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American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)


Criticism of COVID-19 models by democratic political leaders may erode public trust in science

A study finds that criticism of COVID-19 models by Democratic elites undermines public support for the models and science more broadly. Republicans have little impact on public attitudes towards models. Scientists should acknowledge model uncertainty and convey what is known about the virus to build trust.

Bird brains' cortex-like structure may be behind complex cognition, and even consciousness

Two studies found that birds' pallium exhibits a layered architecture similar to mammals', potentially enabling complex cognitive abilities like consciousness. This structure may have been present in the last common ancestor of birds and mammals 320 million years ago, or evolved independently through convergent evolution.

Twin studies suggest impaired type I interferon signaling may contribute to severe COVID-19 symptoms

Two twin studies report specific mechanisms of impaired type I interferon signaling in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, associating mutations and neutralizing autoantibodies with severe respiratory symptoms. Administering specific type I IFNs to select high-risk patients may offer therapeutic benefits, especially early in the disease co...

Informing genome editing governance through global citizen deliberation

A global citizens' assembly consisting of at least 100 lay citizens from around the world would explore and deliberate on genome editing technologies and regulatory principles. This assembly aims to address the lack of consistent governance and bridge gaps between community values, improving overall governance of genome editing technology

A 'cell-less' therapy may regenerate heart tissue without cell transplant risks

Researchers developed an 'cell-less' therapy that accelerates recovery from heart attack in pigs by injecting tiny membrane-bound sacs containing proteins and DNA into the heart. This approach avoids safety concerns associated with whole-cell transplants, which often fail to engraft and can cause severe health issues.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 16, 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.

The circumstellar disk in the triple-star system GW-Orionis is shaped by disk tearing

A new observational study reveals that the GW-Orionis triple-star system's disk is misaligned due to disk tearing, which could lead to planetary systems with oblique or retrograde orbits. The study provides a three-dimensional model and simulation of the system, reproducing its highly deformed disk and misaligned rings.

Discovered: Cellular pathway involved in resistance to Ebola virus and SARS-like coronaviruses

Researchers identified a new pathway that protects cells from Ebola virus and coronaviruses like SARS-CoV-2, by blocking viral entry into the cell. The MHC class II transactivator (CIITA) gene induces resistance to Ebola virus through the activation of CD74 p41, which disrupts viral protein processing and prevents infection.

Mandatory vote-by-mail modestly increases voter turnout without giving either party an edge in elections, study suggests

A new study analyzing nationwide U.S. county-level data and individual-level voter records from Washington and Utah found that mandatory vote-by-mail modestly increases voter turnout by 1.8-2.9% without favoring either party. The effect on Democratic shares of the vote was not statistically significant, with a minor increase of 0.7%.

Detailed map of natural killer cells in COVID-19 patients expands understanding of innate immune response to SARS-CoV-2

A new study maps natural killer cells in COVID-19 patients, finding specific characteristics of activation correlate with disease severity and adaptive NK cells with severe disease. The study suggests future research directions, including the role of NK cell responses in lung tissue and variability over time during SARS-CoV-2 infection.

A Reverse Approach to Vessel Surgery May Boost Clinical Outcomes in Dialysis

A new surgical procedure called RADAR has been shown to create arteriovenous fistulae that mature more quickly, remain accessible longer, and are less likely to require reintervention. The study suggests this approach may improve clinical outcomes for patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 19, 2020