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Science News for July 16, 2020


Improving lung cancer CT screening performance in real-world settings

The study found that focusing on subjects less likely to remain in the program, such as smokers and those with negative low-dose CT exams, improves cost-effectiveness and maximizes societal benefits. Adherence increased progressively with higher Lung-RADS categories, and having smoked previously was a significant predictor of adherence.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateJul 16, 2020

Self-eating decisions

A new study reveals that nutrient-starved cells do not preferentially recycle ribosomes through autophagy, but instead degrade a small number of other organelles. Cells have mechanisms to control what they recycle, allowing them to maintain essential building blocks under limited nutrients.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateJul 16, 2020

Air pollution from wildfires linked to higher death rates in patients with kidney failure

Exposure to high levels of fine particulate air pollution from wildfires is associated with a 4% higher death rate among patients with kidney failure. Patients with kidney failure are particularly susceptible to the effects of wildfire smoke, highlighting the need for research into managing exposure during wildfire episodes.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 16, 2020

Timing key in understanding plant microbiomes

Researchers at Oregon State University have found that the order of microorganisms colonizing plants has a significant impact on microbiome composition and disease susceptibility. This discovery could provide farmers with important tools to combat plant diseases and maintain crop diversity.

SourceOregon State University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 16, 2020

Revealing Brazil's rotten agribusinesses

A peer-reviewed study published in Science finds that 18-22% of Brazil's annual soy exports to the European Union are potentially contaminated with illegal deforestation. The study identifies specific producers responsible for 'poisoning the barrel' and estimates greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation-linked soy and beef exports.

SourceBurness·JournalScience·DateJul 16, 2020

Will telehealth services become the norm following COVID-19 pandemic?

The rapid adoption of telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about care quality and safety. Experts warn that integrating essential components of traditional doctor visits into virtual care poses challenges, including physical exams, lab work, and imaging. However, telehealth also holds promise for improvi...

Pre-brain surgery test protects language in some tumors

A pre-brain surgery test using navigated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (nrTMS) accurately maps language centers in patients with brain tumors not involved in these areas. The method's accuracy varies depending on tumor involvement, but it shows promise for improving surgical planning and patient outcomes.

SourceNagoya University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 16, 2020

Over $10 million awarded to Penn State for energy center

The US Department of Energy has awarded Penn State over $10 million to develop new ferroelectric memory materials that can be stacked in the third dimension above processor chips. This breakthrough technology aims to mitigate the von Neumann bottleneck, allowing for seamless communication between memory and computation.

Some decontamination processes damage N95 face masks

Certain decontamination methods for reusable N95 face masks can significantly impair their effectiveness. Research found that treatments using high concentrations of gas plasma hydrogen peroxide or longer processing times degrade filtration performance. In contrast, vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilizers and shorter decontamination cy...

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateJul 16, 2020

Divining monsoon rainfall months in advance with satellites and simulations

The research team created better climate model simulations that predict variation in monsoon rainfall the following season, with improved forecasts for the Indian subcontinent. The new model uses complementary satellite data to quantify the connection between snow pack characteristics and monsoon strength over the Asian monsoon region.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJul 16, 2020

'Blinking" crystals may convert CO2 into fuels

Researchers at Rutgers University have created ultra-small nanoparticles that exhibit unusual blinking behavior, which could help produce methane and other fuels. The crystals, composed of titanium dioxide, stay charged for tens of seconds, enabling potential applications in environmental cleanups, sensors, and electronic devices.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJul 16, 2020

Does "naming and shaming" of colleges with large tuition increases make a difference?

A study published in Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis found that institutions included in the College Affordability and Transparency Center lists did not change their pricing policies or students' enrollment decisions. The findings suggest that relying on students to seek out affordability information is unlikely to influence...

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Evaluation and Policy Analysis·DateJul 16, 2020

Oral herpes rates are falling in children

Research published in BMJ Global Health suggests that oral herpes rates are falling among European children and young people. The prevalence of the virus is declining by 1% per year, with more than two-thirds of the population testing positive for HSV-1, but risks increasing sexually in adulthood.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Global Health·DateJul 16, 2020

Un-natural mRNAs modified with sulfur atoms boost efficient protein synthesis

Researchers have developed modified mRNAs with sulfur atoms that accelerate protein synthesis by at least 20 times, paving the way for efficient protein production and mRNA therapeutics. This breakthrough has significant implications for medical treatments, including vaccine therapy and protein replacement therapy.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 16, 2020

Ultra-black skin allows some fish to lurk unseen

Researchers have discovered that at least 16 species of deep-sea fish have evolved ultra-black skin that absorbs most of the light, allowing them to blend in and avoid detection. The unique shape and arrangement of melanosomes in these fish's skin cells enables this remarkable camouflage.

SourceDuke University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 16, 2020

Phantom-limb pain reduced through brain power

A study published in Neurology found that training with a brain-computer-interface can significantly reduce phantom-limb pain in amputees. After just three days of training, patients experienced a 30% reduction in pain intensity, and the effect lasted up to five days after training was complete.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNeurology·DateJul 16, 2020

A population of asteroids of interstellar origin inhabits the Solar System

Scientists at São Paulo State University identify 19 Centaurs of interstellar origin with highly inclined orbits, suggesting they formed around other stars and were later captured by the Solar System. This discovery sheds light on the formation of the Solar System and the chemical enrichment of the Sun.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 16, 2020

Patients with substance use disorder discriminated against by post-acute care facilities

A study by Boston Medical Center found that 29% of private post-acute care facilities in Massachusetts explicitly discriminated against hospitalized individuals with opioid use disorder, rejecting their referral for admission. The rejections were often due to a substance use disorder diagnosis or treatment with buprenorphine or methadone.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalJournal of Addiction Medicine·DateJul 16, 2020