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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 422


Page 422 of 512

Atomic fingerprint identifies emission sources of uranium

A team of scientists has identified a new isotopic signature, 233U/236U, that distinguishes between environmental emissions from civil nuclear industry and weapons fallout. This discovery provides a promising tool for tracing ocean currents and understanding the impact of human activities on the environment.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 9, 2020

More taxpayers' money for the environment and public benefit

EU Common Agricultural Policy is set to be revised, with over 3,600 researchers urging that scientific data be taken into consideration. The position paper proposes ten measures to improve the policy, including adequate funds for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and effective protection of natural habitats.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalPeople and Nature·DateMar 9, 2020

Scientists create tool to detect genes associated with psychiatric, brain diseases

Researchers created H-MAGMA, a computational tool that links non-coding genetic variants to their target genes in brain disorders. The study found that genes associated with psychiatric disorders are typically expressed early in life, while neurodegenerative disorder-associated genes are expressed later.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 9, 2020

Learning empathy as a care giver takes more than experience

Research at Thomas Jefferson University shows that nursing students' pre-existing assumptions about poverty are not challenged by existing training, and that service learning may even be detrimental to building empathy. The study suggests that nurses need more education on reflecting on their role in combating societal stigma of poverty.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJournal of Nursing Education·DateMar 9, 2020

Stone-Age social networks

A study of ostrich eggshell bead exchange reveals that relationships among hunter-gatherer groups existed across hundreds of kilometers in late Middle Stone Age southern Africa. The size of the network provided access to high ecological diversity and offered a social strategy against scarcity.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2020

New study presents stretchable and colorless solar cells, using Si microwire composites

Researchers at UNIST have developed flexible and transparent solar cells that can absorb reflected light, increasing their efficiency. The new solar cell structure takes advantage of the theoretical light absorption mechanism to recycle reflected light, enabling it to maintain over 95% initial efficiency even after bending tests.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·DateMar 9, 2020

Cell biology -- maintaining mitochondrial resilience

Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München identified a signaling pathway enabling mitochondria to transmit distress signals to the surrounding cytosol. This pathway involves enzymes OMA1 and DELE1, which trigger cellular responses to stress, potentially opening new therapeutic approaches for age-related diseases.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature·DateMar 9, 2020

Cryo-EM reveals unexpected diversity of photosystems

Researchers discovered diverse forms of Photosystem I in cyanobacteria and algae, including a specialized dimer in Anabaena and a minimal form in Dunaliella. These findings suggest new energy pathways, pigment binding sites, and phospholipids, providing insight into photosynthesis beyond traditional textbook descriptions.

SourceScience For Life Laboratory·JournalNature Plants·DateMar 9, 2020

'Strange' glimpse into neutron stars and symmetry violation

Researchers at RHIC have made precision measurements of hypertriton and antihypertriton binding energy and mass, shedding light on symmetry violations in neutron stars. The results could have significant implications for understanding astrophysical phenomena involving strange quarks.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 9, 2020

Babies born prematurely can catch up their immune systems, study finds

Researchers found that premature babies can catch up with their immune systems after birth, equivalent to those born at term. The study suggests that preterm and term infants converge in a similar time frame for immune development, and that early identification of infection risk can lead to improved outcomes.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 9, 2020

Lack of information impedes access to food pantries and programs in Utah

A University of Utah Health study found that poor communications in 22 Utah communities hinder efforts to connect those in need with food resources. The researchers identified four clusters of communities: Food Secure, Food Insecure, Information Deserts, and Information Uncertain.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMar 9, 2020

Fresh groundwater flow important for coastal ecosystems

Groundwater is a vital source of freshwater for crops and drinking water. A new computer model reveals that 20% of the world's sensitive coastal ecosystems are at risk due to groundwater flow carrying pollutants. Fresh groundwater can provide essential resources, but its high variability poses risks to local ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 9, 2020

Tax incentives for businesses could contribute to the decline of the middle class

A new study by West Virginia University researchers found that economic development incentives may contribute to the decline of middle-class jobs. The study examined the impact of tax breaks on employment trends in two cities, San Antonio and Birmingham, and found that incentivizing creative-class industries led to job losses in workin...

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalEconomic Development Quarterly·DateMar 9, 2020

Firearm violence solutions from a public health perspective

Researchers advocate for a public health approach to prevent and treat firearm violence, leveraging critical care providers and government funding. A solid evidence base is crucial for effective interventions.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalCritical Care Medicine·DateMar 9, 2020

Powering devices goes skin deep

Scientists have developed a method to recharge bioelectronic implants wirelessly using soft and flexible materials that absorb sound waves. The new technology could minimize surgical treatments and improve patient comfort. Researchers have successfully demonstrated the concept by charging devices with ultrasonic energy.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 8, 2020

Modern women with heart disease need flexible lifestyle programs

A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that women with heart disease often face barriers to cardiac rehabilitation due to lack of time, social support and transportation issues. The authors identified ways to modernize cardiac rehabilitation by offering enjoyable physical activities, flexible class tim...

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateMar 7, 2020

Radar and ice could help detect an elusive subatomic particle

A new study detects ultra-high-energy neutrinos using radar echoes, a potential breakthrough in studying these elusive particles. Researchers at Ohio State University created an experiment that uses radio waves to detect the cascades of charged particles left by neutrino collisions.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 6, 2020

Exploring the deep tissues using photoacoustic imaging

A team of researchers has created a novel photoacoustic imaging method that can penetrate up to 3.4 cm into deep tissues using a nickel-based nanoparticle contrast agent. This advancement enables the visualization of deep organs without causing harm or using ionizing radiation, paving the way for improved clinical diagnosis and practices.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalTheranostics·DateMar 6, 2020

Neuroscientists discover new structure of important protein in the brain

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have successfully mapped a novel conformation of LeuT, a bacterial protein similar to neurotransmitter transporters. This discovery sheds light on the mechanism of these proteins and may lead to better drugs for treating conditions such as ADHD, depression, and epilepsy.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 6, 2020

Older beetle parents 'less flexible'

Researchers found that younger females adapt their reproductive strategy based on the size of the carcass available, while older females consistently put high effort into reproduction. This age-dependent plasticity in parental care allows younger beetles to conserve resources for future reproductive opportunities.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateMar 6, 2020

Could cancer immunotherapy success depend on gut bacteria?

Researchers found that gut bacteria can accumulate within tumors and enhance the effectiveness of anti-CD47 immunotherapy. The study suggests that a probiotic might improve treatment outcomes, and identifying specific bacterial strains is crucial for future research.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMar 6, 2020

Showing robots how to do your chores

Researchers at MIT developed a system called PUnS that lets robots plan and perform complex tasks like setting a dinner table under uncertain conditions. The system enables robots to weigh multiple requirements and choose the most likely action, based on a 'belief' about probable specifications for the task.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Robotics and Automation Letters·DateMar 6, 2020

Music intervention and mindfulness reduces the effect of mental fatigue

A new study found that music-intervention (binaural beats) and 4 weeks of daily mindfulness training significantly reduced the effect of mental fatigue on sustained attention. The experienced mindfulness group performed better than others, indicating that practicing mindfulness helps focus and handle stressful situations.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Cognitive Enhancement·DateMar 6, 2020

$3 million grant may result in fewer unnecessary breast biopsies

Dartmouth engineers are developing a multi-modal breast imaging platform combining Microwave and Magnetic Resonance Imaging to improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce anxiety in patients. The approach aims to minimize unnecessary biopsies and eliminate the need for gadolinium contrast injection.

SourceThayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth·DateMar 6, 2020

How waves of 'clutches' in the motor cortex help our brains initiate movement

Scientists at the University of Chicago discovered that signals in the motor cortex act like a series of clutches when it comes to moving, and that these signals can be disrupted to slow the brain's initiation of movement. This finding has potential implications for treatments of Parkinson's disease.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNeuron·DateMar 6, 2020

How communication about environmental issues can bridge the political divide

A new study from Ohio State University suggests that communication about environmental issues can help bridge the political divide by appealing to moral foundations. The researchers found that conservative moral messaging was more effective at increasing support for transitioning away from fossil fuels among conservatives, especially w...

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology·DateMar 6, 2020

Moderate-to-high posttraumatic stress common after exposure to trauma, violence

Research by Yale School of Public Health reveals that over 30% of injury survivors experience moderate-to-severe PTSD symptoms within the first year. The study found factors such as physical assault, interpersonal violence, and lower educational attainment contribute to increased symptom severity.

SourceYale School of Public Health·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateMar 6, 2020

How drones can hear walls

Researchers have developed an algorithm that uses the transit time of sound waves to assign echoes to specific walls. The drone's six degrees of freedom are sufficient for optimal microphone placement, reducing ghost wall detection. This innovation opens a new pathway towards practical applications in various fields.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalSIAM Journal on Applied Algebra and Geometry·DateMar 6, 2020

SARS influencing response to novel coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic in Singapore

The article highlights key areas of review for diagnostic radiologists, vascular and interventional radiologists, nuclear medicine and molecular imaging specialists, as well as radiographers and nursing units. It emphasizes the need for rapid sharing of accurate information, infection prevention, and control knowledge, and emotional ma...

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateMar 6, 2020

Depressed, rural moms face greater health challenges--and so do their kids

Research reveals that mothers with chronic depression in poor rural communities experience increased health problems, distrusted doctors, and a worse outlook on life. Their children also suffer from emotional and behavioral issues due to lack of childcare options and support.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Family Social Work·DateMar 6, 2020

Study: Cough that spreads tuberculosis has pain-linked trigger

Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas identified a molecule that induces coughing in tuberculosis patients, providing a potential target for treatment and prevention. The discovery could help reduce the spread of TB, which kills over 1.3 million people worldwide annually.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalCell·DateMar 6, 2020

Study reveals breast cancer cells shift their metabolic strategy to metastasize

Researchers have discovered that breast cancer cells change their metabolism to move to other parts of the body, a finding that could lead to new strategies for preventing the spread of cancer. This shift in metabolism may be targeted with drugs to prevent metastasis and improve survival rates.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateMar 6, 2020

New aerial image dataset to help provide farmers with actionable insights

Agriculture-Vision dataset enables farmers to analyze aerial images and gain actionable insights into crop performance. The dataset, developed by researchers at the University of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering and Intelinair, includes over 100,000 images from corn and soybean fields across the Midwest.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·DateMar 6, 2020

NASA satellite offers urban carbon dioxide insights

A new NASA/university study uses satellite data to track carbon dioxide emissions in 20 major cities worldwide, revealing that densely populated cities tend to emit less CO2 per person. However, exceptions exist, such as cities with major power generation facilities and affluent areas with high rates of driving.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMar 6, 2020

Confusing standards lead to extra sugar in kids' breakfast cereals

A new study found that breakfast cereals marketed to children often contain more sugar per ounce than intended due to inadequate industry guidelines. Many companies participating in self-regulation programs like CFBAI fail to promote lower-sugar options, leading parents to unknowingly consume excessive sugar.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateMar 6, 2020

Machine sucks up tiny tissue spheroids and prints them precisely

Researchers at Penn State developed a novel bioprinting technique that uses aspiration-assisted printing to place tiny tissue spheroids in precise locations, enabling the creation of homogeneous and heterocellular tissues. This method has potential applications in regenerative medicine, drug screening, and microphysiological systems.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 6, 2020

Thinking in acids and bases

A team of researchers from Japan has developed a novel probe to measure changes in brain pH in mice during exposure to visual stimuli. The study reveals distinct patterns of pH changes in the primary visual cortex that correlate with specific visual stimulus patterns.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 6, 2020

Machine learning illuminates material's hidden order

Physicists used a combination of ultrasound and machine learning to study uranium ruthenium silicide's phase transition at 17.5 kelvin. The machine-learning algorithm eliminated over half of the possible explanations, providing new insights into the material's behavior.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 6, 2020

Zywicki receives funding for CFPB task force

George Mason University's Todd J. Zywicki has received $226,944 from the CFPB to lead a task force on harmonizing and updating federal consumer financial laws. The project aims to improve and strengthen consumer financial laws and regulations by end of 2020.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateMar 6, 2020

A filter for cleaner qubits

A team at Tokyo Medical and Dental University demonstrates a new method to increase the lifetime of qubits, enabling faster cycle times and reduced noise. This could lead to practical quantum computing applications in fields like finance and chemistry.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateMar 6, 2020

The impact of energy development on bird populations

A new study reveals energy development has negative impacts on sage-grouse reproduction, affecting their ability to nest and raise chicks. The study's findings emphasize the importance of preserving sagebrush habitats when positioning renewable and non-renewable energy projects to balance species conservation with energy demands.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateMar 6, 2020

Super magnets from a 3D printer

A team of researchers has successfully created super magnets using laser-based 3D printing, allowing for high-density magnet production with tailored magnetic properties. This breakthrough enables precise control over microstructure and geometric requirements, addressing the limitations of traditional manufacturing methods.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalMaterials·DateMar 6, 2020

A multi-dimensional optical storage medium: Photostimuable LiGa5O8: Mn2+ glass ceramic

Scientists have developed a new photostimuable LiGa5O8: Mn2+ glass ceramic medium for three-dimensional volumetric optical data storage, enabling expanded storage capacity and improved information security. The material's high transparency and controlled crystallization lead to a highly ordered nanostructure with low bit error rates.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMar 6, 2020

The brain has two systems for thinking about others' thoughts

Researchers found that 4-year-olds can understand others' thoughts, but younger children can predict behavior based on surface-level cues. The brain has two distinct systems for perspective-taking, which mature at different ages.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2020

New imaging technique enables the study of 3D printed brain tumors

A new imaging technique allows researchers to study 3D printed brain tumors in unprecedented detail, revealing how treatments affect complex tumor cells. This method provides a more accurate evaluation of drug effectiveness than traditional methods, which could lead to improved treatment outcomes for patients with glioblastomas.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 6, 2020

Individual response to COVID-19 'as important' as government action

Researchers stress that individual actions, such as self-isolation and social distancing, are key in controlling the pandemic. Governments can also take measures like banning large events and ensuring healthcare provision, but these must be balanced with economic considerations.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 6, 2020

Nanoscale 4D printing technique may speed development of new therapeutics

Researchers have developed a nanoscale 4D printing technique that combines nanolithography, microfluidics, and organic chemistry to create synthetic surfaces with precise structures and tailored chemical composition. This technology has potential applications in drug research, biosensor development, and advanced optics.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 6, 2020