Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive November 2020 - Page 6


Page 6 of 43

Extraction of largely-unexplored bodily fluid could be a new source of biomarkers

Researchers developed a microneedle-based technique to extract dermal interstitial fluid, which could provide valuable information for routine clinical monitoring and diagnostic testing. The study found that ISF contains unique compounds not found in blood samples, offering potential insights into skin exposure to products and pesticides.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 25, 2020

Air-sea coupling improves the simulation of the western North Pacific summer monsoon in the WRF4 model at a synoptic scale resolving resolution

The WRF4-LICOM model shows improved summer mean monsoon rainfall, circulations, and sea surface heat fluxes. Regional air-sea coupling enhances the simulated daily SST-rainfall relationship, offering a more accurate representation of the western North Pacific summer monsoon.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateNov 25, 2020

Phytoplankton disturbed by nanoparticles

Research finds that nanosilver disturbs the metabolism of algae, making their membranes more permeable and reducing photosynthesis. This can have significant impacts on the aquatic food chain and oxygen production. The study uses metabolomics to detect early changes induced by nanoparticles.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 25, 2020

Waste fishing gear threatens Ganges wildlife

Entanglement in waste fishing gear poses a significant threat to Ganges River wildlife, including critically endangered species like the three-striped roofed turtle and Ganges river dolphin. The study highlights the need for recycling systems and awareness-raising initiatives to mitigate plastic pollution.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateNov 25, 2020

New insights into how the CRISPR immune system evolved

Researchers at Aarhus University have discovered that a part of the CRISPR-Cas system originated from toxin genes in bacteria and archaea, providing new insights into its evolutionary process. The study reveals an ongoing battle between microorganisms and viruses, with the discovery of anti-CRISPR proteins blocking the immune system.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 25, 2020

Sniffing your way to the gym

A recent study by researchers at UC Riverside suggests that olfaction may play an important role in motivating mammals to engage in voluntary exercise. The study found genetic differences in the olfactory system between high-runner mice and control lines, which made them perceive smells differently.

Mapping out the mystery of blood stem cells

Researchers used genome-wide profiling to study the epigenetic landscape of human stem cells, revealing important information about gene regulation. They found differences in chromatin structures between long-term and short-term stem cells, which could improve understanding of cancer cell behavior and stem cell therapy.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateNov 25, 2020

Stable catalysts for new energy

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have developed stable catalysts for water splitting and CO2 reduction by studying atomic surface structures. The team found that specific surface angles can create microscopically small triangular holes that stabilize the material and enhance its effectiveness.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateNov 24, 2020

Potential treatment against antibiotic-resistant bacteria causing gonorrhea and meningitis

A Canadian team has developed an inexpensive molecule to fight antibiotic-resistant strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and N. meningitidis, two bacteria responsible for gonorrhea and meningococcal meningitis. The molecule's specificity allows it to target pathogenic Neisseria while leaving other types unaffected.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateNov 24, 2020