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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 187


Page 187 of 512

Stronger together in the microbiome: How gut microbes feed each other to overcome dietary deficiencies, change host behavior, and improve reproduction

A team of researchers found that two specific gut bacteria establish a metabolic cross-feeding mechanism, enabling them to grow in diets lacking essential nutrients. This interaction also affects the fly's feeding behavior, reproduction, and brain function, making the microbiome more resilient to dietary changes.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 25, 2020

Moving bits, not watts

Researchers propose moving workloads to different regions to reduce excess renewable energy generation, saving companies money and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The plan could absorb up to 62% of curtailed electricity capacity in California, equivalent to 100,000 households' annual energy consumption.

Studying water polo for kicks

Water polo players use efficient 'eggbeater' kicks to elevate themselves in the water, exceeding biomechanical predictions. The high efficacy of this technique may lead to optimized sports performance and new underwater propulsion methods.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalSports Biomechanics·DateAug 25, 2020

Quantum simulation for 3D chiral topological phase

Researchers simulated a 3D chiral topological insulator using nitrogen-vacancy centers, observing dynamical bulk-surface correspondence and symmetry protection in momentum space. They measured spin textures on band inversion surfaces, revealing perfect (broken) topology depending on the preserved or broken chiral symmetry.

SourcePeking University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 25, 2020

Lockdowns have economic and social costs for world's poorest families

A new research study documents the impacts of COVID-19 lockdown measures on low socioeconomic families in rural Bangladesh, revealing increased financial hardship, food insecurity, domestic violence and mental health challenges. The study highlights the need for welfare support and social protection for women and their families during ...

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateAug 25, 2020

Sedentary behaviour on the rise across Europe

The study found that sedentary behavior increased by 3.9% in Spain, 7.4% in Germany, 17.8% in France, and 22.5% in Great Britain between 2002 and 2017. The authors suggest that increasing physical activity and reducing screen time could help mitigate the risks associated with prolonged sitting.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateAug 25, 2020

Memory protein

A study by UC Santa Barbara researchers found that a disordered protein exhibits slow relaxations, defying expectations, and 'remembers' its previous stretching. This behavior is similar to glassy materials like memory foam and crumpled paper.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 25, 2020

Galactic bar paradox resolved in cosmic dance

A new study resolves the Galactic bar paradox by proposing that the central region of the Milky Way is connected to the spiral arm in a 'cosmic dance', causing contradictory estimates of motion. The bar's size and rotational speed fluctuate rapidly, making it appear larger and slower at certain times.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 25, 2020

Legacy

A new study led by UT Southwestern scientists suggests that breastfeeding changes the body's insulin sensitivity, particularly in highly insulin-sensitive organs like the liver and fat tissue. This increase in insulin sensitivity may provide a buffer against insulin resistance even decades later, lowering the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalDiabetes·DateAug 25, 2020

Why we distort probability

A team of researchers from New York University and Peking University found that human cognitive limitations lead to distorted probabilities and errors in decision-making. The model predicted human performance better than previous models, suggesting that people do as well as they can under their limitations.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 25, 2020