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Science News Archive November 2020 - Page 27


Page 27 of 43

Sorting out viruses with machine learning

Researchers at Osaka University have created a label-free method for identifying respiratory viruses based on changes in electrical current through silicon nanopores. This new system uses machine learning to achieve highly accurate virus classification, with potential applications for COVID-19 and influenza diagnosis.

SourceOsaka University·JournalACS Sensors·DateNov 11, 2020

DNA repair supports brain cognitive development

Researchers at Osaka University found that Polβ prevents DNA breaks in brain cells of the hippocampus during early postnatal development, supporting cognitive development. The study also reveals a link between DNA demethylation and increased double-stranded breaks, which can lead to altered gene expression and impaired memory formation.

UTSA research team makes breakthrough discovery on brain cortex functionality

A team of UTSA researchers discovered long-range parvalbumin-expression neurons from the cortex to the striatum in mouse brains, challenging the exclusive local organization of cortical circuit neurons. This finding could lead to new treatments for epilepsy, PTSD, schizophrenia, and other mental conditions involving GABAergic neurons.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalFrontiers in Neural Circuits·DateNov 11, 2020

Climate-adapted plant breeding

Researchers are harnessing the genetic potential of old crop varieties, known as landraces, to develop improved climate-adapted hybrid varieties. By analyzing gene variations, they have identified traits such as early plant development, wind resistance, and growth form that can be beneficial in breeding climate-resilient crops.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 11, 2020

Modelling microswimmers for drug delivery

Researchers developed mathematical models to study microswimmers in clean and surfactant-covered viscous drops, revealing significant alterations in behavior due to the presence of surfactant. These models may aid in designing artificial microswimmers for targeted drug delivery, micro-surgery, and other applications.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateNov 11, 2020

Learning pathways could guide children who miss best start to improved literacy by age 11

Research finds no direct link between early language environment and literacy skills at age 11, but suggests identifying 'learning pathways' during primary school can help teachers devise personalized strategies to support children who fell behind. The study used data from over 7,000 children to map out the interdependencies between ea...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalOxford Review of Education·DateNov 11, 2020

Novel population of neurons identified that control binocular eye movements in 3D space

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have identified a novel population of neurons, called saccade-vergence burst neurons (SVBNs), that control disjunctive saccades in 3D space. These findings could lead to new treatments for strabismus, a condition where eyes don't properly align.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 11, 2020

Governments can curb over-fertilisation

A recent study published in Nature Food found that countries have a significant impact on nitrogen pollution, often multiple times greater than their effect on crop yields. Countries can curb fertiliser use without compromising yield by adjusting institutions, economic development, population size, and farm production processes.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Food·DateNov 11, 2020

Cassava may benefit from atmospheric change more than other crops

A recent study found that cassava can maintain its nutritional quality and photosynthetic efficiency even under elevated carbon dioxide levels. The crop showed significant yield increases of 22-39% in various varieties, making it a promising option for smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa.

Sleep loss hijacks brain's activity during learning

A new study shows that getting only half a night's sleep hijacks the brain's activity during learning and memory consolidation, leading to increased vulnerability to conditions like anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder. The research found that even partial sleep deprivation can be worse than no sleep at all.