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Science News Archive February 2020 - Page 29


Page 29 of 40

DNA-like material could bring even smaller transistors

Researchers have discovered a new material that could lead to the creation of even smaller transistors, enabling faster computing and lower power consumption. The material, shaped like a one-dimensional DNA helix, is made from tellurium and can be encapsulated in nanotubes to build functional transistors.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Electronics·DateFeb 10, 2020

Observing proteins in their natural environment

Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum successfully detect protein structures in Escherichia coli bacteria using EPR spectroscopy and nanobodies. They can measure distances between proteins within native membranes, opening up new possibilities for studying membrane protein dynamics and functions.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 10, 2020

APS tip sheet: Predicting epidemics' speed

Scientists have developed a new model to predict the speed of epidemics in networks, providing insights into the trajectory and rate of global spread. The analysis assesses each node's likelihood of infection by a certain time, enabling more accurate forecasting of epidemic dynamics.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 10, 2020

Increases in minimum wage may not have anticipated positive health effects, study shows

A new study by researchers at the University of Washington found that increases in minimum wages had no overall effect on the health of working-age people. However, they did find a mix of negative and positive effects associated with the health of certain subgroups, including increased obesity rates among working-age people of color.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateFeb 10, 2020

Dolphins gather in female family groups

A new study shows that female dolphins in southern Australia form social clusters with mothers' groups, while maintaining loose bonds with same-sex individuals. The research highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect marine sanctuaries and regulate aquaculture and fishing practices.

SourceFlinders University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 10, 2020

NIH scientists link higher maternal blood pressure to placental gene changes

A study by NIH researchers found that higher maternal blood pressure during pregnancy is associated with chemical modifications to placental genes, including DNA methylation. The findings suggest a potential link between early origins of cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure in pregnancy.

What makes a 'good Samaritan' good? That opinion depends on the beneficiary

A study published in Psychological Science found that people who help strangers are generally viewed as morally better and more trustworthy than those who help family members. However, this judgment changes when the helper has to choose between helping a stranger or a family member. The researchers suggest that familial obligations pla...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 10, 2020

Immune gene activity and late-life health disparities

Research suggests that inflammation-related genes are associated with biobehavioral factors like body mass index and smoking, while interferon-related genes are linked to individual demographic factors such as sex and race/ethnicity. The study's findings could help explain social disparities in chronic diseases that emerge decades later.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 10, 2020

Superior 'bio-ink' for 3D printing pioneered

Researchers at Rutgers University have developed a new 'bio-ink' for 3D printing that can serve as scaffolds for growing human tissues. The ink combines modified hyaluronic acid and polyethylene glycol to form a gel with controlled stiffness and binding sites for cells, enabling precise tissue growth and repair.

SourceRutgers University·JournalBiointerphases·DateFeb 10, 2020

Single HPV vaccine dose may be effective against cervical cancer

A single dose of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is as effective as multiple doses for preventing preinvasive cervical disease, which can later develop into cervical cancer. The risk of preinvasive cervical disease was lower in adolescents who received one, two, or three doses of the HPV vaccine compared to unvaccinated teens.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateFeb 10, 2020