Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive June 2020 - Page 41


Page 41 of 48

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

Lighting the way to porous electronics and sensors

A straightforward fabrication method has been introduced by researchers from Osaka University to improve the gas sensing performance of common ceramic coatings. The new method involves depositing a thin, porous titanium dioxide film onto a surface using spin coating, resulting in a significant increase in detection speed and accuracy.

SourceOsaka University·JournalACS Applied Electronic Materials·DateJun 3, 2020

Preliminary Criterion scores do not help counteract racial gap in NIH grant awards

A new study finds that preliminary criterion scores do not mitigate racial disparities in NIH grant awards, with black investigators receiving worse scores on all five criteria. The study reveals substantial funding gaps between black and white applicants, with black PIs award probability only 55% of their white counterparts.

Osteoporosis treatment may also protect against pneumonia

A recent study found that N-BPs like alendronate are associated with a 24% lower risk of pneumonia and 35% lower risk of pneumonia mortality compared to no treatment. The results suggest that N-BP treatment may also protect against pneumonia, warranting further investigation into its potential for treating COVID-19 symptoms.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateJun 3, 2020

Larger streams are critical for wild brook trout conservation

A genetic analysis of brook trout in Loyalsock Creek drainage reveals that fish are moving between tributaries, using the mainstem as a seasonal corridor. This finding contradicts previous research and suggests that conservation efforts should focus on larger streams and rivers to protect critical movement corridors.

SourcePenn State·JournalEcological Applications·DateJun 3, 2020

Hubble makes surprising find in the early universe

A team of European researchers used Hubble Space Telescope to study the early Universe, finding no evidence of Population III stars. The discovery suggests that galaxies must have formed much earlier than previously thought, supporting the idea that low-mass galaxies are responsible for reionisation.

SourceESA/Hubble Information Centre·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 3, 2020

Respiratory virus builds 'doorbell' to trick its way into cells, researchers find

Researchers found that RSV manipulates two gene receptors in cells to gain entry and infect. The discovery sheds light on how the common respiratory syncytial virus breaks into cells, a key step in infection. Current treatment options are limited, but blocking the interaction of the virus with the receptor may prevent infection.

Video messages may help spread the word about antibiotic risks

Researchers at Penn State created a brief animated video to educate people about the risks of antibiotics, finding it effective in convincing participants that antibiotic use can be risky. The study suggests that a video intervention could help increase public awareness and promote antibiotic stewardship.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Health Communication·DateJun 3, 2020

The roots of a staple crop

A new study by UC Santa Barbara researcher Douglas J. Kennett and collaborators found that maize had become a staple grain in the Americas 4,700 years ago, exceeding what is considered a staple grain. By 4,000 years ago, maize was persistently used as a staple, continuing through the Classic Maya period until today.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 3, 2020

Pushing photons

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara developed a new approach to design LEDs that can extract and direct photons with high efficiency. By using metasurface concepts, they were able to confine electrons and holes in gallium nitride nanorods, allowing more light to escape the semiconductor structure.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Photonics·DateJun 3, 2020

ETH researchers deconstruct tissue repair

Researchers from ETH Zurich have deconstructed the complex mechanisms that control tissue repair and scar formation, focusing on a signal molecule called activin. The study reveals how activin affects cell interactions and extracellular matrix composition, promoting wound healing but also causing scarring.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 3, 2020