Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for June 30, 2020


A new view of microscopic interactions

Scientists developed a new experimental approach to study chemistry at very low temperatures, revealing specific molecular properties and providing more accurate theories. The approach uses laser-excited molecules in the same direction, allowing for a better understanding of molecular interactions.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJun 30, 2020

Discovery of key protein behind cancer relapse and progression can lead to new therapies

The study reveals that low levels of MBNL1 protein are associated with poor overall survival in various common cancers. Blocking the JNK protein can reverse this mechanism, providing a potential biomarker for selecting patients for treatment. Researchers plan to investigate MBNL1's role in colorectal cancer and explore anti-JNK therapies.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2020

For cardiac rehab patients, in-home portable air cleaners lower fine-particle pollutant exposure

A pilot study found that providing cardiac patients with in-home portable air cleaners (PACs) significantly reduces their personal-level exposure to fine-particle pollutants, a major risk factor for cardiovascular events. The study showed a 40% reduction in PM2.5 air pollution exposure and potentially lower cardiovascular event rates.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention·DateJun 30, 2020

New genomic atlas of the developing human brain

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes and UCSF have developed a comprehensive region-specific atlas of regulatory regions linked to human embryonic brain development. The study identified 19,000 potential genetic variants critical to brain development, providing a valuable tool for probing underlying biology of neurodevelopmental disorders.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell·DateJun 30, 2020

Traditional strength training vs jump training for physically inactive young adults

A four-week study found that traditional strength training (TRT) and plyometric jump training (PJT) are equally effective in improving muscular fitness among sedentary young adults. No significant differences were observed between the two groups, suggesting these exercises can be used interchangeably for physical fitness.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Sports Sciences Journal·DateJun 30, 2020

Wild bees depend on the landscape structure

Research by the University of Göttingen found that wild bees depend on landscape structure, with small fields and organic areas providing benefits for bumblebee colonies. Flower strips in conventional cereal fields also attract pollinators, highlighting the importance of agri-environmental schemes that consider landscape structure.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJun 30, 2020

No touching: Skoltech researchers find contactless way to measure thickness of carbon nanotube films

Researchers at Skoltech have developed a non-invasive technique for measuring the thickness of single-walled carbon nanotube films, which may have applications in solar energy, smart textiles, and more. The method uses spectroscopic ellipsometry to determine film parameters with high accuracy.

New strategy emerges for vaccine against methicillin-resistant staphylococcal aureus

Researchers at NYU Langone Health have developed a new vaccination strategy that targets the toxic molecules released by Staphylococcal bacteria, including MRSA, to prevent deadly infections. In a study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, mice vaccinated with this experimental vaccine demonstrated an immune response and ...

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJun 30, 2020

Sneaky salmonella finds a backdoor into plants

Wild strains of salmonella have been found to reopen stomates on plants, allowing them to bypass the immune defense system and cause foodborne illnesses. This finding highlights the increasing threat of opportunistic pathogens jumping from plants to humans through contaminated foods.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateJun 30, 2020

Excess neutrinos and missing gamma rays?

Researchers at Penn State suggest that supermassive black hole coronae could be the source of high-energy cosmic neutrinos, exceeding expectations. The new model predicts electromagnetic counterparts in soft gamma-rays, with next-generation detectors poised to explore this possibility.

SourcePenn State·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 30, 2020

Breaking the silence: scientists investigate epigenetic impact across whole genome

Researchers at OIST Graduate University have identified previously unknown sections of DNA that are silenced by epigenetic regulation in plant cells. The study reveals a crucial role of these sites in suppressing the activity of disruptive 'jumping genes' called transposons, which can threaten genome integrity.

Light drinking may protect brain function

A study from the University of Georgia found that light to moderate drinking may preserve brain function in older adults. The study examined cognitive function over time among middle-aged and older adults in the US and found a correlation between light drinking and better cognitive performance.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 30, 2020

Buzzing to rebuild broken bone

A team of UConn engineers has developed a scaffold that generates a controllable electrical field to encourage bone growth, providing a new approach for treating serious injuries. The device uses non-toxic poly(L-lactic acid) polymer and remotely-controlled ultrasound to stimulate bone regeneration.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalNano Energy·DateJun 30, 2020

Light from inside the tunnel

Physicists from Max Born Institute and University of Rostock discover light-induced tunneling of electrons in dielectrics, creating a nonlinear current that dominates bright bursts of light. This finding expands fundamental understanding of optical non-linearity and its applications in information processing and material processing.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 30, 2020

Life-hack: Rituals spell anxiety relief

Researchers study rituals as a mechanism of resilience against anxiety, finding that performing familiar rituals reduces psychological and physiological stress. This approach suggests that ritual provides the brain with a sense of control and structure, alleviating stress and potentially coping with chronic anxiety.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London·DateJun 30, 2020

Chanterelle mushrooms as a taste enhancer

Researchers at TUM have developed a new method to quantify the key substances in chanterelles responsible for their distinctive kokumi effect. These natural fatty acid derivatives can be used as quality control markers and potentially improve flavor profiles in mushroom dishes and other savory foods.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 30, 2020

How stress affects bone marrow

A new study from Tokyo Medical and Dental University identified CD86 as a novel cell surface marker that enables accurate analysis of hematopoietic responses to biological stress. The researchers found that CD86-based analysis can detect early activation phases of erythropoiesis in the bone marrow within hours after toxin injection.

Major new paleoclimatology study shows global warming has upended 6,500 years of cooling

A major new paleoclimatology study reveals that global warming has reversed 6,500 years of natural cooling, surpassing 1°C above the mid-19th century average temperature. The study, led by Northern Arizona University researchers, compiled previously published paleoclimate data and statistical analyses to show that the millennial-scale ...

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalScientific Data·DateJun 30, 2020