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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 14


Page 14 of 512

Coral can acquire their symbiotic algae from giant clam poop!

Researchers have discovered that corals can acquire their symbiotic algae from the fecal pellets of giant clams. This finding suggests a novel route for the transportation of Symbiodiniaceae to corals, which could have significant implications for our understanding of coral-algae interactions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 16, 2020

A pair of lonely planet-like objects born like stars

Researchers have discovered a binary system of brown dwarfs, orbiting each other at an unprecedented distance, with one object being similar in mass to Jupiter and the other about 8 times less massive. This rare find suggests that star formation processes can create binary systems like those found in our solar system on smaller scales.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateDec 16, 2020

African American youth who receive positive messages about their racial group may perform better in school

A new longitudinal study published in Child Development found that African American youth who receive positive messages about their racial group in school achieve better grades one to two years later. The study suggests that a positive sense of community and interdependence is key to success for these students.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateDec 16, 2020

Molecules derived from omega-3 can regenerate inflamed periodontal tissue

A recent study by Brazilian researcher Emmanuel Albuquerque de Souza shows that maresin and resolvin produced from omega-3 fatty acids can stimulate periodontal ligament stem cells even in the presence of inflammation. This finding has significant implications for regenerative therapy in treating periodontal disease.

Carbon capture's next top model

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh analyzed over 150 studies on hollow fiber membrane contactors, a leading carbon capture technology. They found that 3D models can reveal unique information about the technology, accelerating progress towards commercial use.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalMembranes·DateDec 16, 2020

New viral detection technique uses smartphone camera to diagnose various infections

Scientists developed a novel smartphone-based technique to diagnose viral infections using a deep learning algorithm that identifies viruses in metal nanoparticle-labeled samples with 98.97% sensitivity. The system correctly identified clinically relevant concentrations of Zika, hepatitis B and C in patient samples.

Patients with COVID-19 and obesity have poor outcomes not driven by inflammation

A new study suggests that COVID-19 patients with obesity have poor outcomes, but this is not due to increased inflammation. Instead, respiratory issues and other factors may play a role. The researchers found that patients with obesity had lower inflammatory markers on hospital days, which could contribute to their poor clinical outcomes.

Low-intensity exercise during adolescence may prevent schizophrenia

Researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that low-intensity exercise during adolescence can significantly reduce abnormal behaviors in a mouse model of schizophrenia. The study suggests that mild exercise habits during development could have a powerful preventative effect in individuals genetically predisposed to schizophrenia.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications·DateDec 16, 2020

Cells resistant to treatment already present before diagnosis of adult leukaemia

Researchers discovered that cancer cells resistant to adult leukemia treatment are already present in tumors before diagnosis, according to a new study published by IRB Barcelona. The study analyzed genome sequencing data from 19 adult patients and found that these resistant cells were undetectable at the time of diagnosis.

Pandemic fears driving firearm purchases

A Rutgers study found that people intending to acquire a firearm in the next 12 months are less tolerant of uncertainty and experience more severe COVID-19 specific fears. Essential workers and those who have worked in law enforcement are more likely to consider purchasing firearms as a means of safety during uncertain times.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research·DateDec 16, 2020

Training methods based on punishment compromise dog welfare

Dogs trained with aversive methods showed increased cortisol levels and stress-related behaviors compared to those trained with reward-based methods. The study suggests that aversive training techniques may have a negative impact on dog welfare, especially when used at high frequency.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 16, 2020

The Lancet Global Health: Pregnant women excluded from three-quarters of COVID-19 treatment trials

A review of international trial registry data reveals that pregnant women are routinely excluded from most clinical treatment trials for COVID-19, despite being at increased risk of severe illness. The authors argue that this exclusion poses a significant risk to the potential effectiveness and safety of treatments for pregnant women.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateDec 16, 2020

Energy transition at the crossroads: New topical issue inRussian Journal of Economics

The Russian Journal of Economics' new issue explores the complexities of energy transition amid global crises, including health, economic, environmental, political, and humanitarian crises. Researchers examine emerging trends in global energy markets, renewable energy sources, and geopolitical implications of energy policy changes.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalRussian Journal of Economics·DateDec 16, 2020

Towards circular economy: European manufacturers tend not to report on their actions

A recent study by Kaunas University of Technology found that large European manufacturing companies prioritize environmental impact reports over circular economy principles. The researchers analyzed 226 companies' GRI reports and discovered a lack of disclosure on product lifecycle extension, material reuse, and recycling technologies.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateDec 16, 2020

How much greenhouse gas emission comes from tropical deforestation and peatland loss?

Studies in Cameroon, Indonesia, and Peru found that forest conversion to agriculture and degradation slows carbon and nitrogen cycles, affecting greenhouse gas flows. Methane removals decreased by up to 47% and nitrous oxide emissions dropped by 52%, but results are equivocal for peatland degradation.