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Science News Archive January 2020 - Page 27


Page 27 of 40

Sugar changes the chemistry of your brain

Researchers found that sugar intake alters the brain's dopamine and opioid systems, activating the reward system after just 12 days. This suggests that sugar can be an addictive substance, pushing natural stimuli like social interaction or learning into the background.

SourceAarhus University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 14, 2020

Siblings of children with intellectual disabilities score high on empathy and closeness

A new study finds that relationships between children and their siblings with intellectual disabilities are more positive than those between typically developing siblings. Children with siblings with intellectual disabilities scored higher on empathy, teaching, and closeness, while scoring lower on conflict and rivalry.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalResearch in Developmental Disabilities·DateJan 14, 2020

Bacteria-shredding tech to fight drug-resistant superbugs

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a new technology to destroy bacteria and bacterial biofilm without harming good cells, offering a potential solution to the deadly problem of antibiotic resistance. The technology uses precision-engineered liquid metals to physically rip bacteria to shreds and smash through the biofilm wher...

SourceRMIT University·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 13, 2020

Global diets are converging, with benefits and problems

Research found that South Korea, China, and Taiwan have experienced significant changes in food supply, with increased animal source foods and sugar contributing to obesity issues. In contrast, many Western countries have seen declines in animal source foods and sugar, accompanied by increases in vegetable availability.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalNature Food·DateJan 13, 2020

Stars need a partner to spin universe's brightest explosions

Researchers have discovered that tidal effects from a close binary companion can cause a star to spin fast enough to launch material into space, forming a gamma-ray burst. This phenomenon is necessary for creating the most luminous events in the universe, observable from Earth when their jet of material is pointed directly at us.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJan 13, 2020

Study finds potential new treatment for preventing post traumatic stress disorder

Researchers at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health have identified a protein complex elevated in PTSD patients, which could serve as a blood-based biomarker for diagnosis and treatment. A developed peptide has been shown to prevent recall or encoding of fear memories, suggesting potential for symptom prevention or treatment.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 13, 2020

Physicists prove that 2D and 3D liquids are fundamentally different

Researchers discovered that two-dimensional liquids exhibit collective motion and long-wavelength fluctuations, which differ from the random Brownian motion seen in three-dimensional liquids. This finding helps explain puzzling differences in liquid dynamics and opens avenues for understanding complex fluid behavior.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 13, 2020

Study: 'Value instantiation' key to luxury brands' and social responsibility

A new study suggests that luxury brands can overcome the clash between self-enhancement values and social responsibility by showcasing philanthropic activities of celebrities like Matt Damon and Angelina Jolie. This approach helps consumers reconcile their desire for status with a sense of altruism, leading to more favorable responses ...

PREVAC-UP: The Partnership for Research on Ebola Vaccination extends follow-up

The Partnership for Research on Ebola Vaccination (PREVAC) has received additional funding to evaluate three Ebola vaccine regimens for long-term safety and durability. The PREVAC-UP project will assess these factors over 5 years after vaccination, as well as the impact of co-infections like malaria and helminths on immune responses.

Investigation: Problems in clinical trial reporting continue amid lax federal enforcement

A recent investigation by Science found that companies, universities, and institutions are often non-compliant with the requirement to report clinical trial results in a federal database. More than 55% of trials violated this law, yet regulatory agencies have failed to enforce penalties or actions against violators.

Using light to learn

Research in fruit flies found that environmental light exposure activates light-sensitive neurons, triggering the production of memory maintenance proteins. This study suggests that long-term memories require active maintenance through natural lighting conditions.

Reducing the risk of blood clots in artificial heart valves

Researchers have identified a mechanism that contributes to clot formation in mechanical heart valves. By modifying the valve's design, turbulent vortices can be eliminated, reducing the risk of blood clots and strokes. This breakthrough could lead to life without blood thinners for thousands of people with artificial heart valves.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalPhysical Review Fluids·DateJan 13, 2020

Boost to lung immunity following infection

New research found that after recovery from a respiratory infection, particular cells in the innate immune system in the lung are more effective, offering extra protection against new infections. This heightened immunity is due to the production of cytokines by lung macrophages, which cause inflammation and help fight pathogens.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalNature Immunology·DateJan 13, 2020

New mechanism may safely prevent and reverse obesity

Blocking a cellular receptor called AHR prevents and reverses obesity in mice by inhibiting key genes involved in fat metabolism. Researchers at Dartmouth's Norris Cotton Cancer Center found that the drug NF, which blocks AHR, can not only prevent but also reverse obesity in study mice.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateJan 13, 2020

First robust cell culture model for the hepatitis E virus

The researchers have created a robust cell culture model for the hepatitis E virus, producing approximately 100 times more infectious virus particles than previous models. This allows for extensive studies on the virus and its impact on human liver cells, enabling the identification of key genes involved in the infection.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 13, 2020