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Science News Archive July 2020 - Page 4


Page 4 of 47

Mood homeostasis before, during COVID-19 lockdown

Researchers investigated mood homeostasis before and during COVID-19 lockdown among Dutch students, finding that lockdowns hindered their ability to stabilize their moods with mood-modifying activities. The study aimed to understand how individuals adapted to the lockdowns and what factors influenced their mental well-being.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateJul 29, 2020

New insights into wound healing

A team of researchers from Washington University in St. Louis has determined for the first time how the process of wound healing begins, shedding light on fibrosis and cancer metastasis. They discovered a recursive process between fibroblasts and their environment, which can be controlled by manipulating cellular responses to drugs.

Engineering a carbon-negative power plant

A team led by Pitt professor Katherine Hornbostel is developing a hybrid plant that captures more carbon than it produces, making it carbon negative. The system integrates natural gas with two carbon capture technologies to achieve high CO2 removal rates during both normal operations and off-peak hours.

Vaping linked with heart problems

A position paper from the European Society of Cardiology highlights the cardiovascular risks of e-cigarette use, particularly among adolescents. The authors call for stricter regulations on marketing and sales, as well as education campaigns to raise awareness about the negative effects of vaping.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateJul 29, 2020

Major climate initiative in the Northeastern US benefits children's health

A new study by Columbia University researchers found that RGGI successfully reduced PM2.5 emissions and improved children's health between 2009-2014, avoiding 537 asthma cases, 112 preterm births, 98 ASD cases, and 56 low birthweight cases. The initiative also generated economic savings of $191-$350 million.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJul 29, 2020

'Good' virus for common infection

Australian researchers have developed a phage cocktail therapy to combat antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in diabetic foot ulcers. The treatment has shown promising results, effectively decreasing bacterial load and improving wound healing.

SourceFlinders University·JournalBMC Microbiology·DateJul 29, 2020

COVID-19 may cause deadly blood clots

A new study suggests that COVID-19 may cause deadly blood clots in pregnant women and those taking estrogen, highlighting the need for anticoagulation therapy or discontinuation of estrogen medicines. Research is underway to understand how the coronavirus causes blood clots, which could inform prevention strategies.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalEndocrinology·DateJul 29, 2020

Researchers map mechanisms in the largest CRISPR system

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have mapped and analyzed the atomic structure of the Cmr-β complex, a type III-B CRISPR-Cas system. The study provides new insights into the mechanisms behind this complex's immune response against phages and its potential therapeutic applications in fighting antibiotic resistance.

Indigenous people vital for understanding environmental change

Grassroots knowledge from Indigenous people can help map and monitor ecological changes, improving scientific studies and managing ecosystems. The study reveals negative trends, such as increased invasive species and changes in wild animal health, highlighting the importance of Indigenous and local knowledge for global-scale monitoring.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJul 29, 2020