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Science News for September 23, 2020


Head to head comparison of five assays used to detect SARS-CoV-2 antibodies shows Siemens and Oxford assays met regulatory targets

A head-to-head comparison of five SARS-CoV-2 antibody assays reveals that the Siemens and Oxford assays performed with the highest sensitivity and specificity, meeting regulatory targets. The study emphasizes the importance of accurately evaluating test performance to understand limitations and improve usage.

COVID-19 antibody studies across Brazil reveal Amazon region badly affected, with poorer Indigenous communities hit hardest

Nationwide COVID-19 antibody seroprevalence studies in Brazil show that cities along the Amazon River were severely affected at the beginning of the pandemic, as well as poorer and Indigenous communities. The research highlights a cluster of high prevalence in 11 cities along the Amazon River, with levels among the highest ever reported.

NTU Singapore scientists devise 'Trojan horse' approach to kill cancer cells without using drugs

Researchers at NTU Singapore have devised a novel approach to kill cancer cells using a nanoparticle coated with an amino acid that selectively targets and destroys cancer cells. The 'Trojan horse' nanoparticle, called Nano-pPAAM, was tested in lab experiments and found to be effective in killing cancer cells with high specificity.

Creating 'green' protein from the air

Gas-to-protein technology uses bacteria to ferment gases, producing up to 70% protein-rich biomass that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This process has the potential to transform agriculture and food production, making it a game-changer for sustainable food options.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateSep 23, 2020

Island-building in Southeast Asia created Earth's northern ice sheets

A new study suggests that Southeast Asian island-building reduced carbon dioxide levels and cooled Earth over 15 million years, allowing large ice sheets to form in North America and Northern Europe. This process, triggered by volcanic rocks dissolving carbon dioxide, is believed to have played a crucial role in the formation of the Gr...

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 23, 2020

Insomnia treatment offers relief

A study of over 450 insomnia patients in Australia found that cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBTi) improves symptoms of insomnia, depression, anxiety, and stress. CBTi is recommended as the most effective treatment for insomnia and is available via face-to-face or telehealth options.

SourceFlinders University·JournalSleep Medicine·DateSep 23, 2020

Study shows diagnoses of common conditions at family doctor halved during COVID-19 lockdown

A study from the UK reveals a significant reduction in diagnoses of common conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and mental health issues during the COVID-19 lockdown. The findings suggest that many cases may have gone undetected, undiagnosed, and untreated due to reduced healthcare engagement.

URI grad student finds PFAS in seabirds from Narragansett Bay, Massachusetts Bay, Cape Fear

A recent study by a URI graduate student found significant concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in seabirds from offshore areas, including Narragansett Bay, Massachusetts Bay, and Cape Fear. The research highlights the environmental persistence of these compounds, which can remain in animal tissues for many years.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateSep 23, 2020

UK's preventive measures to shield homeless people from COVID-19 have prevented hundreds of deaths

Research suggests that UK's COVID-19 preventive measures have prevented hundreds of deaths among homeless people in the country. The measures, including hotel room accommodation and infection control, were estimated to have avoided over 21,000 infections, 266 deaths, and 1164 hospital admissions.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateSep 23, 2020

Sanders-brown research discovers new pathway in TDP-43 related dementias

A new pathway discovered by researchers at the University of Kentucky's Sanders-Brown Center on Aging has shown that eIF5A hypusination governs TDP-43 accumulation and aggregation. Pharmacological inhibition of an enzyme generating hypusinated eIF5A significantly reduced TDP-43 cytoplasmic accumulation and aggregation in cells.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalBiochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Basis of Disease·DateSep 23, 2020

Converting lateral scanning into axial focusing to speed up 3D microscopy

A team of scientists has developed a novel optical design that enables fast imaging in 3D microscopy by converting lateral scanning into axial focusing. This technology accelerates axially swept light-sheet microscopy (ASLM) and raster scanning microscopes to multi-kHz rates, outperforming previous aberration-free focusing technologies.

Inside the secret lives of synchronous fireflies

A team of researchers discovered that synchronous fireflies don't flash according to an innate rhythm but instead adjust their behavior based on what their neighbors are doing. The study uses a new technological approach to map out the locations of the bugs flashing in their vicinity, revealing a more complex synchronization mechanism.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateSep 23, 2020

Flood risks: More accurate data due to COVID-19

The study found that during the pandemic, locked-down areas experienced improved GPS data quality due to reduced vehicle noise, enabling more precise elevation changes and better flood risk assessments. The researchers recommend installing GPS sensors in less noisy environments.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 23, 2020

High-intensity interval training combining rowing and cycling improves insulin sensitivity, body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness in obesity and type 2 diabetes

A new study found that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) combining cycling and rowing improves insulin sensitivity and reduces blood sugar levels in individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes. The study also showed improvements in body composition, including a reduction in fat mass and an increase in muscle mass.

A cheaper, faster COVID-19 test

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a method for fast, cheap, yet accurate testing for COVID-19 infection. The new test simplifies the diagnostic process by eliminating expensive reaction steps, enabling upscaling of diagnostics in limited resource settings.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 23, 2020

Women orthopaedic surgeons report high rates of sexual harassment

A survey of 250 women orthopaedic surgeons found that 68% reported experiencing sexual harassment during their training, with common types including obscene images, unwanted touching, and invitations. Despite efforts to recruit more women and increase leadership positions, the problem persists, emphasizing the need for targeted trainin...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalClinical Orthopaedics and Related Research·DateSep 23, 2020

Study suggests elderly care home outbreaks in England were caused by multiple indepedent infections and also within-home spread

A study found that COVID-19 outbreaks in English care homes resulted from both external and internal sources, with a high mortality rate among residents. The research analyzed genomic data and identified multiple viral clusters, indicating both independent acquisitions and transmission between residents and healthcare workers.

First evidence that air pollution particles and metals are reaching the placenta

Research led by Queen Mary University of London finds air pollution particles, including metals, in placentas of 15 London women, suggesting a link between maternal inhalation and fetal exposure. The study highlights the need for further research to fully understand the effects of air pollution on fetal development.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateSep 23, 2020

Solving the strange storms on Jupiter

Researchers found that Jupiter's storms behave similarly to hurricanes on Earth but with a much larger scale. The team used math derived from Lord Kelvin's proof to explain the storms' stable geometric arrangement, discovering anticyclonic rings cause them to repel each other.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 23, 2020

A high potential biphenol derivative cathode

Researchers developed an air-insensitive biphenol derivative cathode with high potential and solubility, demonstrating stable cycling performance and high rate capabilities. The cathode's biphenol structure offers excellent oxidation resistance and four tertiary ammonium groups improve stability.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateSep 23, 2020

Research shows significant drop in diagnosis of some common health concerns by GPs in UK lockdown

A study analyzing electronic health records found a significant reduction in diagnoses for common physical and mental health conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. This included a 50% drop in Type 2 diabetes diagnoses, with reductions of up to 44% seen in malignant cancer and circulatory system diseases.

The BMJ reveals worrying cuts to UK medical schools

Financial problems in UK medical schools could significantly affect student education. The sector's debts have risen over the past year, making institutions vulnerable to insolvency. Charity funded research is also expected to fall, resulting in a projected reduction in medical research investment.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateSep 23, 2020

Berry good news -- new compound from blueberries could treat inflammatory disorders

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have identified a polyphenolic compound called pterostilbene with strong immunosuppressive properties, making it a promising anti-inflammatory agent for treating inflammatory bowel disease and other disorders. The study found that the compound prevents T cells from differentiating into pro-inf...

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateSep 23, 2020

Sport and memory go hand in hand

Neuroscientists at UNIGE discover that intense physical exercise improves memory and brain activation, particularly in young individuals. Regular sports activity can potentially enhance learning and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 23, 2020

Feeling frisky makes you see what you want to see

A study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships found that people perceive potential partners as more attractive when they have a 'sexy mindset', which also reduces concerns about rejection. The researchers discovered that this bias motivates individuals to take a leap of faith and initiate relationships.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateSep 23, 2020

Breakthrough for tomorrow's dentistry

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified all cell populations in mouse teeth and young human teeth, deciphering differentiation pathways of odontoblasts and ameloblasts. The study sheds light on tooth sensitivity and the formation of enamel.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 23, 2020

Amyloid deposits not associated with depression in the elderly

Researchers found that abnormal amyloid deposits were present in fewer older adults with major depression compared to non-depressed control subjects. However, the study suggests that depression is still a risk factor for cognitive decline, but through a mechanism other than amyloid deposition.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateSep 23, 2020

'Save me Seymour!'

A recent study by Curtin University reveals that approximately a quarter of the world's carnivorous plant species are at risk of extinction. The biggest threats to these unique plants are human activities such as agriculture, mining, and climate change, which can lead to habitat loss and hydrological changes.

SourceCurtin University·JournalGlobal Ecology and Conservation·DateSep 23, 2020