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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 107


Page 107 of 512

Predicting influenza epidemics

The study developed a unique method to forecast influenza epidemics using real episode data and consultations about symptoms, achieving accurate results for all seasons under stable conditions. The forecasts can help redistribute resources effectively during an epidemic, with potential applications in the ongoing corona pandemic as well.

SourceLinköping University·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateOct 15, 2020

Marriage or not? Rituals help dating couples decide relationship future

A University of Illinois study found that rituals in dating relationships can magnify normative experiences and provide a preview into family life and couple life. Rituals have the power to bond individuals and serve as diagnostic tools for where the relationship is going.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateOct 15, 2020

Plant genetic engineering to fight 'hidden hunger'

A global research team led by the University of Göttingen explains how plant genetic engineering can combat micronutrient malnutrition. Biofortification using conventional breeding methods has already been successful in improving nutrition and health, but genetic engineering offers a way to further enhance benefits.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 15, 2020

Early trauma influences metabolism across generations

A study by University of Zurich's Brain Research Institute found that early childhood trauma can lead to changes in lipid metabolism and glucose levels in offspring and grand-offspring. The researchers discovered a molecular mechanism involving the PPAR receptor, which is activated by fatty acids and regulates gene expression.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateOct 15, 2020

What was responsible for the hottest spring in eastern China in 2018?

A record-breaking spring temperature event occurred in eastern China in 2018, with over 900 stations reaching their highest spring mean temperature on record. The analysis suggests that both human-induced global warming and anomalous circulation increased the chance of this extreme high-temperature event.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateOct 15, 2020

Better measures reveal more COVID-19 smell loss

Researchers found that direct measures of smell ability reveal a higher prevalence of COVID-19-related smell loss, estimated at 77%, compared to self-report methods, which underestimate the true prevalence. The study suggests that measuring people's sense of smell may become as routine as measuring body temperature for fever.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalChemical Senses·DateOct 15, 2020

Magnetic fields on the moon are the remnant of an ancient core dynamo

A study published in Science Advances confirms that the Moon's localized strong magnetic fields are remnants of an ancient core dynamo. The researchers used complex simulations to disprove the asteroid impact theory, showing that the resulting magnetic field is a thousand times weaker than necessary to explain the observations.

Astrocytes build synapses after cocaine use in mice

Researchers found that astrocytes play a critical role in forming synapses in response to cocaine exposure, which can contribute to addiction. Blocking these synapses may help prevent relapse, suggesting a new therapeutic target for substance use disorder.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateOct 15, 2020

Poor diet is top contributor to heart disease deaths globally

A recent study published in the European Heart Journal found that more than two-thirds of heart disease deaths worldwide can be prevented through healthier diets. The analysis of global data from 195 countries revealed that unhealthy eating, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are major contributors to ischaemic heart disease.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal - Quality of Care and Clinical Outcomes·DateOct 15, 2020

Cows prefer "live" co-moo-nication, study reveals

A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that cows are more relaxed when spoken to directly by a live human than when listening to a recorded voice. The researchers observed higher heart rate variability and lower heart rates after the live interaction, indicating improved mood.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateOct 15, 2020

The Lancet: Latest global disease estimates reveal perfect storm of rising chronic diseases and public health failures fuelling COVID-19 pandemic

The study provides new data on health in 204 countries and territories, revealing a perfect storm of rising chronic diseases and public health failures. Key findings include low life expectancy in the USA, high rates of cardiovascular deaths and obesity, and increasing mortality rates among adults aged 25-34 years.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 15, 2020

Was Hong Kong once a coral reef paradise?

Researchers from The University of Hong Kong studied fossil corals and created the first palaeoecological baseline for coral communities in the Greater Bay Area. They found a 40% decrease in coral species, particularly staghorn corals (Acropora), which now occupy only 50% of their historic range.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 15, 2020

Clean and clear: How being more transparent over resources helps cut carbon emissions

A new study by the University of Sussex Business School reveals that countries signing up to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) have seen significant reductions in carbon emissions, with an average decrease of 13% between 2000 and 2014. In contrast, the world average carbon footprint per capita grew by 23% over th...

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalThe Extractive Industries and Society·DateOct 14, 2020

An alternative to animal experiments

Researchers at TUM have developed human intestinal organoids as a model for studying nutrient and drug transport in the intestines. These miniature intestines can accurately reflect physiological processes inside humans, paving the way for medical and pharmaceutical applications such as drug screening.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·DateOct 14, 2020

New insight into neovessel formation shows promise in future treatment of cardiovascular diseases

A new study by researchers at the University of Eastern Finland provides novel insight into the previously unknown effects of factors regulating blood vessel formation. Bone morphogenetic factor 6, BMP6, is shown to regulate blood vessel formation via vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and Hippo signalling pathway.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalAngiogenesis·DateOct 14, 2020