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Science News Archive May 2020 - Page 31


Page 31 of 42

Vocalizations and body movement

Researchers found that participants synchronized their arm movements with those of the vocalizer, even with subtle and hard-to-detect movements. The study suggests that musculoskeletal tensioning affects speech, allowing for communication cues like excitement to be perceived through gesture-induced acoustics.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2020

Single-cell RNA seq developed to accurately quantify cell-specific drug effects in pancreatic islets

Researchers developed a novel approach to decontaminate single-cell RNA seq data, allowing for accurate quantification of cell-specific drug effects in pancreatic islets. The method revealed species-specific and cell-type-specific responses to drugs, including the induction of insulin production in alpha cells.

Scientists reveal solar system's oldest molecular fluids could hold the key to early life

Researchers used atom-probe tomography to study minerals from an asteroid over 4.5 billion years ago, discovering water precipitates that suggest the presence of sodium-rich fluids. These conditions are ideal for amino acid synthesis, potentially supporting microbial life formation as early as 4.5 billion years ago.

SourceRoyal Ontario Museum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2020

Are our brains hard-wired for longing?

A recent brain imaging study suggests that the absence of a partner can strengthen the motivation to reunite, potentially driving the instinct to form lasting bonds. The research found unique clusters of cells in the brain associated with reunion and social distancing, shedding light on why social distancing is tough.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2020

Loss of green space in India shown to be associated with higher cardiometabolic risk

A new study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found a strong association between the loss of green space and an increase in cardiometabolic risk factors, including hypertension, obesity, and hyperglycaemia. The study analyzed data from over 6,000 adults living in an area south of Hyderabad undergoing urbanization.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMay 11, 2020

A tale of two kinds of volcanoes

Researchers analyzed volcanic samples from Santorini and Aegina to understand why they have different eruption styles. The study found that the islands' locations on the Aegean microplate led to varying lava mix recipes, resulting in calderas versus lava domes.

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalLithos·DateMay 9, 2020

Neighborhood and cognitive performance in middle-age: Does racial residential segregation matter?

A study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found a strong association between long-term exposure to segregated neighborhoods and decreased processing speed in midlife. The study analyzed data from over 1,500 black participants and found that high segregation was linked to poorer cognitive function.

Chemistry breakthrough could speed up drug development

Scientists at Newcastle University have developed a new method to grow crystals of organic soluble molecules from nanoscale droplets, allowing for rapid screening of hundreds of experiments in minutes. This breakthrough could transform the analysis of small molecules and accelerate the discovery of new pharmaceutical agents.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalChem·DateMay 8, 2020

A pioneering study into the description of the architecture of a new standard for telecommunications

A new standard for machine learning in telecommunications networks has been approved, enabling faster data transmission rates of up to 20 Gbps and reducing latency to less than 5ms. This breakthrough is made possible by the application of deep learning techniques, allowing for complex pattern recognition and network load management.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalIEEE Communications Magazine·DateMay 8, 2020

New study shines light on mysterious giant viruses

A team of Michigan State University scientists developed a reliable model to study giant viruses, identifying key proteins that orchestrate infection and release their genome. The study revealed three environmental conditions that induce stargate opening, allowing researchers to mimic stages of infection with high frequency.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalCell·DateMay 8, 2020

The Lancet: New triple antiviral drug combination shows early promise for treating COVID-19 in phase 2 randomized trial

A two-week course of antiviral therapy with interferon beta-1b plus lopinavir-ritonavir and ribavirin has been found to be safe and more effective at reducing the duration of viral shedding than lopinavir-ritonavir alone in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. The treatment combination also showed significant shortening of hospital...

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 8, 2020