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Science News for November 19, 2020


Three reasons why COVID-19 can cause silent hypoxia

Researchers used computer modeling to investigate the mechanisms behind silent hypoxia in COVID-19 patients. They found that a combination of biological factors, including damaged lung tissue, blood clotting, and air-to-blood flow mismatch, contribute to low oxygen levels. This understanding can inform treatment decisions for clinicians.

SourceBoston University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 19, 2020

The very hungry, angry caterpillars

Researchers observed that monarch caterpillars become more aggressive in the absence of milkweed, their primary food source. The study revealed that limited food availability triggers an attack response among caterpillars, highlighting a previously unexplored aspect of insect behavior.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·DateNov 19, 2020

New tool to combat terrorism

Forensic experts at Flinders University developed a system to trace dust DNA for terrorist investigations, matching soil profiles from specific regions or countries. This technique complements existing forensic intelligence tools and provides evidence of travel history.

SourceFlinders University·JournalForensic Science International·DateNov 19, 2020

A filter for environmental remediation

Researchers developed a nanopowder made of sodium titanate nanofibers that can efficiently capture Co2+ ions, increasing surface area for improved removal efficiency. The seaweed-like morphology enhances the filter's ability to remove hazardous heavy metals and radionuclides from water.

SourceOsaka University·JournalRSC Advances·DateNov 19, 2020

The Lancet: Phase 2 trial of Oxford COVID-19 vaccine in healthy older adults finds it is safe and provokes immune response

A phase 2 trial of the Oxford COVID-19 vaccine found it to be safe and provokes an immune response in healthy older adults, who are at a disproportionate risk of severe COVID-19 disease. The vaccine induces both T cell and antibody responses in older and younger adults, suggesting potential protection against infection with SARS-CoV-2.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 19, 2020

Incretin hormone levels linked to arteriosclerosis

High levels of GIP are linked to an increased risk of early arteriosclerosis signs, while GLP-1 is associated with a lower risk. The study suggests a potential link between raised GIP levels and cardiovascular disease in diabetic patients, highlighting the need for further investigation.

SourceLund University·JournalDiabetes Care·DateNov 19, 2020

Antimicrobial peptides with anticancer properties

The article reviews antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with anticancer properties, highlighting their potential use in tumor therapy due to their ability to interact with negatively charged cell membranes. Recent advances and challenges in the application of these peptides are also discussed.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalBIO Integration·DateNov 19, 2020

Cesarean-born babies at increased risk of infection-related hospitalisation in childhood

A new study of over seven million births from four countries found that cesarean-born babies are at increased risk of infection-related hospitalisation during early childhood. The study recorded a small but consistent increase in the absolute risk of infection-related hospitalisation rates in children up to five years of age compared w...

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 19, 2020

Predicting forces between oddly shaped nanoparticles

Researchers at Duke University have developed a simplified method to calculate the attractive forces between nanoparticles, allowing for faster simulations and potentially leading to breakthroughs in fields like solar energy and catalysis. The new approach has been shown to be accurate within 8% of the actual results.

SourceDuke University·JournalNanoscale Horizons·DateNov 19, 2020

A case of pediatric heart failure caused by anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery

A pediatric patient with anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery developed severe heart failure at 3 months old. The authors review a case and discuss the challenges in early diagnosis, highlighting the importance of considering ALCAPA as a differential diagnosis.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateNov 19, 2020

Two liquids of water exist

Scientists have observed the transformation between two liquid states of water at extremely low temperatures and pressures. This breakthrough discovery sheds light on water's unusual behavior and has significant implications for various fields, including biology and desalination.

SourceStockholm University·JournalScience·DateNov 19, 2020

Researchers peer inside deadly pathogen's burglary kit

A team of researchers has unpacked the bacterium Francisella tularensis' toolbox, revealing the shapes and interactions of its infectious machinery. The insights point to a way in which the bacteria's unique infectious machinery might be blocked, potentially preventing it from infecting over 200 animal species.

SourceDuke University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 19, 2020

Spill-over effects show prioritising education of very poorest improves attainment of all

New research from the University of Cambridge shows that targeting the education of the world's poorest children and marginalized girls can significantly improve the attainment of all young people. The study found that interventions like CAMFED's bursaries for disadvantaged girls lead to notable academic improvements, including improve...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of Development Effectiveness·DateNov 19, 2020

A gene mutation that protects against disease

Researchers have discovered a gene mutation that protects against liver disease and may offer a 'fountain of youth' for French-Canadian families. The PCSK9Q152H mutation has been found to lower bad cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular diseases, allowing individuals to live longer and healthier into their late 80s and mid-90s.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 19, 2020

Long-acting antipsychotic therapy plus cognitive training show promise for schizophrenia

Researchers found that combining long-acting antipsychotic medication with cognitive training led to significant improvements in cognitive deficits and work/school functioning in schizophrenia patients. The study, published in Psychological Medicine, suggests a potential breakthrough in treating the condition.

Do meal kits tick right boxes?

A study analyzing meal kit recipes found high energy from fat and protein, while also being relatively high in sodium. However, the researchers suggest that improving vegetable and wholegrain ingredients could enhance nutritional value.

SourceFlinders University·JournalHealth Promotion International·DateNov 19, 2020

Building better diffusion models for active systems

New theories have enabled researchers to model unusual dynamics where particle motions are no longer influenced by previous events. The 'memory term' principle allows studying this effect in a broader range of situations, particularly for advanced materials that respond to their environment.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateNov 19, 2020

Breaking the power and speed limit of lasers

A novel vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser design has been developed, combining multiple transverse coupled cavities to enhance optical feedback. This innovation extends the temporal bandwidth of VCSELs, enabling a modulation bandwidth of up to 100 GHz, beyond the known limit of relaxation oscillation frequency.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalNanophotonics·DateNov 19, 2020

Analysis of the relations between Spanish civil society organizations and science

A recent study by researchers at Universitat Pompeu Fabra reveals that many Spanish civil society organizations are not involved in science and technology, or unaware of their involvement. However, the study also highlights the potential for these organizations to contribute to research and improve relations between science and society.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalPublic Understanding of Science·DateNov 19, 2020

Could kelp help relieve ocean acidification?

A new study published in JGR Oceans suggests that giant kelp forests may help mitigate ocean acidification by reducing acidity near the surface, but has no impact on the ocean floor where sensitive species dwell. The research found an overall less acidic environment within the kelp forest compared to outside of it.

Increasing diversity and community participation in environmental engineering

A new study proposes exposing students to community-based participatory methods, establishing action research groups for faculty, and broadening the definition of research impact to improve tenure promotion experiences for minority faculty. The goal is to combat systemic racism and increase diversity in environmental engineering programs.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalEnvironmental Engineering Science·DateNov 19, 2020

A pressure sensor at your fingertips

A new nanomesh pressure sensor allows for precise recording of finger movement and touch, without disrupting user sensitivity. The technology has potential applications in sports, medical science, neuroengineering, and the digital archiving of craftwork.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience·DateNov 19, 2020

Mediastinal tuberculoma mimicking malignant cardiac tumor

A rare case of mediastinal tuberculoma mimicking a malignant cardiac tumor was diagnosed after postoperative pathological examination. Multimodality imaging, including echocardiography and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography, played a crucial role in distinguishing the benign condition from a malignant tumor.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateNov 19, 2020

Loneliness in youth could impact mental health over the long term

A rapid review found extensive evidence of an association between loneliness and increased risk of mental health problems for children and young people. Loneliness is associated with both depression and anxiety, with some studies suggesting a three-fold increase in depression among lonely youth.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateNov 19, 2020

Children's Hospital Los Angeles conducts largest pediatric genomic COVID-19 study to date

A team of scientists at Children's Hospital Los Angeles conducted the largest pediatric genomic COVID-19 study to date, finding a possible link between specific viral mutations and disease severity. The study analyzed over 100,000 samples and identified a potential correlation between certain mutations and severe symptoms in children.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalOpen Forum Infectious Diseases·DateNov 19, 2020

COVID-19 and multimorbidity

International experts will discuss COVID-19's effects on the human body when combined with other health conditions, such as HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. The panel aims to provide advice on coping with multimorbidity in high-income countries.

How the flu virus spreads within cities

A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that hundreds of influenza introductions within a city drove the seasonal flu season. Transmission dynamics were linked to temperature, with elderly individuals primarily infected within their own networks, while school-aged children played a central role in spreading the virus.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 19, 2020

Breathing problems in teens: COVID-19 or lung injury due to vaping?

A medical case series presents three teenagers with unexplained breathing problems during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting similarities between vaping-related lung injury and COVID-19 symptoms. The study emphasizes the importance of considering EVALI in pediatric patients with respiratory failure and recommends vaping cessation coun...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalSAGE Open Medical Case Reports·DateNov 19, 2020

Green hydrogen: Buoyancy-driven convection in the electrolyte

The team used fluorescent pH-sensor foils to visualize changes in local pH during electrolysis, observing a clockwise motion of the electrolyte and fluctuations in density due to electrochemical reactions. They developed a multiphysics model to simulate natural convection in electrochemical cells with various electrolytes.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateNov 19, 2020

College students are less food insecure than non-students

A study from the University of Illinois found that college students have significantly lower rates of food insecurity than non-students and the general population, with 9.9% of full-time students facing insecurity. The gap is largest for young adults, with part-time students showing similar rates to non-students.

Elephant genetics guide conservation

African elephants in Tanzania show limited gene flow between protected areas, highlighting the importance of preserving wildlife corridors for conservation. The study found that some areas, like Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, were once connected but now have limited genetic exchange.

Study: Texas program successful in increasing private donations to public universities

A new study suggests that Texas's Research Incentive Program has increased private donations to eligible public universities by 37.2% annually. The program has also led to a $14 million increase in state funding for grants and contracts, but does not appear to have significantly impacted long-term endowment assets.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalAmerican Educational Research Journal·DateNov 19, 2020

Artificial intelligence & satellite technologies reveal detailed map of air pollution across UK

A new study using AI and satellite technologies has produced the most detailed coverage of air pollution in Britain to date, revealing the South-East as the most polluted region. The research also shows an overall decline in air pollution in Great Britain over the last decade, with hotspots identified in urban and industrial areas.

One in four older refugees are in psychological distress -- even decades after resettlement

A new study of Canadians aged 45-85 found that 24% of refugees were in psychological distress compared to 13% of non-refugee immigrants and those born in Canada. The researchers believe pre-migration traumas, lack of social support, and chronic health conditions are contributing factors.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalInternational Journal of Social Psychology Revista de Psicología Social·DateNov 19, 2020

A measure of smell

Weizmann Institute of Science researchers create framework to map smells based on molecular structure, enabling prediction of scent similarity. The system, developed by neurobiologists, computer scientists, and a master perfumer, can digitize and reproduce smells on command.