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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 18


Page 18 of 512

Robotic exoskeleton training improves walking in adolescents with acquired brain injury

Researchers have found that gait training using robotic exoskeletons significantly improved motor function in adolescents and young adults with acquired brain injury, including increased loading, longer step length, and faster walking speed. However, further studies are needed to confirm the training effect and optimal dosing protocol.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalApplied Bionics and Biomechanics·DateDec 14, 2020

An alternate savanna

After 40 years of civil war, Gorongosa National Park's animal population has rebounded, with most species returning to the park through conservation efforts. However, researchers found that large herbivores like zebra and wildebeest are rare, while baboons and waterbuck dominate the landscape.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalAnimal Conservation·DateDec 14, 2020

Researchers create gene expression database to gain new insights into pneumococcal infecti

Researchers have created a comprehensive gene expression database to study pneumococcal infections. The database reveals that the bacteria behaves differently depending on the site of infection and the organs respond accordingly. This could lead to new treatments, such as anti-inflammatory therapies.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2020

Sheets of carbon nanotubes come in a rainbow of colours

Researchers at Aalto University have created a colour atlas for 466 unique varieties of single-walled carbon nanotubes, revealing their potential applications in electronics and solar panels. The study developed a quantitative model to predict the specific colors of thin films made by combining any of the 466 varieties.

SourceAalto University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 14, 2020

Allocating resources across life span during COVID-19

The article emphasizes the importance of ensuring equity in hospital resource allocation during pandemics. Implementing protocols that account for the disproportionate impact on neonates and children is crucial. By doing so, healthcare systems can reduce disparities and improve outcomes for vulnerable populations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateDec 14, 2020

Using play to "school" children's emotions

A study by Université de Genève found that pretend play-based curriculum improved children's ability to recognize emotions and regulate their behavior. The program, introduced in classes aged five and six, enhances emotional vocabulary and promotes prosocial behavior.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateDec 14, 2020

Association of political party affiliation with physical distancing among young adults during COVID-19 pandemic

A recent study found that individuals with Republican party affiliation were less likely to practice physical distancing, while those with Democratic affiliation were more likely. The research estimated associations between political party and physical distancing behaviors among young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateDec 14, 2020

Quantum mysteries: Probing an unusual state in the superconductor-insulator transition

Researchers at Tokyo Tech discovered a 'quantum liquid state' of quantum vortices causing the anomalous metallic state, emerging from quantum criticality. This finding clarifies the nature of the superconductor-insulator transition in 2D superconductors and holds promise for designing next-generation superconducting devices.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 14, 2020

Explained: Political polarization

A University of Houston researcher has developed a mathematical model showing that economic inequality causes political polarization. Once polarization occurs, it can spread rapidly to the whole population and persist even when the conditions that produced it have reversed.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 14, 2020

The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health: Black children diagnosed with severe sepsis are more likely to die than White or Hispanic children, hospital data suggests

A recent study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health found that Black children diagnosed with severe sepsis have a 20% greater odds of death compared to their White and Hispanic peers. Additionally, 'other' insurance status was associated with increased mortality, and Black and Hispanic children had longer hospital stays.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateDec 14, 2020

Women, parents and early-career faculty in ecology most impacted by COVID-19

A recent study found that female faculty, single parents, and early-career researchers are disproportionately affected by COVID-19, struggling with work-life balance and experiencing increased stress. The survey of over 600 faculty members highlights the need for universities to acknowledge these challenges and implement policies to su...

SourceColorado State University·JournalEcological Applications·DateDec 14, 2020

Grasping exponential growth

A new study from ETH Zurich found that informing the public of potential bias does little to improve perception, even for those aware of exponential growth. Participants underestimated infections after 30 days of exponential spread, but improved when asked about doubling times or time gained with mitigation measures.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 14, 2020

Mapping coral from the air

Researchers developed an airborne approach to map live coral distribution in the Hawaiian Islands, revealing a negative correlation between nearshore development and live coral cover. The study suggests that this cost-effective method could provide high-resolution monitoring of coral health at a low cost.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2020

Household transmission of SARS-CoV-2

Researchers found that households will continue to be a significant venue for SARS-CoV-2 transmission despite isolation efforts. The study emphasizes the importance of implementing effective public health measures to mitigate this risk.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 14, 2020