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Science News for September 11, 2020


Stronger bones thanks to heat and microbiota

Researchers found exposure to warmer temperatures improves bone strength, preventing bone density loss typical of osteoporosis. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in this phenomenon, adapting to heat by disrupting polyamine synthesis and degradation, which affects osteoblasts and osteoclasts.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCell Metabolism·DateSep 11, 2020

Researchers discover gene that could decrease likelihood of developing alcoholic cirrhosis

A new study published in Hepatology has identified a gene, Fas Associated Factor Family Member 2 (FAF2), that may reduce the risk of developing alcoholic cirrhosis. The researchers found that this gene is involved in lipid droplet organization pathway and is linked to other genes that increase the likelihood of liver disease.

Galapagos guides to 'barcode' wildlife

The 'Barcoding Galapagos' scheme trains naturalist guides to survey wildlife and plants using genetic techniques, providing an alternative income source for a population reliant on eco-tourism. The project aims to fill gaps in biological knowledge of the islands and lessen the impact of illegal harvesting.

Get diamonds, take temperature

Researchers from Osaka City University developed a microscope-based thermometer that uses quantum technology to detect temperature changes in live, microscopic animals. The thermometry algorithm successfully tracked temperature fluctuations in C. elegans nematode worms after inducing a fever by stimulating their mitochondria.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 11, 2020

Novel virus-based colorimetric sensor can show true colors of airborne threats

Scientists developed a novel colorimetric sensor using genetically engineered viruses to detect airborne chemicals, showing practical applicability. The sensor's high sensitivity and mass-producibility hold promise for various real-life applications, including detecting harmful industrial chemicals and assessing air quality.

Trout don't follow the weather forecast

A UC study found that steelhead migration in California's Santa Clara River is triggered by the lengthening daylight of spring, not recent rains. The study recommends limiting water extraction during migration months to allow late migrating fish to return upstream.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalNorth American Journal of Fisheries Management·DateSep 11, 2020

Relaxed through pregnancy

A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that mothers' ability to cope with stress during pregnancy is positively correlated with their children's telomere length. This suggests that maternal psychological resilience may have a protective effect on child development and lifelong health.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateSep 11, 2020

New immunotherapy to beat cancer

Researchers at Université catholique de Louvain have discovered a molecule that blocks immune responses in cancer patients, and are now developing an immunotherapy to neutralize it. The treatment combines anti-GARP antibodies with another proven approach to increase effectiveness in fighting cancer.

SourceUniversité catholique de Louvain·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 11, 2020

Holding up a mirror to a dark matter discrepancy

A new study by Yale astrophysicist Priyamvada Natarajan and colleagues found that the smaller dollops of dark matter associated with cluster galaxies are significantly more concentrated than predicted by theorists. The discovery implies a possible gap in scientists' understanding of dark matter.

SourceYale University·JournalScience·DateSep 11, 2020

Site of male sexual desire uncovered in brain

A Northwestern University study has identified the specific regions of brain tissue where a key gene named aromatase regulates male sexual behavior in mice. Aromatase converts testosterone to estrogen, driving male sexual activity. The discovery could lead to new treatments for disorders of low and compulsive sexual desire.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalEndocrinology·DateSep 11, 2020

Antibody test developed for COVID-19 that is sensitive, specific and scalable

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed an antibody test for COVID-19 that is highly accurate and can handle a large number of donor samples. The test measures antibodies against specific proteins on the virus's spike protein and has been shown to be comparable to the gold standard of antibody testing.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 11, 2020

Shedding light on coral reefs

A study published in Coral Reefs finds that materials in seawater affect light availability and wavelength on coral reefs, impacting photosynthesis and ecological zonation. Researchers used an instrument called a profiling reflectance radiometer to collect data profiles across Hawaiian and Bermudian reefs.

SourceBermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences·JournalCoral Reefs·DateSep 11, 2020

Halving the risk of infection following surgery

Researchers found that using CHG halves the risk of infection in certain types of surgery compared to povidone-iodine (PVI), with significant implications for global healthcare. The study, published in Annals of Surgery, suggests a simple switch could reduce infections and improve patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateSep 11, 2020

Computational modelling explains why blues and greens are brightest colous in nature

Researchers from the University of Cambridge used numerical experimentation to determine the limits of matt structural colour in the visible spectrum. They found that saturated, pure colors like reds, yellows, and oranges are difficult to recreate using this method, with blues and greens being the most feasible options.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 11, 2020