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Science News Archive May 2020 - Page 4


Page 4 of 42

Smart sponge could clean up oil spills

A Northwestern University-led team has developed a smart sponge that selectively soaks up oil in water, leaving clean water and unaffected marine life behind. The sponge can absorb more than 30 times its weight in oil and can be reused many dozens of times without losing effectiveness.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry Research·DateMay 28, 2020

As hospitals walk the tightrope of patient data-sharing, one system offers a new balance

A new framework published in NEJM offers a responsible approach to patient data-sharing, allowing companies to access massive data troves with transparency and consent. The system includes an easy-to-understand informed consent document and a dedicated gatekeeper committee to review and approve projects.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 28, 2020

Using electrical stimulus to regulate genes

Researchers at ETH Zurich create implant that uses electrical signals to stimulate insulin production in diabetic mice, offering potential breakthrough for real-time glycemic control. The system is designed to be connected to the internet and controlled via an app, paving the way for a more integrated approach to diabetes management.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateMay 28, 2020

Yes, your dog wants to rescue you

A recent study by Arizona State University's Canine Science Collaboratory found that pet dogs will attempt to rescue their owners if they know how. Approximately one-third of the dogs in the experiment rescued their owners, suggesting that motivation alone is not enough, but rather a combination of understanding and ability are required.

SourceArizona State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 28, 2020

Who were the Canaanites? New insight from 73 ancient genomes

Researchers analyzed 73 ancient genomes and found that the Canaanites descended from a mixture of local Neolithic populations and Iranian/Caucasus-related ancestry. This study sheds light on the cultural and genetic similarity among city-states, and how migration from the northeast may have influenced the region's culture.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateMay 28, 2020

Mapping immune cells in brain tumors

A study by researchers at the University of Zurich mapped immune cells in different types of brain tumors, revealing tumor-specific instructions for tissue-invasive leukocytes. The findings provide a basis for developing tailored immunotherapies for various types of brain tumors.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCell·DateMay 28, 2020

'Knowing how' is in your brain

A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers has found the brain programs that code the sequence of steps in performing a complex procedure. The main findings were that each knot had a distinctive neural signature, so the researchers could tell which knot was being tied from the sequence of brain images collected.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 27, 2020

Molecular pair offers potential for Parkinson's treatment, finds NTU Singapore-Harvard study

A study by NTU Singapore-Harvard University has identified a promising molecular pair, Prostaglandin E1 and Prostaglandin A1, that can boost dopamine levels and slow Parkinson's disease. The researchers found that these hormone-like substances can activate Nurr1, leading to increased dopamine production and neuroprotection.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMay 27, 2020

Study shows domestic violence reports on the rise as COVID-19 keeps people at home

A UCLA-led study found a significant increase in domestic violence calls to police in Los Angeles and Indianapolis during the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers predict that the incidence of domestic violence will decrease as people return to normal routines, but may increase again if there is a second wave of COVID-19 infections.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Criminal Justice·DateMay 27, 2020