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Science News for September 17, 2020


University of Cincinnati research produces different results from key China COVID-19 study

The University of Cincinnati researchers found that Angiotensin II levels were normal in COVID-19 patients, contradicting the theory that the virus disrupts the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System. The study suggests that supplementation with synthetic angiotensin (1-7) may be a potential therapeutic target for treating COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalProgress in Cardiovascular Diseases·DateSep 17, 2020

The brain's memory abilities inspire AI experts in making neural networks less 'forgetful'

Researchers at UMass Amherst and Baylor College of Medicine developed a new method to protect deep neural networks from catastrophic forgetting, inspired by the brain's 'replay' ability. The method, called generative replay, generates high-level representations of previously seen data, preventing the network from forgetting earlier lea...

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 17, 2020

Self-imaging of a molecule by its own electrons

Researchers at the Max Born Institute have developed a method to record high-resolution movies of molecular dynamics using electrons ejected from a molecule by an intense laser field. This technique allows for the observation of ultrafast nuclear rearrangement with both high temporal and spatial resolution.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 17, 2020

Scientists evaluated the prospects of medical tourism in Russia

The study highlights the low awareness of foreigners about Russian medical services, lack of language-skilled staff, and limited resources as major obstacles. Experts recommend improving personnel and equipment, informing potential patients, and promoting clinics through word-of-mouth and online platforms to boost medical tourism in Ru...

SourceSechenov University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateSep 17, 2020

Time-restricted feeding improves health without altering the body's core clock

A new study by University of Copenhagen scientists found that time-restricted feeding alters the rhythmic concentration of metabolites in blood and muscle, influencing gene expression and amino acid transport. The study suggests that time-restricted feeding's positive health impact may be driven by diet rather than the body's core clock.

Medical mistrust grounded in structural and systemic racism affects HIV care for Black women in the US South

A study reveals that structural and systemic racism significantly impact HIV care for Black women in the US South, leading to decreased trust in healthcare providers and systems. The findings highlight the need for addressing mistrust issues and empowering patients through effective communication and community-based interventions.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care·DateSep 17, 2020

How much will polar ice sheets add to sea level rise?

The Antarctic Ice Sheet is projected to account for up to 30 cm of sea level rise between 2015 and 2100, with some scenarios suggesting a partial offsetting effect. The Greenland Ice Sheet may contribute an additional 1.5-14 cm over the same period, depending on greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceCNRS·JournalThe Cryosphere·DateSep 17, 2020

Does a healthy diet counter the ill-effects of obesity?

A new study found that a Mediterranean-like diet partially modified the association between obesity and cardiovascular mortality. Higher body mass was associated with increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease, but adherence to healthy diets like Mediterranean-style eating reduced this risk.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 17, 2020

Study shows SARS-CoV-2 jumped between people and mink, providing strong evidence of zoonotic transmission

A study investigating SARS-CoV-2 infections on 16 Dutch mink farms found evidence of zoonotic transmission, where the virus jumped between people and minks. The study revealed that over 66% of farm workers had SARS-CoV-2 infection, suggesting direct contact with infected minks was a primary mode of transmission.

Comparing virtual and actual pants

A study at Shinshu University investigates the effectiveness of 3D garment simulations by comparing virtual and actual pants. Researchers developed criteria for evaluating similarities and differences between virtual and real garments using geometrical features and sensory evaluation.

SourceShinshu University·JournalInternational Journal of Clothing Science and Technology·DateSep 17, 2020

New cause of syndromic microcephaly identified

Researchers have confirmed that variants in the LMNB1 gene cause syndromic microcephaly by disrupting the nuclear envelope, leading to misshapen nuclei and impaired function. The study highlights a new genetic cause of congenital abnormalities and broadens the understanding of laminopathies.

SourceGreenwood Genetic Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateSep 17, 2020

0.5°C of additional warming has a huge effect on global aridity

A new study by the University of Tokyo's Institute of Industrial Science found that limiting warming to 1.5°C rather than 2°C above pre-industrial levels would significantly reduce global aridity, particularly in Mediterranean regions and western Europe. The research highlights the importance of considering regional impacts and suggest...

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateSep 17, 2020

New live biotherapeutic products will require regulatory and scientific innovation

The review highlights the need for clear scientific and pharmaceutical standards when developing live biotherapeutic products. Key challenges include ensuring quality, demonstrating safety, and evaluating efficacy. The PRI's publication provides a framework for stakeholders in microbiome-based product development.

SourcePharmabiotic Research Institute (PRI)·JournalExperimental & Molecular Medicine·DateSep 17, 2020

The Phish scale: NIST's new tool helps IT staff see why users click on fraudulent emails

The Phish Scale uses a rating system to analyze message content in phishing emails, providing insights into why users click or don't click. By understanding these cues, CISOs can optimize their phishing training programs for specific target audiences and improve user preparedness against real phishing scenarios.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of Cyber Security·DateSep 17, 2020

Child neglect linked to teen pregnancy

A 20-year study by University of Queensland researchers found that child neglect was the most severe type of maltreatment associated with teen pregnancy, as well as poor educational and psychological outcomes. Neglected children were also more likely to experience substance abuse problems and psychotic episodes.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateSep 17, 2020

Why the dose matters: Study shows levels and anti-tumor effectiveness of a common drug vary widely

Researchers found a sixfold variation in itraconazole levels in tumor samples of lung cancer patients treated with the drug at a fixed dose. The levels correlated with tumor shrinkage and growth inhibition. Higher blood and tumor levels led to greater decreases in tumor volumes and reductions in new blood vessel formation.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateSep 17, 2020

Chaotic "Lévy walks" are a good strategy for animals

A study published in PNAS explains how Lévy walks, a type of chaotic movement, allow animals to balance exploration and exploitation. The model used by the author shows that these movements emerge near critical points, enabling animals to respond strongly to environmental stimuli.

SourceRIKEN·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 17, 2020

All-optical method sets record for ultrafast high-spatial-resolution imaging: 15 trillion frames per second

Scientists have developed an all-optical imaging system that captures ultrafast dynamic processes at a record-breaking frame rate of 15 trillion frames per second. The method uses non-collinear optical parametric amplifiers, allowing for high spatial and temporal resolutions, and has the potential to become a new microscopy technique.

Study: Europe's old-growth forests at risk

A new study reveals that many primary forests in Europe are not protected and are at risk of being destroyed. The researchers found that only a small percentage of the forest types they assessed had more than half of their old growth strictly protected, highlighting the need for strict conservation protections to be put in place.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalDiversity and Distributions·DateSep 17, 2020

Texas Tech, Nanjing Agricultural Research teams make plant nutrient delivery breakthrough

Scientists discovered that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi supply nitrogen to plants through a newly identified protein, enabling crops like rice to thrive with reduced fertilizer use. The finding could lead to more sustainable agricultural practices and reduce environmental impact by minimizing agrochemical use.

SourceTexas Tech University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 17, 2020

The key to happiness: Friends or family?

A recent study by SMU psychology professor Nathan Hudson found that people experience higher levels of happiness when socializing with friends compared to spending time with family members. The research revealed that being around romantic partners predicted the least amount of happiness among these three groups.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateSep 17, 2020

Children who take steroids at increased risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, blood clots

A Rutgers study found that children on oral steroids are at higher risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, and blood clots, with high-dose steroid users facing the greatest risk. The study, which examined over 933,000 US children, also found that these complications were more common among those with autoimmune diseases.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateSep 17, 2020

Informing genome editing governance through global citizen deliberation

A global citizens' assembly consisting of at least 100 lay citizens from around the world would explore and deliberate on genome editing technologies and regulatory principles. This assembly aims to address the lack of consistent governance and bridge gaps between community values, improving overall governance of genome editing technology

Detaching and uplifting, not bulldozing

Researchers at ETH Zurich propose an alternative theory for the formation of the Alps, suggesting that the mountains were uplifted by the subduction of the Eurasian plate beneath the Adriatic microplate. This new model simulates the processes leading to the formation of the Alps and explains the observed seismicity in the region.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 17, 2020

Study shows quizzes improve academic performance

A meta-analytic study of existing research found that frequent quizzes help students better grasp classroom material, leading to improved academic performance. The study discovered a strong link between quizzing and student success, with students who took quizzes performing better on midterm and final exams.

SourceIowa State University·JournalEducational Psychology Review·DateSep 17, 2020

Scientists sound alarm on plastic pollution

A new study finds that global plastic emissions may exceed reduction targets by 2030, requiring a fundamental transformation of the plastics economy. To mitigate this issue, experts suggest reducing unnecessary plastics, establishing global limits for new production, and improving waste management.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateSep 17, 2020

Live imaging method brings structural information to mapping of brain function

Researchers have developed a new method that pairs functional mapping in live mice with distinguishing structural information, providing unprecedented insights into the coupling of visual areas in the mouse brain. This technique enables scientists to distinguish borders and contents of regions more precisely, shedding light on how stru...

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateSep 17, 2020

Research shows potential of gene editing in barley

Researchers have successfully applied CRISPR gene editing to influence the levels of beta-glucan in barley grain, with implications for brewing and distilling industries. The study provides insight into key genes responsible for barley grain composition, enabling plant breeders to accelerate breeding and develop new crop varieties.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateSep 17, 2020

New virtual screening tool eases, accelerates routine diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension

The new virtual echocardiography screening tool (VEST) uses initial screening data from echocardiography to accurately diagnose pulmonary hypertension. VEST enables physicians to quickly evaluate patients for the condition by searching for routine key measures in echocardiogram reports, facilitating early recognition and timely treatment.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalPulmonary Circulation·DateSep 17, 2020

Ecologists sound alarm on plastic pollution

Researchers estimate 24-34 million metric tonnes of plastic enter aquatic ecosystems annually, with efforts needed to reduce 8 million tonnes. A transformation of the plastics economy is crucial, requiring 25-40% reduction in production, improved waste collection and management, and cleanup of 40% of emissions.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalScience·DateSep 17, 2020

Study shows high prevalence of fatigue following SARS-CoV-2 infection independent of COVID-19 disease severity

A study found that persistent fatigue occurs in more than half of patients recovered from COVID-19, affecting both admitted and non-admitted patients equally. The researchers also discovered a higher representation of women and individuals with pre-existing depression/anxiety among those experiencing persistent fatigue.

Smokers increasingly using e-cigarettes to quit, New Zealand survey shows

A New Zealand survey found that e-cigarette use is increasing among smokers and recent quitters, with most common reasons being to help quit or cut down on smoking. The study suggests e-cigarettes are contributing to reducing smoking prevalence, but more work is needed to achieve the goal of becoming smokefree by 2025.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateSep 17, 2020