Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for June 1, 2020


Researchers develop viable sodium battery

Scientists have created a sodium-ion battery that can deliver high energy capacity and recharge successfully, keeping over 80% of its charge after 1,000 cycles. This breakthrough has the potential to replace rare and expensive lithium-ion batteries with more abundant and affordable materials.

SourceWashington State University·JournalACS Energy Letters·DateJun 1, 2020

Measuring climate change

Researchers have identified similarities and differences in ocean acidification on both coasts of North America, with the east coast experiencing a near-equilibrium pattern and the west coast showing enhanced acidification due to upwelling. The study highlights vulnerable hot spots, particularly in northern waters where rising carbon d...

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 1, 2020

The interface of genomic information with the electronic health record

The interface of genomic information with the electronic health record emphasizes the importance of patient autonomy, access, and privacy in integrating genomic data into EHRs. The document provides guidelines on data storage, access, and usage, aiming to optimize benefits while minimizing harm, and recommends standards for interoperab...

SourceAmerican College of Medical Genetics and Genomics·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateJun 1, 2020

COVID-19 could be a seasonal illness

A study found an association between lower humidity and increased COVID-19 cases in Sydney. Lower humidity makes airborne viruses more transmissible due to smaller aerosol size, increasing exposure for others. Further research is needed to determine this relationship's extent and impact on case notification rates.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalTransboundary and Emerging Diseases·DateJun 1, 2020

The cascade to criticality

Quasiperiodic structures exhibit unique beauty and intriguing physics, but a lack of overarching framework hindered understanding. Researchers establish versatile tools for exploring quantum behavior in diverse quasiperiodic settings, demonstrating the strength of their approach to uncover new physical mechanisms.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 1, 2020

CeMM study reveals how a master regulator of gene transcription operates

Researchers discovered that the Mediator complex selectively safeguards a small set of cell-type-specific genes, which form densely connected regulatory circuits. This finding suggests that Mediator is not generally required for all gene transcription and instead plays a crucial role in directing cell-type-specific functions.

The Lancet: Most comprehensive study to date provides evidence on optimal physical distancing, face masks, and eye protection to prevent spread of COVID-19

A comprehensive review of 172 studies found that physical distancing of at least 1 meter reduces COVID-19 transmission risk, while face coverings and eye protection may provide additional benefits. However, no intervention offers complete protection, emphasizing the need for combined measures.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 1, 2020

Hot stars are plagued by giant magnetic spots, ESO data shows

Extreme horizontal branch stars, with four to five times hotter than the Sun, show giant magnetic spots that cause regular brightness variations. These spots are also linked to superflare events, explosions of energy several million times more energetic than similar eruptions on the Sun.

SourceESO·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJun 1, 2020

Universal virus detection platform to expedite viral diagnosis?

Researchers at KAIST developed a universal virus detection platform using reactive polymer-grafted double-stranded RNAs, which can detect viruses without prior knowledge of their genomic sequences. This platform provides enhanced sensitivity and can be used to quickly differentiate infected populations from non-infected ones.

Clever computing puts millions into charities' hands

A new model called Swiftaid has been developed to automate the process of claiming Gift Aid on donations, allowing charities to claim up to £2.50 for every £10 donated. This system uses formal methods to improve design and security, streamlining the process and unlocking millions in extra funding.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalFormal Aspects of Computing·DateJun 1, 2020

Disorder in fish shoals may reap rewards at dinner time

Research by the University of Bristol found that certain fish perform better in disordered groups due to their increased alertness and ability to detect food sources. This challenges the traditional view of orderly group behavior as always beneficial for foraging, highlighting individual diversity as a key factor.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 1, 2020

A boost for cancer immunotherapy

Researchers at MIT create nanoparticles that stimulate the immune system, making cancer immunotherapy more powerful. By combining these particles with checkpoint inhibitors, they achieved a synergistic effect that halted tumor growth and even stopped tumors from spreading.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 1, 2020

Extra choline may help pregnant women decrease negative effects of COVID-19 on their newborns

A new study suggests that taking extra choline supplements during pregnancy may mitigate the negative impact of viral respiratory infections, including COVID-19, on fetal brain development. Higher prenatal choline levels have been shown to protect the fetus's developing brain from the effects of virus infection.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research·DateJun 1, 2020

Ancient genomes link subsistence change and human migration in northern China

A team of researchers sequenced 55 ancient genomes from northern China, finding correlations between genetic changes and subsistence strategy shifts. The study reveals that the West Liao River region experienced significant genetic changes over time, while the Yellow River showed a general stability but received genetic contributions f...

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 1, 2020

Solar Ring mission: A new concept of space exploration for understanding Sun and the inner heliosphere

The Solar Ring mission aims to study the Sun and its influence on the inner heliosphere using a novel six-spacecraft configuration. The mission will provide unprecedented capabilities, including determining the photospheric vector magnetic field with unambiguity and resolving solar wind structures at multiple scales.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Technological Sciences·DateJun 1, 2020

The hidden underwater map of the past

A study by the University of the Basque Country reveals 12 former coastlines under the sea off the Basque coast, formed due to major climate changes and fluctuations in sea levels. The researchers used advanced technology to create 3D maps of the seabed, showing irregularly distributed rocky platforms that had not been predefined.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalFrontiers in Earth Science·DateJun 1, 2020

Researchers have developed a first-principles quantum Monte Carlo package called TurboRVB

Researchers have developed TurboRVB, a first-principles quantum Monte Carlo package that overcomes drawbacks of density functional theory and wavefunction-based calculations. The code features resonating valence bond-type wave functions, state-of-the-art optimization algorithms, and lattice-regularized diffusion Monte Carlo method.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJun 1, 2020

COVID-19 outbreak lasts days longer for each day's delay in social distancing

A study of 58 cities found that each day's delay in implementing social distancing measures added 2.4 days to the outbreak duration. Early intervention can save lives and reduce transmission by acting quickly upon signs of resurgence. The findings have implications for US cities, particularly those with high rapid transmission rates.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateJun 1, 2020

Tracking fossil fuel emissions with carbon-14

Researchers estimate national fossil-fuel-derived CO2 emissions by observing carbon-14 in air samples. The new method uses a model of atmospheric transport to disentangle CO2 variations from natural sources, providing an independent and objective estimate.

SourceNOAA Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 1, 2020

Aiming for an enduring relationship

Recent research suggests that a higher degree of readiness is associated with higher commitment to a relationship. Readiness also predicts relationship maintenance beyond commitment, but surprisingly, it's also linked to less loyalty. The study found that individuals who feel more ready may prioritize relationships over other issues an...

SourceSingapore Management University·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJun 1, 2020

A good egg: Robot chef trained to make omelettes

A team of engineers at the University of Cambridge has successfully trained a robot chef to prepare an omelette using machine learning, with improved taste and texture. The robot's culinary skills were refined to produce a reliable dish that meets human standards, overcoming the subjective nature of cooking.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalIEEE Robotics and Automation Letters·DateJun 1, 2020

A remote control for neurons

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University develop a novel material called NT-3DFG, which enables remote optical stimulation of neurons without genetic modification or cellular stress. This breakthrough has significant implications for understanding cell interactions and developing new therapies that harness the human body's own cells.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 1, 2020

NAU's Vulcan Project fossil fuel emissions show best match to carbon-14 measurements

The study found that NAU's Vulcan Project emissions estimate is the closest match to the new atmospheric-based approach, with an accuracy of 1.5%. The integrated approach combines multiple data sources, including local pollution reporting and fuel statistics, to provide a more detailed and accurate picture of US fossil fuel emissions.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 1, 2020