New Gene Therapy Method Includes Microneedles and Nanoparticles

Medicine & Technology Oct 07, 2020

A new method of gene therapy involves minimally invasive microneedles. The patch includes genetic material within nanoparticles and can be applied for various clinical uses such as cancers, diseases, and vaccines.

24 Exoplanets Are Candidates for Superhabitability

Oct 07, 2020

For years, experts have searched for signs of life in space, namely traces of water. A recent paper described 24 exoplanets that may be superhabitable and provide living conditions similar or better than on Earth.

Ozone Layer May Fully Recover Despite Holes Over the North & South Poles

Oct 07, 2020

The ozone layer has grown thinner due to human activity and global warming. Despite the ozone holes' large measurement over the Antarctic and Arctic, experts believe the ozone layer will fully recover in a few decades.

NOAA Grants Ohio Researchers $1.1M To Develop Global Solution for Filtering Freshwater

Oct 07, 2020

In 2014, a three-day water crisis hit Ohio, after high microcystin levels were discovered in Lake Erie. Researchers from the University of Toledo have now developed a biofilter that can breakdown microcystin and, in turn, received a grant from the NOAA to expand the research to a global scale.

WWF Russia, Scientists, and Surfers Report Mass Deaths of Marine Wildlife in Kamchatka

Oct 07, 2020

Experts fear that the waters of the Kamchatka region are contaminated by chemicals that leaked from two sites. Large amounts of marine wildlife were reported dead onshore and several feet away from the shore.

2020 Nobel Prize in Physics Awarded to Astronomers and Mathematician Proving Supermassive Black Holes

Oct 06, 2020

The origins of supermassive black holes have had various theories. The work of two astronomers proving that the center of the Milky Way is a supermassive black hole plus a mathematician's work on black holes as the result of Einstein's theory of general relativity received the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics.

Researchers Decide to "Rehome" Laboratory Beagles Instead of Euthanasia

Oct 06, 2020

Finland conducts its first laboratory dog rehoming program. Laboratory beagles underwent socialization training, while new homes were assessed for suitability as an alternative to euthanasia.

Human Tissue Transformed Into Glass From Mount Vesuvius Eruption

Oct 06, 2020

Human tissue from nearly 2,000 years ago was unique preserved after volcanic ash cooled after Mount Vesuvius erupted in a process called vitrification. A similar analysis can be conducted on victims from recent events including fires and other volcanic eruptions.

Scientists Design New Stimulated Raman Scattering Microscope With Ultrathin Lens

Oct 06, 2020

Researchers from Saudi Arabia's KAUST develop a more affordable microscope to observe live cell growth, such as cancer cells. The optical device has a lens inspired by the design of a lighthouse lens.

Risky Animal Behavior Influenced and Triggered by Hunger

Oct 06, 2020

A study from the University of Jena, Germany looks at the high-risk behaviors of animals driven by poor nutritional conditions. Hunger can influence animals to migrate or explore new places in search of food.

Fly Larvae Fat Contains Antimicrobial Properties That Fight Plant Diseases

Oct 05, 2020

Crops are commonly affected by various plant diseases which have devastating consequences for food production. In a new study, biotechnologists explore a natural antibiotic found in the fat of fly larvae.

UCL Scientists to Study Aerosol Droplets During Worship in a Religious Setting

Oct 05, 2020

UCL is recruiting participants for the CONFESS Study where people will sing worship and scientists will measure aerosol droplets. The researchers aim to help the government make decisions regarding religious gatherings.

Viral Interferance May Strengthen the Immune Response to Coronavirus

Oct 05, 2020

Viral interference is the concept of getting infected with one virus so the immune system will build up defenses against other viruses. Researchers are hoping that exposure to the common cold like rhinovirus may serve as temporary protection against Covid-19.

Shark Teeth Give Insight on the Gigantism of Ancient Shark Species

Oct 05, 2020

Very little is known about the gigantism of certain shark species such as the Megalodon. A recent study suggests that the embryo cannibalism of certain warm-blooded sharks contribute to their enormous size.

India's New Paper Test for COVID-19 Could Change Everything

Oct 05, 2020

India has ranked second in COVID-19 positive cases yet lacks available testing. A new CRISPR and paper-based Feluda test may drastically change testing around the world.