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Science News Archive November 2020 - Page 38


Page 38 of 43

New understanding of how proteins operate

Centenary Institute scientists discovered that two key proteins involved in blood clotting and immunity exist in multiple disulphide-bonded states. This finding has significant implications for drug development and the fight against disease, as different states of a protein may bind more or less preferentially to drugs.

SourceCentenary Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 4, 2020

Microbial space travel on a molecular scale

Researchers found that D. radiodurans produced outer membrane vesicles and initiated multifaceted protein responses to alleviate cell stress after 1 year of exposure to low Earth orbit. The bacteria also used polyamine putrescine as a reactive oxygen species scavenger during regeneration.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalMicrobiome·DateNov 4, 2020

Recipe for a storm

Researchers at the University of Oldenburg generated turbulent flows in a wind tunnel, simulating conditions similar to those encountered in real storms. The team discovered that the wind tunnel flow combines two components into perfect, realistic storm turbulence.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 4, 2020

Identifying communities at risk for impacts of extreme heat

A recent analysis suggests that California's CalEnviroScreen 3.0 index may identify only 25% of at-risk communities, while other indices reveal an additional 12.6% vulnerable to heat-related health impacts. This highlights the need for a more holistic approach to quantify vulnerability to extreme heat and other climate hazards.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 4, 2020

Vitamin D lessens symptoms of severe eczema in children

A randomized controlled trial found that vitamin D supplementation improved clinical outcomes for children with severe atopic dermatitis. The study involved 86 patients who received either oral daily vitamin D or placebo for 12 weeks.

SourceWiley·JournalPharmacology Research & Perspectives·DateNov 4, 2020

Divide and conquer--modular controller design strategy makes upgrading power grids easier

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a novel approach for modular controller design, enabling decentralized system upgrades without compromising stability. The new design allows individual subsystem developers to design and implement controllers independently, improving overall system performance.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Automatic Control·DateNov 4, 2020

Exposure to high temperatures linked to poor pregnancy outcomes

A systematic review and meta-analysis found associations between exposure to high temperatures in pregnancy and increased risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth. The study analyzed data from 70 studies across 27 countries and found that the odds of preterm birth rose by 5% per 1°C increase in temperature.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 4, 2020

Building a quantum network one node at a time

Scientists at University of Rochester and Cornell University have developed a nanoscale node made of magnetic and semiconducting materials that can interact with other nodes using laser light. The device uses entanglement, a phenomenon in quantum mechanics, to connect quantum nodes across a remote network.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 4, 2020

Convection-permitting modelling improves simulated precipitation over the Tibetan Plateau

Researchers improve simulated precipitation over the Tibetan Plateau using convection-permitting models. These models better depict precipitation frequency and intensity, reducing the wet bias in traditional climate models. Higher resolution and more accurate parameterizations lead to improved simulations.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalQuarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society·DateNov 4, 2020

Plot twist

A study on the eradication of black rats from Palmyra Atoll found a 14-fold increase in seedling biomass, mostly composed of juvenile coconut palms. The removal of rats allowed native species to thrive, but also led to an invasion of coconut palms, which can alter island ecology and deprive native birds of nutrients.

Lighting the way to selective membrane imaging

Researchers at Kanazawa University demonstrate the ability to reversibly control the emission of blue-green light from water-soluble tetraphenylethene molecules on artificial cell membrane surfaces. This controlled emission has potential applications in new biological sensors and smart drug delivery platforms.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalLangmuir·DateNov 4, 2020

A campus COVID-19 success story

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign implemented a campus-wide COVID-19 screening program called Shield, which processes over 10,000 saliva tests each day. The program's success led to the creation of a statewide Shield-Illinois and has inspired governments to establish similar programs.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateNov 4, 2020

Beetles cooperate in brood care

Researchers have discovered a highly developed social system in the sugarcane shot-hole borer beetle, where females can reproduce and help with caring for fungal cultures. The beetles' cooperative brood care is rare in nature and may provide insights into the evolution of sociality.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateNov 4, 2020

Fighting Zika? Call in the T cells

A new study suggests that combining T cell activation with antibody production could lead to longer-term protection against Zika virus. Researchers found that inducing CD8+ T cells was key in preventing Zika infection in mice, offering a promising approach for developing effective vaccines.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 4, 2020

First global soil biodiversity assessment

The report assesses soil biodiversity across the globe, highlighting its decline and impact on ecosystem services such as water cycle regulation and carbon sequestration. The study provides a comprehensive framework for managing soil health, which is crucial for maintaining agricultural productivity and mitigating climate change.

New opportunities for detecting osteoporosis

A large-scale study found that LDCT scans can identify a significant number of adults with low bone mineral density, equating to 49 million and 22.8 million Chinese citizens, respectively. The study revealed an unexpectedly high prevalence of osteoporosis in men, which may impact management strategies.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateNov 4, 2020