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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 394


Page 394 of 512

Untangling the social lives of spiders

A recent study in Genome Biology and Evolution explores the genetic underpinnings of spider sociality, revealing rapidly evolving genes involved in behavior, immunity, and brain-specific expression. The analysis found differences in metabolic processes between solitary and social spiders, hinting at distinct hunting and feeding behaviors.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateMar 31, 2020

AI as mediator: 'Smart' replies help humans communicate during pandemic

Researchers found that AI systems can absorb moral responsibility in difficult conversations, allowing humans to trust them more than their human partners. The study explores how AI alters human interactions and suggests potential applications for improving communication with subtle guidance from AI.

SourceCornell University·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateMar 31, 2020

Cooperative male dolphins match the tempo of each other's calls

Researchers found that allied male bottlenose dolphins synchronize their vocal behavior when cooperating together, promoting cooperative behavior and regulating stress. This behavior helps reduce tension between males in a context that requires them to work together successfully.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·DateMar 31, 2020

Mucus and the coronavirus

Biomedical engineer Jessica Kramer is researching how different compositions of mucus play a part in transferring coronaviruses from person to person. Her study may help identify those who are 'super-spreaders' and those more vulnerable to infection, leading to faster and more accurate data on virus spread.

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateMar 31, 2020

Scientists tap unused energy source to power smart sensor networks

Researchers have created a device capable of converting low-level magnetic fields into usable electricity, with 400% higher power output than existing technology. This technology has significant implications for designing self-powered wireless sensor networks in smart buildings, potentially leading to substantial energy savings.

SourcePenn State·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateMar 31, 2020

Mesoamerican copper smelting technology aided colonial weaponry

Spanish invaders depended on Mesoamerican copper smelting technology to produce bronze artillery pieces. Indigenous experts shared their knowledge with European colonizers, allowing them to smelt copper and create essential armaments.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalLatin American Antiquity·DateMar 31, 2020

Textile-fiber-embedded multiluminescent device for future wearable devices

Dr. Soon Moon Jeong's team creates a new light-emitting technology using in-plane electro-luminescent technology that inserts electrodes into a luminous layer, overcoming existing limitations. The device emits light more flexibly and stably than traditional devices, with applications in wearable devices and textiles.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalMaterials Today·DateMar 31, 2020

Fracking chemical may interfere with male sex hormone receptor

Research suggests a hydraulic fracturing chemical can block the effects of testosterone and other male sex hormones. The study found that exposure to this chemical could lead to abnormal reproductive function, male infertility, and disrupted testicular and prostate development.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateMar 31, 2020

On Mars or Earth, biohybrid can turn carbon dioxide into new products

Researchers have developed a biohybrid system that uses bacteria on nanowires to convert carbon dioxide and water into organic building blocks. The system has achieved a record efficiency of 3.6% in converting solar energy into carbon bonds, making it comparable to sugar cane's 4-5% efficiency.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalJoule·DateMar 31, 2020

Artificial intelligence can help some businesses but may not work for others

Research by Chris Meyer at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute suggests that businesses with substantial human interaction or changing service offerings may not benefit from AI automation. In contrast, companies that limit customer choice and interaction are more likely to see success with AI technologies.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalJournal of Service Management·DateMar 31, 2020

Ocean deoxygenation: A silent driver of coral reef demise?

New study reveals ocean deoxygenation as a critical factor in coral reef degradation, highlighting the need for improved data collection and management practices. Researchers warn that reduced oxygen availability exacerbates the impact of climate change and pollution on reefs.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 31, 2020

Men with erectile dysfunction may face higher risk of death

A recent study has found that men with erectile dysfunction are at a higher risk of death, even if their testosterone levels are normal. The research, which analyzed data from over 1,900 participants, suggests that sexual symptoms can be an early sign of increased cardiovascular risk and mortality.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateMar 31, 2020

€450 million for Europe's long-term frontier research

The European Research Council has awarded €450 million in funding to 185 researchers, who will explore innovative ideas in various fields of research. The new projects aim to create 1,800 jobs and address pressing global challenges such as climate change and cancer research.

SourceEuropean Research Council·DateMar 31, 2020

Sediments may control location, magnitude of megaquakes

Researchers found that variations in subducting sediments can influence the magnitude and location of megathrust earthquakes. Sediment thinning caused by volcanic activity may play a key role in determining the size and distribution of these catastrophic events.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateMar 31, 2020

China's control measures may have prevented 700,000 COVID-19 cases

Researchers analyzed China's control measures during the first 50 days of the COVID-19 epidemic and found that they may have prevented over 700,000 infections outside of Wuhan. The study suggests that these measures successfully broke the chain of transmission by preventing contact between infectious and susceptible people.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateMar 31, 2020

Heavy drinking into older age adds 4 cm to waistline

A new UCL study found that heavy drinking over a lifetime significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and liver damage in older adults. Heavy drinking is also associated with a larger waist circumference and body mass index (BMI) in later life, even if it's stopped before age 50.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalAddiction·DateMar 31, 2020

Broken bone location can have significant impact on long-term health

Research found that older people with proximal fractures face a higher risk of hospitalization for major medical conditions and dying prematurely. In contrast, distal fractures showed similar or lower risks. The study suggests that treating bone health is crucial to improve outcomes after a fracture.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateMar 31, 2020

Artificial intelligence could help predict future diabetes cases

Researchers used machine learning to analyze nationwide health checkup records and identified a reliable method for predicting diabetes patients. The model accurately predicted future incidence of diabetes with an overall accuracy of 94.9%.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateMar 31, 2020

Discovery of new biomarker in blood could lead to early test for Alzheimer's disease

Researchers discovered a biomarker for early detection of Alzheimer's disease in the form of high levels of RNA produced by the PHGDH gene. The study, published in Current Biology, suggests that overproduction of extracellular RNA by the PHGDH gene in elderly individuals may serve as an early warning sign of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 31, 2020

Poor fitness may impede long-term success in weight loss program

A new study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society found that people with very poor fitness at the beginning of a behavioral weight loss program lose less weight in the long term. Adults with poor or better fitness lost nearly twice as much weight over 18 months compared to those with very poor fitness.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateMar 31, 2020

Housing insecurity may increase risk of kidney disease

A study found housing insecurity is associated with a 3.2-fold higher odds of albuminuria, a sign of kidney disease, but not rapid kidney function decline. Housing insecurity was linked to delayed healthcare visits and compromised health in urban-dwelling adults.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalKidney360·DateMar 31, 2020

Healthier chickens, happier consumers

A new system of cameras and vision software is being developed to monitor commercial broilers' activity levels, providing a common assessment tool for farmers, retailers, and consumers seeking to support better animal welfare.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateMar 31, 2020

Injuries from motorized scooters

Researchers analyzed medical data from 61 adults who visited an emergency department with scooter-related injuries. The study highlights the growing concern of motorized scooter injuries, particularly among young adults and pedestrians.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 31, 2020

Assessing forests from afar

Researchers suggest a more detailed approach to assessing forest health, focusing on protected areas with finer scale data. This method can help identify non-intact forests and track changes in forest cover over time.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·DateMar 31, 2020

Fake Russian Twitter accounts politicized discourse about vaccines

Phony Russian Twitter accounts contributed to the politicization of vaccine discussions among Americans, leading to increased polarization. Researchers found that pro-Trump personas expressed anti-vaccine sentiments, while anti-Trump personas supported vaccines.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMar 31, 2020

Using fiber optics to advance safe and renewable energy

Researchers at Berkeley Lab are developing fiber optic sensors to monitor offshore wind operations and underground natural gas storage. These sensors aim to detect issues such as gearbox failure and marine mammal activity, improving the reliability and safety of these systems.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateMar 30, 2020

How at risk are you of getting a virus on an airplane?

Researchers developed CALM model to simulate pedestrian movement and predict disease spread on airplanes. The model produces results almost 60 times faster than SPED, enabling real-time decisions in emergency situations.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 30, 2020

Predictive models for life outcomes

A collaborative study built predictive models to forecast six life outcomes based on 15-year social science data. The findings suggest that even the most accurate models were not reliable, casting doubt on the assumption of predictable life trajectories.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2020

E-cigarettes more effective than counseling alone for smoking cessation

A clinical trial found that smokers who received nicotine-containing e-cigarettes had a significantly higher quit rate compared to those who received only counseling. Participants using e-cigarettes reduced their daily cigarette consumption by 13 cigarettes per day, with overall quit rates of 21.9% at 12 weeks.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 30, 2020

A Martian mash up: Meteorites tell story of Mars' water history

Researchers analyzed Martian meteorites to reconstruct Mars' chaotic history and find that the planet likely received water from at least two distinct sources. The findings suggest Mars never had an ocean of magma completely encompassing the planet, contradicting previous theories.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 30, 2020

Exercise training better than weight loss for improving heart function in type 2 diabetes

Patients with type 2 diabetes who underwent supervised exercise training showed significantly improved heart function and increased cardiovascular fitness compared to those on a low-energy diet. A low-energy diet, however, led to favourable effects on the structure of the heart and reversal of diabetes in 83% of participants.

SourceNational Institute for Health Research·JournalDiabetes Care·DateMar 30, 2020

Argonne and CERN weigh in on the origin of heavy elements

Researchers from Argonne National Laboratory and CERN studied the neutron-shell structure of a nucleus with fewer protons than lead and more neutrons than 126, revealing new insights into heavy element formation. This study informs models of stellar events and the early universe.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 30, 2020

LANL news: High altitude water Cherenkov Observatory tests speed of light

Researchers confirm Lorentz Invariance holds true at record-breaking high-energy gamma rays, extending the range where relativity's constant speed of light is valid. The High Altitude Water Cherenkov Observatory detected gamma rays from distant galactic sources, providing powerful proof of Einstein's theory.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 30, 2020

Antiplatelet drugs increase risk for TAVR patients with atrial fibrillation

Patients with atrial fibrillation who took oral anticoagulants alone after TAVR had a lower rate of bleeding complications without an increased risk of clotting-related complications. Oral anticoagulants alone were significantly less likely to suffer bleeding complications than those who took antiplatelet medication in addition.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 30, 2020

New research sheds light on potentially negative effects of cannabis

A recent study by Washington State University researchers found that more than 50% of college students reported experiencing coughing fits, anxiety, and/or paranoia while using cannabis. The study also identified the most distressing adverse reactions, which included panic attacks, fainting, and vomiting.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Cannabis Research·DateMar 30, 2020

Artificial intelligence improves X-ray identification of patients with broken bones

A new study found that artificial intelligence (AI) can accurately identify patients at risk of osteoporosis and fractures by analyzing electronic radiology reports, outperforming traditional manual methods. The AI tool, XRAIT, detected a significant number of major fractures, improving patient outcomes and reducing the burden of illness.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateMar 30, 2020

Movement toward gender equality has slowed in some areas, stalled in others

A new five-decade study found that progress toward gender equality has slowed down since the 1990s, with women making gains in education and employment but stagnant progress in pay and occupations. Despite early momentum in the 1970s and 1980s, movement towards gender equity stalled beginning in the 1990s.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2020

Microelectronics for birds

Scientists have developed a tiny device to study the avian magnetic orientation mechanism, challenging the prevailing photochemical theory. The experiment found that birds with portable devices attached were not disoriented when exposed to local oscillating magnetic fields, suggesting alternative components of the magnetoreception system.

SourceSt. Petersburg State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 30, 2020