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Science News Archive May 2020 - Page 8


Page 8 of 42

Women with Neandertal gene give birth to more children

Researchers found that women inheriting a Neandertal gene variant have lower rates of early miscarriages, fewer bleedings during pregnancy, and higher birth rates. The study suggests the variant has a favorable effect on fertility, with increased progesterone receptor production leading to greater sensitivity and protection.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateMay 26, 2020

Directed protein evolution with CRISPR-Cas9

Researchers have developed a CRISPR-Cas9 method to optimize proteins in mammalian cells, producing the fluorescent protein mCRISPRed that labels lysosomes. This technique enables targeted protein diversification and validation within organelles, opening new possibilities for biosensors, receptors, and therapeutic proteins.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateMay 26, 2020

Chromosomal speciation in wild house mice

A new study on wild house mice from Southern Italy suggests that Robertsonian fusions play an active role in speciation. The researchers found three identical chromosomal rearrangements in both island and mainland populations, showing large-scale genetic mutations occur independently.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateMay 26, 2020

Controlling superconductors with light

Researchers at Institute for Basic Science develop new method to study superconductors using optical tools, enabling exploration of fluctuating superconductivity. Theoretical model shows significant changes in electric conductivity and light absorption near critical temperature.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 26, 2020

Ear infections discovered in remains of humans living in levant 15,000 years ago

Researchers discovered evidence of ear infections in 15,000-year-old human remains from the Levant, peaking around 6,000 years ago due to environmental factors. The study suggests that changes in living conditions, such as increased population density and poor hygiene, contributed to the prevalence of ear infections.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalInternational Journal of Osteoarchaeology·DateMay 26, 2020

Bullying among LGBTQ youth who died by suicide

A study using postmortem records found that LGBTQ youth ages 10-19 who died by suicide were more likely to be bullied compared to non-LGBTQ peers. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and support services to address bullying and promote mental health among vulnerable populations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMay 26, 2020

Bricks made from plastic, organic waste

Scientists at Flinders University have developed a new method to create sustainable building blocks, including bricks made from recycled PVC and organic waste. The 'green' bricks can be repeatedly ground up and recycled, reducing waste and promoting a circular economy.

SourceFlinders University·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateMay 26, 2020

New method reveals where DNA is at risk in the cell

A new sequencing method has been developed to map the spatial organization of DNA in the cell nucleus, revealing areas prone to mutation and damage. The technique identifies a continuum of increasing activity from the nuclear periphery towards the center, challenging previous assumptions about inactive chromatin's location.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMay 26, 2020

Mathematics can save lives at sea

Researchers developed an algorithm to predict coastal currents using dynamical systems theory and ocean data. This new tool promises to enhance search and rescue techniques at sea, potentially saving lives.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 26, 2020

How exposure to negative feedback in influences goal-directed consumer behaviors

A new study finds that exposure to negative feedback motivates consumers to pursue proving goals, such as demonstrating competence, but reduces motivation for enjoyment goals, like having fun. This phenomenon suggests a complex relationship between self-esteem threats, consumer behavior, and marketing strategies.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateMay 26, 2020

Ocean virus hijacks carbon-storing bacteria

A newly discovered ocean virus is hijacking the metabolism of the most abundant organism on Earth, Prochlorococcus marinus. The virus alters the ability of P. marinus to store carbon and counter the greenhouse gas effect, potentially preventing gigatons of carbon from being taken out of the air annually.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 26, 2020

Renewable energy advance

University of Delaware researchers have developed a technique to visualize the three-dimensional structure of materials in detail while maintaining context. This approach enables scientists to study specific particles on the material's surface and observe how they evolve over time under different conditions.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 26, 2020

Study investigates sexual activity in lockdown

A UK study investigated sexual activity during COVID-19 lockdown and found that only 39.9% of British adults surveyed engaged in any form of sexual activity. The study suggests that promoting sexual activity as a way to maintain physical and mental health could be an important public health message.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateMay 26, 2020