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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 120


Page 120 of 512

Genomic characteristics, transmission routes of patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 in Southern California during early stage of COVID-19 pandemic

A case series of 192 SARS-CoV-2 positive patients in Southern California investigated transmission routes and local community spread within the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The study found that multiple transmission routes existed, including household, healthcare-associated, and travel-related cases.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 7, 2020

Applying artificial intelligence to science education

Machine learning transforms traditional science assessment by tapping into complex constructs, improving functionality and facilitating automatic scoring. The technology is expected to redefine science assessment practices and change the future of education.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Research in Science Teaching·DateOct 7, 2020

The good cough and the bad cough

Researchers have identified separate brain pathways for good and bad coughs, potentially leading to new treatments for chronic cough disorders. The study used functional brain imaging to assess cough reflex sensitivity and identified two distinct neural circuits involved in coughing.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateOct 7, 2020

Looking for pieces of Venus? Try the moon

A new study proposes that pieces of Venus could have crashed on the moon, providing a possible solution for testing Earth-like environment theories. Ancient rocks from Venus are thought to contain valuable information about the planet's history and its interactions with asteroids and comets.

SourceYale University·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·DateOct 7, 2020

Discovery of a new key player in long-term memory

A McGill-led research team found that protein synthesis in inhibitory cells plays a crucial role in controlling long-term memory. The study identified two distinct processes taking place in excitatory and inhibitory networks, with each neuronal system capable of selective manipulation for memory control.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·DateOct 7, 2020

New research determines if political "air war" or "ground game" is most effective

A new study by Lingling Zhang and Doug J. Chung found that mass media advertising is more influential among independent voters, while grassroots outreach is more effective at reaching a candidate's base. The research also suggests that television advertising can persuade undecided voters to change their minds.

Facemask use has lesser consequences on indicators of cognitive performance than expected

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Copenhagen found that facemask use does not affect indicators of cognitive performance when wearers are resting or performing moderate physical work in normal work-wear in hot environments. Wearing a facemask was shown to make it more difficult to breathe during physical work in a h...

Study confirms genetic link in cerebral palsy

A recent study published in Nature Genetics has confirmed the genetic link in cerebral palsy, revealing that rare gene mutations can cause this devastating movement disorder. The research, which analyzed DNA from 250 cerebral palsy families, found evidence of damaging genetic variants and inherited recessive gene variations.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 7, 2020

Study finds older adults using cannabis to treat common health conditions

A recent study found that 61% of patients who used cannabis began using it after age 60, primarily for medical purposes. The most common reasons for cannabis use were pain, insomnia, and anxiety, with patients reporting relief from these issues. The study highlights the need for healthcare professionals to be aware of cannabis use amon...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 7, 2020

Trust and income inequality fueling the spread of COVID-19

A study by McGill University researchers found that trust in public institutions is associated with lower COVID-19 mortality rates, while social trust and belonging are linked to higher deaths. Greater economic inequality is also a significant factor, particularly in countries with large gaps between rich and poor.

SourceMcGill University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateOct 7, 2020

Warmer winters are keeping some lakes from freezing

A study analyzing nearly 80 years of lake ice data found ice-free years have become more than three times more frequent since 1978, with 11% of lakes experiencing at least one completely ice-free year. Warmer winter temperatures are driving this trend, and the researchers project it will continue due to climate change.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 6, 2020

Evolution: Shifts in mating preference

Researchers have identified five genes associated with the different visual mating preferences of two tropical butterfly species. These genes are linked to the processing of visual information during courtship, without affecting perceptions of other aspects of the environment. This study provides insights into the evolutionary changes ...

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2020

Climate-friendly cooling to help ease global warming

A new study suggests that coordinated international action on energy-efficient, climate-friendly cooling could avoid as much as 600 billion tonnes CO2 equivalent of greenhouse gas emissions in this century. The Kigali Amendment aims to phase down HFCs, and improving energy efficiency in cooling technologies can lead to significant elec...

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateOct 6, 2020

Battling with neighbors could make animals smarter

According to a study published in Nature Communications, interactions with outsiders may drive the evolution of intelligence in animals. Big-brained animals have adapted to contend with rival outsiders, requiring considerable brain power to defend territories, find mates and compete for resources.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2020

Some employees more likely to adhere to information security policies than others

A new study from Binghamton University found that professional subcultures within an organization significantly impact employees' compliance with information security policies. Researchers discovered that different groups, such as physicians and support staff, have varying levels of adherence due to their unique work responsibilities a...

SourceBinghamton University·JournalInformation Systems Research·DateOct 6, 2020

Promising treatment for aggressive childhood cancer

Researchers at Lund University identified and tested a drug effective against neuroblastoma, showing promising results with tumor growth prevention and prolonged survival in mice. The KSP inhibitor has been shown to be especially effective against the aggressive variant, which often has poor prognosis.

SourceLund University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 6, 2020