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Science News Archive January 2020 - Page 6


Page 6 of 40

Researchers combine technologies to resolve plant pathogen genomes

Plant scientists combined second- and third-generation genomic technologies to create a more accurate and efficient method for resolving plant pathogen genomes. This breakthrough reduces the time required to sequence genome data from one-and-a-half years to just nine days, while lowering costs from $2 million to $1,000.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateJan 29, 2020

Not 'brains in a dish': Cerebral organoids flunk comparison to developing nervous system

A new study published in Nature found that widely used cerebral organoids are 'confused' and 'disorganized' compared to the developing human brain. The researchers measured gene expression in over 235,000 cells from 37 different organoids and compared it to normal brain tissue, revealing a lack of development into distinctive cell type...

Unique new antiviral treatment made using sugar

Researchers have developed a new antiviral material made from sugar that destroys viruses on contact, offering a non-toxic alternative to current treatments. The treatment has shown success against multiple viruses, including respiratory infections and genital herpes, and may help combat emerging viral diseases.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 29, 2020

Prescribed burns benefit bees

Research from North Carolina State University found that freshly burned longleaf pine forests have more bees and bee species than unburned forests. The study suggests that prescribed fires maintain a favorable environment for pollinators by reducing ground cover and releasing nutrients, increasing flower resources.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEnvironmental Entomology·DateJan 29, 2020

Ordering in? Plants are way ahead of you

Researchers discovered that plants use flavonoids to communicate with microbes in the soil, but high levels of organic carbon in the soil can repress these signals. This allows plants to control whether they invest in expensive symbionts and avoid wasting photosynthate on unnecessary microbial help.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 29, 2020

Swing feel in the lab

A team of researchers found that microtiming deviations, previously thought to be crucial for the swing feel in jazz music, are actually unnecessary. Instead, musicians perceive the swing when the timing fluctuations are minimal. The study, conducted by the Max Planck Institute and University of Göttingen, used digital jazz piano recor...

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 29, 2020

Cover of CHEOPS space telescope open

The CHEOPS space telescope has successfully opened its cover following a series of tests, enabling further activities including star and planet imaging. The first images are expected to be published within one or two weeks, allowing the team to assess the instrument's abilities.

To make amino acids, just add electricity

Researchers at Kyushu University have successfully synthesized several types of amino acids using abundant materials. The process uses electric energy generated from renewable sources and involves titanium dioxide as the electrocatalyst and an organic acid called alpha-keto acid as the key source material.

SourceKyushu University·JournalChemical Communications·DateJan 29, 2020

Mountain vegetation dries out Alpine water fluxes

During droughts, mountain forests and grasslands at higher elevations release more water into the air than in normal growth periods. This is due to increased metabolism promoting water uptake by vegetation. As a result, evapotranspiration rates are above average, draining rivers and streams of half their usual volume.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 29, 2020

Tougher start could help captive-bred game birds

Research suggests that captive-bred game birds may be unprepared for life in the wild due to unnatural early life conditions. Mimicking natural conditions in captivity could promote more natural behavior and improve survival chances. Adding perches and unpredictable food supply are proposed solutions.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAnimal Welfare·DateJan 29, 2020

Nitrogen fertilizers finetune composition of individual members of the tomato microbiota

Researchers discovered that nitrogen fertilizers shape the composition of individual members of the tomato microbiota, with Actinobacteria colonizing root tissues. The diet represented by different nitrogen treatments determines the plant microbiota, highlighting potential targets for optimizing plant nutrition and global food security.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·DateJan 29, 2020

Who receives advanced stroke care? It may depend on traffic

A new study by the Keck School of Medicine of USC found that Los Angeles County's traffic conditions affect consistent access to comprehensive stroke centers (CSCs), particularly in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Nearly 20% of the population has intermittent access to CSCs, with many living in urban core areas.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateJan 29, 2020

Does lung damage speed pancreatic cancer?

Research found that high CO2 levels drive the aggressiveness of pancreatic tumor cells and their resistance to treatment. Increasing CO2 levels in cell cultures also showed increased growth and aggression, while common chemotherapeutic agents and radiation therapy were less effective against high-CO2-cultured cells.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJan 29, 2020