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Science News Archive December 2020 - Page 3


Page 3 of 39

The ABCs of species evolution

Researchers propose that a family of transporter proteins, including ABCA1, enabled vertebrates to thrive on land and develop complex body structures. The protein regulated cholesterol levels, allowing for the development of sophisticated biological processes.

SourceKyoto University·JournalFEBS Letters·DateDec 23, 2020

Are two phases of quarantine better than one?

Researchers found that a homogeneous population distribution reduces total infected individuals, while diverse contact frequencies can significantly decrease the number of infected. The optimal degree-based procedure involves lifting strict quarantine after high-degree nodes have acquired immunity, minimizing net infected individuals.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEPL (Europhysics Letters)·DateDec 23, 2020

FDA Oncology Center of Excellence during COVID-19

The FDA Oncology Center of Excellence has developed initiatives to address the unique challenges faced by cancer patients during COVID-19. The center provides guidance and support to healthcare professionals, enabling them to provide high-quality cancer care despite the pandemic's impact.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateDec 23, 2020

Eavesdropping on the pH levels inside the brain

Tohoku University scientists created a miniaturized pH probe to investigate deep brain structures' chemical signals. The probe detects subtle pH fluctuations, which can reveal the influence of acidity on brain function and dysfunction in diseases like mental illness and seizures.

SourceTohoku University·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateDec 23, 2020

Caspian crisis: Sinking sea levels threaten biodiversity, economy and regional stability

The Caspian Sea is projected to lose over a third of its surface area due to accelerating sea level drops, posing significant threats to unique ecosystems and millions of people living near the sea. Researchers urge immediate action to mitigate this problem, which could have devastating consequences like global sea level rise.

SourceUtrecht University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateDec 23, 2020

Disposable surgical masks best for being heard clearly when speaking, study finds

Researchers found that disposable surgical masks provide the best acoustic performance among tested masks, reducing high-frequency sound muffle and allowing speech to be heard clearly. Loosely woven cotton masks also perform well but may not block respiratory droplets as effectively.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateDec 23, 2020

Understanding nanoparticle entry mechanism into tumors

The authors review future directions of nanomedicine development focusing on the mechanism of nanoparticle entry into tumors. Designing better nanoparticles to achieve efficient clinical transformation can be informed by a deep understanding of the mechanism of nanoparticle entry or the mode of action.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalBIO Integration·DateDec 23, 2020

Plastic is blowing in the wind

A study at the Weizmann Institute of Science reveals microplastics are swept up into the atmosphere and carried on the wind to remote parts of the ocean. The findings suggest these minuscule fragments can harm marine environment and affect human health through the food chain.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateDec 23, 2020

Triple chemotherapy combination improves metastatic colorectal cancer outcomes

A triple drug combination of irinotecan, cetuximab, and vemurafenib has shown better tumor response rates and longer cancer-free periods compared to a two-drug combination in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. The treatment targets the BRAF protein directly and blocks cancer growth by targeting epidermal growth factor receptor.

SourceSWOG·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateDec 23, 2020