Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive June 2020 - Page 22


Page 22 of 48

Strangely ordinary strata

Research reveals that ordinary river deposits dominate the stratigraphic record due to hierarchical organization in river dynamics. This understanding solves a long-standing enigma in geology and has implications for modern river systems affected by climate change and sea level rise.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 16, 2020

A coordinated COVID-19 response helped western Washington state "flatten the curve"

The region's successful response was attributed to six key factors: early communication and coordination, regional coordination and situational awareness, rapid testing development, proactive management of long-term care facilities, effective physical distancing in the community, and partnership with local organizations. This coordinat...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJun 16, 2020

The rafts used by viruses

Researchers discovered how viruses exploit lipid rafts in the cell membrane to trick receptors into binding, allowing the virus to enter the cell. The study may suggest new strategies for preventing or combating diseases like SARS and Covid-19 by understanding the interactions between viruses and host cells.

SourceUniversità di Trento·JournalJournal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids·DateJun 16, 2020

'Relaxed' T cells critical to immune response

Rice University researchers suggest that T cell relaxation time is key to immune response, explaining how invaders prompt the immune system. The approach helps explain why T cells can react so fast and selectively, despite self-ligand imposters outnumbering invaders by a factor of 100,000.

SourceRice University·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJun 16, 2020

New discovery paves way for next generation malaria vaccine

Scientists at Seattle Children's Research Institute have developed a genetically attenuated parasite (GAP) that arrests late in the liver stage of human malaria, paving the way for a novel next-generation vaccine. The GAP technology has the potential to offer protection to those living in regions where malaria transmission is widespread.

SourceSeattle Children's·JournalJCI Insight·DateJun 16, 2020

Improved heat-resistant wheat varieties are identified

Researchers at the University of Córdoba have identified 10 genetically improved wheat genotypes that can tolerate high temperatures better than others. These varieties, recently developed through genetic improvement programs, demonstrated their effectiveness in maintaining productivity under heat-stress conditions.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalJournal of Cereal Science·DateJun 16, 2020

Refugee camps vulnerable to COVID-19 outbreaks

A new study simulates the spread of COVID-19 in a densely populated refugee settlement in Bangladesh, predicting over 420,000 infected people and 2,800 deaths in one year. The researchers emphasize the need for innovative responses and intervention to quell the spread and treat the infected population.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 16, 2020

Shhhh, the whales are resting

Researchers from Aarhus University found that boat engines can disturb humpback whales, causing them to change behavior and reducing their resting time. The team recommends a 150 dB noise emission standard to minimize disturbance, ensuring whales receive some peace and quiet.

World's most complete health analysis of nesting sea turtles conducted in Florida

A team from Florida Atlantic University conducted the world's most complete health analysis of nesting green sea turtles in Florida, providing critical insights into physiology, biology, and herpesvirus epidemiology. The study found no significant differences between healthy and infected turtles, indicating that these viruses are endem...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalEndangered Species Research·DateJun 16, 2020

Digital strategies to fight COVID-19

The article discusses Luxembourg's expertise in digital health and its role in fighting COVID-19. The country has developed innovative digital solutions, including telemedicine, mobile apps, and AI-powered tools, to support healthcare systems and monitor the pandemic. The 'Predi-COVID' study is a prime example of this efforts, using da...

SourceLuxembourg Institute of Health·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateJun 16, 2020

Support drives fate of protected gold nanoclusters as catalysts

Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä have discovered that the choice of a support material for gold nanocluster catalysts can drastically affect their structure. On certain supports, clusters disintegrate completely, while on others, the protective organic layer peels away, leaving behind intact metallic nanoclusters.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateJun 16, 2020

Australian fossil reveals new plant species

A new plant species, Keraphyton mawsoniae, has been discovered in a 372-359 million year old Australian fossil. The fern-like plant shares similarities with modern ferns and horsetails, providing valuable information on plant evolution during the Devonian-Carboniferous period.

SourceFlinders University·JournalPeerJ·DateJun 16, 2020

Characteristics of patients with COVID-19 in Detroit

This case series examines clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 patients in Detroit, providing a comparative analysis of hospitalized and ambulatory populations. Key findings highlight the importance of considering patient demographics and comorbidities in managing COVID-19 cases.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 16, 2020

Digitize your dog into a computer game

Researchers from the University of Bath have developed motion capture technology that can digitise dogs without a suit and using only one camera. This technology has various applications, including helping vets diagnose lameness and monitoring recovery in canine patients.