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Science News Archive July 2020 - Page 17


Page 17 of 47

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