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Science News for November 20, 2020


Monitoring glaucoma at home

A new study from City University London suggests that glaucoma eye tests can be accurately performed at home using a tablet-based device called Eyecatcher. The study found high accuracy rates (98%) and adherence, with potential to detect rapidly progressing cases of glaucoma earlier.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalAmerican Journal of Ophthalmology·DateNov 20, 2020

Improving quantum dot interactions, one layer at a time

Researchers at Osaka City University have found a way to fine-tune quantum resonance in layered structures of quantum dots, leading to improved charge transport and potential applications in solar cells. The breakthrough involves controlling the distance between quantum dot layers using short ligands and polyelectrolytes.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 20, 2020

For COVID-19 surveillance, test frequency and turnaround time are paramount, modeling suggests

A new study models trade-offs in COVID-19 testing, suggesting that rapid turnaround times and frequent testing have high epidemiological value for effective surveillance. The study found that delays in diagnosing infections had a significant impact on surveillance plans, emphasizing the importance of fast results.

One-way street for electrons

Researchers have observed a one-way street for electrons in a nanomaterial, where conical intersections channel energy in a certain direction with high probability. This phenomenon has implications for the development of more efficient organic solar cell devices and potentially artificial eyes from nanostructures.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 20, 2020

Minuscule migrations

Researchers studied fruit fly ovaries to understand cellular motion, discovering that tissue geometry creates a path of least resistance. The team found that cells choose central paths despite multiple side paths available, and this choice is influenced by the physical space, not just chemical signals.

Gut-brain axis influences multiple sclerosis

A recent study has discovered a link between intestinal flora and inflammation in the central nervous system of patients with multiple sclerosis. IgA B cells play a key role in this process, accumulating in the cerebrospinal fluid and brain tissue during acute flares of the illness.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScience Immunology·DateNov 20, 2020

A biochemical random number

Researchers at ETH Zurich have successfully created biochemical random numbers using DNA synthesis, correcting a long-standing challenge in generating truly random numbers. The team achieved this by synthesizing DNA molecules with randomly placed building blocks, resulting in vast quantities of randomness that can be stored in a small ...

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 20, 2020

Science reveals secrets of a mummy's portrait

Researchers studied a speck of purple pigment from an Egyptian portrait, revealing that it was likely made synthetically and mixed with clay and beeswax. The discovery sheds new light on the cultural significance of ancient portraits and their artistic techniques.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalInternational Journal of Ceramic Engineering & Science·DateNov 20, 2020

Dormant threat: Abnormal proteins unleash latent toxicity in neurodegenerative diseases

Researchers have discovered a mechanism of action by which abnormal proteins cause indirect damage to neurons, leading to dendrite defects in fly models of neurodegenerative diseases. The study identifies a problematic transcription factor called NF-κB, which becomes improperly regulated due to the presence of abnormal proteins.

Microplastics in the death zone

Researchers found substantial quantities of polyester, acrylic, nylon, and polypropylene fibres in snow samples from Mount Everest. The high-altitude discovery suggests microplastics could have been transported from lower altitudes by extreme winds or fragmented during expeditions.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalOne Earth·DateNov 20, 2020

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy guideline encourages shared decision-making

The updated HCM guideline emphasizes shared decision-making in the management of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It provides recommendations on evaluation and management, medical therapies, septal reduction therapies, and SCD risk assessment/prevention. The guideline aims to personalize treatment options based on patient goals and concerns.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 20, 2020

Biofriendly protocells pump up blood vessels

A team of researchers has developed biocompatible protocells that can generate nitric oxide gas, leading to blood vessel expansion. The synthetic cells are coated in red blood cell fragments and contain an enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide, which is then converted into nitric oxide.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Chemistry·DateNov 20, 2020

Near-infrared probe decodes telomere dynamics

A synthetic probe offers a safe approach for visualizing chromosome tips in living cells. The probe can precisely deliver a fluorescent compound to telomeres on the tips of chromosomes, enabling researchers to understand their relevance to disease and aging. This breakthrough advances research into aging and diseases like cancer.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 20, 2020

Indonesian wildfires a 'fixable problem'

Indonesian wildfires are a major issue due to their impact on the environment and human health. The project aims to investigate the causes and possible solutions to these fires. Experts believe that the drivers behind the peatland fires are a combination of climatic processes, land use, and ignition by humans.

The microbiome of Da Vinci's drawings

Researchers analyzed seven Da Vinci drawings using Nanopore sequencing, finding a dominance of bacteria over fungi, with many exhibiting human or insect microbiomes. The study also identified human DNA, likely introduced by restoration workers, and correlations with geographical location.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateNov 20, 2020

New findings speed progress towards affordable gene therapy

Researchers have developed a new method for deploying CRISPR/Cas9 directly into target cells using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) coated with green tea phytochemicals. This approach has the potential to reduce costs and increase safety compared to existing viral methods, which are currently the only approved methods in trial globally.

SourceRMIT University·JournalChemical Communications·DateNov 20, 2020

Glyphosate may affect human gut microbiota

Researchers from University of Turku developed a new bioinformatics tool to predict microbial sensitivity to glyphosate. The tool classifies 80-90% of microbial species as sensitive or resistant, with 54% of human core gut bacterial species potentially affected.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·DateNov 20, 2020

Potential cellular target for eliminating bone breakdown in osteoporosis found

A recent study has discovered a cell type that governs bone formation and maintenance, shedding light on the mechanisms behind osteoporosis. Researchers found that bone marrow adipogenic lineage precursors (MALPs) play a distinct role in regulating bone remodeling, and targeting these cells could lead to more effective therapies.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 20, 2020