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Science News Archive October 2020 - Page 3


Page 3 of 47

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