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Science News Archive September 2020 - Page 7


Page 7 of 49

Sentinels of ocean acidification impacts survived Earth's last mass extinction

Research reveals that two groups of marine organisms, sea butterflies and sea angels, have survived dramatic global climate change and Earth's most recent mass extinction event. The study found that these pteropods evolved in the early Cretaceous period and likely survived previous episodes of ocean acidification.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 28, 2020

Earthquake lightning: Mysterious luminescence phenomena

Researchers investigated luminescence caused by landslides and found different rocks emit light due to unique reasons, with granite exhibiting remarkable photoemission. The study uses ultra-sensitive cameras and spectroscopes to analyze the phenomenon, which could lead to advancements in earthquake prediction and disaster prevention.

Antacid monotherapy more effective in relieving epigastric pain than in combination with lidocain

A double-blind, randomized clinical trial found antacid monotherapy to be the most palatable solution and had fewer side effects compared to antacid/lidocaine combinations. Antacid monotherapy was also found to be equally efficacious in relieving epigastric pain as lidocaine/antacid combination therapy.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateSep 28, 2020

Wound-healing waves

Cells utilize long-distance traveling waves in a self-organized manner to close wounds, guided by intricate interplay of cell movement, sensing, and protein activation. This coupled system enables robust communication of direction over large distances, promoting coordinated behavior for healing and growth.

NIH-funded study sheds light on abnormal neural function in rare genetic disorder

A NIH-funded study identified neuronal abnormalities in cortical cells from individuals with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, a genetic disorder associated with mental illnesses and developmental delays. The study suggests that overexpression of the DGCR8 gene and exposure to certain antipsychotic drugs can restore normal cellular functioning.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalNature Medicine·DateSep 28, 2020

New extreme ultraviolet facility opens for use

The new extreme ultraviolet facility allows for investigation of time-dependent phenomena and reveals details of biological or physical samples with unprecedented clarity. It offers ultrashort pulses with high frequencies, useful for probing fast phenomena and investigating the structure and chemical properties of matter.

Study finds older persons underrepresented in COVID-19 treatment and vaccine trials

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine reveals that older persons are highly likely to be excluded from COVID-19 clinical trials, despite accounting for 30-40% of cases and 80% of deaths globally. The exclusion poses a risk to the effectiveness and safety of treatments for older adults.

Painting a clearer picture of COVID-19

A team of researchers at MU, including an 8th grader and an undergraduate student, identified 3 specific mutations in the COVID-19 virus that may be contributing to its high infectivity in the US. The findings suggest a clearer picture of co-evolving mutations inside the virus.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology·DateSep 28, 2020

Recording thousands of nerve cell impulses at high resolution

Researchers developed a new generation of microelectrode-array chips that can record electrical activity from up to 20,000 nerve cells simultaneously. The new chip enables comprehensive measurements of more than 1,000 cells at once, suitable for testing the effects of drugs and reducing animal experiments.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 28, 2020

In-hospital cardiac arrest in COVID-19

A case series examines outcomes of in-hospital cardiac arrest among COVID-19 patients, highlighting the severity of the condition. The study reveals that in-hospital cardiac arrest is a rare but life-threatening complication of COVID-19, requiring prompt medical attention.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateSep 28, 2020

New study shows converting to electric vehicles alone won't meet climate targets

A new study published in Nature Climate Change estimates that meeting UN climate targets would require up to 90% of US passenger vehicles to be electric by 2050. The researchers found that a fleet of 350 million EVs would increase electricity demand by 41%, posing significant technological and infrastructure challenges.

Quantum vortex study recognized as finalists for prestigious Eureka Prize

The Australian Quantum Vortex team has been named a finalist in the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes for their groundbreaking study on turbulence. The team's use of laser technologies to observe quantum origins of turbulence has provided new insights into the behavior of vortices, which influence global weather and flight patterns.