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Science News for July 21, 2020


New insights into anxiety

Researchers at the University of Trento mapped anxiety types differently in human brain, finding stable traits associated with negative thoughts and transient brain activity linked to state anxiety. The study aims to develop new diagnostic tools and treatments targeting chronic anxiety.

SourceUniversità di Trento·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 21, 2020

US military improved mortality since World War II, but there have been alarming exceptions

Despite overall improvements in combat casualty outcomes since World War II, research reveals significant spikes in mortality during specific conflicts, including Vietnam and Iraq. Understanding these patterns is crucial for identifying areas for improvement and enhancing military readiness.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery·DateJul 21, 2020

How does ridesourcing substitute for public transit network?

A recent study by Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) found that one-third of ridesourcing trips potentially substitute for public transit. The substitution effect varies by location, with higher rates in city centers and suburban areas, but the study suggests that ridesharing amplifies existing digital divides.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalJournal of Transport Geography·DateJul 21, 2020

Using lung X-rays to diagnose COVID-19

Researchers from the University of Seville have developed a system that uses deep learning to identify COVID-19 patients using lung X-ray images. The system achieves around 100% accuracy in identifying COVID-19 and can help reduce health professionals' workload by filtering out negative cases.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalApplied Sciences·DateJul 21, 2020

Shortening of average serial interval over time indicates isolation effectively limits COVID-19 transmission

A new analysis of SARS-CoV-2 transmission data in China shows that faster identification and isolation of infected individuals contributed to the shortening of the average serial interval over time. This indicates that isolation effectively limits COVID-19 transmission by reducing opportunities for viral transmission.

Lab-made virus mimics COVID-19 virus

Researchers created a hybrid virus that targets cells like SARS-CoV-2 but lacks severe disease genes. The hybrid virus can be handled under ordinary laboratory safety conditions, making it ideal for high-throughput analyses.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJul 21, 2020

Starve the cancer

A team of researchers has identified a cellular mechanism that inhibits the signal to proliferate and starves malignant cells, leading to their death. The study uses a sea sponge-derived molecule XeB to block calcium ion transport, impacting cancer cell metabolism and leading to high cell death rates.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience Signaling·DateJul 21, 2020

Identification of distinct loci for de novo DNA methylation by DNMT3A and DNMT3B during mammalian development

Scientists have identified unique de novo DNA methylation targets for DNMT3 enzymes during mammalian development. Dnmt3a exclusively regulates differentiation-related genes, while dnmT3b regulates X-chromosome genes. The study's findings may lead to a novel therapeutic approach for patients with DNMT3 mutations.

Cells communicate by doing the 'wave'

Researchers at Kyoto University discovered a novel method of communication among cells using 'mechano-chemical' signals. The findings show that the movement of one cell can trigger a cascading reaction resulting in collective cell migration.

SourceKyoto University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJul 21, 2020

81 million Americans lacking space or bathrooms to follow COVID quarantine recommendations

A study by Physicians for a National Health Program found that nearly 25% of US dwellings are unsuitable for isolation or quarantine due to lack of space and plumbing facilities. This is particularly concerning among minority and low-income households, which have faced high rates of COVID-19 illness and death.

SourcePhysicians for a National Health Program·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 21, 2020

The Venus 'ring of fire'

Computer simulations revealed that Venus' coronae topography depends on crust thickness and magma activity, classifying over 100 large coronae into active and inactive groups. The 'Ring of Fire' in Venus' southern hemisphere is a zone expelling high levels of rising plume material.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 21, 2020

Spider monkey groups as collective computers

The study found that spider monkeys use a collective computation approach to determine team sizes for foraging, taking into account the opinions of their group mates. The collective effects produce a range of team sizes that work well given the availability of fruiting trees in their forest.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·DateJul 21, 2020

Race and ethnicity did not affect outcomes for new moms with COVID-19, finds study

A recent study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that pregnancy and birth outcomes for women with SARS-CoV-2 infection were similar across different racial and ethnic groups, defying previous expectations of disparate treatment. Researchers attribute this finding to close follow-up care implemented by the medical center.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateJul 21, 2020

Scientists present pre- and postfusion cryo-em structures of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein

The researchers report two new cryo-EM structures representing the pre- and postfusion conformations of the full-length SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The findings suggest that current vaccine strategies may be relying on limited information about the natural state of the protein, highlighting the need for further evaluation.

Researchers ID new target in drive to improve immunotherapy for cancer

Researchers at UCLA have identified a potential new combination therapy to treat advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma by targeting BMI1 proteins. The study found that using an anti-PD1 immunotherapy drug in combination with PTC209 successfully stopped cancer growth, prevented reoccurrences, and eliminated cancer stem cells.

Physicists find ways to control gamma radiation

Researchers have created an optical switch that can direct high-frequency gamma radiation by switching the acoustic field. This effect demonstrates controlled transparency of a resonant medium for gamma radiation, which may be useful for controlling generated radiation in modern synchrotron sources and X-ray lasers.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 21, 2020

Living with a problem gambler?

Researchers at Flinders University warn that family members can be the first to detect early signs of a problem gambler. Chronic hypervigilance, relationship conflict, and exhaustion are common consequences for partners and families.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateJul 21, 2020

Women's burden increases in COVID-19 era

A recent study by Flinders University highlights the escalating gendered burdens faced by women during the pandemic, particularly in frontline healthcare roles and unpaid care work. Women experienced discrimination, eviction threats, and restricted access to essential services under COVID-19 restrictions.

SourceFlinders University·JournalSocial Sciences·DateJul 21, 2020

Skin stem cells shuffle sugars as they age

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba found that epidermal stem cells undergo a change in their complex sugar repertoire with age, which could serve as a biological marker of aging. This 'glycome shift' is characterized by an increase in sialylated complex type N-glycans and a decrease in mannose-type N-glycans.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalAging Cell·DateJul 21, 2020