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Science News Archive September 2020 - Page 44


Page 44 of 49

Seeing progress

Scientists have created a model that replicates the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a disease with no current treatment. By understanding how RPE cells respond to stress and changes in gene expression, researchers can now test potential therapeutics for dry AMD.

Study in half a million adults with overweight or obesity suggests benefit of weight loss on serious health problems

A study of over 550,000 adults in the UK found that losing an average of 13% of body weight reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 42%-44%, sleep apnoea by 22%-27%, high blood pressure by 18%-25%, and dyslipidaemia by 20-22%. The study suggests that intentional weight loss can markedly reduce disease risk in people with obes...

New understanding of electrolyte additives will improve dye-sensitised solar cells

Dye-sensitised solar cells can perform more consistently in low-light conditions thanks to improved understanding of electrolyte additives. Researchers have found that certain molecules, such as 4-tert-butylpyridine and 1-methyl-benzimidazole, are crucial to suppressing recombination losses and maximizing efficiency.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateSep 3, 2020

Attacking tumors from the inside

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered two experimental drugs that can suppress the growth and spread of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by affecting its blood vessels, oxygen levels, and other environmental factors. The findings highlight the potential of these drugs for NSCLC treatment.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCancer Research·DateSep 3, 2020

The Lancet: Many countries falling behind on global commitments to tackling premature deaths from chronic diseases, such as diabetes, lung cancer and heart disease

The Lancet report highlights that many countries are falling behind on their commitments to reduce premature deaths from chronic diseases. Despite a decline in death rates from some diseases over the past decade, others such as diabetes and lung cancer are not showing sufficient progress. The report warns that if current trends continu...

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 3, 2020

Start here to make a protein

The structure of the mRNA initiation complex provides new insights into cancer and disease processes. The discovery proposes a model for how mRNA is pulled through the ribosome for scanning, revealing that start codons need to be sufficiently far from the front end of the mRNA.

Battery-free Game Boy runs forever

Researchers at Northwestern University and TU Delft have developed a battery-free, energy-harvesting Game Boy that can play games from original cartridges, reducing the need for batteries. The device harnesses energy from solar panels and user button presses to enable indefinite gameplay.

ERC Starting Grant for Sara Buson

Sara Buson aims to confirm blazars as the most important extragalactic neutrino sources, revolutionizing our understanding of blazar astrophysics. She will analyze a large sample of observations and physical data to establish a new framework for multimessenger studies.

Quantum leap for speed limit bounds

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method for calculating the upper bound of speed limits in quantum matter, which produces more accurate results in some cases. This breakthrough could lead to improved understanding of quantum computing and materials science, as well as more precise numerical algorithms.

SourceRice University·JournalPRX Quantum·DateSep 3, 2020

Globalization is reweaving the web of life

Researchers found that introduced species have increased mutualistic relationships seven-fold over the past 75 years, reducing ecosystem stability. As geographic isolation breaks down, regions with distinct species combinations are linked, leading to the loss of unique co-evolutionary trajectories.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature·DateSep 2, 2020