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Science News for May 5, 2020


Early government intervention is key to reducing the spread of COVID-19

A new study published in Frontiers in Medicine found that early government intervention was crucial in limiting the spread of COVID-19 cases in Hunan province, China. The research team used a modified SIR model to compare infection trends between Hunan and Italy, finding that early measures reduced infection rates by up to 70%.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·DateMay 5, 2020

New therapeutic targets for treating memory impairment in Down syndrome

A team of researchers has discovered that neural networks relevant to memory and learning are over-activated and connectivity is poor in mice with Down syndrome. Chronic treatment with epigallocatechin gallate improves memory deficits. The study identifies biomarkers in brain rhythms that can predict memory deficits.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 5, 2020

Study reports high level of hazardous drinking among Pacific Islander young adults in US

A recent study published in the American Journal of Orthopsychiatry has reported a high level of hazardous drinking and potential alcohol-use disorders among Pacific Islander young adults in the US. The study found that 56% of participants screened positive for hazardous drinking, with 49% experiencing active alcohol-use disorders, rat...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalAmerican Journal of Orthopsychiatry·DateMay 5, 2020

Association of use of ACEI, ARB with testing positive for COVID-19

An observational study investigated the association between ACEI and ARB use and COVID-19 positivity. The study found a significant correlation between ACEI/ARB use and increased likelihood of testing positive for COVID-19. The authors suggest that future studies should explore potential mechanisms underlying this association.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateMay 5, 2020

Lockdown or lockup

Comparing lockdowns across nations reveals no consistent advantage of extreme versus limited social distancing measures, highlighting the need for a standardized approach. The study emphasizes the importance of balancing public health and socio-economic costs in reopening strategies.

SourceSociety for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc.·JournalDisaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness·DateMay 5, 2020

Worms freeload on bacterial defense systems

A team of scientists discovered a sensory circuit in worms that allows them to choose between spending energy on self-defence and relying on nearby bacterial protection. The discovery suggests that the presence of E. coli bacteria is crucial for peroxide resistance, which could lead to improved health and longevity in humans.

SourceeLife·DateMay 5, 2020

AMP recommends minimum set of pharmacogenetic alleles to help standardize clinical genotyping testing for warfarin response

The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) has released consensus recommendations to aid in the design, validation and interpretation of clinical genotyping tests for predicting warfarin response. The guidelines define a minimum set of pharmacogenetic alleles for inclusion in clinical warfarin sensitivity genotyping tests.

SourceAssociation for Molecular Pathology·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateMay 5, 2020

Firms perceived to fake social responsibility become targets for hackers, study shows

A recent study found that firms perceived to fake social responsibility are no more likely to experience data breaches than those with strong CSR records. In fact, firms with seemingly disingenuous CSR efforts are at increased risk of breach. This 'greenwashing' phenomenon makes them attractive targets for security exploitation.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalInformation Systems Research·DateMay 5, 2020

Scientists revealed usefulness of culinary herbs

Researchers discovered significant antioxidant activity and enzyme inhibition in various culinary herbs, including rosemary, oregano, and lemon myrtle. These findings suggest that these herbs may have preventive effects on cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes, as well as cognitive decline.

SourceSechenov University·JournalApplied Sciences·DateMay 5, 2020

Timing of maturity, feelings about ethnicity and race can positively affect black males' self-concept, well-being

A new study explored the relationships between pubertal changes, ethnic-racial identity, and mental health in young African American and Caribbean Black males. The study found that positive levels of ethnic-racial identity buffered the effects of early puberty, leading to higher self-esteem and lower symptoms of depression. The finding...

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateMay 5, 2020

Race-specific lupus nephritis biomarkers

A study published in Nature Communications reveals distinct urinary biomarker proteins for lupus nephritis in African American patients. The findings suggest that the ALCAM protein may be a promising therapeutic target. Researchers plan to conduct a longitudinal study to predict disease flares and improve treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 5, 2020

AI -- a new tool for cardiac diagnostics

Researchers developed an AI tool to automatically diagnose atrial fibrillation and five common ECG abnormalities, comparable to human diagnosis. The AI was trained on a large database of manually diagnosed ECGs and shows great potential for improved cardiovascular care in low-income countries.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 5, 2020

Coronavirus structure clue to high infection rate

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a unique feature in the virus that causes COVID-19, which could explain its high transmissibility. The study identified a structural loop in the spike protein and a specific sequence of amino acids that are different from other human coronaviruses.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·DateMay 5, 2020

Lymphatic vessels in mice and humans: Alike yet different

Researchers mapped lymph node lymphatic vessels in mice and humans at the individual cell level, discovering five distinct groups of cells with similar functions. The study provides valuable insights into immune system function and will aid in developing new treatments for viral diseases and cancer.

SourceUppsala University·JournalFrontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine·DateMay 5, 2020

Continuity of buprenorphine treatment linked to significantly lower prescription opioid use and over

Long-term buprenorphine treatment is associated with improved health care outcomes, including lower prescription opioid use and opioid-related events. Patients with continuous treatment had significantly lower rates of overdose events, inpatient and emergency department services, and prescription opioids use compared to those who disco...

Recent Australian wildfires made worse by logging

New research suggests that logging of native forests significantly increases fire risk and severity, exacerbating Australia's recent catastrophic bushfires. The study highlights the importance of preventing logging in moist forests and reducing forest fragmentation to mitigate future wildfires.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMay 5, 2020

Discovery of an essential protein controlling brain blood vessel development and functions

Researchers at National University of Singapore discovered a critical protein, MFSD7c, in blood vessel cells that controls brain growth and development. The study found that loss of this protein causes microcephaly and neuronal cell death, highlighting the need for better understanding of essential nutrients required for brain health.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 5, 2020

Veterans battle homelessness long after discharge from the military

A new study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reveals that veterans often become homeless years after leaving the military, with a significant 'sleeper effect' delayed onset. Chronic medical and psychiatric conditions take time to develop, increasing the risk of homelessness over subsequent years.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMay 5, 2020

Innovative drunk driving program lowers risk of rearrest

A new study found that South Dakota's 24/7 Sobriety Program significantly lowers the likelihood of rearrest or probation revocation among drunk driving offenders, particularly those with a history of second or third offenses. The program's frequent alcohol testing and swift sanctions appear to be key factors in reducing recidivism rates.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalJournal of Policy Analysis and Management·DateMay 5, 2020

Age of NGC 6652 globular cluster specified

Researchers at Special Astrophysical Observatory and Kazan Federal University studied the globular cluster NGC 6652 and found its age to be approximately 13.6 billion years. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that younger galaxies are more metal-rich, revealing a complex history for this ancient object.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalResearch in Astronomy and Astrophysics·DateMay 5, 2020