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Science News for October 29, 2020


How octopus suckers "taste by touch"

Researchers have discovered how octopuses can taste objects by touch using their suckers, which include discrete populations of sensory cells. The study found that distinct chemotactile receptors form ion channel complexes that detect specific signals and send them to the nervous system.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateOct 29, 2020

Autoantibody order, timing predict genetically at-risk children most likely to get T1D

Children with multiple islet autoantibodies are more likely to progress to symptomatic type 1 diabetes than those who remain positive for a single autoantibody. Detailed information about the order, timing and type of autoantibodies appearing after the first autoantibody can significantly improve prediction of which children are most l...

New study demonstrates importance of large-scale SARS-CoV-2 antibody

A novel approach to measuring antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 has been developed, revealing a discrepancy between reported virus-positive cases and actual antibody prevalence. The study found that over 47% of antibody-positive children were asymptomatic, with significant geographic differences in antibody frequency across Bavaria.

Why people with dementia go missing

A new study from University of East Anglia found that people with dementia are at higher risk of going missing in areas with dense and disordered road networks. The research identified environmental risk factors that contribute to the issue, including complex intersections and disorganized layout.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 29, 2020

New assay screens human brain organoids, doubles known candidate genes for microcephaly

A new tissue screening assay for human cerebral organoids identified 25 additional candidate genes for microcephaly, nearly doubling the number of currently known genes linked to the rare neurological condition. The CRISPR-LICHT technology revealed these genes associated with both known and previously unknown microcephaly-driving pathw...

Where were Jupiter and Saturn born?

A team of scientists, led by Matt Clement, used simulations to study the formation of Jupiter and Saturn. The findings suggest that these two planets were originally closer together than previously thought, with a ratio of two Jupiter orbits to one Saturnian orbit being more consistent with the current configuration.

Asteroid Ryugu shaken by Hayabusa2's impactor

The Hayabusa2 mission's artificial impact crater on asteroid Ryugu revealed significant boulder movements and seismic shaking, up to 40m from the center. The study provides valuable insights into asteroids' resurfacing processes and can be used as a benchmark for numerical simulations.

Brainstem neurons control both behaviour and misbehaviour

A recent study at the University of Helsinki found that brainstem neurons play a crucial role in controlling both normal behaviour and misbehaviour in mice. The researchers discovered that faulty gene regulation can lead to behavioural abnormalities such as hyperactivity and attention deficit. The study provides new insights into the d...

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 29, 2020

Touch and taste? It's all in the tentacles

Researchers at Harvard University discovered a unique sensor system in octopus suction cups that allows them to detect and 'taste' molecules on objects, enabling the animals to identify prey. This novel chemotactile receptor system may also facilitate complex behaviors in octopuses and other cephalopods.

SourceHarvard University·JournalCell·DateOct 29, 2020

Flash graphene rocks strategy for plastic waste

Researchers at Rice University have created a new method to convert plastic waste into high-quality graphene, offering a potential solution to the global plastic waste crisis. The flash graphene process eliminates much of the expense associated with recycling plastic, making it an economically viable alternative.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 29, 2020

ICE detention centers saw sustained outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, says study

A study by University of California - San Francisco researchers found that over a three-year period, more than a dozen ICE detention centers experienced large, repeated outbreaks of vaccine-preventable illnesses, including influenza, chickenpox, and mumps. The Centers reported nearly half of the infections occurred in two facilities.

Cancer-fighting gene restrains 'jumping genes'

Scientists have discovered a new role for the cancer-fighting gene p53 in preventing retrotransposons from hopping around the human genome, potentially leading to new ways of detecting or treating cancers. The study found that cells without functional p53 had higher rates of retrotransposon movement and multiplication.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 29, 2020

Towards next-generation molecule-based magnets

Researchers have developed a lightweight molecule-based magnet with unprecedented magnetic properties, exhibiting a 'memory effect' at elevated temperatures. The compound contains abundant metal chromium and inexpensive organic molecules, making it a promising alternative to current inorganic commercial magnets.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience·DateOct 29, 2020

Drones as stinger spotters

Researchers used lower-cost domestic drones to detect Chironex fleckeri jellyfish in waters off northern Australia. The drones achieved significantly high detection rates, even under varying weather conditions. This innovative approach aims to improve beach safety and reduce the risk of jellyfish stings.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 29, 2020

Corporations directing our attention online more than we realize

A new study by University of Illinois researchers Harsh Taneja and Angela Xiao Wu found that corporations use 'nudging' techniques to influence online attention, often in hidden ways. The researchers analyzed clickstream data from a million people and identified common clusters of websites that reflect corporate ownership, partnerships...

These spiders can hear

Researchers discovered that ogre-faced spiders can detect both low- and high-frequency sounds using hairs and joint receptors on their legs. The spiders use these sensory systems to hunt flying insects by performing a choreographed backwards strike, which may be aided by directional hearing.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 29, 2020

Unravelling the origins of autoimmune psychosis

A new study by University of Barcelona reveals that alterations in dopaminergic receptors D1R and D2R in the hippocampal area of the brain cause memory deficits and psychotic behaviour in mice with anti-NMDAR encephalitis. The findings hold promise for developing more efficient antipsychotic drugs.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateOct 29, 2020

Smart bottle brushes

Researchers from TUM have visualized the changes in bottle-brush polymers using neutron radiation, enabling a deeper understanding of their behavior at different temperatures. This knowledge can be used to optimize their chemical structure for practical applications.

Identifying biomolecule fragments in ionising radiation

A new study reveals the precise energies at which secondary electrons produce certain biomolecule fragments when living cells are irradiated with heavy ions. The research could lead to more effective cancer therapies by understanding how biomolecules such as DNA are damaged by ionising radiation.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateOct 29, 2020

Affinity vs. cooperativity

UC Santa Barbara researchers develop a method to increase both affinity and cooperativity in aptamer-based biosensors, allowing for fine-tuned regulation of receptor properties. This approach enables precision biosensing applications, such as detecting low concentrations of target molecules like chemotherapy drugs.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 2020

Male fin whales surprise scientists by swapping songs

New research suggests fin whales sing multiple different songs, which may be picked up by migrating individuals and spread to different parts of the ocean. This complex behavior provides new insights into how fin whale populations move and change over time.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateOct 29, 2020

How people would choose who gets scarce COVID-19 treatment

A global study of over 5,000 participants found that age and probability of survival are the top characteristics considered when deciding who should receive scarce COVID-19 treatment. The study showed that people worldwide gave these two characteristics the most weight in their decisions, explaining about 50% of their choices.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateOct 29, 2020

Stronger treatments could cure Chagas disease

A more intensive treatment schedule with currently available therapeutics has been shown to completely clear the infection in infected mice. Researchers used light sheet fluorescence microscopy to view intact whole organs from infected mice and found that a less frequent dosage of benznidazole could be effective.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 29, 2020

Facing up to the reality of politicians' Instagram posts

A University of Georgia researcher used computer vision to analyze thousands of images from over 100 Instagram accounts of United States politicians, discovering that posts featuring politicians' faces in non-political settings attract more likes and comments. The study found that images with only the politician's face or in personal s...

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalThe International Journal of Press/Politics·DateOct 29, 2020

Remdesivir for COVID-19: FDA approved but still unproven

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University argue that remdesivir is justified for compassionate use in severely ill patients with COVID-19 due to its potential benefits in reducing recovery time. Despite FDA approval, the current evidence base supports the use of other proven preventive strategies such as social distancing and masking.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalContemporary Clinical Trials Communications·DateOct 29, 2020

NUS researchers develop novel process that turns waste into nutritional supplements

The NUS team has developed a method to convert crustacean shells and wood waste into L-DOPA, a widely used drug for Parkinson's disease, and Proline, essential for collagen and cartilage formation. The process combines chemical and biological approaches, potentially reducing reliance on non-renewable fossil fuels.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 29, 2020

Possible triggers of autism symptoms and motor issues identified for several rare diseases

Research on Prader-Willi and Angelman syndromes reveals associations between UBE3A gene expression levels and social communication difficulties in PWS, as well as fine motor skills impairment in AS. The study's findings suggest a potential link between inflammatory pathways and disease severity in these conditions.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateOct 29, 2020

Rice finds path to nanodiamond from graphene

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method to create nanodiamond from graphene by applying pinpoint pressure, overcoming the energetic barrier to nucleation. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of single-crystal diamond films for electronics and optical applications.

SourceRice University·JournalSmall·DateOct 29, 2020