Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for November 5, 2020


HKUST scientists make breakthrough discovery of new therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's

Researchers at HKUST have identified novel molecular targets for Alzheimer's drug development, focusing on endothelial cells and microglia. The study reveals a link between blood vessel dysregulation and AD pathogenesis, as well as potential therapeutic interventions through the cytokine IL-33.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 5, 2020

USask researchers find face masks don't hinder breathing during exercise

A USask study of 14 healthy individuals wearing face masks during strenuous workouts found no detrimental effects on performance and minimal impact on blood and muscle oxygenation. The researchers' findings support the safe use of face masks in indoor exercise facilities, making them safer for gym-goers and allowing sports to continue.

SourceUniversity of Saskatchewan·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateNov 5, 2020

NYCHA secondhand smoke policy needs more time and effort to show how well it works

A new study by NYU Langone researchers found that tenant exposure to secondhand smoke in NYCHA buildings has not declined despite a smoking ban implemented one year ago. The policy requires more intensive efforts to support and enforce the rule, including better training for building managers and resident education.

Researchers use genomics to reconstitute yellow fever outbreak in São Paulo

A study based on genomic analysis of 51 viral isolates extracted from mosquitoes and monkeys reveals three waves of the disease swept the state between 2016 and 2018. The use of MinION genetic sequencing technology allowed researchers to pinpoint the virus entry, spread speed, and geographical distribution of different lineages.

Shining a light on the issue of wine fraud

A novel method of authenticating wine using fluorescence spectroscopy has been developed by University of Adelaide researchers, offering a potential solution to the estimated billions of dollars' worth of wine fraud globally. The technique provides a unique 'fingerprint' of wine samples and has been proven effective in detecting region...

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalFood Chemistry·DateNov 5, 2020

New study shows that football fixture pile-ups are forcing layers and coaches to change

A new study reveals that footballers are conserving energy for intense bursts in games with congested fixture lists. Coaches are also rotating players more frequently to manage fatigue and injury risks, particularly among central defenders. The findings highlight the impact of fixture congestion on player performance and team management.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalSports Medicine·DateNov 5, 2020

Tokyo's voluntary standstill may have stopped COVID-19 in its tracks

A comparative analysis of Tokyo residents' mobility data revealed a significant slowdown, leading to reduced social contacts and lower disease transmission. The study found that people with higher income were more capable of limiting their movement and contact, validating the effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions.

COVID-19 linked to worse stroke outcomes

A recent study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry found that COVID-19 is associated with worse stroke outcomes, particularly among people of Asian descent. The study revealed a significantly higher mortality rate and more severe strokes among patients with COVID-19 at stroke onset compared to those without.

Shifts in water temperatures affect eating habits of larval tuna at critical life stage

A study from Oregon State University found that small changes in water temperature can significantly impact the eating habits and growth rate of larval blackfin tuna, leading to slower growth and reduced survival rates. The research highlights the importance of prey availability in supporting fish growth during critical life stages.

SourceOregon State University·JournalICES Journal of Marine Science·DateNov 5, 2020

Super-resolution microscopy of neurons

Researchers have successfully raised funding for a project to develop a new super-resolution microscopy technique that can visualize individual synapse proteins with nanometer-scale resolution. The project combines expansion microscopy and single-molecule-sensitive super-resolution microscopy to achieve improved microscopic resolution.

How does the brain process fear?

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory are studying the brain circuits that underlie fear, using sophisticated neuroscience tools to map their connections. They found that the amygdala is not only involved in fear processing but also plays a crucial role in reward-based learning and regulating fearful memory.

A species identified in 2016 as an ancient form of chameleon was misidentified at that time, say researchers

Researchers re-examined ancient fossils found in Myanmar's amber deposits, revealing that a species initially thought to be an ancient form of chameleon was actually part of the albanerpetontid lineage. The new findings indicate that these ancient amphibians were climbers with specialized tongues for catching food.

Boosting treatments for metastatic melanoma

Researchers have identified a new class of sedatives that could enhance the effectiveness of radiation and immunotherapy treatments for metastatic melanoma, reducing toxic side effects. In animal models, these treatments resulted in improved infiltration of immune cells into tumors, shrinking or eliminating cancerous growths.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalInternational Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics·DateNov 5, 2020

Large-scale cancer proteomics study profiles protein changes in response to drug treatments

The study generated a valuable resource to aid in predicting drug sensitivity, understanding therapeutic resistance mechanisms, and identifying optimal combination treatment strategies. The dataset includes expression changes in over 200 clinically relevant proteins across more than 300 cell lines after treatment with 168 different com...

Nature-inspired solutions to sustainably increase crop yield

GAIN4CROPS project uses nature-inspired approaches to enhance photosynthetic efficiency in sunflowers, promoting climate-resilient crops and sustainable agriculture. The research could lead to decreased land, nitrogen, and water usage, aligning with efforts to conserve biodiversity and reduce environmental impact.

Archive of animal migration in the Arctic

The Arctic Animal Movement Archive provides a global dataset of animal migration patterns, revealing changes in behavior and ecosystem responses to climate change. Studies have found that golden eagles arrive earlier in spring following mild winters, while caribou herds are giving birth earlier in the north.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateNov 5, 2020

From hard to soft: making sponges from mussel shells

Researchers have discovered a new form of calcium carbonate that is soft and absorbent, found in mussel shells. They tested its ability to absorb oils and dyes, finding it highly effective but limited by scalability and cost, for potential use in marine pollution cleanup.

SourceCell Press·JournalMatter·DateNov 5, 2020

Keeping our cool

Agricultural emissions alone could exceed the 1.5°C limit by 2050 if left unchecked, according to Tilman. Reducing food production emissions is crucial to keeping the planet livable in its current state, with strategies including more plant-rich diets and easing fertilizer use.

COVID-19 is making tinnitus worse -- new study

A new study found that COVID-19 is making tinnitus worse in 40% of cases, with internal and external factors contributing to the increase in symptoms. Tinnitus affects an estimated one in eight adults in the UK, and the pandemic has made it more difficult for people to access healthcare support for the condition.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·DateNov 5, 2020

NIH researchers identify gene in mice that controls food cravings, desire to exercise

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have discovered a gene called Prkar2a in mice that influences their eating habits and motivation to exercise. The study found that mice lacking this gene consumed less high-fat food and drank less sugar solution than those with the gene, while also being more inclined to exercise.

Changes in cancer survival after Medicaid expansion

Researchers found a significant increase in cancer survival rates among Medicaid expansion states compared to non-expansion states. The study analyzed data from breast, colorectal, and lung cancer patients and discovered improved survival outcomes following the expansion of healthcare coverage.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 5, 2020

Costs to informal carers for people in the last three months of life are larger than those to formal

A new study published in BMC Medicine reveals that informal carers provide more than half of total care costs in the UK, Ireland, and US during the last three months of life. The research emphasizes the need for improved integration and support for community palliative care services to enhance care quality and reduce burden on caregivers.

SourceKing's College London·JournalBMC Medicine·DateNov 5, 2020

Sugar-coated viral proteins hijack and hitch a ride out of cells

Researchers have discovered a potential broad-spectrum anti-viral drug target by identifying how encapsulated viruses hijack the protein manufacturing and distribution pathways in cells. This approach offers an attractive alternative to developing individual drugs for each virus, with the same compound targeting multiple viruses.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 5, 2020