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Science News Archive March 2020 - Page 28


Page 28 of 41

Ultrathin organic solar cell is both efficient and durable

Scientists have created an ultrathin organic solar cell with a high energy conversion ratio of 13% and long-term storage stability. The research used a simple post-annealing process to increase durability, achieving both efficiency and longevity.

SourceRIKEN·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2020

Uncovering novel relationships between SLCs and cytotoxic drugs in human cells

Researchers uncovered how approximately 80% of screened cytotoxic compounds rely on solute carriers for activity, providing insights into drug mechanisms and SLC biology. The study also highlights the need for systematic surveys of transporter-drug relationships to develop more effective precision therapies.

Why organisms shrink

Researchers at FAU found that belemnites, ancient squid-like creatures, shrank significantly as water temperatures rose during the Toarcian period. The study suggests climate change played a significant role in shaping the morphology of aquatic organisms and may have contributed to their extinction.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMar 9, 2020

Nationwide study shows disparities in outpatient care for common orthopaedic problems

A nationwide study found that racial/ethnic minorities and individuals with lower incomes are less likely to receive office-based care for musculoskeletal conditions, while those with public insurance status are more likely to use emergency department care. This disparity contributes significantly to healthcare expenditures.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalClinical Orthopaedics and Related Research·DateMar 9, 2020

Strong signals show how proteins come and go

Bioscientists at Rice University have developed a novel system to amplify gene expression signals, allowing for more sensitive detection of target genes. The system, consisting of two modules, provides high-resolution dynamic information on gene expression dynamics, which are critical for understanding cell behavior.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 9, 2020

Ship noise hampers crab camouflage

Research shows that ship noise affects shore crabs' ability to change color and behave normally, reducing their camouflage effectiveness. The study found that juvenile crabs exposed to ship noise changed color half as quickly, making them less camouflaged.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 9, 2020

Community factors influence how long you'll live, study shows

A new study by Penn State researchers found that community characteristics play a significant role in determining life expectancy, with factors such as fast food restaurants, population density, and jobs in the extraction industry negatively affecting lifespan. Conversely, social capital, good access to physicians, and lower population...

SourcePenn State·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateMar 9, 2020

Astronomers pinpoint rare binary brown dwarf

Researchers discovered a rare eclipsing binary brown dwarf system using the SPECULOOS project, confirming theoretical models of brown dwarfs' cooling processes and providing valuable insights. The system consists of two brown dwarfs orbiting each other, offering opportunities to study their atmospheres and climates.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Astronomy·DateMar 9, 2020

Sea turtles have a deadly attraction to stinky plastic

Researchers found that sea turtles respond to odors from biofouled plastics in the same way they respond to food odorants. This 'olfactory trap' explains why sea turtles ingest and become entangled in plastic debris. Biofouling, the accumulation of microbes on wet surfaces, is a major factor contributing to this attraction.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 9, 2020

Mosquito-borne viral diseases

A European research network is funding a study to investigate how biological diversity influences chains of infection for mosquito-borne diseases. The project aims to develop reliable risk assessments and identify the impact of biodiversity, landscape diversity, and socio-economic conditions on disease transmission.

Evolution of sedentary behaviors

Researchers examined Hadza adults' activity patterns, finding they spent nearly 10 hours a day in nonambulatory postures similar to industrialized populations. However, Hadza adults spent more time in squatting and kneeling postures, which produce muscle activity, suggesting humans need daily muscle activity from both movement and resting

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2020

Wearing clothes could release more microfibers to the environment than washing them

A study published in Environmental Science and Technology found that wearing clothes can release up to 400 microfibers per gram of fabric during normal activity, while washing clothes can release up to 4,000. This suggests that one person could release almost 900 million polyester microfibers per year through simply wearing garments.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 9, 2020