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Science News Archive February 2020 - Page 37


Page 37 of 40

Grooves hold promise for sophisticated healing

Researchers at Rice University have created a grooved method to seed 3D-printed scaffolds with living cells, enabling the growth of different tissue types in a single platform. This innovative approach protects cells from heat and shear stresses, allowing for the creation of hard implants that can heal bone, cartilage, or muscle.

SourceRice University·JournalBioprinting·DateFeb 4, 2020

New roles for DNA-packaging proteins

Researchers found that linker histone H1 undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation in the nucleus, forming droplets with densely packed DNA and enriching with protein HP1α. This process segregates heterochromatin from euchromatin, revealing a new function of histones in gene regulation.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateFeb 4, 2020

Public opinion of drugs effectiveness may be too biased

A study published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine found that people with conflicts of interest were more likely to provide positive testaments about psychiatric drug treatments. The authors recommend stricter management or prohibition of COIs to promote transparency and validity in the approval process.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Evidence-Based Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2020

Deep learning accurately forecasts heat waves, cold spells

Rice University engineers developed a deep learning system that uses capsule neural networks to predict extreme weather events, such as heat waves and winter storms, with high accuracy. The system achieves 85% accuracy in five-day forecasts by identifying patterns in pressure systems and regional areas.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems·DateFeb 4, 2020

Sweet nanoparticles trick kidney

Scientists at the University of Freiburg created nanoparticles with polysaccharides, which allow them to pass through the kidneys and be excreted in urine. This breakthrough enables the combination of tumor accumulation and kidney clearance in a single nanoparticle, paving the way for safer nanomedicine administration.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalBiomaterials·DateFeb 4, 2020

Sand dunes can 'communicate' with each other

Researchers at University of Cambridge discovered that sand dunes interact with and repel each other as they move, with turbulent swirls controlling the distance between them. The study used a unique experimental facility to observe long-term behavior, challenging existing theories on dune interaction.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 4, 2020

Synthetic mushroom toxin

Researchers at the Technical University of Berlin introduce a new method to synthesize α-amanitin, a highly selective inhibitor of RNA polymerase II. This synthetic route allows for large-scale production and could lead to cancer treatment advancements.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 4, 2020

More than half of US opioid prescriptions for dental procedures exceeded 3-day supply recommendations from CDC 2016 guidelines

A new study found that over half of US opioid prescriptions for dental procedures exceeded the recommended 3-day supply, with nearly 1/3 of patients receiving more powerful opioids than needed. The study suggests that improving guidelines and education for dentists can help reduce overprescription.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2020

Scientists find new ways to prevent skin scarring

Researchers at Oxford University Press USA have identified new ways to prevent skin scarring after injuries. The study suggests that pressure therapy, silicone treatment, and early laser intervention can reduce scar formation and improve therapeutic response. These findings offer promising hope for patients with hypertrophic scars.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalBurns & Trauma·DateFeb 4, 2020

Unlocking the secret of cell regulation

Scientists at the University of Bonn have developed a new method to study the structure of long ribonucleic acids, which are crucial for cellular regulation. The technique involves marking specific locations on the RNA with artificial flags and measuring their distances using a molecular ruler.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 4, 2020

Gun owners aren't happier, don't sleep better at night

A study by University of Arizona researcher Terrence Hill found that gun ownership is not associated with improved happiness or better sleep. Gun owners were more likely to be married, which was driving their reported happiness. However, a separate study on sleep disturbance showed no difference between gun owners and non-gun owners.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2020

Does animal size in zoos matter?

A new study finds that zoos with large, iconic animals like rhinos and tigers tend to have higher attendance and contribute more to conservation funding. However, the research also suggests that zoos can increase conservation impact by diversifying their species collections.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 4, 2020

Feeding bluebirds helps fend off parasites

New research shows that feeding bluebirds can significantly impact parasitic nest flies and improve nestling survival. The study found that supplementing birds with food reduces the parasite load and improves antibody levels, which help kill the parasites. The timing of feeding is also crucial, with early feeding benefiting young birds...

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateFeb 4, 2020