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Science News Archive July 2020 - Page 33


Page 33 of 47

How Venus flytraps snap

A new study reveals that a single slow touch on the Venus flytrap's trigger hair can also trigger trap closure, allowing it to catch slow-moving larvae and snails. The researchers used highly sensitive sensors and mathematical models to determine the forces needed to trigger the mechanism.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 10, 2020

Orbital engineering of quantum confinement in high-Al-content AlGaN quantum well

Researchers propose orbital engineering to overcome efficiency limitations in high-Al-content AlGaN quantum wells. By inclining the quantum well plane, they modify energy variations induced by orbital coupling, enhancing quantum confinement and radiative transition rates.

Nano-radiomics unveils treatment effect on tumor microenvironment

Researchers developed a noninvasive method to assess the effect of cellular immunotherapies on the tumor microenvironment, which inhibits the immune response and evades cancer treatments. Nano-radiomics combines imaging technology with radiomics to analyze changes in the TME that conventional methods cannot detect.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Mathematical Sciences Advances and Applications·DateJul 10, 2020

Alaskan volcano linked to mysterious period with extreme climate in ancient Rome

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have found evidence suggesting that a megaeruption of an Alaskan volcano, Okmok, may be responsible for widespread climate change in ancient Rome and Egypt. The eruption is believed to have occurred around 43 BCE, causing temperatures to drop by as much as seven degrees Celsius.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 2020

T-ray camera speed boosted a hundred times over

A research team at the University of Warwick has developed a single-pixel terahertz imaging technology that reaches 100 times faster acquisition than the previous state-of-the-art. This breakthrough enables potential use in biomedical and industrial applications, including non-invasive security and medical screening.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 10, 2020

Sobering reminder about liver disease

Australian experts warn of a surge in chronic liver disease due to alcohol misuse and obesity-related liver disease. The number of cases has increased three-fold over the past 10-15 years, with over 6 million Australians affected.

SourceFlinders University·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateJul 10, 2020

Study: Medicaid expansion meant better health for the most vulnerable low-income adults

A new study found that Michigan's Medicaid expansion program significantly improved health outcomes for the most vulnerable residents, including those with extremely low incomes and chronic health conditions. The program also saw improvements in health among participants of all ages, backgrounds, and geographic regions.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 10, 2020

New biomarker for dementia diagnosis

Researchers have identified a new biomarker, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), associated with cognitive decline in old age. The study found that ADMA levels were linked to decline in cognitive performance assessments after four years.

SourceFlinders University·JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateJul 10, 2020

Trust me if you can

Researchers found that shared values are insufficient for mutual trust between stakeholders; beliefs and emotions play a stronger role. Improved awareness of each other's views and emotions can benefit collaboration and find solutions to the conflict.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalEnergy Reports·DateJul 9, 2020

Distorted passage of time during the COVID-19 lockdown

A survey of 604 UK participants found that over 80% experienced changes to their perception of time during the lockdown, with slower passage associated with older age and reduced social satisfaction. The study suggests that significant changes to daily routine can distort our perception of time.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 9, 2020

Streamlining acute malnutrition treatment brings same recovery in children at lower cost

A new simplified protocol for treating acute malnutrition in young children shows similar recovery rates as the standard approach but is more cost-effective. The streamlined protocol resulted in $123 less per child recovered and reduced ready-to-use food required, providing a potential solution to addressing the issue of nearly 50 mill...

UQ researchers solve a 50-year-old enzyme mystery

UQ researchers have solved a 50-year-old enzyme mystery, revealing the complete structure of an essential amino acid synthesizing enzyme. This discovery could lead to the development of new herbicides and antimicrobial agents, potentially restoring effective treatment options for infections such as tuberculosis and invasive Candida.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature·DateJul 9, 2020

Scientists urge caution, further assessment of ecological impacts above deep sea mining

A new study highlights the need for further assessment of ecological impacts from deep-sea mining, which could harm vast midwater ecosystems and affect fisheries, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity. The International Seabed Authority must consider midwater research efforts to minimize environmental harm.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 9, 2020

Scientists discover protective Alzheimer's gene and develop rapid drug-testing platform

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London discovered a naturally suppressive gene that prevents Alzheimer's Disease in brain cells, leading to the development of a rapid drug-screening system. The system demonstrates proof-of-principle for early preventative-drug testing and identifies a potential biomarker for risk assessment.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJul 9, 2020

How can education researchers support education and public health and institutions during COVID-19?

The article provides recommendations for education researchers to support education and public health institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors suggest that researchers can provide research support to medical fields, synthesize and translate research for educational leaders, and develop timely professional development oppo...

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Researcher·DateJul 9, 2020

Vulnerability for at-risk populations identified in US influenza data

A new influenza-monitoring system reveals critical biases in US disease surveillance, particularly among lower socioeconomic neighborhoods. The study suggests that these disparities are linked to reduced access to healthcare and increase the risk of hospitalization for flu-related complications.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJul 9, 2020