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Science News for June 4, 2020


Small protein, big impact

The RNA-binding protein ProQ plays a crucial role in the activation of over 250 bacterial genes, enabling meningococci to repair DNA and resist oxidative stress. Understanding its function is key to developing new antibacterial agents.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 4, 2020

Largest ever study of radiosurgery for brain metastases from small cell lung cancer

The largest ever study of radiosurgery for brain metastases from small cell lung cancer has been published in JAMA Oncology. The analysis found that patients treated with first-line stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) had a median overall survival of 8.5 months, compared to 6.2 months for those treated with whole-brain radiation (WBRT). Ad...

Mortality of mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients is lower than previously reported reveals study in Critical Care Medicine

A study published in Critical Care Medicine reveals that the actual mortality rate of adults with critical illness from COVID-19 is lower than previously reported, at 35.7%, compared to earlier reports of a 50 percent mortality rate. About 60 percent of patients survived to hospital discharge.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalCritical Care Medicine·DateJun 4, 2020

Showtime for photosynthesis

Researchers have captured a molecular mechanism behind the water splitting reaction of photosynthesis using nanoscale imaging and chemical analysis. The study could help inform the design of artificial photosynthetic systems producing clean and renewable energy from sunlight and water.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 4, 2020

Egg-based coating preserves fresh produce

Researchers at Rice University have developed an egg-based coating that protects fruits and vegetables from rotting, extending their shelf life comparable to standard coatings like wax. The coating, made from egg whites and nanoscale cellulose, is all-natural, washable, and non-toxic.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 4, 2020

Construction of new learning spaces calls for interaction between stakeholders and development of school's operational culture

New modern school spaces need active negotiations between all stakeholders, including teachers and students, to be transformed into learning environments. This process involves cyclic processes of interaction and meaning-making, which can lead to the development of authentic and functional learning environments.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalLearning Environments Research·DateJun 4, 2020

Fluorescence bioimaging

Researchers at the University of Notre Dame created a new class of near-infrared fluorescent dyes by introducing a voluminous shield to protect against photobleaching. The dye, called s775z, provided stable fluorescence and was quickly cleared from the body, making it suitable for biomedical imaging applications.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 4, 2020

New alcohol genes uncovered

Researchers identify 29 genetic variants associated with problematic alcohol use, revealing a strong link to depression, insomnia, and other psychiatric diseases. The study provides new insights into the biological mechanisms underlying alcohol dependency and offers hope for developing new medicines to combat it.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJun 4, 2020

Future of the western North Pacific Subtropical High: Weaker or stronger?

New research from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics suggests a future intensification of the WNPSH under RCP 8.5, leading to stronger East Asian summer monsoon and increased rainfall but reduced typhoon landfalls over East Asia. However, this may also imply increased risk of heatwaves in southern and eastern China.

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers at McGill University reviewed available research on SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection tests, highlighting key areas of ongoing research and proposing potential strategies for test implementation. They found that most serologic assays have minimal or no external validation, hindering assay selection and interpretation of results.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 4, 2020

High-speed atomic video

A team of researchers from the University of Tokyo has successfully captured high-speed atomic video at 1,600 frames per second using a powerful electron microscope and highly sensitive camera. This achievement is 100 times faster than previous experiments and enables the observation of previously inaccessible details.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalBulletin of the Chemical Society of Japan·DateJun 4, 2020

Psoriasis patients' mental health is more than skin-deep

A new study from Umea University reveals that psoriasis patients with comorbid physical diseases experience increased mental health risks due to these associated somatic illnesses. The research indicates a higher risk of depression, anxiety, and suicide among psoriasis patients with other medical conditions.

SourceUmea University·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateJun 4, 2020

Can't concentrate at work? This AI system knows why

A new sensor-based system developed by RMIT University and Arup uses artificial intelligence to measure staff comfort and concentration in flexible working spaces. The study found that office temperature, sleep quality, and meeting schedules significantly impact perceived concentration levels.

SourceRMIT University·JournalIEEE Internet of Things Journal·DateJun 4, 2020

Low ratings of workplace safety climate by hospital nurses linked to higher risk of injury

A study by Gwen E. McGhan and colleagues found that nurses have the lowest ratings of workplace safety climate, followed by healthcare aides, and are associated with increased job stress and decreased job satisfaction. Allied health professionals had significantly higher safety perceptions and lower rates of injuries and illnesses.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Healthcare Management·DateJun 4, 2020

Ancient DNA provides new insights into the early peopling of the Caribbean

A new study using ancient DNA found evidence of at least three population dispersals that brought people to the Caribbean, with genetic differences between early settlers and newcomers from South America. The research suggests that the islands were settled and resettled several times from different parts of the American mainland.

How can you sleep during a solo sailing race?

Researchers analyzed data from solo skippers in the Mini Transat La Boulangère regatta to identify effective sleep management strategies. Over half of the skippers employed sleep extension, polyphasic sleep, or gradual sleep deprivation to optimize their performance and safety during the competition.

SourceUniversità di Bologna·JournalNature and Science of Sleep·DateJun 4, 2020

Universal access to spectrometers one step closer

A team of physicists at the Universität Leipzig is developing an ultra-compact spectrometer with potential applications in industries such as food, medicine, and textiles. The new instrument could make quality control cheaper and more accessible, allowing for widespread adoption and democratizing access to spectral analysis.

Childhood trauma affects the timing of motherhood

A study conducted in Finland found that women who experienced childhood trauma became mothers earlier than those with a more stable upbringing. The research used data from volunteers who served in the 'Lotta Svärd' organisation during World War II, showing an increased rate of early motherhood among affected individuals.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 4, 2020

Keeping water and energy secure

Researchers investigate vulnerability of smart city water and energy systems to cyber attacks, which can cause blackouts and damage. The study aims to develop detection methodologies to counteract such criminal acts using mathematical attack models and big data analytics-based methods.

New study: Tyrannosaurus rex size doesn't determine age

A new study by Dr. Thomas D. Carr finds that the size and weight of Tyrannosaurus rex do not determine its age, contrary to long-held assumptions. The research reveals a high-resolution growth series for T-Rex, which shows that even small juveniles had powerful skulls and teeth, making them just as deadly as adults.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·DateJun 4, 2020

Why we should trust registered clinical trials

A new study by Bocconi University researchers finds that the majority of phase III trial results are not significantly above threshold, contrary to previous findings. The researchers suggest that transparency and registration processes are key factors in maintaining trial integrity.

SourceBocconi University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 4, 2020

Vision and balance issues are common in elementary school-age children with a concussion

A new study characterizes concussions in elementary school-age children, revealing common vision and balance issues that warrant consistent assessments at the initial healthcare visit. The findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to improve outcomes, including school accommodations and vestibular or vision therapy.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJun 4, 2020

Sleep, death and ... the gut?

Researchers found that death is preceded by accumulation of reactive oxidative species (ROS) in the gut, which can be neutralized to prevent premature death. The study on fruit flies suggests a key role for the gut in causing death from sleep deprivation, and may inform future efforts to address its detrimental effects in humans.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·DateJun 4, 2020

UCF's butterfly-inspired nanotech makes natural-looking pictures on digital screens

A University of Central Florida researcher has developed a new display technology that mimics the colors of butterfly wings, creating ultra-high-definition screens with extremely low power consumption. The technology uses nanoscale structures to scatter and reflect light, producing more natural-looking images without harsh glare.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 4, 2020

How cells solve their identity crisis

A team of scientists has provided clarity into how new cells remember their identity after cell division. They found that many genes are activated immediately after cell division, acting in a cascade to send critical signals and allow the cell to 'wake up' from its cellular amnesia.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalGenes & Development·DateJun 4, 2020