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Science News Archive March 2020 - Page 9


Page 9 of 41

The Lancet Public Health: Modelling study estimates impact of physical distancing measures on progression of COVID-19 epidemic in Wuhan

Researchers estimate that extending school and workplace closures in Wuhan until April would delay a second wave of cases until later in the year, relieving pressure on health services. Physical distancing measures are likely to be most effective if staggered return to work commences at the beginning of April.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·DateMar 25, 2020

Acupuncture can reduce migraine headaches

A new study finds that acupuncture can reduce the frequency of migraine days and attacks, with manual acupuncture showing greater benefits than sham or usual care. The treatment resulted in a significant reduction in migraine episodes, making it an effective alternative to drugs for patients who prefer not to use them.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMar 25, 2020

How trans fats assist cell death

Researchers at Tohoku University discovered that certain trans fats can trigger programmed cell death by activating a mitochondrial signaling pathway. This finding has significant implications for understanding the role of trans fats in diseases such as atherosclerosis and neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 25, 2020

Found in mistranslation

Researchers at NCBS found that mistakes in protein synthesis increase the production of a quality control molecule, triggering an early DNA repair response and enhancing mutational resistance. This general advantage of mistranslation persists due to its occasional benefits under stress.

SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 25, 2020

Printing complex cellulose-based objects

Scientists successfully printed complex structures containing up to 27% cellulose particles, exhibiting mechanical properties similar to those of natural materials like wood. The developed process enables the creation of customized packaging, cartilage replacements, and potentially even sports car bodies.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 25, 2020

Modeling the human eye in a dish

Scientists from Osaka University created a new cellular model of the human eye using hiPSCs, enabling them to isolate specific cells involved in eye development and study related diseases. The novel model uses PITX2, a key protein during eye development, to track cell expression and differentiate between eye cells.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 24, 2020

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: Singapore modelling study estimates impact of physical distancing on reducing spread of COVID-19

A Singapore modelling study suggests that quarantining infected individuals and their families, school closures, and workplace distancing are effective in reducing COVID-19 cases. The combined approach was found to be most effective, preventing a national outbreak at relatively low levels of infectivity.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateMar 24, 2020

Scientists reveal how proteins team up to repair DNA

Researchers discovered a crucial DNA repair process in yeast that involves a protein called Rad51 and two helper proteins called Swi5-Sfr1. This finding may help understand why DNA repair processes fail to function properly in humans, leading to diseases like cancer and inherited conditions.

SourceeLife·DateMar 24, 2020

Manipulating ligands

Researchers created surface-clean noble metal aerogels with controlled ligand chemistry, revealing a new dimension for enhancing electrocatalysis performance. The intrinsic electrocatalytic properties of these clean gels were unveiled and found to be positively correlated with the oxidation state of metals.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 24, 2020