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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 13


Page 13 of 512

Patients don't receive recommended follow-up care after weight loss surgery

A new study found that many weight loss surgery patients in the UK are not receiving annual nutritional monitoring and weight checks as recommended by clinical guidelines. This can lead to serious health consequences, including weight regain and nutrient deficiencies. The study's lead researcher calls for improved support for GPs and p...

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·DateDec 16, 2020

Suicide risk among patients with Parkinson disease

A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that patients with Parkinson disease in Taiwan were at a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors compared to the general population. The research highlights the need for improved mental health support and early intervention strategies for individuals with Parkinson disease.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateDec 16, 2020

Teaching artificial intelligence to adapt

Researchers at the Salk Institute have created a computational model of brain activity that simulates how humans adapt to new situations. The model, which incorporates the concept of 'gating' to control information flow, outperforms previous models and mimics human mistakes seen in patients with prefrontal cortex damage. This breakthro...

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2020

Modulating cells' chloride channels

Scientists have discovered how a key protein channel regulates ion transport across cell membranes, with implications for developing treatments for diseases such as cancer, cystic fibrosis, and neurological pain. The research found that the channel's function depends on its variant and is regulated by PIP2 binding and phosphorylation.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2020

Rethinking health and human rights

Paul Farmer, a renowned global health expert, has been awarded the Berggruen Prize for Philosophy and Culture for his groundbreaking work on infectious diseases, social inequality, and human rights. His impactful ideas have reshaped how we think about health and disease, particularly in resource-poor communities.

New guideline supports behavioral, psychological treatments for insomnia

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has published a new clinical practice guideline supporting cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia as the most effective treatment for chronic insomnia disorder. The guideline also recommends multi-component brief therapies and single-component therapies like stimulus control and relaxation ther...

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateDec 16, 2020

Giving cells an appetite for viruses

Scientists have identified a key gene necessary for cells to consume and destroy viruses through a process called autophagy. The study found that a gene called sorting nexin 5 (SNX5) plays a critical role in viral autophagy, suggesting that it could be used to develop broad-spectrum antiviral therapeutics.

Crowdfunding can affect consumer product choices -- especially when the products do good

A new study from the UBC Sauder School of Business finds that crowdfunding activates an interdependent mindset in consumers, making them more responsive to social good options. Researchers conducted experiments where participants were offered products with different benefits, including social good and performance benefits.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateDec 16, 2020

COVID patterns

A team of researchers has found evidence that UV radiation from sunlight significantly affects COVID-19 transmission. By analyzing daily COVID-19 cases and environmental conditions, they discovered a correlation between UV exposure and the growth rate of new cases.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2020

Proenkephalin (penKid®) included in the ADQI consensus statements publication as functional kidney biomarker for the management of AKI patients

The ADQI consensus statement recommends using a combination of damage and functional biomarkers to manage Acute Kidney Injury (AKI). Proenkephalin penKid is proposed as a marker for assessing AKI progression and kidney recovery, with CE-IVD marked assay available for point-of-care usage.

Sourcesphingotec GmbH·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 16, 2020

How the spread of the internet is changing migration

A study of over 150 countries links Internet penetration with migration intentions and behaviours, suggesting that digital connectivity plays a key role in shaping migration decisions. The association between Internet use and intention to migrate is stronger among women and those with less education, particularly for economic migrants.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPopulation and Development Review·DateDec 16, 2020

Researchers identify predictors of timely enrollment in treatment for opioid use disorder

Researchers analyzed Medicaid databases to identify predictors of timely enrollment in treatment for opioid use disorder among Medicaid recipients. Prior overdose, alcohol use disorder, and back problems were associated with non-enrollment, while frequent emergency room visits or primary care provider visits were linked to timely enrol...

SourceBrown University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateDec 16, 2020

Secret of Australia's volcanoes revealed

Scientists at University of Sydney discover volcanic activity along Australia's east coast is caused by a special volatile mix of molten rock bubbling up from the younger, thinner crust. The findings, published in Science Advances, suggest there could be more volcanic activity in the future.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 16, 2020

Neuroregenerative gene therapy

A research team led by Prof. Gong Chen has developed a novel gene therapy approach to regenerate functional new neurons using local glial cells in the injured spinal cord. This method uses internal glial cells and directly converts them into neurons, offering a promising therapeutic intervention for patients with spinal cord injury.

SourceGuangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·DateDec 16, 2020

Do the benefits of Christmas outweigh its harms?

The article highlights various Christmas-related health risks, including arsenic poisoning, injuries from falls and slips, and gastrointestinal problems. The authors argue that while some sources suggest the benefits of Christmas outweigh its harms, they themselves found no strong evidence of widespread adverse effects.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 16, 2020

Babbler bird falls into climate change trap

Researchers found that chestnut-crowned babbler birds adapt to rising temperatures by breeding earlier, but this reduces successful breeding due to cold temperatures. The study suggests these birds fall into an ecological trap, highlighting the need for further research on adaptable parenting.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateDec 16, 2020

Semiconductor material analysis made possible with artificial intelligence

Researchers at KIST developed an AI system that estimates magnetic Hamiltonian parameters from spin structure images using deep learning techniques. The system was trained with machine learning algorithms and achieved estimation errors less than 1%, reducing the material parameter estimation process from tens of hours to instant analysis.

Quantum insulators create multilane highways for electrons

Researchers at Penn State have created multilayered quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) insulators, enabling the realization of the QAH effect over a broader range of conditions. This allows for the construction of high-speed electronic highways with minimal energy loss, which could significantly improve information transfer speed.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateDec 16, 2020