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Science News for March 11, 2020


Single biological factor predicts distinct cortical organizations across mammalian species

A KAIST research team identified a retino-cortical mapping ratio as the prime determinant in the topography of cortical organization, resolving a long-standing puzzle in understanding visual neuroscience. The study found that evolutionary variation in biological parameters induces distinct functional circuits in the visual cortex acros...

The naming of the shrew

Researchers at Louisiana State University have discovered a new species of shrew, the Sulawesi hairy-tailed shrew, which has thick hair on its tail and climbs trees. The discovery highlights the significant diversity of mammals in Indonesian islands, with many habitats remaining unexplored.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalJournal of Mammalogy·DateMar 11, 2020

Detecting aromas in aged cognac

Scientists used gas chromatography and sensory panel analysis to uncover volatile compounds in aged cognac, finding terpenoids for the first time. The study reveals how specific compounds enhance or suppress flavors, shedding light on aging's impact on aromas.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMar 11, 2020

Rural Hondurans embrace cancer screening opportunities

A collaborative research team from Dartmouth and Honduras found a high level of participation in rural cancer screening events, resulting in over 88% of identified individuals seeking follow-up care. The 'multiphasic' approach involved multiple cancer screenings in one event, which was well-received by local communities.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalJCO Global Oncology·DateMar 11, 2020

Natural bayou better when floods threaten Houston

Researchers at Rice University found that Buffalo Bayou's natural form is better at absorbing floodwater and preventing it from spilling over into heavily populated areas. The study shows that urban development in the Brays watershed increased the 100-year flood plain, making it more prone to flooding.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Flood Risk Management·DateMar 11, 2020

ESO telescope observes exoplanet where it rains iron

The ESO's Very Large Telescope has observed an ultra-hot giant exoplanet where it rains iron on its night side. Strong winds carry iron vapour from the day side to the cooler night side, where temperatures decrease, resulting in a unique and extreme phenomenon.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateMar 11, 2020

Understanding how monomer sequence affects conductance in 'molecular wires'

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a method to precisely control the sequence in synthetic polymers, allowing them to study charge transport properties and measure conductance through single chains. This work has significant implications for designing and manipulating materials with designer properties.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 11, 2020

New nano strategy fights superbugs

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new strategy to destroy antibiotic-resistant genes, known as superbugs, in sewage system wastewater. The nano technology traps and degrades these genetic remnants before they can infect other bacteria.

SourceRice University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 11, 2020

Doctors group sues California for failing to add processed meat to state carcinogen list

A doctors' group is suing California for neglecting to add processed meat, such as hot dogs and bacon, to the state's cancer-causing substances list under Proposition 65. This move comes after experts classified consumption of processed meat as carcinogenic to humans, increasing risks of colorectal, breast, prostate, pancreatic, and ov...

African Americans, Hispanics less likely to receive recommended lung cancer imaging

A University of Colorado Cancer Center study found that African American patients were half as likely as non-Hispanic whites to receive PET-CT imaging for non-small cell lung cancer, while Hispanics received it 70% as frequently. This disparity may be due to limited access to specialized imaging equipment and unconscious bias.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 11, 2020

Exercise works for those beginning cancer treatment

A study led by James Cook University found that supervised exercise sessions can reduce the negative side effects of Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) in prostate cancer patients. The research showed sustained benefits in cardiovascular risk profile and quality of life, but not in cardiopulmonary fitness and fatigue.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalBritish Journal of Urology·DateMar 11, 2020

NIH researchers successfully stop blood vessel, tumor growth in mice

Researchers at the NIH have successfully stopped tumor growth and blood vessel formation in mice by targeting enzymes that recycle phosphatidylinositol-(4,5)-bisphosphate. By blocking these enzymes, tumors were unable to replenish the molecule needed for new blood vessel growth, ultimately reducing tumor size and growth.

Opening up cryoEM

The Rosalind Franklin Institute has committed to developing a new detector for low-energy cryoEM, enabling atomic-scale images of biological samples. The goal is to make cryoEM more accessible and affordable, allowing for faster scientific progress in medical research and drug development.

Sugar tax has more public support than expected

A survey of over 1,000 German consumers found broad support for nutritional policy action, despite initial concerns about social acceptance. Key findings indicate that people's opinions on food policies are not tied to individual dietary struggles, with those who eat a healthy diet also being in favor of regulation.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNutrients·DateMar 11, 2020

Antibiotics: City dwellers and children take the most

Researchers analyzed 73 studies on antibiotic use in outpatient sectors worldwide, finding city dwellers, children, and seniors take more antibiotics. Higher education and richer countries reduce antibiotic use, while urban areas and doctor concentrations increase it.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalInternational Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health·DateMar 11, 2020

Caught in a spin: Spiral vortex streamlines delivery of nanomaterials into cells

Scientists have developed a rapid and efficient delivery method that uses the power of a tiny fluid vortex to deform cell membranes, allowing for the delivery of nanomaterials such as DNA, proteins, and drugs. The device, called a spiral hydroporator, can deliver nanomaterials into around one million cells per minute with up to 96% eff...

Permanent magnets stronger than those on refrigerator could be a solution for delivering fusion energy

Scientists have proposed using permanent magnets to simplify the design and production of stellarators, which are twisty fusion facilities that can produce massive amounts of energy. This innovation could lead to the creation of simpler, non-twisted coils and lower costs for engineering and manufacturing.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 11, 2020