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Science News for May 20, 2020


Malaria vaccines based on engineered parasites show safety, signs of efficacy

Two malaria vaccines developed using genetically engineered malaria parasites have shown safety and preliminary protection in phase 1/2a clinical trials. The vaccines, created by Isaie Reuling and Meta Roestenberg teams, delayed infections when exposed to mosquitoes infected with Plasmodium falciparum, the primary cause of malaria in h...

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 20, 2020

Going nuclear on the moon and Mars

Nuclear fission reactors are being considered as top candidates to generate electricity in space due to their reliability and capacity. The technology has been tested and could provide a power source for several years, making it an attractive option for lunar and Martian settlements.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMay 20, 2020

Birth control pills affect the love hormone

A recent study by Aarhus University found that birth control pills increase oxytocin levels, potentially affecting romantic love and closeness. The research suggests that women on birth control may experience altered mood and diminished sense of attachment to partners.

SourceAarhus University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 20, 2020

New study finds 2 billion people without proper sanitation at high risk for coronavirus

A new study by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation found that over 2 billion people worldwide lack access to soap and clean water, increasing their risk of contracting and transmitting COVID-19. The study highlights the need for long-term solutions to protect against the virus and its devastating impact on public health.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMay 20, 2020

Pandemic likely to cause long-term health problems, Yale School of Public Health finds

A new study led by the Yale School of Public Health found that the coronavirus pandemic is likely to have profound short- and long-term consequences for physical and mental health, particularly for vulnerable populations. The research showed that exposures common to the current pandemic are strongly associated with posttraumatic stress...

SourceYale School of Public Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 2020

Spring rains are a surprising source of pollen

Researchers found that tree pollen fragments remain airborne for up to 11 hours after spring rains, posing a risk to allergy sufferers. The study advises people to stay indoors during and after rain events, especially thunderstorms, to minimize respiratory impacts.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateMay 20, 2020

A sound treatment

Jan Kubanek's new procedure uses high-frequency sound waves to alter brain state, treating mental disorders and neurological conditions. The non-invasive treatment shows promise in targeting individual neural circuits for personalized therapy.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 20, 2020

Should tomatoes go in the fridge?

A study by the University of Göttingen found that the variety of tomato is more important than storage conditions on its flavor. The research team analyzed flavour-related attributes in new tomato strains and discovered no significant differences between refrigerated and room temperature storage options.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateMay 20, 2020

Just read my face, baby

A new study by the University of Rochester and University of Toronto found that couples who accurately perceive appeasement emotions, such as embarrassment, have better relationships. In contrast, couples where either partner feels negative emotions, regardless of whether those emotions are accurately perceived, have poorer relationships.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 20, 2020

Breakthrough in research on production of 2D crystals with excellent optical properties

Researchers from the University of Warsaw developed a method to grow transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers with excellent optical properties on atomically flat boron nitride substrates. The technique, using molecular beam epitaxy, overcomes previous limitations and allows for large-scale production of high-quality monolayers.

Virus prevalence associated with habitat

New research finds that virus infection rates in lobsters are related to their habitat, with seagrass meadows showing a protective effect against the spread of disease. The study's findings support efforts to safeguard Caribbean spiny lobster populations and boost understanding of viral dynamics.

SourceSwansea University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 20, 2020

Heat now more lethal than cold for people with respiratory diseases in Spain

A new study by ISGlobal found that heat is now more lethal than cold for people with respiratory diseases in Spain, particularly women and older adults. The study analyzed data on over 1.3 million deaths between 1980 and 2016 and found a significant decline in temperature-attributable mortality during the colder months.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 20, 2020

How cosmic rays may have shaped life

Researchers propose that cosmic rays influenced the evolution of DNA-based life on Earth, promoting one form of molecular handedness over its mirror image. This idea suggests a connection between fundamental physics and the origin of life, with potential experiments to test their hypothesis.

SourceStanford University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 20, 2020

Fish feed foresight

Novel feeds made from microalgae, insect protein and oils could partially substitute fishmeal and oil in aquaculture feeds without negative impacts on efficiency or omega-3 profiles. This study predicts future aquaculture production growth between 37-98% depending on consumer preferences.

COVID-19 and immune-engaging cancer treatment

The COVID-19 pandemic presents significant challenges for cancer patients receiving immune-engaging treatments, according to a recent study. The authors highlight the need for healthcare providers to balance the benefits of these treatments with the increased risk of severe illness during the pandemic.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateMay 20, 2020

New research shows that increasing number of lost pregnancies is linked to higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes

A new study published in Diabetologia found that women who experience more pregnancy losses are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study analyzed data from over 247,000 women and found that each additional pregnancy loss increased the risk by 18-71%. Women with no previous pregnancies also had a significantly higher risk.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateMay 20, 2020

A new understanding of everyday cellular processes

The study suggests that cells can be understood as electrical entities, enabling predictive biological understanding and potential new treatments for conditions like heart failure and diabetes. The researchers' bioelectrical conceptualisation of cells could pave the way for breakthroughs in healthcare.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateMay 20, 2020

The moral machine

Researchers created an AI system that learns to distinguish between 'right' and 'wrong' based on books, news articles, and religious texts. The machine's moral compass adapts to different eras and societies, revealing subtle differences in moral values.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Artificial Intelligence·DateMay 20, 2020

Tel Aviv University-led study finds high variability is result of complex data workflows

A Tel Aviv University-led study published in Nature found that complexity in analytical methods contributes to variability in research outcomes. Researchers analyzed the same dataset using different analysis methods, resulting in varying conclusions. The study highlights the need for improved methodology and data sharing to advance sci...

Primary care physicians experience more burnout and anxiety than other health professions

A new study by George Mason University found that primary care physicians report the highest rates of burnout at 31.6%, nearly twice that of other staff in primary care practices. Anxiety levels also significantly contribute to burnout across healthcare professionals, highlighting the need for prioritizing clinician well-being.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalThe Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine·DateMay 20, 2020

Noninvasive brain stimulation with ultrasonic waves controls monkeys' choices

Researchers used noninvasive pulses of ultrasound waves to control macaque monkeys' choices in an experiment widely used to investigate choice behaviors. The technique successfully influenced which target the monkeys looked at, regardless of reward, suggesting its potential for studying addiction and compulsive behaviors.