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Science News Archive December 2020


Page 1 of 39

Asian tiger mosquito poses low risk for Zika virus outbreaks

The Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus has been shown to transmit the Zika virus and trigger large outbreaks in a simulated environment. However, experimental studies suggest that the mosquito's infection rate is low, making it unlikely to cause major Zika virus epidemics.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateDec 31, 2020

St Petersburg University scientists discover an ancient island arc in the Kyrgyz Tien Shan

Researchers from St Petersburg University have discovered a complex of rocks forming an ancient island arc in the Songkultau Mountains of Kyrgyzstan, dated to around 500 million years ago. The finding provides valuable insights into the geological history of Central Asia and has implications for understanding large ore deposits.

SourceSt. Petersburg State University·JournalGeoscience Frontiers·DateDec 31, 2020

Study points the way to boost immunotherapy against breast cancer, other solid tumors

A new study suggests that adding a small molecule to CAR-T cell therapy can boost the effectiveness of immunotherapy against breast cancer and other solid tumors. Researchers found that the addition of cGAMP activated an immune response, leading to enhanced T cell proliferation and tumor growth reduction.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateDec 31, 2020

Multiple mosquito blood meals accelerate malaria transmission

A study published in PLOS Pathogens reveals that mosquitoes feeding on blood multiple times increase malaria transmission potential, shortening the incubation period and making disease control more challenging. The research suggests that younger mosquitoes with reduced reproductive ability may contribute to infection, undermining curre...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateDec 31, 2020

Novel public-private partnership facilitates development of fusion energy

Researchers at PPPL and Commonwealth Fusion Systems successfully simulated particle confinement in the SPARC tokamak device, crucial for achieving commercial fusion energy. The study predicts well-confined alpha particles will minimize damage to the facility, paving the way for plasma self-heating and improved techniques for control.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalJournal of Plasma Physics·DateDec 30, 2020

Largest study of Asia's rivers unearths 800 years of paleoclimate patterns

Researchers used tree rings to reconstruct river discharge histories, finding that Asian rivers behave in a coherent pattern with large droughts and pluvial periods often occurring simultaneously. The study's findings have important implications for water management, particularly in countries with multiple river basins.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalWater Resources Research·DateDec 30, 2020

Higher red cell transfusion threshold offers no advantage for treating preterm infants

A National Institutes of Health-funded study found that providing a higher threshold of red cells offers no survival benefit for preterm infants and does not reduce neurological impairment. The study used data from 845 infants with varying hemoglobin thresholds to compare outcomes.

LSU Health New Orleans discovers potential new RX strategy for stroke

Researchers at LSU Health New Orleans have discovered a potential new RX strategy for stroke, combining an LSU Health-patented drug with selected DHA derivatives to protect brain cells and increase recovery. The study found that this combination therapy significantly reduced lesion volumes and improved behavioral scores, offering hope ...

Dating apps don't destroy love

A UNIGE study found that people who met their partners on dating applications have stronger cohabitation intentions and desires to have children. The results also show that couples formed through apps have diverse socio-educational profiles, leading to increased long-distance relationships.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 30, 2020

Published data from Moderna COVID-19 vaccine trial show 94.1 percent efficacy

The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine has demonstrated a 94.1 percent efficacy in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 infections and severe illness, according to the results of the ongoing phase 3 clinical trial. The study enrolled over 30,000 participants and found that cases of severe COVID-19 occurred only in those who received the placebo.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 30, 2020

Frailty is a factor in higher mortality for women awaiting liver transplants

A new study by researchers at UCSF and Columbia University highlights the role of frailty in the gender gap in mortality rates for women waiting for liver transplants. Women awaiting liver transplants are found to be more likely to become too ill to undergo surgery or die before receiving a liver, with frailty being a significant risk ...

Scientists find the error source of a sea-ice model varies with the season

Researchers found the error source of a sea-ice model varies with the season, leading to discrepancies between simulations and observations in both cold and warm seasons. The study suggests using an ensemble approach to consider seasonal variations in model errors, improving future simulation and prediction of Arctic sea ice.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateDec 30, 2020

Detective work in theoretical physics

Researchers from the University of Münster and Düsseldorf provide an in-depth summary of the dynamical density functional theory, a method used to describe interacting particles. The article covers various branches of physics and applications in chemistry, solid state physics, and biophysics.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalAdvances In Physics·DateDec 29, 2020

Significant disparities in telemedicine use, especially among older and POC patients

A recent study by University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine reveals significant disparities in telemedicine use, particularly among older adults and patients from minority populations. The study found that patients over 55 were less likely to participate in telemedicine visits, with those over 75 being 33% less likely.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 29, 2020

Imaging of ballistic wounds, bullet composition and implications for MRI safety

A new imaging technique has been developed to identify non-ferromagnetic projectiles that are safe for MRI, enabling patients with ballistic embedded fragments to receive medical treatment. The technique uses radiography and CT images to distinguish between ferromagnetic and non-ferromagnetic bullets, allowing for safer MRI scans.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateDec 29, 2020

A single gene 'invented' haemoglobin several times

Researchers found that haemoglobins in diverse species, including humans, molluscs and crustaceans, originate from a single ancestral gene. This discovery suggests that the appearance of haemoglobin in these species was not an independent invention but rather a result of evolutionary inheritance.

SourceCNRS·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateDec 29, 2020

Polysaccharides from red algae affect mice immune systems, say FEFU scientists

Researchers found that red algae polysaccharides can suppress the activity of immune cells in lab mice, reducing leukocyte count and congenital immunity cell activity. However, it is unclear whether this effect is beneficial or detrimental, and further study is needed to understand its potential as a pharmacological substance.

SourceFar Eastern Federal University·JournalJournal of Biomedical Materials Research·DateDec 29, 2020