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Science News for October 8, 2020


Setting a TRAP for pandemic-causing viruses

Nagoya University scientists have developed a laboratory technique to rapidly select synthetic proteins that strongly bind to SARS-CoV-2. The approach, called TRAP display, could be used to develop sensitive antigen tests and neutralization antibodies for infected patients.

SourceNagoya University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 8, 2020

The Lancet Respiratory Medicine: Rapid bedside testing is faster than standard centralised PCR testing for COVID-19, and may improve infection control in hospital

A study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine found that rapid bedside testing for COVID-19 can reduce time to results by up to 80 hours and improve infection control. The test, known as QIAstat-Dx POCT, allows patients to be quickly isolated and treatment to be started immediately.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateOct 8, 2020

New model may explain rarity of certain malaria-blocking mutations

A new computational model suggests that certain protective mutations against malaria have not become widespread due to rapid immune system adaptation, making it less likely for these mutations to spread among the population. The study highlights the need for further genetic studies of populations living in regions impacted by malaria.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateOct 8, 2020

Stress-free gel

Scientists at the University of Tokyo developed a method for creating stress-free gels with less internal mechanical stress by delaying network formation. This breakthrough may help understand biological processes involving cytoplasm and improve industrial processes that create semisolid products, such as foodstuffs.

Terahertz zaps alter gene activity in stem cells

Researchers from Kyoto University and Tokai University have developed a new apparatus to study terahertz radiation's effects on human stem cells. The findings reveal that terahertz pulses activate genes involved in motor neuron survival and mitochondrial function, while deactivating those involved in cell differentiation.

SourceKyoto University·JournalOptics Letters·DateOct 8, 2020

Scientists reconstruct beetles from the Cretaceous

A research team led by the University of Bonn has reconstructed four newly found beetle species using computer tomography, providing insights into their morphology and evolutionary history. The study suggests that beetles suffered a decrease in diversity during the Cretaceous period as plants transitioned from gymnosperms to angiosperms.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 8, 2020

New measurements of the solar spectrum verify Einstein's theory of General Relativity

Scientists have successfully measured the iron lines in the solar spectrum using a laser frequency comb and HARPS instrument, verifying one of Einstein's predictions - the gravitational redshift effect. This confirms that General Relativity theory is correct and has significant implications for satellite navigation systems like GPS.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateOct 8, 2020

The black hole always chirps twice: New clues deciphering the shape of black holes

Research reveals black holes emit complex signals when observed from their equator, indicating a unique relation between gravitational waves and black hole behavior. The team discovered that the final black hole's cusp emits more intense gravitational waves, producing multiple 'chirps' as it settles to its final form.

Low-hanging fruit

A study suggests that reducing indirect greenhouse gas emissions from UC campus food systems can be achieved through a shift towards more plant-based options. The researchers found that changing the food system could reduce emissions by 42-55% and align with the system's carbon neutrality goals.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalClimate Policy·DateOct 8, 2020

Protective antibodies persist for months in survivors of serious COVID-19 infections

A new study found that protective antibodies against COVID-19 persist for four months in survivors of serious infections, making them a valuable tool for tracking the spread of the virus in communities. The study also identified key antibody responses to COVID-19 that are relatively short-lived, declining within two and a half months.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScience Immunology·DateOct 8, 2020

New drug carrier systems

University of Delaware researchers develop tiny cargo-carrying systems that can selectively bind to degrading collagen, providing site-specific medicine delivery over longer periods. These nanoparticle carriers have the potential to improve treatment for diseases like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 8, 2020

Signals from distant stars connect optical atomic clocks across Earth for the first time

Researchers have successfully connected two optical atomic clocks in Italy and Japan, separated by 8700 km, using radio telescopes observing distant stars. This achievement could provide a global infrastructure for high-precision timekeeping and unlock new possibilities for studying fundamental physics and general relativity.

There's a gene for detecting that fishy smell, olfactory GWAS shows

Researchers found sequence variants that influence how people perceive and describe fish, licorice, and cinnamon odors. The study identified three genes, including TAAR5, which affects perception of fish odor containing trimethylamine, as well as common olfactory gene variants influencing licorice and cinnamon sensitivity.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 8, 2020

FDA support for oncology drug development during COVID-19

The FDA has issued guidance on clinical trials for cancer drug development during the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidance highlights regulatory challenges and lessons learned from recent experiences. By providing this support, the FDA aims to facilitate oncology drug development in a challenging environment.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateOct 8, 2020

Effects of poverty on childhood development seen in children as young as 5

Researchers trained kindergarten teachers to assess 185,000 kindergarteners' health and development, revealing 30% of poor children were vulnerable in one or more domains, with Black children at highest risk. The study highlights the value of micro-level understanding of child-developmental inequities to develop targeted supports.

New findings from OSIRIS-REx detail complex history of Asteroid Bennu

The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft has provided detailed insights into the composition and structure of asteroid Bennu, a 'rubble pile' of carbon-rich material. Researchers have discovered that Bennu's surface has undergone complex evolution due to space weathering processes and that carbonate minerals are widespread across most of its surface.

Understanding the progress of viral infections

A team of researchers from the University of Münster has created a groundbreaking viral expression model that can simulate and analyze various viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2. The model uses stem cells to mimic the mechanisms of action of viruses, allowing for precise investigation of disease progression and potential treatments.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 8, 2020

High-capacity tape for the era of big data

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a new magnetic material and recording process that can vastly increase data capacity. The process relies on high-frequency millimeter waves, allowing for more stable magnetic particles and higher storage densities.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 8, 2020

Lack of support prolongs unemployment

A study by economist Amelie Schiprowski found that regular caseworker interaction is crucial for reintegration, reducing unemployment spells by an average of five percent. The quality of support also plays a significant role, with less productive caseworkers having no negative impact on unemployment duration.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Labor Economics·DateOct 8, 2020

Novel Radioimmunotherapy Reverses Resistance to Commonly Used Lymphoma Drug

A new radioimmunotherapy has proven effective in reversing resistance to the most commonly used lymphoma drug, rituximab. In a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma mouse model, the treatment substantially increased rituximab binding and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity activity, resulting in significant tumor growth delay.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateOct 8, 2020

One electrode fits all functional groups

Researchers discovered a new approach to control chemical reaction reactivity using a single gold electrode, which can behave like multiple functional groups by switching applied voltage. This 'electro-inductive effect' enables in-situ tuning of electronic property and reactivity in the middle of a reaction.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScience·DateOct 8, 2020

Nanoscale machines convert light into work

Researchers developed tiny optically powered machines that self-assemble and can manipulate tiny cargo for applications like nanofluidics and particle sorting. The machines use circularly polarized light from a laser to create a nanoparticle array acting like a gear, influencing nearby particles to orbit the array.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateOct 8, 2020