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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 426


Page 426 of 512

Regenerative nerve interface enhances precision and durability of hand prostheses

A new regenerative peripheral nerve interface (RPNI) technology has been developed to improve the control and precision of prosthetic hands for upper limb amputees. The RPNIs allowed participants to perform complex finger and thumb movements with high accuracy and worked for up to 300 days without requiring recalibration.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 4, 2020

Does antibiotic use during pregnancy and infancy impact childhood obesity?

Use of antibiotics during infancy may increase children's risk of becoming overweight or obese, while prenatal antibiotic use does not appear to affect weight in subsequent years. Investigators analyzed 23 studies involving over 1.2 million participants and found no link between prenatal antibiotic use and childhood obesity.

SourceWiley·JournalObesity·DateMar 4, 2020

Even fake illness affects relationships among vampire bats

A new study found that vampire bats' social relationships change differently depending on the type of behavior and relationship. The lead author injected the bats with a bacterial extract to make them feel sick without harming their health, observing how it affected their social interactions.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateMar 4, 2020

Waves and tides have bigger impact on marine life than human activity

A study of 170 species found that waves and tides have a bigger impact on marine life in Swansea Bay than human activity. This comprehensive picture will help planners understand the Bay's ecosystem and make informed decisions about ecological impact.

SourceSwansea University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateMar 4, 2020

Why runner's addiction is adding to your injury woes

A study by University of South Australia Adjunct Professor Jan de Jonge found that obsessively passionate runners are more likely to suffer from running-related injuries. In contrast, runners who maintain a harmonious balance between running and other activities report fewer injuries.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMar 4, 2020

Car congestion outweighs scooter scourge on city streets

A recent study by Cornell University researchers found that motor vehicles are the main cause of blocking access to other travelers on city streets, with a higher noncompliance rate (24.7%) compared to scooters and bikes (0.8%). The study suggests that cities should rethink their parking policies in response to the rise of technology-e...

SourceCornell University·JournalTransportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives·DateMar 4, 2020

Tiny scorpion-derived proteins deliver arthritis drugs to joints in preclinical study

Scientists at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center discovered a mini-protein in scorpion venom that rapidly accumulates in joint cartilage, allowing it to deliver steroids and other drugs directly to the affected area. This approach may potentially improve the safety of arthritis treatment by reducing systemic side effects.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 4, 2020

Fighting hand tremors: First comes AI, then robots

A team of researchers from NYU Tandon and Canada have developed a machine learning model called PHTNet, which enables robots to accurately predict and compensate for hand tremors in patients with Parkinson's disease. The model has been tested on a dataset of 81 patients and reported a 95% confidence rate over 24,300 samples.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 4, 2020

As farming developed, so did cooperation -- and violence

A new study finds that domestication of plants fostered cooperation among people, but also saw the rise of organized intergroup violence. As farming developed, groups aggregated and lived cooperatively in high-quality locations, but this led to a spike in trophy-taking violence.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalEnvironmental Archaeology·DateMar 4, 2020

Integrating electronics onto physical prototypes

CurveBoards enable easier testing of circuit functions and user interactions with products like smart devices and flexible electronics. The custom-designed objects merge form and function testing in early prototyping stages, improving the overall prototyping experience.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMar 4, 2020

Impact of obesity on ability to work highest amongst women over 50

A new study by the University of Southampton found that older women with obesity are at a higher risk of prolonged sickness absence or losing their jobs due to health reasons. Women with severe obesity were almost three times as likely to lose their job because of their health.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMar 4, 2020

Safe tackling, padded helmets lower head injuries in youth football

A Rutgers study found that middle school football players who wore padded helmets and used safe tackling and blocking techniques had no concussions during a 20-practice, seven-game season. The study's results suggest that the use of Guardian Caps and age of participants may have contributed to the low number of impacts recorded.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNeurology·DateMar 4, 2020

Real-world evidence empowers personalized decisions about weight-loss surgery

The PCORnet Bariatric Study's findings provide a more complete picture of the comparative benefits and risks of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. Patients with severe obesity can now make informed decisions about weight-loss surgery based on individual circumstances and preferences.

SourcePatient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateMar 4, 2020

Newfound cell defense system features toxin-isolating 'sponges'

Researchers at NYU Langone Health discovered a cell defense mechanism that uses tiny, protein-coated packages called exosomes to bind to and neutralize bacterial toxins. This 'soaking up' of toxins helps keep cells safe from infection.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateMar 4, 2020

Using molecules to draw on quantum materials

Researchers at INRS and McGill University developed a method to draw molecular patterns on the surface of quantum materials using macrocycles, changing their optical, magnetic, and electrical properties. This technique has potential applications for electronic devices and biosensing.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 4, 2020

Is it time to nationalize the drug industry?

Experts debate nationalizing the pharmaceutical sector to improve public health priorities, address extortionate pricing, and ensure patient access to new advanced drugs. Mariana Mazzucato and Henry Lishi Li propose a government-provided quality-assured medicine option that co-exists with private sector products.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMar 4, 2020

Supercomputers drive ion transport research

Scientists used XSEDE-allocated supercomputers to study ion transport through nanoporous membranes. Advanced path sampling techniques captured the kinetics of solute transport, revealing a previously unknown mechanism called induced charge anisotropy that affects ion movement.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalMatter·DateMar 4, 2020

Workplace program to improve blood pressure control

A randomized clinical trial in 60 urban workplaces in China found that a wellness program with hypertension management component significantly improved blood pressure control among employees. The program reduced systolic blood pressure by 3.5 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 2.5 mmHg compared to usual care.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateMar 4, 2020

Diabetes remission rates after 2 common weight-loss surgeries

Researchers examined associations between two common weight-loss surgeries and type 2 diabetes outcomes, finding improved glycemic control and weight loss after five years. The study included 9,700 adults who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, suggesting these procedures may help achieve diabetes remission.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateMar 4, 2020

Breastfeeding and risks of allergies and asthma

A study of 1,177 mother-infant pairs found exclusive breastfeeding for the first 3 months linked with a lower risk of respiratory allergies and asthma. Breastfeeding duration was insufficient to reduce the risk if not accompanied by family history of asthma.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Paediatrica·DateMar 4, 2020

Household chemical use linked to child language delays

A new study published in Clinical Pediatrics found that young children from low-income homes whose mothers used toxic household chemicals frequently showed delays in language development and scored lower on cognitive tests. The researchers analyzed data from 190 families and found no link between neighborhood pollution, mold, or pestic...

SourceOhio State University·JournalClinical Pediatrics·DateMar 4, 2020

Our eye movements help us retrieve memories, suggests a new Baycrest study

Researchers at Baycrest's Rotman Research Institute found that participants' eye movement patterns could predict mistakes in memory. They used an innovative eye tracking technique to map the participants' eye movements and observe pattern completion.

SourceBaycrest Centre for Geriatric Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2020

Research brief: Energy researchers invent error-free catalysts

Researchers developed oscillating catalyst technology that accelerates chemical reactions without side reactions, improving performance and cost-efficiency. This breakthrough has the potential to reduce waste by thousands of tons annually and transform the way chemicals are manufactured.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalChemical Science·DateMar 4, 2020

First-ever CRISPR gene editing within human body done at OHSU

Researchers have achieved a groundbreaking milestone in treating inherited blindness by using CRISPR gene editing within the human body. The BRILLIANCE clinical trial aims to repair mutations causing Leber congenital amaurosis type 10, a rare form of blindness. This permanent approach avoids passing on genetic changes to offspring.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·DateMar 4, 2020

Researchers gather interventions addressing 'word gap' into special edition of journal

A special edition of Early Childhood Research Quarterly presents 18 language-intervention research studies on the 'word gap,' which documents significant language disparities in young children. The research highlights the need for targeted interventions with parents, educators, and healthcare providers to address these gaps.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalEarly Childhood Research Quarterly·DateMar 4, 2020

Examining risk of violent assault among young immigrants, refugees in Canada

A population-based study found that young immigrants and refugees in Ontario, Canada, are at higher risk of experiencing violent assault compared to nonimmigrant youth. The study used linked health and administrative databases to analyze the risk of violent assault among young immigrants and refugees aged 10-24.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 4, 2020

How loneliness affects end-of-life experiences

A study of over 2,800 Americans aged 50+ found that lonely individuals experience more burdensome symptoms at the end of life and receive more intense care. They are also more likely to die in nursing homes and use life support.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 4, 2020

Researchers identify novel cybersecurity approach to protect Army systems

A team of researchers has identified a novel cybersecurity approach called SymTCP to enhance the effectiveness and timeliness of protection against attacks on Army systems. The approach uses symbolic execution to explore the state of TCP implementation and identify ways to reach critical points in the code.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·DateMar 4, 2020

Novel compound sparks new malaria treatment hope

A new class of antimalarial compounds has been developed by Australian and US researchers, targeting a previously unexplored parasite pathway. The compounds have shown effectiveness against different species of malaria parasites, including Plasmodium falciparum, at multiple stages of the parasite lifecycle.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMar 4, 2020

Researchers identify breaking point of conducting material

Researchers at Penn State developed a new method to predict the temperature when plastics change from supple to brittle, which could accelerate the development of flexible electronics. The study found that a simple relationship between chemical structure and glass transition temperature can be used to predict embrittlement point.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 4, 2020

Young women with breast cancer may face financial hardship after diagnosis

A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that young women with breast cancer experience substantial financial difficulties after diagnosis, even if they have stable jobs and insurance coverage. The study highlights the need for better financial planning and awareness of the costs associated with cancer care.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Epidemiology·DateMar 4, 2020

Moderate egg intake not associated with cardiovascular disease risk

A large US-based observational study found no association between moderate egg intake and increased cardiovascular disease risk. Egg consumption was not linked to higher rates of heart attacks, strokes, or coronary heart disease. However, replacing eggs with processed red meat may be associated with an increased CVD risk.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMar 4, 2020

When the going gets tough, the tough (plants) turn female

Severe damage to male maple trees caused them to flower as females two years later, suggesting a threshold for sex-determining cues. This research supports the idea that changes in sugar concentration in female trees might be a consequence of injury and physical damage.

SourceColgate University·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateMar 4, 2020

Zigzag DNA

Researchers at Delft University of Technology have discovered a new loop structure in DNA, called the 'Z loop', which differs from traditional single loops and occurs more frequently. This discovery sheds light on how condensin proteins fold DNA into a zigzag structure through complex interactions.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalNature·DateMar 4, 2020

Expanding the plasmonic painter's palette

Researchers developed a new plasmonic color-mixing approach using silver nanorods to create 2,456 unique colors with smooth transitions between hues and tones. This method has potential applications in new types of paint, electronic displays and anti-counterfeiting measures.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 4, 2020

Study find delta helps to decrease the impact of river flooding

Research finds that river delta vegetation can delay and reduce floodwaters, providing communities more time to prepare for storm surges and flooding. The study suggests that managing vegetation type can decrease the impact of coastal flooding by reducing downstream water height.

SourceDauphin Island Sea Lab·JournalWater Resources Research·DateMar 4, 2020

Weight loss surgery may increase fracture risk

A study published in Journal of Internal Medicine found that weight loss surgery, especially gastric bypass, increases the long-term risk of bone fractures. The rate was highest among patients who underwent gastric bypass, with a 2.58-times higher fracture risk compared to non-surgical obesity care and other bariatric surgery methods.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateMar 4, 2020

Birds of a feather better not together

A new study of North American birds found that regional ecosystem stability over time depends on both the total number of species present in a locality and on the variation in species identities among localities. The researchers used 20 years of observational data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey to test this hypothesis.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateMar 4, 2020

A new model of vision

A new computer model developed by MIT cognitive scientists can quickly generate a detailed scene description from an image, similar to the brain's ability. The model, known as efficient inverse graphics (EIG), reverses the steps used in computer graphics programs to generate images, allowing it to infer underlying features of a scene. ...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 4, 2020

Women deflated by #Fitspiration images

A recent study by Flinders University found that exposure to #fitspiration images increases negative mood and body dissatisfaction among young women. In contrast, exercise behavior was not significantly affected by viewing these images.

SourceFlinders University·JournalBody Image·DateMar 4, 2020

All optical control of exciton flow in a colloidal quantum well complex

Researchers from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, demonstrate a convenient way to control exciton flow between different colloidal quantum wells at room temperature through optical signals. They achieve continuous transition among three distinct exciton flow regimes with efficiencies of ~50%, ~90% and ~2%.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMar 4, 2020