization in their parent bodies, deepening our understanding of the geochemistry occurring in the Solar System's youth.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 3, 2020

Social bonds in adulthood don't mediate early life trauma

A study of wild female baboons found that early life trauma had a significant negative impact on adult glucocorticoid concentrations, which are a measure of health. Despite having strong social relationships as adults, the stress hormone levels were still significantly higher in those who experienced trauma in early life.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 2020

Evaluating the effectiveness of travel bans

A new IIASA-led study examines how COVID-19 spreads regionally and between countries, revealing that government measures such as border closures and flight suspensions were crucial in preventing further transmission. The research also shows that international air travel played a significant role in the early stages of the pandemic.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalLetters in Spatial and Resource Sciences·DateAug 3, 2020

Fatty liver disease despite a normal weight

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects both obese and non-obese individuals, with distinct differences found in male and female patients of varying body mass indexes. Key findings include lower skeletal muscle mass and insulin resistance in non-obese NAFLD patients compared to their obese counterparts.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalHepatology Research·DateAug 3, 2020

New published study from K-State virologists identifies potential COVID-19 treatment

A new study published in Science Translational Medicine reveals that small molecule protease inhibitors can effectively block coronavirus replication and improve survival in MERS-CoV-infected mice. The findings suggest that these compounds could be investigated further as a potential therapeutic for human coronavirus infection.

SourceKansas State University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 3, 2020

Challenges in diagnosing hypersensitivity pneumonitis addressed in latest guidelines

The American Thoracic Society and its collaborators have developed new clinical practice guidelines for diagnosing hypersensitivity pneumonitis, a condition that manifests as interstitial lung disease. The guidelines aim to standardize clinical care and facilitate research by providing a framework for clinicians to make accurate diagno...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 3, 2020

Light shines on chemical production method

Researchers at Yokohama National University have developed a novel light-based reaction that yields high numbers of a key chemical component. The method uses green visible light to selectively reorganize chemical components, resulting in the production of multisubstituted cyclobutanes with high efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

SourceYokohama National University·JournalOrganic Letters·DateAug 3, 2020

Chlamydia: Greedy for glutamine

Chlamydia bacteria reprogram human host cell metabolism to increase glutamine import, essential for proliferation. The discovery could lead to new treatments for chronic infections and severe diseases like cervical and ovarian cancer.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Microbiology·DateAug 3, 2020

Children's National Hospital case report sounds the alarm for antibiotic resistance

A case report from Children's National Hospital reveals isolated N. meningitidis testing positive for resistance to two antibiotics it has historically been susceptible to, raising concerns about the rise in antibiotic resistance. The finding could lead to changes in laboratory and clinical practices across the US.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalJournal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society·DateAug 3, 2020