Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive October 2020 - Page 34


Page 34 of 47

Palladium catalysts can do it

Researchers have found a way to directly couple aryl halides and alkyllithium compounds using palladium catalysts containing YPhos-type ligands. This breakthrough enables the efficient synthesis of complex chemical structures with minimal side products, reducing costs and environmental impact.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 9, 2020

Urine-based liquid biopsy test outperforms urine cytology in detecting bladder cancer

A new urine-based liquid biopsy test, UroCAD, has been developed to detect bladder cancer with higher sensitivity and similar specificity compared to traditional urine cytology. The test analyzes DNA copy number variants in urine exfoliated cells and shows promise for reducing the frequency of cystoscopy examinations.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateOct 9, 2020

More evidence of benefits of REGN-COV2 antibody cocktail to both protect from and treat disease

Researchers have found that REGN-COV2 offers benefits in animal models mimicking SARS-CoV-2 infection pathology, providing evidence for its therapeutic potential both as a preventative measure and treatment. The study demonstrates significant protection against weight loss and viral load reduction in golden hamsters treated with the drug.

Hubble sees swirls of forming stars

The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has captured a stunning image of the Great Barred Spiral Galaxy NGC 1365, showcasing hundreds of baby stars and dusty sites of future stellar nurseries. The PHANGS survey, conducted jointly with ALMA in Chile, aims to understand how galaxy environments influence star formation.

More than 40% of women suffer from constipation during pregnancy and right after childbirth

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that over 40% of women experience constipation during pregnancy and right after childbirth. Daily exercise, balanced diet, and hydration can help prevent constipation. Lifestyle changes may not be enough to alleviate symptoms, with laxatives needed in some cases.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalBJOG An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology·DateOct 9, 2020

School absences correlate to impaired air quality

Research in Salt Lake City schools found a correlation between poor air quality and increased school absences. Even mild elevations in air pollution were associated with higher absenteeism rates, particularly among elementary students. The study suggests that low-level air pollution can have cumulative effects on health and education.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateOct 9, 2020

The choroid plexus: A conduit for prenatal inflammation?

Two new studies reveal that the choroid plexus, a miniature organ in the brain, is a hotbed of immune system activity. The choroid plexus regulates brain development by secreting instructive cues into the cerebrospinal fluid and provides a protective barrier. However, when this barrier is challenged, the choroid plexus can act as a con...

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateOct 9, 2020

Rutgers experts urge ban of menthol cigarettes nationwide

The American Medical Association joins forces with the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council in urging a ban on menthol-flavored tobacco products. Research shows that menthol cigarette smoking persists among vulnerable populations, despite declining overall cigarette consumption. Experts argue that banning menthol cigaret...

SourceRutgers University·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateOct 9, 2020

Investing in protective gear for health care workers pays off

A new study predicts that investing $9.6 billion in personal protective equipment (PPE) for health care workers in low- and middle-income countries could save the lives of approximately 2.2 million healthcare workers and yield a substantial economic return of $755.3 billion, representing an 8,000% return on investment.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 9, 2020

Oldest monkey fossils outside of Africa found

Fossils found in southeastern Yunan Province, China, reveal monkeys existed in Asia alongside apes, and are believed to be ancestors of modern East Asian monkeys. These ancient primates were well adapted for movement both on land and in trees, with a versatile diet that allowed them to thrive in diverse environments.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateOct 9, 2020