Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for June 10, 2020


Government health, safety regulations backfire with conservatives, study shows

A new study from the University of Notre Dame found that government-imposed restrictions on consumption can have unintended consequences for conservatives. The research showed that conservatives increased mobile phone usage in vehicles after a law was enacted, and were more likely to purchase unhealthy foods and view e-cigarettes more ...

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateJun 10, 2020

Fluid mechanics mystery solved

Oregon State University professor Brian D. Wood has solved a 70-year-old puzzle in fluid mechanics, clarifying how chemicals mix in fluids and paving the way for advances in medical, industrial, and environmental applications. His research builds on Octave Levenspiel's work and resolves paradoxes in other theories.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Fluid Mechanics·DateJun 10, 2020

Acoustics put a fresh spin on electron transitions

A Cornell University team has discovered a way to control electron spin transitions using acoustic waves, eliminating the need for magnetic fields. This breakthrough enables the development of smaller, more power-efficient acoustic sensors for navigation technology and other applications.

SourceCornell University·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateJun 10, 2020

How the brain controls our speech

Research at Goethe University Frankfurt reveals that both hemispheres of the brain contribute to speech control, with the left hemisphere handling fast processes and the right hemisphere controlling slower processes. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that the right hemisphere only analyzes spoken words.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 10, 2020

Liquid metals break down organic fuels into ultra-thin graphitic sheets

Researchers at UNSW Sydney synthesized ultra-thin carbon-based materials using liquid metals and organic fuels at room temperature, a first for this method. The ultra-smooth surface of the liquid metals templates atomically-thin carbon-based sheets, which can be used in various applications including battery storage and solar cells.

18.2 million at increased risk of severe COVID-19 uninsured or underinsured: Harvard study

A new study by Harvard researchers finds that 18.2 million individuals at increased risk of severe COVID-19 are uninsured or underinsured, with racial minorities and lower-income individuals being disproportionately affected. The study highlights the need for adequate coverage to prevent financial ruin and ensure access to necessary care.

SourcePhysicians for a National Health Program·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJun 10, 2020

Experts outline research methods to study puberty suppression impacts on brains of transgender youth

International adolescent brain development scientists have reached consensus on key elements of study design to measure neurodevelopmental impacts of pubertal suppression treatment in transgender youth. The experts identified three primary domains: mental health, executive function/cognitive control and social awareness/functioning.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalTransgender Health·DateJun 10, 2020

ASTRO issues first clinical guideline on radiation therapy for cervical cancer

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has released its first clinical guideline on radiation therapy for cervical cancer. The guidelines address indications and best practices for external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy in postoperative and definitive settings, including the use of chemotherapy and IMRT.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalPractical Radiation Oncology·DateJun 10, 2020

A robot to track and film flying insects

Scientists from CNRS, Université de Lorraine, and Inrae have developed a cable-driven robot that can follow and interact with free-flying insects. The robot successfully studied the free flight of moths up to a speed of 3 meters/second, enabling researchers to better understand insect orientation strategies.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience Robotics·DateJun 10, 2020

Potent tetrahydroquinolone can eliminate parasites that cause toxoplasmosis and malaria

A new tetrahydroquinolone compound, JAG21, has been discovered to eliminate both active and dormant forms of Toxoplasma gondii and P. falciparum parasites. The compound shows promise in treating toxoplasmosis and malaria, with the potential to prevent and cure all life-cycle stages of malaria.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·DateJun 10, 2020

Scientists predict the best strategy for lifting COVID-19 lockdown

A new study suggests that releasing non-essential workers in two stages is the most effective way to minimize deaths while protecting the economy. The researchers recommend gradually releasing half of the population 2-4 weeks after an initial infection peak, followed by another 3-4 months before fully lifting restrictions.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·DateJun 10, 2020

Roadkill study identifies animals most at risk in Europe

A new study found that European roads are a significant threat to wildlife, with over 194 million birds and 29 million mammals killed annually. The research ranked the most vulnerable species, including the hazel grouse and russet ground squirrel, which are classified as Least Concern but face high roadkill rates.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateJun 10, 2020

International prize awarded to two pieces of novel research in the 3Rs

Two researchers received a prestigious award for their innovative methods in reducing animal use in poultry red mite testing and developing human and mouse embryonic stem cell cultures. Their work has significantly reduced the number of animals used in these fields, paving the way for further improvements in 3Rs research.

Scientists reveal relationship between Dek and Intron retention during muscle stem cells quiescence

Researchers at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology discovered a key mechanism controlling muscle stem cell dormancy, involving the release of conserved introns upon activation. This discovery sheds light on the importance of Intron Retention (IR) in regulating gene expression and stem cell quiescence.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJun 10, 2020

COVID-19 antibody tests: How reliable are they?

COVID-19 antibody tests measure antibodies produced by the body after infection, providing insights into community spread. While early tests had questionable accuracy, recent developments have led to more reliable tests with high sensitivities and specificities, offering a better understanding of long-term protection.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJun 10, 2020

Synthesized cell culture process sets stage for more efficient cancer research

Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology have developed a new cell culture process that can replicate cancer cells from diseased bladder tissue in dogs, allowing for more efficient cancer research. This breakthrough method enables the diagnosis and treatment of cancer without using costly stem cell products or trad...

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 10, 2020

Surprisingly strong and deformable silicon

A team of researchers at ETH Zurich has made a groundbreaking discovery that silicon can be stronger and more deformable than previously thought. They found that by using a specific lithography method, silicon pillars could withstand much greater widths without breaking, offering new possibilities for the fabrication of micro-?electro-...

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 10, 2020

Newly synthesized fungal compound can switch on a self-destruct button for cancer

Scientists from Tokyo University of Science successfully synthesized a new compound that can reactivate the self-destruct gene in cancer cells, offering a potential new treatment option for patients with colorectal cancer. The team's breakthrough could lead to improved outcomes and quality of life for patients with this devastating dis...

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalEuropean Journal of Organic Chemistry·DateJun 10, 2020

Self-healing bone cement

Material scientists at Friedrich Schiller University Jena have developed a calcium phosphate cement with added carbon fibers that can seal cracks and promote self-healing. This intrinsic ability could expand the use of bone implants to include load-bearing areas, improving outcomes for patients with fractures or defects.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 10, 2020

New in Ethics and Human Research

Early human challenge trials of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines may be the correct test of ethics, meeting equitable distribution principles. An international governance system is proposed to oversee access to Covid-19 vaccines and treatments.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalEthics & Human Research·DateJun 10, 2020

Cellular stress causes cancer cell chemoresistance

A recent study published in Nature Communications reveals the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) regulon, a comprehensive list of genes activated to promote cell survival under stress. The researchers discovered that changes in one-carbon metabolism, relying on vitamin folate as a cofactor, contribute to chemoresistance in cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 10, 2020

An ISGlobal team achieves massive sexual conversion of the malaria parasite in a dish

A research team at ISGlobal has developed a system to induce massive sexual conversion of the P. falciparum malaria parasite in vitro, enabling deeper understanding and design of new tools to block malaria transmission. This technique allows for synchronization of parasites at the initial stages of sexual development.

People make irrational trust decisions precisely

A new study at Brighton and Sussex Medical School found that people make irrational trust decisions precisely when online health information includes both 'shouting' and spelling mistakes. The results show an additive effect, making the combination of errors the most concerning for credibility. Experts emphasize the importance of under...

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateJun 10, 2020

Breast cancer treatment costs highest among young women with metastatic cancer

Research by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found significantly higher medical costs for treating metastatic breast cancer in younger women compared to earlier-stage cancer patients or those without cancer. Treatment continues for longer and includes end-of-life care, contributing to high costs.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalBreast Cancer Research and Treatment·DateJun 10, 2020

Flexible and recyclable optoelectronics move a step closer

Researchers have demonstrated a new type of flexible, recyclable electrode that could replace traditional transparent conductive oxides in creating low-cost solar cells, computer displays, smartphone touch screens, and smart windows. The electrodes boasted high transmittance, low sheet resistance, and outstanding flexural endurance.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 10, 2020

Reusing chicken litter shows benefits

A recent study by the American Society of Agronomy found that reusing chicken litter can deter growth of pathogens like Salmonella. Researchers discovered 'good' bacteria in used poultry litter can hinder Salmonella growth, providing new information on the relationship between litter environment and microbiome.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateJun 10, 2020

Passing challenging introductory chemistry course gives biggest boost to underrepresented students

A new study from the University of Washington reveals that underrepresented students are more likely to drop out of STEM courses due to lower grades in general chemistry. However, if they complete the first course with a minimum grade, they are more persistent and continue in STEM. The study suggests that teaching methods, including tr...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 10, 2020