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Science News Archive November 2020 - Page 9


Page 9 of 43

Scientists regenerate skin with stem cells to see how DNA defects in kids cause cancer

Researchers used bioengineered models of patient-specific skin to study how inherited DNA defects cause skin damage and deadly squamous cell carcinoma in children with Fanconi anemia. The study identified key biological connections important to skin formation and function, leading to accelerated blistering and disease progression.

Unique Schwann cells: the eyes have it

Researchers have identified a new class of glial cells in the cornea, known as Schwann cells, with unique genetic properties that could help improve wound healing and nerve regeneration after surgeries and corneal transplants. The study's findings may also provide insights into conditions like dry eye and LASIK-related side effects.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJournal of Neuroscience Research·DateNov 23, 2020

Shocks to seafood

The US seafood industry experienced a significant decline in catches, imports, and exports during the pandemic. Small-scale fisheries were more affected than large-scale production systems, highlighting the need for targeted federal support to preserve local operations and promote resilience.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalFish and Fisheries·DateNov 23, 2020

Medicaid expansion may result in earlier diagnosis of colon cancer

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons suggests that Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act may lead to earlier diagnoses of colon cancer. Researchers found improved access to care and enhanced surgical care for patients with colon cancer in states that implemented Medicaid expansion.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateNov 23, 2020

Nutritional quality of foods, beverages in movies

A study analyzed 250 top-grossing US movies from 1994-2018, comparing the nutritional quality of food and beverage depictions to dietary guidelines. The findings indicate that movie foods often exceed recommended levels of calories, added sugars, and saturated fats.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateNov 23, 2020

Treating type 1 diabetes in mice

A study published in PNAS reports a breakthrough treatment for type 1 diabetes in mice, utilizing a combination of haploidentical mixed chimersim and administration of gastrin and epidermal growth factor. This approach successfully reversed autoimmunity, augmented beta cell regeneration, and normalized blood glucose levels by reactivat...

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 23, 2020

Carbon nanocomposites are now one step closer to practical industrial

The study introduces a new generation of multifunctional materials created by adding carbon nanoparticles to polymer matrices, allowing for self-sensing properties. This technology has the potential to replace sensors in weight-critical systems and manufacture electrically conductive materials for various applications.

Tracing the flow of cerebrospinal fluid

Researchers have discovered that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can swell immediately after an injury or stroke, leading to a more efficient clearance of toxic proteins from the brain. This breakthrough could lead to new insights into health and disease, as well as novel treatments for neurodegenerative disorders.

A new beat in quantum matter

Researchers demonstrate the existence of exotic Bloch oscillations in crystals with intrinsic non-Abelian fields, characterized by a multiplication of the oscillation period. These phenomena are perfectly synchronized with internal states of the crystal and shed new light on topological quantum matter.

SourceUniversité libre de Bruxelles·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 23, 2020