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Science News Archive July 2020


Page 1 of 47

'Little brain' or cerebellum not so little after all

New research using ultra-high-field MRI reveals the cerebellum has a surface area equal to 80% of the cerebral cortex's surface area, challenging the long-held idea that it is smaller. This expansion is linked to human behavior and cognition evolution, enabling the processing of complex concepts like language and abstract reasoning.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 2020

Rosalind Franklin University Researcher awarded NIH grant for CLN3 Batten disease study

A new therapeutic approach for CLN3 Batten disease has been developed by a team led by Rosalind Franklin University researcher Michelle Hastings. The treatment uses antisense oligonucleotides to target the mutated gene causing the disease, showing promise in rodent models and human cells cultured from patients.

Insights on the gut microbiome could shape more powerful, precise treatment

Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital have identified key factors influencing the success of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in treating C. difficile infection. They developed an algorithm to design personalized probiotic cocktails, which contain species effective inhibitors of C. difficile and can be administered to pat...

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 2020

How to improve climate modeling and prediction

Climate models struggle with reducing uncertainty in global temperature predictions and predicting tipping points, which pose a major threat to modern societies. A new review outlines a more effective approach to perform better climate simulations and extract more information from models.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalReviews of Modern Physics·DateJul 31, 2020

Unusual electron sharing found in cool crystal

Researchers at Nagoya University found a highly unusual atomic configuration in a tungsten-based material, where three atoms share only two electrons to form a tritungsten molecule. This discovery suggests the potential for compounds with new and interesting electronic properties.

SourceNagoya University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 2020

A rebranding of 'freedom'?

According to recent Gallup polls, socialism is more popular than capitalism among Democrats and young people. A new paper proposes reclaiming freedom as a value by confronting systemic unfreedom in the neoliberal economy. The authors believe that freedom can be realized through disciplined commitment and collective struggle.

The behavior of coral reefs is simulated in order to optimize space in industrial plants

A team of researchers from the University of Córdoba has developed an algorithm that simulates the behavior of coral reefs to optimize space in industrial plants. The algorithm takes into account various factors such as distribution, material movement, noise reduction, and proximity, resulting in improved efficiency and cost savings.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalEngineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence·DateJul 31, 2020

Way, shape and form: Synthesis conditions define the nanostructure of manganese dioxide

Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a novel approach to synthesize manganese dioxide nanoparticles with specific crystalline structures and porous structures. The study found that adjusting the acidity of the solution can produce large spherical pores in β-MnO2 nanoparticles, leading to better catalytic performance.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJul 31, 2020

A new synthesis method for three-dimensional nanocarbons

Scientists developed a new method to synthesize three-dimensional nanocarbons using palladium catalyst, enabling precise and practical creation of superior material properties. The octagonal structure is expected to lead to discovery and elucidation of novel properties and development of next-generation functional materials.

UArizona-TGen led team identifies new biomarkers to diagnose and monitor brain injuries

A UArizona-TGen led team identified robust biomarkers through proteomics and metabolomic analysis that could help guide treatment for tens of millions of patients who sustain traumatic brain injuries. The study found that RIC (Remote Ischemic Conditioning) can be an effective intervention in preventing severe long-term disabilities.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 31, 2020

Cooling of Earth caused by eruptions, not meteors

A study published in Science Advances found that volcanic eruptions, rather than meteor impacts, were responsible for the rapid cooling of the Earth around 13,000 years ago. The research team analyzed sediment layers in Hall's Cave, a central Texas cave with a record extending over 20,000 years.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 31, 2020