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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 178


Page 178 of 512

Individual dolphin calls used to estimate population size and movement in the wild

Researchers at Stellenbosch University and the University of Plymouth have successfully used unique signature whistles of individual bottlenose dolphins off Namibia's coast to estimate population size and track movement. The method, which marks a first for acoustic monitoring, yielded promising results and has potential applications fo...

SourceStellenbosch University·JournalJournal of Mammalogy·DateAug 31, 2020

Scientists unlock crops' power to resist floods

Researchers have discovered a way to make staple foods resistant to flooding triggered by climate change. By manipulating enzymes that control plant responses to low oxygen levels, scientists hope to create flood-tolerant crops that can help mitigate the devastating impact of extreme weather events on food production.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2020

Is being generous the next beauty trend?

A recent study published in Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly found that individuals perceived as more attractive are more likely to exhibit generous behaviors, while givers are rated as more attractive. This research challenges the conventional notion that physical attractiveness is solely linked to personal qualities.

SourceIndiana University·JournalNonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly·DateAug 31, 2020

Nerve cells with energy saving program

Researchers discovered a metabolic adaptation in nerve cells that allows them to counteract degeneration and promote survival. This 'metabolic rewiring' involves the activation of the Krebs cycle anaplerosis pathway, which makes neurons resistant to progressive damage.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 31, 2020

Stationary waves and tropical cyclone variability

Researchers found significant correlations between stationary wave strength and tropical cyclone activity, with strong waves modulating TC frequency and altering atmospheric conditions. The study's hemispheric perspective on TC variability offers insights into improving future projections of TC activity in a warming climate.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2020

Demonstrating the dynamics of electron-light interaction originating from first principle

Researchers have developed a new tool to simulate electron-light interactions with unprecedented accuracy, enabling the study of ultra-fast processes and complex dynamics. The breakthrough, led by Professor Nahid Talebi, combines Maxwell and Schrödinger equations to describe electron-light interactions beyond adiabatic approximations.

SourceKiel University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 31, 2020

Study: Anonymized cell phone location data can help monitor COVID-19 growth rates

Researchers analyzed anonymous county-level cell phone location data and incidence of COVID-19 in over 2,500 US counties between January and May 2020. The study found that changes in cell phone activity were associated with COVID-19 incidence, suggesting that anonymized cell phone location data can help public health officials monitor ...

SourceMount Auburn Hospital·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateAug 31, 2020

Uncovering the hidden life of 'dead' coral reefs

Researchers from the University of Queensland have found that 'dead' coral rubble supports more animals than live coral, revealing a new understanding of these often-overlooked habitats. The discovery highlights the importance of biodiversity in these areas, which are dominated by tiny invertebrates and microorganisms.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateAug 31, 2020

Antibody blockade effective in treatment of severe COVID-19

A study published in PNAS identified an overlap between cytokine release syndrome and COVID-19, finding that IL-6 signaling blockade can alleviate symptoms of both conditions. By treating severe COVID-19 patients with a human monoclonal antibody-based drug called Actemra, PAI-1 levels rapidly declined and disease symptoms were alleviated.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2020