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Science News Archive November 2020 - Page 22


Page 22 of 43

A novel monoclonal antibody therapy cuts LDL cholesterol by half in a high-risk patient population,

A phase 2 study found that evinacumab reduced LDL cholesterol by 50% in patients with severe hypercholesterolemia resistant to standard treatments. The therapy works through a different mechanism than existing drugs and shows promise for treating refractory hypercholesterolemia.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 15, 2020

The right tune for blood

Researchers found that RNA from repetitive elements activates RIG-I-like receptors, inducing inflammation and increasing hematopoietic stem cell numbers. The RIG-I-like receptor family plays a crucial role in regulating hematopoiesis, with different members having opposing effects on developmental hematopoiesis.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalImmunology·DateNov 15, 2020

Sleep apnea may be risk factor for COVID-19

A recent study published in the Sleep Medicine and Disorders International Journal suggests that sleep apnea may be a risk factor for severe COVID-19. The research, conducted at Turku University Hospital, found that 29% of patients admitted to hospital care had already been diagnosed with sleep apnea.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalSleep Medicine and Disorders International Journal·DateNov 13, 2020

Two anti-inflammatory compounds shown to be capable of accelerating recovery from COVID-19

Researchers at University of São Paulo and University of Pennsylvania conducted clinical trials on monoclonal antibody eculizumab and experimental drug AMY-101, showing promising results in accelerating recovery from severe COVID-19. The studies found that inhibiting the complement system reduced inflammation and improved lung function.

The Popovich of floral nectar spurs

Researchers at Harvard University have identified a key gene POPOVICH responsible for floral nectar spur development, a crucial innovation in plant evolution. This discovery provides insight into the origin of this trait and its role in promoting biodiversity among flowering plants.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2020

Handles and holes in abstract spaces: how a material conducts electricity better

A new theory developed by scientists at SISSA has established a relationship between the presence of 'handles' in the space of atom and molecule arrangements and a material's electrical conductivity. The research found that materials equipped with handles, previously thought to be insulators, can conduct electricity like metals.

Worms reveal why melatonin promotes sleep

Researchers identified melatonin's role in promoting sleep by activating the BK channel in the brain, a process that limits neurotransmitter release. This finding has implications for understanding melatonin's effects and potential treatment of diseases related to the BK channel.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2020

Here's why conservatives and liberals differ on COVID-19

A new study from Lehigh University's College of Business found that conservatives are more sensitive to threats with high agency, proposing free will as the primary driver of outcomes in life. To get greater buy-in on safety measures, policymakers should discuss the virus in terms that give it more agency.

SourceLehigh University·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateNov 13, 2020

New saliva-based antibody test for SARS-CoV-2 highly accurate in initial study

A new saliva-based antibody test developed by Johns Hopkins researchers accurately detects SARS-CoV-2 antibodies from small saliva samples. The test's high sensitivity and specificity make it suitable for various applications, including large-scale screening and monitoring changes in antibody-positivity rates over time.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Clinical Microbiology·DateNov 13, 2020