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Science News Archive March 2020 - Page 14


Page 14 of 41

New drug can ease the side effects of medication against severe depression

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a substance, Lu AF60097, that can regulate serotonin levels in the brain and reduce severe side effects associated with tricyclic antidepressants. This new approach may allow for more effective treatment of severe depression while minimizing potential harm.

Putting artificial intelligence to work in the lab

A new AI-driven system, DeepSPM, demonstrates fully-autonomous Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) operation, allowing for optimal data acquisition and quality assessment without human supervision. This breakthrough enables long-term SPM operation and bridges the gap between nanoscience, automation, and artificial intelligence.

How to slow down ageing?

Scientists studied monocytes in young and elderly individuals, finding that energy production decreases and inflammation markers increase with age. This research provides a foundation for understanding age-related changes and potential solutions to slow down vascular calcification and atherosclerosis.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalAging Cell·DateMar 19, 2020

The right thumb becomes the left arm

A research team has induced a re-association of the right thumb with a virtual left arm through visuo-motor synchronization in a virtual environment. The study contributes to understanding body schemes of augmented humans and their limitations. Body-part re-association may be applied to developing functional prosthesis and embodied tools.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·DateMar 19, 2020

Published consensus statement offers UTI treatment recommendations

A new consensus statement offers UTI treatment recommendations to reduce overdiagnosis and overtreatment, while protecting against antimicrobial resistance. The statement aims to help healthcare providers diagnose, treat, and prevent UTIs in PALTC residents, who face increased risks of bacterial colonization and infection.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of the American Medical Directors Association·DateMar 19, 2020

How molecules self-assemble into superstructures

A research team of physicists and chemists from Kiel University mimicked self-assembly processes to fabricate various patterns of controllable sizes, including the largest structures reported so far. They developed a model of intermolecular forces driving the self-assembly, enabling control over pattern size.

SourceKiel University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 19, 2020

New mechanism of optical gain in two-dimensional material requires only extremely low input power

Researchers discovered a new mechanism of optical gain in two-dimensional materials that requires only extremely low input power. This breakthrough has significant implications for the development of energy-efficient photonic devices, potentially reducing the need for high electrical power.

Building a better color vision test for animals

Researchers have developed a mini movie theater to measure the color spectrum visible to fiddler crabs, revealing their ability to discriminate between different wavelengths of light. The device uses blue and green light-emitting diodes and tilted screens to stimulate the crabs' reaction.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateMar 19, 2020

Improving success of giraffe translocations

Researchers developed guidelines for giraffe translocations to ensure long-term population viability, including ideal group composition and decision-making processes. A founding population of 30 females and 3 males is recommended for initial translocations, while larger groups can be used to maintain genetic diversity.

SourcePenn State·JournalEndangered Species Research·DateMar 19, 2020

Study by international team of scientists investigates evolution during Cambrian Explosion

A new study by an international team of scientists reveals that the Cambrian Explosion was driven by abundant ecological opportunity early in life history. The researchers found that complex features become burdened by their own complexity, limiting evolutionary innovation. This discovery clarifies evolution and development during the ...

SourceUniversity of West Georgia·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 19, 2020

Nahum Arav part of team to discover quasar tsunamis

A team of astronomers led by Nahum Arav has discovered the most energetic outflows ever witnessed in the universe, which tear across interstellar space like cosmic tsunamis. These quasar outflows accelerate material to breathtaking velocities, carrying hundreds of solar masses of material each year and pushing galaxies' formation forward.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series·DateMar 19, 2020

Parental diet affects sperm and health of future offspring

Research by RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research identifies ATF7 as essential for intergenerational effects on metabolic disorders, such as diabetes. The study found that a male mouse's diet influences the health of future children through epigenetic changes in sperm cells.

SourceRIKEN·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMar 19, 2020