363 articles from THURSDAY 9.7.2020
Neonatal exposure to antigens of commensal bacteria promotes broader immune repertoire
- ScienceDaily
- 20/7/9 23:28
Researchers have added fresh evidence that early exposure to vaccine-, bacterial- or microbiota-derived antigens has a dramatic effect on the diversity of antibodies an adult mammal will have to fight future infections by pathogens. This antibody diversity is called the clonal repertoire -- basically different single cells with distinct antibody potential that can multiply into a large clone of...
Community initiative increases teenage use of effective contraception
- ScienceDaily
- 20/7/9 23:28
Study finds that teenagers utilize Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) at a rate five times higher than the United States as a whole.
A complex gene program initiates brain changes in response to cocaine
- ScienceDaily
- 20/7/9 23:28
Researchers used single-nucleus RNA sequencing to compare transcriptional responses to acute cocaine in 16 unique cell populations from the brain nucleus accumbens. The atlas is part of a major study that used multiple cutting-edge technologies to describe a dopamine-induced gene expression signature that regulates the brain's response to cocaine. The study shows neurobiological processes that...
Key role of immune cells in brain development
- ScienceDaily
- 20/7/9 23:28
Researchers have identified how specific brain cells interacting during development could be related to neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases, including some that occur later in life.
New study supports remdesivir as COVID-19 treatment
- ScienceDaily
- 20/7/9 23:28
A new study found that remdesivir potently inhibited SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes COVID-19, in human lung cell cultures and that it improved lung function in mice infected with the virus.
Salmonella biofilm protein causes autoimmune responses -- Possible link with Alzheimer's
- ScienceDaily
- 20/7/9 23:28
Scientists have demonstrated that a Salmonella biofilm protein can cause autoimmune responses and arthritis in animals.
New evidence of long-term volcanic, seismic risks in northern Europe
- ScienceDaily
- 20/7/9 23:28
An ancient European volcanic region may pose both a greater long-term volcanic risk and seismic risk to northwestern Europe than scientists had realized, geophysicists report. The densely populated area is centered in the Eifel region of Germany, and covers parts of Belgium, the Netherlands, France and Luxembourg.
CT of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) versus CT of influenza virus pneumonia
- ScienceDaily
- 20/7/9 23:28
A new article investigating the differences in CT findings between coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pneumonia and influenza virus pneumonia found that most lesions from COVID-19 were located in the peripheral zone and close to the pleura, whereas influenza virus was more prone to show mucoid impaction and pleural effusion. The more important role of CT during the present pandemic is in finding...
A new role for a tiny linker in transmembrane ion channels
In the molecular-level world of ion channels—passageways through membranes that carry signals in a cell's environment and allow it to respond—researchers have debated about the role of a small piece of the channel called a linker, says computational biophysicist Jianhan Chen at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Spacewatch: Nasa asteroid mission passes key milestone
Design review stage passed for craft intended to visit iron-and-nickel mini-world in 2022Nasa’s mission to explore a metal-rich asteroid passed a key milestone in its development this week. The critical design review makes sure everyone is satisfied that the spacecraft will work as expected. Now that the review has been passed, engineers can begin making the various bits of spacecraft hardware...
Study finds food safety practices benefit small farmers
The costs of implementing food safety practices to prevent foodborne illnesses have been viewed as a threat to the financial well-being of small farms, which must pay a higher percentage of their annual sales than larger farms to meet safety standards.
Science education community should withdraw from international tests, study says
The science community should withdraw from involvement in international tests such as PISA because they have forced schools to adopt "narrow" curricula and pedagogies, a study says.
Bats offer clues to treating COVID-19
Bats are often considered patient zero for many deadly viruses affecting humans, including Ebola, rabies, and, most recently, the SARS-CoV-2 strain of virus that causes coronavirus.
Study looks at life inside and outside of seafloor hydrocarbon seeps
Microbial cells are found in abundance in marine sediments beneath the ocean and make up a significant amount of the total microbial biomass on the planet. Microbes found deeper in the ocean, such as in hydrocarbon seeps, are usually believed to have slow population turnover rates and low amounts of available energy, where the further down a microbe is found, the less energy it has available.
Native bees also facing novel pandemic
Move over, murder hornets. There's a new bee killer in town.
Discovery reveals how plants make cellulose for strength and growth
New research from the University of Virginia School of Medicine reveals how plants create the load-bearing structures that let them grow—much like how building crews frame a house.
Endangered California condors in Sequoia National Park for the first time in 50 years
For the first time in nearly 50 years, California condors have been spotted at Sequoia National Park, wildlife officials announced.
New study predicts coral bleaching and coral-eating starfish invasions months in advance
A new study by the Marine Laboratory at the University of Guam may help researchers predict coral bleaching months earlier than current tools, and, for the first time, may help predict invasion events of coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish. The study was published on May 8 in Scientific Reports.
Covid-19 cases tied to fraternity parties disrupt UC Berkeley’s reopening plans
Forty-seven cases make it ‘harder to imagine bringing our campus community back’ as planned, university saysPlans for the fall semester at the University of California, Berkeley, are in question after 47 new Covid-19 cases tied to fraternity parties emerged in the past week. University officials warn the outbreak could jeopardize the ability to move forward with in-person classes in the months...
Science education community should withdraw from international tests, experts urge
- ScienceDaily
- 20/7/9 21:01
The science community should withdraw from involvement in international tests such as PISA because they have forced schools to adopt 'narrow' curricula and pedagogies, a study says.
Biologists trace plants' steady mitochondrial genomes to a gene found in viruses, bacteria
- ScienceDaily
- 20/7/9 21:01
Biologists have traced the stability of plant mitochondrial genomes to a particular gene - MSH1 - that plants have but animals don't. Their experiments could lend insight into why animal mitochondrial genomes tend to mutate.
Conditions ripe for active Amazon fire, Atlantic hurricane seasons
Warmer than average sea surface temperatures in the tropical North Atlantic Ocean so far in 2020 have set the stage for an active hurricane season and elevated the risk of fires in the southern Amazon, according to scientists at NASA and the University of California, Irvine.
Discovery reveals how plants make cellulose for strength and growth
- ScienceDaily
- 20/7/9 20:16
The discovery unveils the molecular machinery that plants use to weave cellulose chains into cable-like structures called 'microfibrils.'
Study identifies unique cells that may drive lung fibrosis
- ScienceDaily
- 20/7/9 20:16
This is one of the first comprehensive looks at lung cells using a technology called single-cell RNA sequencing. Instead of examining a mash-up of many cells from a tissue sample, single-cell sequencing allowed researchers in this study to closely examine the individual cells that make up the lungs; to identify their function, and ultimately understand the molecular changes that may be driving the...
Ways to keep buildings cool with improved super white paints
- ScienceDaily
- 20/7/9 20:16
Materials scientists have demonstrated ways to make super white paint that reflects as much as 98% of incoming heat from the sun. The advance shows practical pathways for designing paints that, if used on rooftops and other parts of a building, could significantly reduce cooling costs, beyond what standard white 'cool-roof' paints can achieve.
Safer CRISPR gene editing with fewer off-target hits
- ScienceDaily
- 20/7/9 20:16
The CRISPR system is a powerful tool for the targeted editing of genomes, with significant therapeutic potential, but runs the risk of inappropriately editing ''off-target'' sites. However, a new study shows that mutating the enzyme at the heart of the CRISPR gene editing system can improve its fidelity.
Scientists urge caution, further assessment of ecological impacts above deep sea mining
- ScienceDaily
- 20/7/9 20:16
A new study argues that deep-sea mining poses significant risks, not only to the area immediately surrounding mining operations but also to the water hundreds to thousands of feet above the seafloor, threatening vast midwater ecosystems. Further, the scientists suggest how these risks could be evaluated more comprehensively to enable society and managers to decide if and how deep-sea mining should...
Fair justice systems need open data access
- ScienceDaily
- 20/7/9 20:16
Researchers are developing an A.I. platform that provides users with access to the information and insights hidden inside federal court records, regardless of their data and analytic skills.
Scientists trace the origin of our teeth from the most primitive jawed fish
- ScienceDaily
- 20/7/9 20:16
Scientists have digitally 'dissected', for the first time, the most primitive jawed fish fossils with teeth found near Prague more than 100 years ago. The results show that their teeth have surprisingly modern features.
Researchers find rise in broken heart syndrome during COVID-19 pandemic
- ScienceDaily
- 20/7/9 20:16
Researchers have found a significant increase in patients experiencing stress cardiomyopathy, also known as broken heart syndrome, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Global wildlife surveillance could provide early warning for next pandemic
- ScienceDaily
- 20/7/9 20:16
Researchers propose a decentralized, global wildlife biosurveillance system to identify -- before the next pandemic emerges -- animal viruses that have the potential to cause human disease.
A 'regime shift' is happening in the Arctic Ocean
- ScienceDaily
- 20/7/9 20:15
Scientists find the growth of phytoplankton in the Arctic Ocean has increased 57 percent over just two decades, enhancing its ability to soak up carbon dioxide. While once linked to melting sea ice, the increase is now propelled by rising concentrations of tiny algae.
No association found between exposure to mobile devices and brain volume alterations in adolescents
- ScienceDaily
- 20/7/9 20:15
A new study of 2,500 Dutch children is the first to explore the relationship between brain volume and different doses of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields.
Why stakeholders in 'wind energy vs biological conservation' conflict have low mutual trust
- ScienceDaily
- 20/7/9 20:15
Each year, wind turbines are responsible for the death of hundreds of thousands of airborne animals such as bats. To find a constructive way out of this ''green-green'' dilemma, companies building and running wind turbines might have to work together with environmental experts and conservationists. Yet lack of trust between them can hinder effective collaboration. Scientists show: shared values...
Women who deliver by C-section are less likely to conceive subsequent children
- ScienceDaily
- 20/7/9 20:15
Women who deliver their first child by cesarean section (C-section) are less likely to conceive a second child than those who deliver vaginally, despite being just as likely to plan a subsequent pregnancy, according to researchers. The team followed more than 2,000 women for three years after they delivered their first child.
Study says inhalers OK to use amid COVID-19 concerns
- ScienceDaily
- 20/7/9 20:15
Researchers find that the benefits of inhalers for asthma sufferers outweigh the risks of contracting coronavirus, following concerns raised after WHO warned that steroids could reduce immunity.
Socio-economic, environmental impacts of COVID-19 quantified
- ScienceDaily
- 20/7/9 20:15
How is COVID-19 impacting people and the planet and what are the implications for a post-pandemic world? A new study quantifies the socio-economic losses and environmental gains.
Topological materials 'cherned' up to the maximum
- ScienceDaily
- 20/7/9 20:15
In topological materials, electrons can display behavior that is fundamentally different from that in 'conventional' matter, and the magnitude of many such 'exotic' phenomena is directly proportional to an entity known as the Chern number. New experiments establish for the first time that the theoretically predicted maximum Chern number can be reached -- and controlled -- in a real material.
Brain benefits of exercise can be gained with a single protein
- ScienceDaily
- 20/7/9 20:15
A little-studied liver protein may be responsible for the well-known benefits of exercise on the aging brain, according to a new study in mice. The findings could lead to new therapies to confer the neuroprotective effects of physical activity on people who are unable to exercise due to physical limitations.
5G wireless networks have few health impacts, finds study using zebrafish model
- ScienceDaily
- 20/7/9 20:15
Findings from a new study into the effects of radiofrequency radiation generated by the wireless technology that will soon be the standard for cell phones suggest few health impacts.
Aquaculture's role in nutrition in the COVID-19 era
Aquaculture, the relatively young but fast-growing industry of farming of fish and other marine life, now produces around half of all seafood consumed by humans. A new paper from American University published today examines the economics of an aquaculture industry of the future that is simultaneously environmentally sustainable and nutritious for the nearly 1 billion people worldwide who depend on...
Bodies donated to science 'left to be eaten by rats at Paris centre'
Inquiry to examine claims remains were found strewn around and dismemberedAuthorities in France will investigate claims that human corpses donated for science were left to rot and be eaten by rats at a university research facility, the Paris prosecutor’s office has said.An investigation into “violations of the integrity of a corpse” was handed over to magistrates by prosecutors who handled...
'They change, too': Rockies photo archive documents high-altitude shifts
An astonishing trove of century-old photographs of the Rocky Mountains shows those rugged symbols of permanence and endurance are just as mutable as anything...
Study of giant ant heads using simple models may aid bio-inspired designs
Researchers use a variety of modelling approaches to study form and function. By using a basic biomechanical model for studying body form and center of mass stability in ants, new research identifies the benefits of "simple models" and hope that it can be used for bio-inspired designs.
Cherned up to the maximum
In topological materials, electrons can display behavior that is fundamentally differentfrom that in 'conventional' matter, and the magnitude of many such 'exotic' phenomena is directly proportional to an entity known as the Chern number. New experiments establish for the first time that the theoretically predicted maximum Chern number can be reached—and controlled—in a real material.
Advanced technology sheds new light on evolution of teeth
The evolution of human teeth began among ancient armored fishes more than 400 million years ago. In the scientific journal Science, an international team led by researchers from Uppsala University presents groundbreaking findings about these earliest jawed vertebrates. Using powerful X-ray imaging, they show that unique fossils found near Prague contain surprisingly modern-looking teeth.
Movement ecology bears fruits: ATLAS supports map-based navigation of wild bats
When wild Egyptian fruit bats set out at night to forage in Israel's Hula Valley, they do so using advanced spatial memory and a flexible cognitive mapping of the fruit trees and other goals scattered in their foraging area. They seldom search randomly and their foraging patterns cannot be explained by simpler navigation mechanisms, a research team headed by Hebrew University of Jerusalem's...
Dissecting fruit flies' varying responses to life-extension diet
Changes in a few small molecules involved in a cell's metabolism seem to indicate whether a restricted "life extension" diet will actually extend, shorten, or have no effect on lifespan, a study of fruit flies has found.
Socio-economic, environmental impacts of COVID-19 quantified
The first comprehensive study of the pandemic shows consumption losses amount to more than US$3.8 trillion, triggering full-time equivalent job losses of 147 million and the biggest-ever drop in greenhouse gas emissions.
Vulnerability for at-risk populations identified in US influenza data
A next-generation system for monitoring influenza outbreaks performs well overall, but reveals a critical lack of sufficient data to accurately monitor influenza in the most at-risk communities. Samuel V. Scarpino of Northeastern University in Boston, MA, and colleagues from the University of Texas at Austin present these findings in PLOS Computational Biology.