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Science News Archive September 2020 - Page 26


Page 26 of 49

Generation of three-dimensional heart organoids

Scientists developed three-dimensional heart organoids resembling the developing heart using mouse embryonic stem cells and fibroblast growth factor 4 (FGF4). The organoids exhibit functional properties similar to their in vivo counterparts, offering a promising biomimetic model for studying heart development and testing novel drugs. T...

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 16, 2020

Fast calculation dials in better batteries

A simpler analytical model developed by Rice University researchers can quickly evaluate the rate capability of batteries and identify optimal electrode materials. The model's accuracy is within 10% of more computationally intensive algorithms, making it a game-changer for battery optimization.

SourceRice University·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateSep 16, 2020

Blonde Scandinavians or well-travelled Southern Europeans? Research busts myths of Vikings

The study sequenced the genome of 442 bone fragments from the Viking Age and found that Vikings had a lot more genes from Southern and Eastern Europe than anticipated. This suggests that the Vikings frequently interbred with people from other parts of the world, contradicting traditional images of them as Nordic blonds.

Reaching 90% PL quantum yield in 1D metal halide by pressure-suppressed nonradiative loss

Researchers discovered a method to enhance the photoluminescent quantum yield (PLQY) of 1D metal halide C4N2H14PbB4 by suppressing non-radiative loss under high pressure. The findings reveal that pressure-tuned STE binding energy and confined motion of organic cations contribute to the PL enhancement.

SourceCenter for High Pressure Science & Technology Advanced Research·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 16, 2020

Biggest fish in the sea are girls

Female whale sharks grow more slowly than males but eventually surpass them to reach an average adult length of 14 metres. The study found that only one pregnant whale shark had produced 300 young, highlighting the benefits of large size for female whales.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateSep 16, 2020

A new discovery in regenerative medicine

A new discovery in regenerative medicine may lead to new treatments for placenta complications during pregnancy. Researchers at Monash University and Duke-NUS have developed a method to create induced trophoblast stem cells (iTSCs) that can be used to make placenta cells.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature·DateSep 16, 2020

New targets for melanoma treatment

A collaborative study has uncovered new markers uniquely present on melanoma tumours that can be recognised by the immune system. These markers, known as spliced peptides, can be used to develop therapeutic vaccines to combat melanoma.

SourceMonash University·JournalCancer Immunology Research·DateSep 16, 2020

Physical diseases can negatively affect a depression

Patients with a first-time depression diagnosis have an increased risk of worsening and requiring hospitalisation if they have previously been treated for a physical disease at a hospital. The risk is also influenced by age and the number of physical diseases, with more diseases under 65 increasing the risk.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·DateSep 16, 2020

Where trouble starts

Researchers, led by University of Delaware biologist Shuo Wei, have won $1.8 million in NIH support for their study on birth defects caused by genetic mutations in neural crest stem cells. The study focuses on the DDX3X gene and its role in developmental disorders.

Researchers 3D print tiny multicolor microstructures

The new method enables precision fabrication of optical components and multimaterial structures, eliminating assembling processes. It allows the production of devices with high precision and low cost, and could aid in the miniaturization of optical devices used for medical treatments and diagnoses.

SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateSep 16, 2020

Extent of India's COVID nudge campaign revealed

A new study by the University of Cambridge suggests that India's government used nudge theory to maintain a strict lockdown and influence public behavior during the first three months of the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaign included policy nudges, social media campaigns, and appeals to powerful values such as patriotism and community.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 16, 2020

Discovery of a new mass extinction

A new mass extinction event was discovered 233 million years ago, which led to the dinosaur takeover of the world. The Carnian Pluvial Episode caused widespread biodiversity loss due to climate change and increased greenhouse gases, but ultimately paved the way for the evolution of modern ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 16, 2020