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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 15


Page 15 of 512

What lessons can medicine learn from Father Christmas?

Doctors suggest Father Christmas's skills can inform medical practice, such as taking breaks, staying hydrated, and empowering team members to raise concerns. They also emphasize the importance of teamwork, effective communication, and situational awareness in high-pressure situations like Christmas Eve deliveries.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 16, 2020

UC Study: Suicide watch more important now than ever

Researchers found a significant increase in suicidal behaviors, including ideation, planning, and attempts, between 2015-2018. The study's findings emphasize the importance of addressing mental health issues and developing effective coping skills to prevent suicide. Key risk factors include African Americans, younger adults, sexual min...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalCrisis·DateDec 16, 2020

One in five doctors in Sweden has a doctor parent

A Swedish study reveals that one in five doctors has at least one parent who is also a trained medical professional. The finding suggests that the profession may be increasingly hereditary, which could impact patient outcomes and the diversity of the healthcare workforce.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 16, 2020

A well-rooted study

A recent study led by UC Santa Barbara's Marc Mayes investigates how patterns in tree water loss to the atmosphere relates to groundwater supplies. The results validate at landscape-wide scales ideas that scientists have proposed based on decades of research.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalHydrological Processes·DateDec 16, 2020

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: Largest seroprevalence study in the region finds number of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 in Iran may be higher than expected

A large-scale seroprevalence study in Iran found that around 17.1% of the population has been infected with SARS-CoV-2, with significant variations between cities and occupations. Despite this high rate, a substantial proportion of the population remains susceptible to infection.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateDec 15, 2020

Engineers go microbial to store energy, sequester CO2

Bioengineers at Cornell University have created theoretical solutions for efficiently absorbing and storing large-scale renewable energy from the sun while sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide. The developed microbes can store energy and absorb CO2, potentially creating low-carbon fuel with net-zero emissions.

SourceCornell University·JournalJoule·DateDec 15, 2020

Kernels of history

Genetic analysis reveals that improved maize varieties developed by Indigenous South Americans were reintroduced into Central America, potentially leading to more productive and consumed varieties. The study provides new insights into the spread of maize in the Americas and its impact on human history.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 15, 2020

Extreme political advertising can hurt campaign efforts

A Dartmouth study reveals that extreme political messaging can radicalize supporters, pulling them away from undecided voters. Researchers used a computer model to simulate social media users and found that aggressive communications can backfire, solidifying support among existing backers but alienating moderate voters.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalPhysical Review X·DateDec 15, 2020

Engineers develop soft robotic gripper

A new soft robotic gripper designed by researchers at the University of Georgia uses a unique twining motion to offer several advantages over existing robotic devices. The device has embedded sensors providing real-time feedback, enabling it to firmly grasp objects as small as 1 millimeter in diameter.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalOptics Express·DateDec 15, 2020

Cancer researchers identify potential new class of drugs to treat blood and bone marrow cancers

Researchers at Cleveland Clinic's Taussig Cancer Institute have identified a potential new class of targeted drugs to treat myeloid leukemias, including those with the common TET2 gene mutation. The new pharmacological strategy, TETi76, preferentially targets and eliminates leukemia cells with TET2 mutations in preclinical models.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalBlood Cancer Discovery·DateDec 15, 2020

How does pathogen sense environment? Scientists identify key proteins' structures

Researchers have discovered a new two-component system (TCS) in bacteria that helps sense environmental stimuli and trigger cellular responses. The study reveals the molecular mechanism of G6P signal transduction by HptRSA sensor complex, providing important clues for nutritional sensing mechanisms in bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 15, 2020

Creating a ground plan for stonefly evolution

A team of researchers led by the University of Tsukuba examined five different stonefly species' eggs to understand their evolutionary relationships. They found that differences in egg structure, such as hard outer membranes and attachment structures, provided insight into the order's ground plan and evolutionary history.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalArthropod Structure & Development·DateDec 15, 2020

Device mimics life's first steps in outer space

The VENUS device simulates complex organic molecules in interstellar space conditions by replicating the strong vacuum and frigid temperatures found in space. This allows researchers to better understand how these molecules form and potentially identify prebiotic species involved in early life processes.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateDec 15, 2020

My, what sharp teeth

Gorgonopsians, a lineage more related to humans than dinosaurs, evolved the first complex tooth serration made of enamel and dentine, discovered in a new Harvard-led study. This finding indicates that gorgonopsians developed this specialized structure early in amniote evolution.

Accurate neural network computer vision without the 'black box'

A team of researchers from Duke University has developed a method to make neural networks more transparent and interpretable. By modifying the reasoning process behind predictions, it is possible to better understand how these complex models work. The approach involves replacing standard parts of a neural network with new ones that con...

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateDec 15, 2020

Lessons learned from the COVID-19 frontline

The conference shares current knowledge and thinking across physiological systems, showcasing the symbiotic relationship between physiology and critical care. Physiologists have played an integral part in managing COVID-19, highlighting the importance of understanding pathophysiology to drive appropriate clinical intervention.