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Science News for February 26, 2020


Eat or be eaten

A new study reveals that biodiversity increases the efficiency of energy use in grasslands by storing more energy, having greater flow of energy and using energy more efficiently across all trophic levels. Ecosystems with higher plant diversity contain twice as much standing biomass compared to monocultures

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateFeb 26, 2020

Possible new treatment strategy for fatty liver disease

Researchers have discovered a molecular pathway that, when silenced, restores immune cells' normal function in people with fatty liver disease. Silencing a microRNA molecule called miR144 increases the endogenous antioxidant response, suggesting a promising therapeutic strategy for treating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 26, 2020

SWOG study shows genetic effects of pre-surgical chemo in breast cancer

The study found that patients whose breast cancer was completely eradicated by chemotherapy had a higher proportion of DNA mutational 'signature 3', indicating defects in DNA repair. This signature is associated with genes like BRCA, which could help doctors predict patient response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

SourceSWOG·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateFeb 26, 2020

TRAX air quality study expands

Researchers validate TRAX air quality sensor data, showcasing its ability to capture air pollution events, including summer fireworks and winter inversions. The expanded dataset provides insights into air mass exchange between the Salt Lake and Utah counties.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalUrban Science·DateFeb 26, 2020

'Low' socioeconomic status is the biggest barrier to STEM participation

A new study finds that socioeconomic status has the strongest impact on STEM science enrollment in Australian secondary schools. Lower SES schools lack resources and diversity in syllabi, making it difficult for underrepresented students to engage with science. Initiatives promoting inclusivity and cultural capital can help increase pa...

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalInternational Journal of Science Education·DateFeb 26, 2020

Scientists discover new clue behind age-related diseases and food spoilage

Researchers found that hydroxyl radicals have a surprising partner in crime - Criegee intermediate. This new pathway could help explain age-related diseases and cancer, as well as how food decomposes over time. The study points to an unexpected link between atmospheric chemistry and our bodies' ability to ward off disease.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 26, 2020

Super-urinators among the mangroves: Excretory gifts from estuary's busiest fish promote ecosystem health

A new study led by University of Michigan researchers found that highly active gray and cubera snappers in a Bahamian mangrove estuary spread the highest levels of essential nutrient nitrogen through their urine, nearly doubling its presence. This fertilizer supports more plant growth and food at the base of the food web.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 26, 2020

Do girls read better than boys? If so, gender stereotypes may be to blame

A longitudinal study in Germany found that classmates' gender stereotypes have a negative effect on boys' reading outcomes, including lower motivation and achievement. In contrast, girls experienced positive effects from their classmates' stereotypes. The study suggests that reducing stereotypical behaviors in classrooms can help creat...

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateFeb 26, 2020

Turbulent times revealed on Asteroid 4 Vesta

Researchers from Curtin University analyzed volcanic meteorites from Antarctica to understand Asteroid Vesta's geological history. The study found that Vesta was volcanically active for at least 30 million years after its formation, contradicting previous models and suggesting pockets of magma survived on the asteroid.

SourceCurtin University·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·DateFeb 26, 2020

The best preoperative definition of cancer-related malnutrition depends on cancer type

A new study finds that common malnutrition definitions do not apply equally to all cancers, highlighting the need for cancer-type specific definitions for preoperative risk assessment. The study's findings suggest that using one-size-fits-all definitions could result in overestimating or underestimating a patient's risk of complication...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateFeb 26, 2020

Connectedness to nature makes children happier

A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that connectedness to nature has a positive association with sustainability practices and behaviors in children, leading to higher levels of happiness. The study suggests that promoting exposure to nature can encourage pro-environmental behaviors and environmental care in younger g...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateFeb 26, 2020

Study analyzes impact of switch from nuclear power to coal, suggests directions for policy

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University analyzed US energy production data from 1970-2014, finding that nuclear power reduced carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 2 million metric tons annually. The study suggests policymakers consider nuclear power as a low-carbon source to incentivize utilities to shift toward increased nuclear gener...

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalResource and Energy Economics·DateFeb 26, 2020

Sugary drinks a sour choice for adults trying to maintain normal cholesterol levels

A new study found that middle-aged and older adults who consumed sugary beverages daily had a higher risk of developing abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels compared to those who rarely drank them. The study suggests that limiting sugary drink intake may help maintain healthier blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateFeb 26, 2020

What we learned after 5,000 non-surgical rhinoplasties

A study analyzing 5,000 non-surgical rhinoplasties found high efficacy and safety with low complication rates. The procedure involves targeting critical aesthetic points on the nose and using hyaluronic acid filler for reversibility and convenience. Long-lasting results were observed in approximately 32% of patients.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateFeb 26, 2020

Scientists 'film' a quantum measurement

Researchers created a 'film' of a single atom's measurement process, showing that the state changes gradually over time. This study provides new insights into the inner workings of nature and sheds light on the predictions of modern quantum physics.

SourceStockholm University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 26, 2020

Metals could be the link to new antibiotics

University of Queensland researchers have discovered 23 metal compounds with antibacterial and antifungal activity, selectively killing bacteria like MRSA but not human cells. The findings offer promise for outwitting bacterial resistance, as the new compounds may use different mechanisms than existing antibiotics.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalChemical Science·DateFeb 26, 2020

Hazardous waste or edible food?

A University of Vaasa researcher highlights the need for retailers to adopt creative solutions to reduce bread waste. By managing potential food waste, implementing marketing strategies, and engaging with staff, stores can minimize hazardous waste and meet the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

How big is the neutron?

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have determined the neutron charge radius from lightest atomic nuclei using a more direct methodology, differing significantly from previous calculations. The new result corrects the previously assumed value for the size of a neutron.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 26, 2020

Ohio State first in US to use new atrial fibrillation device

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center has successfully used a new atrial fibrillation device, achieving 100% pulmonary vein isolation without nerve injuries or serious side effects. The PFA technology uses pulsed electric fields to interrupt pathways and triggers in the heart, potentially becoming the standard tool for resolv...

UCLA engineers develop miniaturized 'warehouse robots' for biotechnology applications

The researchers created disc-shaped magnets about 2 millimeters in diameter, called ferrobots, which can move and manipulate droplets of fluid with precision. These robots could transform various biotech-related industries, including medical diagnostics, drug development, genomics, and the synthesis of chemicals and materials.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalScience Robotics·DateFeb 26, 2020

Researchers overcome the space between protons and neutrons to study heart of matter

Researchers used novel method to access space between protons and neutrons, capturing snapshots of correlations to study nuclear matter. They found that leading theories on interactions describe the strong nuclear force at short distances, with a tensor interaction at close range and a scalar interaction at smaller scales.

New bile discovery will rewrite textbooks

Scientists at Michigan State University discovered new bile acids produced by microbes in the gut, which expand our understanding of mammalian bile and its connection to gastrointestinal diseases. These novel acids are particularly abundant in people suffering from conditions like Crohn's disease and cystic fibrosis.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature·DateFeb 26, 2020

Drinks with added sugars linked to lipid imbalance, which increases CVD risk

A new observational study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that drinking 12 ounces of sugary drinks more than once per day is linked to lower levels of HDL-C and higher levels of triglycerides. The study also found that regularly consuming sugar-sweetened beverages increases the risk of cardiovascular di...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateFeb 26, 2020

Perovskite solar cells made of peppermint oil and walnut aroma food additives, preventing lead leakage

Researchers developed a new material technology to create high-efficiency perovskite solar cells using eco-friendly organic materials dissolved in peppermint oil or walnut aroma. The new polymers overcame the instability issue of conventional perovskite solar cells, maintaining 88% efficiency after 30 days.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateFeb 26, 2020

Potential new heartburn drug studied at VUMC

A new study suggests that investigational drug IW-3718 can reduce the severity of heartburn symptoms in patients with treatment-resistant gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) when combined with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). The study, conducted by Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, found significant r...

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateFeb 26, 2020