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Science News Archive June 2020 - Page 5


Page 5 of 48

Fat cells found to play a central role in renal failure-associated cardiomyopathy

New research from Marshall University finds that production of peptide NaKtide in fat cells inhibits sodium pump function, preventing the development of cardiomyopathy associated with renal failure. The study also suggests targeting adipocytes may serve as a viable clinical strategy for preventing and treating the condition.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJun 29, 2020

Engineered immune cells recognize, attack human and mouse solid-tumor cancer cells

Researchers have successfully engineered T-cells to target a variety of solid-tumor cancer cells in humans and mice using CAR-T therapy. The new approach broadens the potential targets by recognizing proteins with short sugar chains attached, which are often mutated in cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2020

The magnetic history of ice

Researchers propose a new method to read magnetic pole reversals by analyzing ice cores, which could be applied to other bodies in the solar system. The team created artificial snowfall with magnetic dust and froze it into hard ice, detecting a small but detectible magnetic moment that matched the applied fields.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateJun 28, 2020

Report points to intergroup tensions from different interpretations of social distancing

A new report from psychologists at the University of Bath highlights emerging tensions between groups who interpret social distancing guidelines differently. As lockdown measures ease, people are now negotiating social distancing on an interpersonal level, leading to challenges for those who want to maintain strict practices.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalBritish Journal of Social Psychology·DateJun 28, 2020

Trends in the global burden of thyroid cancer

The global burden of thyroid cancer has increased significantly between 1990 and 2017, with a notable rise in younger age groups. The study found that the incidence rate varied greatly across different regions and socioeconomic factors, highlighting the need for targeted prevention and treatment strategies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 26, 2020

A new mechanism of toxicity in Alzheimer's disease revealed by the 3D structure of Aβ protein

Researchers have identified a new mechanism of toxicity in Alzheimer's disease, where Aβ protein assemblies disrupt the neuronal membrane, leading to cell death. The study provides insight into the atomic structure of these assemblies and proposes targeting membrane pores to prevent neurotoxicity.

Zhao receives NSF CAREER Award

Liang Zhao at George Mason University has been awarded a $102,873 NSF CAREER Award to develop transformative frameworks for spatial network generative modeling. The project aims to learn complex generation processes from massive datasets and create more interpretable models.

Sexist views on education within families affect future academic choices

A study by UOC researchers found that sexist views within families can impact academic decisions, with girls more likely to confront sexism and seek help, while boys tend to avoid it. The study also highlights the importance of educating both boys and girls on equality and dealing with sexism.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalInternational Journal of Social Psychology Revista de Psicología Social·DateJun 26, 2020

Computational model decodes speech by predicting it

Researchers from UNIGE developed a computational model that reproduces the brain's mechanism for analyzing spoken language. The model uses predictive coding to optimize perception by constantly trying to predict sensory signals. It has successfully recognized thousands of syllables in hundreds of sentences, validating the idea that neu...

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 26, 2020

New study examines recursive thinking

A multi-institutional research team found that humans and non-human primates can represent recursive sequences, suggesting a universal cognitive ability. The study's findings dispel the long-held belief that only humans possess this capacity.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalJournal of Mathematical Sciences Advances and Applications·DateJun 26, 2020

Beacon from the early universe

The discovery of Po?niua??ena, the second-most distant quasar, sheds light on the formation of massive black holes and galaxies in the young universe. The quasar's existence challenges current theories, requiring a new mechanism to explain its massive size formed so early in the universe's history.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 26, 2020

New protein complex gets chromosomes sorted

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba identified a novel protein complex, NWC, involved in regulating Aurora B localization to ensure correct chromosome separation. The study found that NWC functions in mitotic chromosome stability by allowing Aurora B to accumulate at centromeres.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJun 26, 2020

Gas cooker exposure can lower blood pressure, study finds

A study published in Circulation Research found that exposure to nitrogen dioxide from gas cookers can lower blood pressure by 5 mm Hg. Blood levels of nitrite also increased after exposure, suggesting a possible mechanism linking air pollution to cardiovascular health. The findings suggest that cooking with gas may have a beneficial e...

SourceKing's College London·JournalCirculation Research·DateJun 26, 2020