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Science News for May 13, 2020


Lidar technology demonstrates how light levels determine mosquito 'rush hour'

A recent study using lidar technology reveals that mosquitoes are most active during morning and evening hours in Tanzania, with males being 87 times more active than usual. This finding suggests that light levels affect mosquito behavior, creating opportunities for developing light-based measures to prevent malaria.

American Journal of Preventive Medicine focuses on critical public health aspects of COVID-19

The American Journal of Preventive Medicine emphasizes the importance of addressing risks in correctional facilities and marginalized communities. Researchers outline guidelines to mitigate transmission and protect workers and prisoners, as well as caution about existing health disparities and potential exacerbation of stigma.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMay 13, 2020

Novel treatment using patient's own cells opens new possibilities to treat Parkinson's disease

A team of investigators from McLean Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital have successfully reprogrammed a patient's skin cells to replace lost brain cells in Parkinson's disease. The patient has shown significant improvements in daily activities and quality of life after receiving the treatment, which involves transplanting repl...

SourceMcLean Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 13, 2020

Secure land rights essential to protect biodiversity and cultures within indigenous lands

New research highlights the importance of legally protecting large indigenous territories in Brazil to preserve biodiversity, traditional livelihoods, and cultural heritage. Almost 90% of indigenous territories retain higher native vegetation cover than their surroundings, safeguarding over 100 million hectares of forests and savannahs.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalLand Use Policy·DateMay 13, 2020

You cannot avoid microplastics

Researchers have found microplastics in air, drinking water, and table salt, highlighting the need for better understanding of their potential hazards to human health. Microplastics can be ingested through indoor air, especially from household plastic products, and may reach the lungs and digestive system.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 13, 2020

T. rex was a champion walker, super-efficient at lower speeds

Research finds giant T. rex relied on low-energy walking due to their massive size, contrary to previous focus on running speeds for theropod dinosaurs. The study analyzed limb proportions, body mass, and gaits of over 70 species, suggesting a trade-off between speed and efficiency in theropods.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 13, 2020

What's Mars made of?

Scientists have measured the velocity of seismic waves in iron-sulfur alloys thought to comprise Mars' core, providing crucial information about the planet's internal structure. This study simulates the Martian core's composition and origin, helping researchers compare observations with Martian space probes.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 13, 2020

How COVID-19 kills

A new study explains the mechanisms of COVID-19, revealing how the virus triggers an immune system overreaction, resulting in a cytokine storm. This can lead to respiratory failure, as well as damage to organs such as the heart and kidneys. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and supporting organ function.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·DateMay 13, 2020

Gut ecology

A team of UC Santa Barbara researchers proposes a technique called SPARC to manipulate certain parameters in a mathematical gut microbiome model toward a target composition. This approach offers a systematic understanding of how environmental factors and species interactions can be controlled to achieve a stable gut microbiome.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPhysical Review E·DateMay 13, 2020

Pitt researchers create durable, washable textile coating that can repel viruses

A team of researchers from the University of Pittsburgh has developed a novel textile coating that can repel viruses and bacteria, making it potential candidate for creating safely reusable personal protective equipment (PPE). The coating was tested against adenovirus types 4 and 7 and shown to be effective in repelling these viruses.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 13, 2020

EULAR 2020

The EULAR 2020 study investigates the connection between breast cancer, anti-hormonal therapy, and rheumatoid arthritis. The results show that the risk of breast cancer in women with RA is lower than in women with healthy joints, and no association was found between anti-hormonal breast cancer prophylaxis and later RA.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateMay 13, 2020

SHEA helps hospitals navigate legal aspects of antibiotic

The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America has released a white paper addressing the legal implications of antibiotic stewardship programs, highlighting strategies to reduce liability and improve program structure. The guidance emphasizes the importance of protocols, documentation practices, and credentialing for ASP team members.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateMay 13, 2020

Cold War nuke tests changed rainfall

Researchers at the University of Reading studied historic records from a Scottish research station to investigate how Cold War nuclear bomb tests affected rainfall. They found that cloudy days with high radioactivity generated charge were associated with thicker clouds and 24% more rain.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 13, 2020

FSU researchers find even small disturbances can trigger catastrophic storms

Researchers at Florida State University have found that even minor changes in atmospheric conditions can lead to the development of hurricanes. The study used numerical models to simulate cloud formation and found that most simulations produced major hurricanes in a range of latitudes, including areas near the equator.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalJournal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems·DateMay 13, 2020

Early detection of Alzheimer's disease with dynamic MRI measurement of glucose in brain

A new study developed a non-invasive molecular imaging approach using dynamic MRI to measure glucose level changes in the brain lymphatic system. This method helps identify Alzheimer's disease at early stages, allowing treatments to start promptly. The technique uses glucose as a 'tracer' and is compatible with existing MRI machines, m...

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 13, 2020

Is video game addiction real?

A recent six-year study on video game addiction found that about 90% of gamers do not play in a way that is harmful or causes negative long-term consequences. However, a significant minority can become truly addicted to video games, suffering mentally and socially. The study identified predictors such as being male and having low level...

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateMay 13, 2020

COVID-19 in children with cancer in New York

A new study reveals that children with cancer in New York are disproportionately affected by COVID-19, with a higher risk of severe illness. The research highlights the importance of prioritizing vaccine administration and infection control measures to protect these vulnerable patients.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateMay 13, 2020

T. rex's long legs were made for marathon walking

A new study by University of Maryland researchers suggests that long legs evolved among the biggest dinosaurs to help them conserve energy and go the distance while searching for prey. The study found that larger dinosaur species with longer legs needed less energy to move, giving them an advantage in terms of efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 13, 2020

3D VR blood flow to improve cardiovascular care

Biomedical engineers at Duke University developed a massive fluid dynamics simulator to model blood flow through the full human arterial system, providing guidance for treatment plans. A new graphical user interface called Harvis allows clinicians to easily explore options without expertise in computer science.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Computational Science·DateMay 13, 2020

Genetic testing among individuals with ASD

A study of nearly 1,300 individuals with ASD found that many receive recommended genetic tests, but factors such as insurance coverage and provider recommendations influence the rates. The findings highlight the importance of personalized approach to genetic testing for individuals with ASD.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMay 13, 2020

New insights into links between national income and obesity

Analysis of data from 147 countries found a strong association between rising incomes and increasing obesity rates, with an average increase in obesity rates for every 1% rise in GDP per capita. The study suggests that policy initiatives may be necessary to combat obesity in low- and middle-income countries undergoing income growth.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 13, 2020

NMR confirms molecular switches retain function in 2D-array

Researchers from IOCB Prague synthesized regular 2D assemblies of isotopically labelled molecular switches, measuring their isomerization properties. The team found that formation of the assembly does not compromise the photochemical switching properties of the embedded molecules.

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

The American College of Physicians has issued new Practice Points stating that hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin do not support COVID-19 prophylaxis or treatment. However, they may be used in clinical trials with informed decision-making. Additionally, research suggests that RT-PCR tests for SARS-CoV-2 have low sensitivity, particula...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 13, 2020

A deep look into the gut's hormones

The study reveals 10 major hormone types and their interactions, shedding light on how enteroendocrine cells sense food and regulate hunger and satiety. The discovery offers new avenues for treating diseases like type 2 diabetes and obesity.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalCell·DateMay 13, 2020

ECOG-ACRIN research at ASCO 2020

Researchers with the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group presented new findings on breast cancer treatment trials, including TAILORx and NCI-MATCH. The studies found that women under 40 are at risk for early discontinuation of hormone therapy, and insurance status plays a key role in adherence to adjuvant hormone therapy.

School closure during COVID-19 pandemic

A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics investigates the effectiveness of school closure as a preventive measure against COVID-19. The researchers found that school closure had a moderate impact on reducing transmission and hospitalization rates.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMay 13, 2020

'Lettere patenti' help assess intensity of historic central Italian earthquakes

Researchers used 'Lettere Patenti' documents to calculate intensities for a 1703 earthquake sequence in central Italy, revealing that the main earthquakes were likely intensity V or VI. The study provides a more realistic view of the earthquakes' impact than historical reports, shedding new light on seismic intensity assessment.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateMay 13, 2020

Virus protein discovery reveals new plant-animal class of cell division disruptors

Researchers have identified a novel plant-animal class of cell division disruptors, including the 17K protein from cereal-infecting viruses. The discovery reveals that these proteins can inhibit host cell growth by disrupting cell division, making them potential targets for controlling viral diseases in humans and crop plants.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 13, 2020

How the body makes triglycerides

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and Princeton University have discovered the 3D structure and mode of action of diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase-1 (DGAT1), a key enzyme in triglyceride synthesis and fat absorption. This finding opens opportunities for designing novel strategies to manage obesity and other metabolic diseases.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature·DateMay 13, 2020

Coffee linked to lower body fat in women

A recent study by Anglia Ruskin University found that women who drink two or three cups of coffee per day have significantly lower total body and abdominal fat compared to those who drink less. The study suggests that compounds in coffee may have anti-obesity properties, potentially making it a useful addition to a healthy diet strategy.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateMay 13, 2020

Gut microbiome influences ALS outcomes

Researchers identified a new gut-brain connection in ALS, finding that altering the gut microbiome can prevent or improve disease symptoms in mice with a common genetic mutation. The study suggests that the gut microbiome may influence disease severity and could be a target for therapy.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateMay 13, 2020

Low-income children and COVID-19

Hardships faced by low-income children during the COVID-19 pandemic led to calls for improved education systems. The article suggests reforms to better support vulnerable populations in the future.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMay 13, 2020

X-ray imaging of atomic nuclei

Researchers successfully image atomic nuclei in three materials using a new microscopy type called ANXRI, which combines aberration-corrected STEM and EDS. The accuracy of ANXRI reaches 1 pm, allowing for adjustable individual imaged sizes of atomic nuclei.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Materials·DateMay 13, 2020

Soybean seeding rates and risk

A recent study by Corteva Agriscience and universities across the US has determined the optimal seeding rate for soybean growers, providing help to reduce risk and optimize yield potential. The research found that farmers should increase seeding rates in areas of lower productivity and reduce them in areas of higher productivity.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateMay 13, 2020

The makings of a crystal flipper

Researchers fabricate crystal that flips back and forth in response to lighting conditions, enabling complex task prosecution. The discovery sheds light on the arrangement of azobenzene molecules within the crystal, which plays a crucial role in initiating the periodic behavior.

Oink, oink makes the pig

Researchers at TU Dresden discovered that pictures and gestures improve children's memory of English vocabulary, even six months after learning. This finding challenges the assumption that sensorimotor enrichment is more beneficial for kids than sensory-only enrichment.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalEducational Psychology Review·DateMay 13, 2020