Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for October 12, 2020


Ultrafast fiber laser produces record high power

The research team developed a new ultrafast fiber laser that produces an average power of over 10 kW without significant degradation in beam quality. This technology paves the way for industrial-scale materials processing and visionary applications such as space debris removal.

SourceOptica·DateOct 12, 2020

Tighter border policies leave migrants vulnerable to effects of climate change

A new study suggests that restrictive border policies could exacerbate the effects of climate change on vulnerable regions, limiting their ability to emigrate. In contrast, open borders have a positive impact on developing countries, providing an important source of income through remittance and reducing vulnerability to climate change.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 2020

A new approach to analyzing the morphology of dendritic spines

Researchers from Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University propose a novel approach to analyzing dendritic spine shapes by considering clusterization methods. This approach can provide more accurate understanding of synaptic input and its relationship with learning, memory, and neurodegenerative disorders.

SourcePeter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University·JournalFrontiers in Synaptic Neuroscience·DateOct 12, 2020

New mechanism affecting nerve impulses discovered

Researchers at Linköping University have identified a new mechanism by which substances can open specific ion channels and regulate nerve impulses. The study reveals a large group of substances that influence the coupling between ion channel parts, opening potassium channels in a specific manner.

SourceLinköping University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 2020

Therapy using immune system cells preserves vision in mice implanted with rare eye cancer

Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center developed a therapy using immune system T cells and an immune-boosting drug packaged in a gel to preserve vision in mice implanted with retinoblastoma. The therapy successfully delayed tumor development and prevented recurrence, showing promise for future clinical trials.

Penn Medicine scientists engineer bacteria-killing molecules from wasp venom

Scientists at Penn Medicine have engineered bacteria-killing molecules from toxic proteins found in wasp venom, which could help combat antibiotic-resistant infections. The new antimicrobial molecules work by disrupting bacterial membranes and summoning immune cells, showing promise as potential treatments for sepsis and tuberculosis.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 2020

Scientists report role for dopamine and serotonin in human perception and decision-making

Researchers recorded real-time changes in dopamine and serotonin levels in patients' brains during tasks, revealing that serotonin levels increased with uncertainty and decreased with confidence. The study provides insight into how dopamine and serotonin regulate perception, decision-making, and cognition, potentially leading to improv...

Engineers print wearable sensors directly on skin without heat

Researchers developed a novel technique to produce high-performing biometric sensors by printing them directly on human skin at room temperature. The sensors can capture precise temperature, humidity, blood oxygen levels, and heart performance signals, and are environmentally friendly, making them suitable for people with sensitive skin.

SourcePenn State·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 12, 2020

Dueling proteins give shape to plants

In a new study, researchers have identified the molecular mechanism behind two key proteins that influence plant form and timing of developmental transitions. The study reveals an antagonistic relationship between Terminal Flower 1 (TLF1) and Flowering Locus T (FT) proteins, which promote branch formation and flowering, respectively.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 12, 2020

Making disorder for an ideal battery

Researchers at Université de Genève develop non-flammable solid electrolyte that operates at room temperature, transporting sodium instead of lithium. The new battery technology has potential to store more energy and is being used to create a new generation of stable and powerful batteries.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateOct 12, 2020

Proactive steps linked to reduced medical costs, hospital visits for children with asthma

A new study from North Carolina State University found that several widely available interventions are associated with reduced medical costs and a lower likelihood of emergency room visits or hospitalizations for children with asthma. The interventions include asthma self-management education, flu vaccine, spacer use, and nebulizer use.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Asthma·DateOct 12, 2020

How consumers responded to COVID-19

The study identifies four threats that affect consumer behavior, including health, economic, social, and misinformation threats. Consumers have shown adaptive responses to these challenges, such as switching to online streaming services or making their own hand sanitizer.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateOct 12, 2020

Applying information theory to landscape art

A statistical approach analyzing 14,912 Western paintings reveals spatial composition patterns that can distinguish between artists and style periods. The study found that compositional features shifted over time, with dominant horizons changing in location during the Rococo, Romantic, Realism, Impressionism, and 20th century periods.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 2020

Customers prefer partitions over mannequins in socially-distanced dining rooms

A study by the University of Houston found that consumers prefer dining rooms with partitions between tables due to their perceived cleanliness, visual attractiveness, and comfort. Surprisingly, older respondents (over 40) were more willing to visit establishments with partitions, rating both options equally comfortable and welcoming.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalInternational Journal of Hospitality Management·DateOct 12, 2020

The making of memory B cells and long-term immune responses

A new study by Tomohiro Kurosaki at Osaka University reveals that Bach2 expression and reduced mTORC1 activity are necessary for activated B cells to become memory B cells, a type of white blood cell that sticks around for years and provides rapid responses to re-infection. This understanding can help develop efficient vaccines.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateOct 12, 2020

Primates aren't quite frogs

Scientists have discovered that spinal modules in macaques can independently control forelimb force direction and magnitude, offering new insights into movement disorders and potential recovery methods. This finding, known as the 'spinal motor module hypothesis,' has significant implications for robotics and clinical medicine.

COVID-19 pandemic and $16 trillion virus

The study aggregates mortality, morbidity, mental health conditions, and economic losses to estimate the total cost of the COVID-19 pandemic in the US. The estimated cost is $16 trillion, with an optimistic assumption that the pandemic will be substantially contained by fall 2021.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 12, 2020

One-two punch

Researchers found that repeated droughts generally increase a forest's detrimental effects, making trees more vulnerable to stress. Conifers are particularly affected due to their vascular systems, which sustain more damage in initial droughts and hinder recovery.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Climate Change·DateOct 12, 2020

MHz, multi-beams coherent XUV source by intracavity high-order harmonic generation

Researchers have created a novel ultrafast coherent light source in the extreme ultraviolet wavelength region with multi-MHz range repetition rates. The system utilizes intracavity high-order harmonic generation and achieves a repetition rate of 3 MHz, suitable for applications such as ultrafast XUV spectroscopy.

New therapy improves treatment for multiple sclerosis

Researchers at the University of Chicago have designed a new therapy for multiple sclerosis by fusing a cytokine to a blood protein. This combination prevented destructive immune cells from infiltrating the central nervous system and decreased MS development, leading to fewer symptoms and disease prevention.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateOct 12, 2020

Getting the full scope

Researchers aim to understand how electrical stimulation affects glia and vasculature in the brain, with potential implications for treating neurological diseases. They'll use two-photon microscopy and optogenetics to investigate inner workings of the brain.

Unique view into the "new Arctic": international MOSAiC expedition successfully completed

Researchers from TROPOS and Leipzig University contribute to the success of the largest Arctic expedition, collecting valuable climate data and conducting key atmospheric measurements. The team's findings suggest significant changes in the Arctic atmosphere, including increased smoke levels and signs of 'Pyrocene' effects.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS)·JournalAtmospheric Measurement Techniques·DateOct 12, 2020