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Science News Archive March 2020 - Page 35


Page 35 of 41

Zigzag DNA

Researchers at Delft University of Technology have discovered a new loop structure in DNA, called the 'Z loop', which differs from traditional single loops and occurs more frequently. This discovery sheds light on how condensin proteins fold DNA into a zigzag structure through complex interactions.

Weight loss surgery may increase fracture risk

A study published in Journal of Internal Medicine found that weight loss surgery, especially gastric bypass, increases the long-term risk of bone fractures. The rate was highest among patients who underwent gastric bypass, with a 2.58-times higher fracture risk compared to non-surgical obesity care and other bariatric surgery methods.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateMar 4, 2020

Birds of a feather better not together

A new study of North American birds found that regional ecosystem stability over time depends on both the total number of species present in a locality and on the variation in species identities among localities. The researchers used 20 years of observational data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey to test this hypothesis.

A new model of vision

A new computer model developed by MIT cognitive scientists can quickly generate a detailed scene description from an image, similar to the brain's ability. The model, known as efficient inverse graphics (EIG), reverses the steps used in computer graphics programs to generate images, allowing it to infer underlying features of a scene. ...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 4, 2020

All optical control of exciton flow in a colloidal quantum well complex

Researchers from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, demonstrate a convenient way to control exciton flow between different colloidal quantum wells at room temperature through optical signals. They achieve continuous transition among three distinct exciton flow regimes with efficiencies of ~50%, ~90% and ~2%.

£500,000 NIHR grant for obesity treatment

A £500,000 NIHR grant will be used to investigate the effectiveness of NHS-funded obesity treatment programmes in the UK. The project, BE:COME, aims to determine which components of these programmes contribute to weight loss and identify the best combination for different groups of people.

Divorced parents may impact some teens' academics

A study found that adolescents with divorced parents have lower GPAs, especially those with more educated mothers. The researchers controlled for paternal education and income measures, revealing a stronger association between divorce and reduced GPA among teens with highly educated mothers.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 4, 2020

Rapid DNA test quickly identifies victims of mass casualty event

Researchers used Rapid DNA Identification to quickly identify 58 victims of the 2018 Camp Fire, a technique that can provide results within hours. This work represents the first use of Rapid DNA Identification in a mass casualty event and has since been utilized in another incident.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Forensic Sciences·DateMar 4, 2020

New insights into evolution: Why genes appear to move around

Scientists at Uppsala University propose the SNAP Hypothesis to explain why genes move on chromosomes. This hypothesis suggests that tandem duplications of chromosome sections occur frequently, leading to changes in gene order over time. Random loss of unnecessary duplicated genes can result in rapid rearrangements of remaining genes.

SourceUppsala University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 4, 2020

Moviegoers contaminate nonsmoking movie theater with 'thirdhand' cigarette smoke

Research shows that concentrations of nicotine and smoking-related volatile organic compounds spike when moviegoers enter a non-smoking theater, equivalent to up to 10 cigarettes of secondhand smoke. The study highlights the need for regulation and warns of the health risks of thirdhand exposure, especially for infants and children.

Third-hand smoke is no joke, can convey hazardous chemicals

A new study from Yale University reveals that third-hand smoke can travel into indoor spaces through human contact, exposing non-smokers to hazardous chemicals. The research found that even in well-ventilated areas like movie theaters, people can carry and release third-hand smoke contaminants, posing health risks.

SourceYale University·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 4, 2020

Robot uses artificial intelligence and imaging to draw blood

The Rutgers team's robotic device combines AI, near-infrared, and ultrasound imaging to accurately pinpoint blood vessels, outperforming human healthcare professionals in complex tasks. The device reduces injuries and improves procedure efficiency, enabling healthcare professionals to focus on other critical aspects of medical care.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateMar 4, 2020

Teaming basic scientists with clinicians may improve medical education retention

Pairing clinician and basic science educators can help improve retention of information in medical school curriculum design. This integration, starting from the initial stages, facilitates the transfer of knowledge to clinical settings. By shadowing clinicians, basic scientists can better understand how to communicate information with ...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAJP Advances in Physiology Education·DateMar 4, 2020

Robots on the march to walking like humans

Researchers at the University of Manchester developed a robot that uses perceptual control theory to balance and move efficiently. The study found that robots programmed with this theory performed better than those using standard algorithms, demonstrating potential for more lifelike machines.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of Intelligent & Robotic Systems·DateMar 4, 2020