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Science News Archive June 2020 - Page 16


Page 16 of 48

Which came first?

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science and Hebrew University of Jerusalem reconstructed ancient protein sequences that may resemble those of early life forms. They discovered a way these primitive proteins could have progressed to form living cells, with positively-charged amino acids playing a crucial role.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 21, 2020

Not so robust: robusta coffee more sensitive to warming than previously thought

A new study suggests robusta coffee production decreases by 14% with each 1C increase above a lower-than-once-thought optimal temperature range. The findings contrast with previous estimates and highlight the need for climate adaptation strategies in the coffee industry.

Shining light on a malignant lung cancer

Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) treatment targeting podoplanin-positive cells in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). NIR-PIT has shown promise in reducing fluorescence from cancer-tagged cells and demonstrating anti-cancer effects.

SourceNagoya University·JournalCells·DateJun 20, 2020

The exhaust gas from a power plant can be recovered and used as a raw reaction material

Researchers at Nagoya University developed a new CO2 capture technology that conserves energy used to capture carbon dioxide from facilities like thermal power plants. The H2 stripping regeneration technology replaces combustion exhaust gas with CO2/H2 gas at lower temperatures, reducing energy consumption by up to 99%.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateJun 19, 2020

Live Biotherapeutic products -- a new regulatory approach for the safety assessment of a specific category of biological medicinal products

The article recommends a risk assessment roadmap for LBPs, proposing adapted guidelines for non-clinical programmes and First in Human clinical safety trials. The approach focuses on strain characterization, history of use, antibiotic resistance, and virulence testing to ensure the safety of vulnerable populations.

SourcePharmabiotic Research Institute (PRI)·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·DateJun 19, 2020

Measuring a tiny quasiparticle is a major step forward for semiconductor technology

Researchers from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a new method to measure the mass of individual components in quasiparticles, which could play a crucial role in future applications of quantum computing and more efficient energy conversion. The study reveals significant differences in mass between electrons and holes in ...

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 19, 2020

Skyrmion dynamics and traverse mobility

Researchers have studied skyrmion behavior under dc and ac drives, discovering directional locking effects and enhanced transverse mobility. The study's findings could revolutionize computing and solve the mystery of ball lightning.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateJun 19, 2020

Polymers can fine-tune attractions between suspended nanocubes

Adding polymers to a solution containing hollow silica nanocubes can adjust their attractions, leading to stable mixtures. By varying polymer concentrations, researchers can manipulate the behavior of colloidal mixtures and explore new technologies in light sensing and manipulation.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJun 19, 2020

An ant-inspired approach to mathematical sampling

A team of researchers from the University of Bristol developed an ant-inspired method for mathematical sampling, which outperforms traditional methods. The study found that ants' collective behavior can be used to create a more efficient way of exploring complex probability distributions.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateJun 19, 2020

Matching-commitment agreements to incentivize climate action

A new IIASA-led study suggests that matching-commitment agreements can incentivize countries to cooperate in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, potentially leading to a more effective international climate agreement. The research results indicate that such an agreement can successfully divert countries from a rational outcome to a new ...

Simulating wind farm development

Researchers at Stanford University have devised a model that considers the impact of interactions between developers and landowners on the success and cost of wind farms. The model highlights three actions developers could take to increase landowner acceptance and ultimately reduce costs, including community engagement meetings, prelim...

SourceStanford University·JournalJournal of Mechanical Design·DateJun 19, 2020

Higher rates of severe COVID-19 in BAME populations remain unexplained

A new study led by Queen Mary University of London found that higher rates of severe COVID-19 infections in Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) populations cannot be attributed to socioeconomic or behavioral factors. The researchers used the UK Biobank cohort to investigate the relationship between COVID-19 infection and ethnicity...

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalJournal of Public Health·DateJun 19, 2020