249 articles from WEDNESDAY 10.6.2020
Population ecology: Origins of genetic variability in seals
A new study led by Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet (LMU) in Munich researchers shows that fluctuations in population sizes in the past have had a significant effect on contemporary seal populations, and estimates the risk of genetic impoverishment in the species investigated.
Potent tetrahydroquinolone can eliminate parasites that cause toxoplasmosis and malaria
Researchers discovered a lead compound that can significantly reduce or eliminate toxoplasmosis as well as malaria. These compounds are highly effective against multiple drug-resistant strains of plasmodia in vitro.
Potential high-risk clones identified among S. maltophilia strains in European hospitals
UAB researchers, based on a collection of clinical isolates from several countries, have established a link between the cell-to-cell communication system (the quorum sensing) and the virulence and resistance phenotypes in Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. In addition they have identified potential high-risk clones circulating worldwide.
Pre-term deliveries due to COVID-19 could be avoided by studying EHRs
Using electronic health record (EHR) data to simulate drug trials for pregnant patients could one day offer a solution to the current practice of delivering babies pre-term if an expectant mother contracts COVID-19, according to a position paper published in Nature Medicine.
Proposed seismic surveys in Arctic Refuge likely to cause lasting damage
Winter vehicle travel can cause long-lasting damage to the tundra, according to a new paper by University of Alaska Fairbanks researchers. Scars from seismic surveys for oil and gas exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge remained for decades, according to the study. The findings counter assertions made by the Bureau of Land Management in 2018 that seismic exploration causes no...
Reprogramming of immune system cures child with often-fatal fungal infection
In the June 11 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, a team of UCLA physicians and scientists describes the first case of immune modulation being used to cure a severe and often fatal fungal infection. The team 'retuned' a 4-year-old's immune system so that it could fight off disseminated coccidioidomycosis.
Researchers identify new genetic defect linked to ALS
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) have identified how certain gene mutations cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The pathway identified by the researchers may also be responsible for a certain form of dementia related to ALS. The finding could offer potential new approaches for treating this devastating condition.
Researchers uncover novel approach for treating eczema
Researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) have identified a key enzyme that contributes to eczema, which may lead to better treatment to prevent the skin disorder's debilitating effects.
Responding to challenges of older adults with COVID-19
Older adults with COVID-19 who survive hospitalizations and return to their homes confront substantial health challenges and an unpredictable future. Early evidence suggests that complex and long-term physical, functional, cognitive, and emotional negative health consequences will be the norm for them. However, the trajectories of health care needs of older adults with COVID-19 in the weeks and...
Reusing chicken litter shows benefits
Beneficial bacteria in reused poultry litter can reduce Salmonella levels.
Review: A good vitamin D status can protect against cancer
A good vitamin D status is beneficial both in cancer prevention and in the prognosis of several cancers, according to a new research review. The anti-cancer effects of vitamin D are especially pronounced in the prevention and treatment of colon cancer and blood cancers. In addition, high vitamin D responsiveness can be linked to a smaller cancer risk. Vitamin D responsiveness varies between...
Risk of stroke may more than double for African Americans who smoke
Current cigarette smoking and the number of cigarettes smoked per day are associated with more than double the risk of stroke among African Americans.Researchers suggest more public information campaigns should be geared toward warning African Americans about the increased risk of stroke from cigarette smoking.
Roadkill study identifies animals most at risk in Europe
New method used to predict how many birds and mammals are being killed on European roads, as well as identifying species whose long-term survival is threatened by roads. Roadkill risk is not currently considered when assessing impact of new roads on wildlife, meaning conservation efforts may currently be misplaced.
Scientists predict the best strategy for lifting COVID-19 lockdown
Scientists from the University of Oxford and the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology show that a gradual strategy with two discrete releases of subgroups of the quarantined population would be optimal for society as a whole to minimize deaths while protecting the economy.
Scientists present new method for remote sensing of atmospheric dynamics
Physicists from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology have developed a new method for wind speed remote measurements. It may complement the widely employed lidar and radar sensing techniques.
Scientists reveal regional coupled C-N-H2O cycle processes and associated driving mechanisms
From a molecular level to an ecosystem scale, different coupling mechanisms take place during coupled carbon-nitrogen-water (C-N-H2O) cycles, of which essential are water flux and related biogeochemical processes through physicochemical reactions associated with terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems that will subsequently impact regional gross primary productivity (GPP) and C and N exchanges during...
Scientists reveal relationship between Dek and Intron retention during muscle stem cells quiescence
Adult stem cells are essential for tissue regeneration. However, the mechanisms underlying the activation of quiescent adult stem cells remain elusive. Recently, a team of HKUST scientists revealed that intron detention (IR) is a key to the mechanism; when stem cell enters quiescence exit, Dek releases conserved introns, which allow the cell to be activated.
Secondary school admissions system is still a work in progress
A new study by Lancaster University Management School highlights important inequalities in access to chosen secondary schools in England with minority ethnic families 17% less likely to achieve their first choice school. Experts also say while allowing fewer choices enables local authorities to show that high proportions of children will be attending their first choice school, this is a hollow...
Self-healing bone cement
Material scientists at the University of Jena have developed a bone replacement based on calcium phosphate cement and reinforced with carbon fibers. The fibers increase damage tolerance and ensure that cracks in the material repair themselves.
Simulations on biologically relevant time scales
Freiburg researchers deliver new insights into molecular mechanisms relevant for drug development.
Singapore team develops online atlas of human immunome for precision medicine
Interactive web-based tool 'EPIC' hosts and analyses comprehensive immune cell data to understand the mechanisms of immunity and how they respond to disease.* EPIC offers new possibilities into the prediction of clinical responses for precision medicine and the development of vaccines and therapies
Skoltech researchers use machine learning to aid oil production
Skoltech scientists and their industry colleagues have found a way to use machine learning to accurately predict rock thermal conductivity, a crucial parameter for enhanced oil recovery.
SLC35B1 as a key modulator of a UDPGA transporter into the endoplasmic reticulum
Researchers from Kanazawa University identified SLC35B1 as a key regulator of the glucuronidation process in the human liver. By using HepaRG cells, a human liver cell line, and human liver samples, they showed that among a panel of SLC35 proteins SLC35B1 most significantly contributed to glucuronidation. These findings indicated that the large interindividual differences in SLC35B1 expression may...
Sounds of sickness: Perceptions of coughs, sneezes not diagnosed accurately
You're standing in the store's check-out line, and the customer behind you viciously coughs.
Speed of space storms key to protecting astronauts and satellites from radiation
Measuring the speed of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) as they erupt from the sun, in addition to their size, found to be crucial in providing accurate early warnings that keep astronauts and technology safe.