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Science News Archive June 2020 - Page 3


Page 3 of 48

Pernicious effects of stigma

Researchers found that negative stereotype exposure leads to altered brain activity in the nucleus accumbens, affecting anticipation of rewards and punishments. This study sheds light on the psychological fatigue and stress associated with stigmatization, which can contribute to depression and other mental health issues.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateJun 29, 2020

Responses to cyberbullying

A study of over 6,000 Japanese adolescents found that emotional competence can both protect against and worsen the negative effects of cyberbullying. The researchers suggest that intrapersonal and interpersonal emotional competence play different roles in moderating the impact of cyberbullying victimization on adolescent mental health.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalJournal of Adolescence·DateJun 29, 2020

Racial differences in rates of autopsy in the US

A study analyzing CDC data from 2008 to 2017 found racial disparities in US autopsy rates. Autopsy rates were lower for Hispanic and black patients compared to white patients, highlighting the need for increased awareness and addressing these disparities.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 29, 2020

Even minor heart defects are associated with long-term problems in adulthood

A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that even minor heart defects can lead to chronic diseases, such as arrhythmia and heart failure, in adulthood. Adults who underwent congenital heart surgery during childhood are more likely to experience lower levels of education and employment rates.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJun 29, 2020

Solving the CNL6 mystery in Batten disease

A study by Baylor College of Medicine researchers reveals that defective CLN6 causes toxic waste accumulation in cells, leading to progressive degeneration and cell death. The researchers found that CLN6 works together with CLN8 to transport enzymes to lysosomes, and when CLN6 is defective, this process is impaired.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 29, 2020

How volcanoes explode in the deep sea

An international research group has demonstrated a mechanism for explosive disintegration of magma under water pressure. The team used a diving robot to examine ash deposits on the seabed and conducted experiments in a laboratory setting, revealing processes similar to those that occurred at a depth of 1,000 meters on the sea floor.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJun 29, 2020

Closer threats inspire a more primitive kind of fear

Researchers used virtual reality to study how brain circuits respond to threats at different distances. They found that near threats engage survival circuitry, making them harder to extinguish, while distant threats are processed by higher-order thinking areas. This could lead to new therapies for PTSD.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2020

School HPV vaccine policies could result in higher vaccination rates, reduction in cancers

A UCLA-led study found that school HPV vaccine policies in Rhode Island and the District of Columbia significantly increased vaccination rates among adolescents. The expansion of such policies could lead to higher vaccination rates and reduced cancer risk, particularly for cervical, oral, and rectal cancers.

Staying apart during a pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant social and physical distancing, causing a loss of human connection. This can have negative effects on mental health, including increased rates of loneliness and depression.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 29, 2020

Laser-welded sugar: Sweet way to 3D-print blood vessels

Researchers at Rice University have successfully created complex blood vessel networks using laser-welded sugar templates, paving the way for the creation of large tissue models. The technique enables the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to cells throughout the body, making it a promising approach for future therapeutic applications.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJun 29, 2020

Protein derived from tick saliva proves effective in the treatment of equine skin cancer

Researchers have successfully treated horse melanomas using Amblyomin-X, a protein derived from tick saliva. The treatment resulted in tumor shrinkage and remission in some cases, with no adverse reactions reported. Further analysis of signaling pathways revealed activation of the innate immune system's rapid response.

How upregulation of a single gene by SARS-CoV-2 can result in a cytokine storm

The SARS-CoV-2 virus activates the aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AhRs) through the IDO1-kynurenine-AhR signaling pathway, leading to Systemic AhR Activation Syndrome (SAAS). This triggers a cytokine storm causing inflammation, thromboembolism, and fibrosis. Researchers propose therapies targeting downregulation of AhRs and IDO1 genes to ...

SourceIOS Press·JournalRestorative Neurology and Neuroscience·DateJun 29, 2020

Researchers catch a wave to determine how forces control granular material properties

A team of researchers used X-ray measurements to study the behavior of waves in granular materials. The findings provide a better understanding of how particle arrangements and forces affect wave propagation. This knowledge is crucial for detecting earthquakes, locating oil and gas reservoirs, and designing acoustic insulation.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2020

Gold mining restricts Amazon rainforest recovery

A new study reveals that gold mining significantly restricts Amazon forest regeneration, leading to substantial losses in carbon sink capacity. The research highlights the urgent need for active land management and restoration to recover tropical forests on previously mined lands.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJun 29, 2020

An ethical eye on AI

Researchers have found a mathematical means to help regulators and businesses manage AI systems' biases towards making unethical and costly commercial choices. The new 'Unethical Optimization Principle' provides a simple formula to estimate its impact, aiming to reduce the risk of AI-driven unethical strategies.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJun 29, 2020