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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 230


Page 230 of 512

SMART finds new and safe method that enhances dengue vaccination -- Paving way to wide use

A team of researchers from SMART has developed a novel approach to induce strong and broad immunity against the dengue virus. Sequential immunization was found to be more effective in inducing higher levels of neutralizing antibodies to all four DENV serotypes than traditional tetravalent-formulated immunization.

Hedonism leads to happiness

New research from the University of Zurich and Radboud University found that people's capacity for hedonism contributes at least as much to a happy life as successful self-control. Distracted thoughts can undermine immediate pleasure, while consciously planning downtime can help enjoy it more

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateJul 27, 2020

Ultra-low power brain implants find meaningful signal in grey matter noise

The team discovered a technique to compress brain signals, focusing on neural activity spikes called threshold crossing rate or TCR, which requires less data while still being able to predict firing neurons. By listening to a specific feature of neuron data called spiking-band power, the SBP method is highly accurate and takes in one-t...

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJul 27, 2020

New study provides valuable historical dataset for Yellow River water management

Researchers reconstructed natural runoff history for the middle reach of the Yellow River from 1492 to 2013 CE, finding reduced runoff and sediment load due to human activities. The study provides an important model for distinguishing anthropogenic influence from natural variability in global change studies.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 2020

Pristine environments offer a window to our cloudy past

A new study uses satellite data to understand global cloud composition during the industrial revolution, finding that early-industrial aerosol concentrations were much higher than estimated by climate models. This could mean human-generated atmospheric aerosols are not having as strong a cooling effect as previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 2020

Tendency to select targeted retirement fund ending in zero may impact wealth

A new study by Iowa State University researchers reveals that individuals tend to select retirement funds ending in zero, leading to an incompatible level of risk and potentially lower total wealth at retirement. The findings suggest that demographic factors such as age, income, and education can influence the likelihood of this 'zero'...

SourceIowa State University·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJul 27, 2020

Comprehensive study of vaccine safety concludes that vaccines are 'remarkably safe'

A comprehensive review of vaccine data over 20 years found vaccines to be remarkably safe, with most safety issues identified through existing postmarketing surveillance programs. The study confirms the effectiveness of the vaccine approval system and postmarketing surveillance in ensuring public health benefits while minimizing risks.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 27, 2020

Molecular cause underlying rare genetic disorder revealed

Researchers discovered abnormalities in communication between brain cells and molecular changes affecting protein production due to dysfunctional CASK gene. The study also suggests an unexpected role for CASK in regulating energy production in cells, which may explain diminished brain size and dysregulated function.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalExperimental Neurology·DateJul 27, 2020

Population genetic screening shown to efficiently identify increased risk for inherited disease

A new study shows that community-based genetic screening can identify individuals at increased risk for three common inherited conditions, including Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer, Lynch Syndrome, and Familial Hypercholesterolemia. The study found that up to 90% of carriers were not previously identified in a clinical setting.

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalNature Medicine·DateJul 27, 2020

How to stack graphene up to four layers

A novel method to grow multi-layered, single-crystalline graphene with a selected stacking order in a wafer scale has been developed. The researchers used Cu-Si alloy formation to control the number of graphene layers, allowing for uniform large-area single-crystalline layer-tunable multilayer graphene growth.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 27, 2020

Rising temps put desert shrubs in high-efficiency mode

Research in the Mojave Desert shows that the brittlebush shrub has adapted to increased temperature and aridity by increasing its water use efficiency. Over a 39-year study period, the shrubs' ability to open their stomata was linked to changes in carbon isotopes, revealing a remarkable adjustment to the changing climate.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 2020