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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 415


Page 415 of 512

Misinformation on vaccines readily available online

Research by University of Otago found significant levels of negative information about vaccines available online, including on Google, Facebook, and YouTube. Health professionals can help inform parents by referring them to credible websites containing well-validated information.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalVaccine·DateMar 12, 2020

Zoology: Western gorillas may be territorial

A study in Scientific Reports suggests western gorillas may be territorial, with groups defending the centers of their home ranges against neighboring groups. The authors monitored eight groups across a 60 km2 area and found that gorillas tend to avoid feeding areas visited by other groups the previous day.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 12, 2020

Kristin N. Saboe receives SIOP Distinguished Award

Kristin N. Saboe has made significant contributions to the practice of Industrial-Organizational (I-O) psychology within ten years of receiving her PhD. Her work focuses on reducing suicides and risk-taking behaviors among soldiers, and increasing preventative approaches through resilience and performance management.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Organizational Psychology·DateMar 12, 2020

S. Morton McPhail recognized for service to SIOP

S. Morton McPhail received the award for his sustained, significant service to SIOP, including elected positions and volunteer work on committees. His influential work has had lasting impact on the field of I-O psychology.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Organizational Psychology·DateMar 12, 2020

Estimating adults at high risk for vision loss, evaluating care use

A study found that the number of US adults at high risk for vision loss increased significantly between 2002 and 2017. The estimated number rose to over 93 million in 2017, with a majority having diabetes or eye problems, highlighting the need for improved awareness of eye care.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateMar 12, 2020

Robots popular with older adults

A study by psychologists at Friedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena found that older people are more open to robots, particularly those resembling humans. The researchers tested participants with varying levels of autistic traits and found that older individuals with stronger autistic tendencies were more accepting of machines.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateMar 12, 2020

New COVID-19 content from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers analyzed lung tissue from a COVID-19 patient to investigate histopathologic changes and SARS-CoV-2 immunostaining. The study found distinct patterns of immune cell activation and inflammation, shedding light on the disease's pathophysiology.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 12, 2020

Separations between earthquakes reveal clear patterns

Researchers found a strong 'cross-correlation' between inter-earthquake distances and times, especially after large earthquakes. The study's results could help seismologists better understand earthquake patterns and inform policymakers about disaster preparedness.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateMar 12, 2020

SIOP recognizes Denise M. Rousseau for Lifetime Scientific Achievement

Denise M. Rousseau has been honored with the Distinguished Scientific Contributions Award from SIOP for her impressive body of work, with over 70,000 citations, across three areas of I-O psychology: psychological contract, idiosyncratic deals, and evidence-based management.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Organizational Psychology·DateMar 12, 2020

Study finds gorillas display territorial behavior

A new study by researchers at Anglia Ruskin University and the University of Cambridge has found that gorillas recognize and respect 'ownership' of specific regions, influencing their movement patterns and behavior. The discovery provides important clues for understanding human evolution and social cooperation.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 12, 2020

Poor physical health a barrier for job seekers with serious mental illness

A Rutgers study of people with serious mental illness found that physical health problems are a greater barrier to job seeking than psychological health issues. Chronic unemployment can exacerbate stress, anxiety, and depression, and reduce access to care for managing both physical and mental conditions.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Vocational Rehabilitation·DateMar 12, 2020

To protect your brain, don't be (too) kind!

A new study by the University of Geneva reveals that elderly individuals with low agreeableness are better protected against Alzheimer's disease. Brain imaging and psycho-cognitive evaluations showed that these individuals have preserved brain regions damaged in normal aging and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNeurobiology of Aging·DateMar 12, 2020

A new record of deglaciations in last million years shows persistent role of obliquity pacing

A new record of deglaciations reveals the persistent influence of obliquity and insolation in pacing Earth's glacial-interglacial cycle. The study presents a high-resolution record of the last 11 deglaciations, showing that Earth's obliquity remained the main driver of glacial cycles throughout the Quaternary period.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 12, 2020

Facebook users change their language before an emergency hospital visit

Researchers found that patients' Facebook posts showed a shift to more formal language and descriptions of physical pain before their ED visit, reliably predicting hospital visits. The study provides evidence that social media can be an unseen signal of medical distress and could potentially be used to trigger health care interventions.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 12, 2020

Paul R. Sackett recognized with SIOP's prestigious Dunnette Prize

Dr. Paul R. Sackett has made significant contributions to the knowledge of individual differences in cognitive ability, job knowledge, integrity, personality, and more, impacting various fields including education, military, and private organizations.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Organizational Psychology·DateMar 12, 2020

Hero proteins are here to save other proteins

Researchers discovered a new group of heat-resistant proteins called Hero proteins, which can protect other proteins from clumping and aggregation. The Hero proteins have unusual shapes and abilities to prevent protein instability and promote longevity, extending the life span of fruit flies by 30 percent.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 12, 2020

How the historically misunderstood amyloid helps to store memories

Researchers have discovered a new role for amyloids in memory storage. They found that Orb2 protein self-aggregates form biochemically active aggregates at synapses, promoting synaptic translation and memory persistence. This finding challenges the traditional view of amyloids as neurotoxic structures.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalScience·DateMar 12, 2020

SIOP recognizes Janet L. Kottke for Distinguished Teaching Career

Janet L. Kottke, PhD, has received the Distinguished Teaching Contributions Award from SIOP for her outstanding teaching contributions and dedication to graduate education. Her innovative research and commitment to quality learning experiences have enriched I-O master's programs across the country.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Organizational Psychology·DateMar 12, 2020

Gold nanoparticles uncover amyloid fibrils

Researchers have made a groundbreaking finding by using gold nanoparticles to label and visualize amyloid fibrils in their natural state. This breakthrough has significant implications for understanding the mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease and developing new treatments.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 12, 2020

Facebook language changes before an emergency hospital visit

A new study found that patients' Facebook posts exhibit a shift towards more formal language and health-related discussions before an emergency department visit, indicating increased anxiety and concern for their health. This research provides valuable insights into the potential use of social media as a signal of medical distress.

SourceStony Brook University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 12, 2020

Hair in 'stress': Analyze with care

Researchers found that commonly used hormone analysis method in animal hair can overestimate cortisol levels by up to ten times. A more comprehensive mass spectrometry analysis revealed significant discrepancies and suggested the need for careful validation of each enzyme immunoassay before using it on hormone analysis from hair samples.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalConservation Physiology·DateMar 12, 2020

Causes of loneliness differ between generations, research says

A study of over 4000 people finds that emotional resilience and extroversion can reduce loneliness, while social isolation is more significant for older adults who live alone. The research highlights the importance of understanding loneliness in different generations.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateMar 11, 2020

Bristol pioneers use of VR for designing new drugs

Researchers at the University of Bristol used virtual reality to predict how common medications work on a molecular level. They successfully 'docked' drug molecules into proteins and were able to accurately predict their binding behavior, including for flu and HIV treatments.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 11, 2020

Combined tissue engineering provides new hope for spinal disc herniations

Researchers develop combined technique to restore damaged intervertebral discs, improving hydration and structural integrity of the nucleus pulposus. The method also repairs damaged annulus fibrosus tissue, suggesting a potential strategy for improving outcomes in discectomy patients.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 11, 2020

BIN1 deficit impairs brain cell communication, memory consolidation

A new preclinical study reveals that a lack of BIN1 leads to defective neurotransmitter transmission, impairing brain cell communication and memory consolidation. The study suggests that BIN1 plays a crucial role in regulating synaptic transmission and may be involved in the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 11, 2020

Newer anti-HIV drugs safest, most effective during pregnancy

A multinational study of over 640 pregnant women with HIV found that regimens containing dolutegravir were more effective in suppressing HIV than a commonly used regimen containing efavirenz. Nearly 98% of women who received either of the DTG-containing regimens were virally suppressed at delivery, while only 91% of those receiving EFV...

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateMar 11, 2020

More than half of Americans want money, control in exchange for genetic data

A survey of over 2,000 Americans found that most respondents prefer a more transparent governance approach with control and compensation. The top factors increasing willingness to share data were policies allowing data deletion and specific permissions for re-use. Conversely, policies selling database access to pharmaceutical firms and...

SourcePenn State·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 11, 2020

Heavy stress and lifestyle can predict how long we live

A Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare study found that heavy stress shortens life expectancy by 2.8 years, while a healthy lifestyle can increase it by 1.4 years (fruit) and 0.9 years (vegetables). The same factors impacted both men and women.

SourceFinnish Institute for Health and Welfare·JournalBMJ Open·DateMar 11, 2020

€2.45 m to investigate leukaemia causes and therapies

Researchers aim to investigate leukaemia stem cells to gain a better understanding of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) causes and therapies. The study will use isolated single cells from patient samples to analyze characteristic markers, mutations, functional data, and metabolic pathways.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·DateMar 11, 2020

Alcoholics Anonymous most effective path to alcohol abstinence

A comprehensive analysis of 35 studies found AA to be nearly always more effective than psychotherapy in achieving abstinence and lowering health care costs. The fellowship's social interaction model provides emotional support and practical tips, facilitating behavior change.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateMar 11, 2020

A graphene innovation that is music to your ears

Researchers at Berkeley Lab developed a graphene-based transducer that converts electric signals into sound with efficiency and control. The technology has the potential to revolutionize audio products, offering crystal-clear sound quality and improved performance.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateMar 11, 2020

Coral reefs 'weathering' the pressure of globalization

Research links ENSO climate pattern to detrimental impacts on Southeast Asian coral reefs, revealing long-term environmental changes. Coral cores provide a critical record of local changes in river runoff and rainfall, highlighting the need for resilience to future environmental changes.

SourceCurtin University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 11, 2020

Why are workers getting smaller pieces of the pie?

A new study by MIT economists reveals that the decline in labor's share of GDP is primarily driven by market concentration among large companies. The study found that top firms in various sectors have gained market share, while smaller firms with higher labor shares have lost out.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Quarterly Journal of Economics·DateMar 11, 2020

Diet has an impact on the multiple sclerosis disease course

Researchers found that propionic acid reduced relapse rates and disability progression in MS patients, with initial MRI studies suggesting reduced brain atrophy. The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in immune regulation, and altering its composition may lead to innovative dietary measures to complement existing therapies.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCell·DateMar 11, 2020

The Lancet: Triple therapies to treat malaria are effective and safe

The study of 1,100 people with uncomplicated falciparum malaria from eight countries shows that TACTs are highly efficacious with no safety concerns. However, they showed slightly higher rates of vomiting and minor changes in the electrical activity of the heart compared to existing treatment.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 11, 2020

Trailblazers issue celebrates women entrepreneurs in chemistry

The American Chemical Society is celebrating women entrepreneurs in chemistry with a special issue, featuring 20 female pioneers who have founded companies in biotechnology, solar energy, pharmaceuticals, and more. The Trailblazers issue aims to address the gender gap in funding and promote diversity in the entrepreneurial landscape.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMar 11, 2020

Keeping cats indoors could blunt adverse effects to wildlife

A new study reveals that house cats have a two- to 10-time larger impact on wildlife than wild predators. The research found that most pet cats hunt in disturbed habitats and kill an average of 3.5 prey items per month, leading to an estimated ecological impact per cat of 14.2-38.9 prey ha-1 yr-1.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAnimal Conservation·DateMar 11, 2020

Single biological factor predicts distinct cortical organizations across mammalian species

A KAIST research team identified a retino-cortical mapping ratio as the prime determinant in the topography of cortical organization, resolving a long-standing puzzle in understanding visual neuroscience. The study found that evolutionary variation in biological parameters induces distinct functional circuits in the visual cortex acros...

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 11, 2020

Study: Layoffs lead to higher rates of violent offenses and property crimes

A new study by Case Western Reserve University economist Mark Votruba found that involuntary job loss leads to a dramatic increase in criminal behavior. Displaced workers experienced a 20% increase in criminal charges the year after being laid off, as well as decreased earnings and full-time opportunities.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Labor Economics·DateMar 11, 2020

Microbes play important role in soil's nitrogen cycle

Soil microbes convert ammonium to nitrates using oxygen and diverse processes, making nutrients available to plants. The study highlights the importance of understanding microbial roles in the soil nitrogen cycle, which can inform efficient fertilizer use and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateMar 11, 2020