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Science News Archive September 2020 - Page 38


Page 38 of 49

Brain stimulation reduces dyslexia deficits

Researchers from Université de Genève demonstrate a causal relationship between brain oscillations at 30 Hz and phoneme processing essential for reading. Non-invasive brain electrical stimulation improves phonological deficits and reading accuracy in adults with dyslexia, paving the way for targeted non-invasive therapeutic interventions.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 9, 2020

Quantum shake

Researchers use Poincaré sections to simplify chaotic behavior, revealing underlying symmetry and structure. This insight enables a deeper understanding of quantum chaos and potential links between classical and quantum physics.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateSep 9, 2020

Targeting 'cost-effective zones' to protect global biodiversity could help balance conservation goals and political priorities

A meta-analysis identified seven countries with high biodiversity risk, including the US, which has a large unprotected area with significant species diversity. Targeting 'cost-effective zones' could help balance conservation goals with economic priorities, potentially expanding protected areas globally.

Common diabetes drug reverses inflammation in the liver

Researchers at Salk Institute discover that metformin's anti-inflammatory effects require communication between AMPK and mTORC1. The study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms of metformin's action and reveals its potential as a treatment for inflammatory diseases, including liver inflammation.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalGenes & Development·DateSep 9, 2020

Fossil growth reveals insights into the climate

Researchers analyzed fossil bones of Panthasaurus maleriensis, an ancestor of modern amphibians, and found phases of rapid and slow growth depending on the climate. The study provides valuable insight into the prehistoric past, with the Indian site showing evidence of both young and adult animals.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPeerJ·DateSep 8, 2020

Boundaries no barrier for thermoelectricity

Researchers at Rice University found that electricity generated by temperature differences in gold nanowires is not affected by grain boundaries, contrary to previous assumptions. This discovery could enable the detection of crystalline defects using a novel optical detection system.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 8, 2020

Brain stimulation reduces dyslexia deficits

A study published in PLOS Biology found that brain stimulation therapy can alleviate sound-processing deficits and improve reading accuracy in adults with dyslexia. The therapy, known as transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), was shown to be particularly effective for individuals with poor reading skills.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 8, 2020

CNIO researchers develop an effective strategy against KRAS mutant lung tumors in mice

Researchers from CNIO achieved complete remission in 25% of lung tumors induced by KRAS oncogene in mice following genetic inactivation of CDK4 and RAF1. This strategy also prevented cancer cell growth in healthy mice and identified molecular mechanisms that triggered resistance, such as PI3K pathway activation.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 8, 2020

Lost frogs rediscovered with environmental DNA

Scientists have detected signs of a frog listed as extinct using environmental DNA in two regions of Brazil. The frog, Megaelosia bocainensis, was among seven total species detected, including four declining species and two that had disappeared locally for many years.

SourceCornell University·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateSep 8, 2020

Theoretical prediction of reverse intersystem crossing for organic semiconductors

Researchers developed a prediction method for reverse intersystem crossing (RISC) in organic semiconductors, leading to improved light emission efficiency for Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (OLEDs). The method demonstrated accurate predictions for various TADF materials, with some presenting RISC rate constants of over 10^7 per second.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 8, 2020

Lineshape-tailoring of coupled plasmonic systems based on first principle

A newly published paper introduces a formal theoretical framework from first principles, enabling researchers to predict the fascinating properties of coupled photonic systems before numerically simulating them. The theory allows for the design and prediction of line-shapes with desired near-field and far-field properties.

Young US adults hospitalized with COVID-19

A case series of 3,222 young US adults (18-34 years) hospitalized with COVID-19 reveals insights into the disease's impact on this demographic. The study highlights the importance of understanding COVID-19 in young adults to inform public health strategies and treatment guidelines.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateSep 8, 2020

A new method may make tomatoes safer to eat

A new study shows promise in reducing foodborne pathogens on tomatoes by applying sanitizers in the field. The method uses FDA-approved additives, significantly reducing bacterial populations and saving labor costs for producers. This approach could become a practical solution for controlling foodborne pathogens.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalFood Control·DateSep 8, 2020

Cascades with carbon dioxide

Researchers develop a conceptually new process to produce cyclic carbonates from CO2 and basic building blocks, offering potential for biodegradable plastics and pharmaceutical intermediates. The process yields six-membered rings with great potential for creating new CO2-based polycarbonates.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 8, 2020