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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 432


Page 432 of 512

Why is an empty shampoo bottle so easy to knock over?

A physics professor and first-year physics major demonstrate how the center-of-mass of a nearly empty shampoo bottle affects its stability when placed on a tilted surface. The study reveals that the altitude of the center of mass is a nonlinear function of the liquid level, with lower levels resulting in higher altitudes.

SourceLehigh University·JournalThe Physics Teacher·DateMar 2, 2020

ACA helped make health insurance access more equal, but racial and ethnic gaps remain

A new study finds that the Affordable Care Act has reduced racial and ethnic gaps in access to health insurance, but significant disparities remain. The analysis shows that Black and Hispanic Americans are still less likely to have health coverage and more likely to avoid care due to cost, compared to non-Hispanic whites.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMar 2, 2020

The microbes in your mouth, and a reminder to floss and go to the dentist

A crowd-sourced study found that people who floss regularly have lower microbial diversity in their mouths than non-flossers, and adults with recent dental visits have less of the periodontal disease-causing oral pathogen. The study also uncovered a possible link between childhood obesity and periodontal disease.

SourceColorado State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 2, 2020

USPSTF recommendation expands screening for hepatitis C

The USPSTF now recommends screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) in adults aged 18-79, following a decade of rising cases linked to increased injection drug use. This updated guidance aims to reduce deaths from HCV, which exceeds those of other reportable infectious diseases.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 2, 2020

Researcher receives grant to study effects of hypersonic shock waves

The researcher will employ real-world materials to study the effect of surface roughness on dynamic behavior of hypersonic shock-wave interactions in a Mach 7 Ludwieg Tube facility. The goal is to aid in the design of next-generation Air Force flight systems, overcoming technical challenges such as extreme heat and pressure loads.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateMar 2, 2020

The 'Monday effect' is real -- and it's impacting your Amazon package delivery

Researchers at Lehigh University found that the 'Monday effect' negatively impacts supply chain performance, resulting in longer times between ordering and shipping, and more errors in order fulfillment. Technology solutions such as automated order processing systems can improve Monday performance by up to 90%.

SourceLehigh University·JournalInformation Systems Research·DateMar 2, 2020

Child access prevention laws spare gun deaths in children

Child access prevention laws, enacted in half of US states, reduced firearm fatalities in children under 15 by 13% compared to states with no regulations. States with the most restrictive laws had a 59% reduction, preventing an estimated 4,000 deaths.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMar 2, 2020

How quickly do flower strips in cities help the local bees?

A study found that urban flower strips attract a significant number of city bee species, with one-year-old strips supporting over a quarter of the total bee fauna. The findings suggest that these greenery interventions provide essential support for pollinators and can serve as effective conservation measures.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalJournal of Hymenoptera Research·DateMar 2, 2020

Surgeons cut opioid prescriptions by 64% using a new multipronged program

A new pain management program implemented in a Texas healthcare system reduced longer-term opioid prescriptions by two-thirds, from over five days to fewer than five days. The program used physician education, monitoring, and incentives to shift prescribing patterns.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMar 2, 2020

Avian influenza and live poultry trade in China

Research in China suggests a strong association between avian influenza and the country's live poultry trade network. Movement of virus lineages was often associated with major evolutionary divergences and was much more likely to occur within regional trade communities.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 2, 2020

Scientists show drug may greatly improve cancer immunotherapy success

A study led by the University of Southampton found that a new drug, GKT137831, can break down the barrier preventing lymphocytes from attacking cancer cells. This approach may significantly improve the success rate of cancer immunotherapy treatment for many patients.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalCancer Research·DateMar 2, 2020

Gold in limbo between solid and melted states

Researchers used X-ray free-electron lasers to study the structural changes in polycrystalline gold thin films during laser-induced melting. The findings suggest that melting occurs preferentially at grain boundaries, resulting in a non-uniform process.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 2, 2020

On eve of Super Tuesday, study sheds light on how people make choices

Researchers used mathematical models to simulate social interactions and found that people's decisions can be influenced by others' indecisiveness. The study's findings could inform strategies to combat misinformation on the internet and provide insights into how people make choices in real-world scenarios.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateMar 2, 2020

Biometric devices help pinpoint factory workers' emotions and productivity

Researchers at Hiroshima University found a positive correlation between happy emotional states and productivity among factory workers in Laos. The study used wearable biometric devices to track employees' emotional states over three working days, revealing that only happy emotions were related to productivity.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalSustainability·DateMar 2, 2020

Coastal wetlands and storm damage

US counties with more wetlands experienced significantly less property damage from hurricanes and tropical storms over a recent 20-year period. Coastal wetlands serve as natural levees, reducing property damage by up to $430 million in Florida since 1996.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 2, 2020

Not a 'math person'? You may be better at learning to code than you think

A recent study from the University of Washington found that a natural aptitude for learning languages is a stronger predictor of learning to program than basic math knowledge. Participants who excelled in programming tasks tended to have strong problem-solving and language abilities, suggesting that coding involves learning a second la...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 2, 2020

Scientists find functioning amyloid in healthy brain

Researchers found that a protein called FRX1 functions in an amyloid form in healthy brains, contradicting the idea that only diseased brains store amyloids. This discovery has significant implications for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceSt. Petersburg State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 2, 2020

Irregular sleep may increase risk of cardiovascular events

A new study found that individuals with irregular sleep patterns experienced a two-fold increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared to those with regular sleep patterns. This suggests that healthy sleep isn't just about quantity, but also about variability, and can have an important effect on heart health.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 2, 2020

'Smart water' may aid oil recovery

Scientists at Rice University found that low-salinity brine can create emulsion droplets in crude oil, enhancing oil recovery. The research also revealed the wettability of rock determines how easily it releases oil.

SourceRice University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 2, 2020

Study finds 'far-reaching' impact from Affordable Care Act

A new study by New York University researchers found that the Affordable Care Act has had a significant impact on reducing financial barriers to healthcare, with 19.3 million people gaining coverage since its implementation in 2010. The law's market reforms have also led to measurable gains in the financial well-being of poor Americans.

SourceNew York University·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMar 2, 2020

Directed species loss from species-rich forests strongly decreases productivity

A study on the BEF-China experiment found that directed species loss in high-diversity ecosystems leads to significant reductions in forest productivity. The researchers simulated both random and directed species extinction scenarios and analyzed the data, revealing that diversity alone does not protect against losses.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 2, 2020

Re-thinking 'tipping points' in ecosystems and beyond

A new model by Catalina Chaparro-Pedraza and André de Roos shows how small environmental changes can induce slow evolutionary changes in species, leading to delayed regime shifts. This research has implications for understanding complex systems beyond ecosystems, including financial markets.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 2, 2020

Sleeping sheep may offer clues to human brain disease

A specific brain wave type shared by humans and sheep may help researchers study human brain disorders. Researchers monitored a sheep's sleep changes during the progression of a brain disease, potentially leading to a sleep-based diagnosis in humans.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateMar 2, 2020

Navigating the potential pitfalls of tracking college athletes

Researchers highlight tensions between staff and athletes when data collection encroaches on autonomy, while also exploring the benefits of performance monitoring. The study suggests that designers can improve interfaces to support athlete self-reflection and communication with staff.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction·DateMar 2, 2020

Length of pregnancy alters the child's DNA

A study of over 6,000 newborn babies found that longer pregnancies are associated with chemical DNA changes in thousands of genes. These epigenetic modifications may influence fetal organ development and potentially affect the health of premature birth children.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalGenome Medicine·DateMar 2, 2020

MTU engineers zap and unstick underwater smart glue

Researchers at Michigan Technological University have created an underwater smart glue prototype that can be activated and deactivated using electricity. The team, led by Bruce Lee, used electrical current to turn off the adhesion of a catechol-containing material, achieving this in just seven seconds.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 2, 2020

Is there a technological solution to aquatic dead zones?

Researchers found that pumping oxygen-rich surface water into the depths of lakes, estuaries, and coastal ocean waters could alleviate dangerous dead zones. The downwelling method was shown to be three to 100 times more efficient than other technological techniques.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateMar 2, 2020

Study finds irregular sleep patterns double the risk of cardiovascular disease in older adults

A new study finds that irregular sleep patterns, such as no regular bedtime and wake-up schedule or varying amounts of sleep each night, may represent a novel and independent heart disease risk factor. Older adults with these patterns are nearly twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 2, 2020

Widely used weed killer harming biodiversity

Researchers from McGill University found that widespread use of Roundup herbicide can trigger loss of biodiversity in freshwater ecosystems, making them more vulnerable to pollution and climate change. The study discovered that some ecosystems adapt by evolving resistance to the herbicide, but this comes at a cost of plankton diversity.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 2, 2020

Ultrafast probing reveals intricate dynamics of quantum coherence

Low-energy and high energy states in a layered superconducting material are found to be correlated. The study uses multidimensional spectroscopy to probe quantum coherence, producing coherent excitations lasting up to 500 femtoseconds.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 2, 2020

Drug interactions with cannabinoids: 5 things to know

Cannabinoids can interact with various drugs, increasing the risk of adverse effects. Regular marijuana use may also affect the clearance of other medications. Understanding these interactions is crucial for patients and physicians.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 2, 2020

The fantastical Adelaide Fringe

A new study from the University of South Australia shows that the Adelaide Fringe festival plays a crucial role in building the state's social capital, helping to combat 'brain drain'. The festival achieves this through placemaking, regeneration of urban spaces, and creating vibrant experiences for residents and visitors.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·DateMar 2, 2020

Swamp wallabies' reproductive strategy

Researchers found that swamp wallabies ovulate and mate while still pregnant, suggesting continuous pregnancy throughout their lives. This unique reproductive strategy challenges the traditional view of marsupial reproduction and may have implications for our understanding of female fertility.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 2, 2020

APS tip sheet: Using bird song to determine bird size

Researchers analyzed recorded bird songs and found a relationship between sound frequency and body size, suggesting a biomechanics-based method for predicting bird sizes. The study also confirmed the correlation using museum specimens.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 2, 2020

Can light therapy help improve mood in people with concussion?

A preliminary study found that blue light therapy can decrease depression and other concussion symptoms in individuals with mild traumatic brain injury. Participants who received blue light therapy showed significant improvements in depression scores and other symptoms compared to those receiving a placebo.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateMar 2, 2020

Sex differences in salaries of department chairs at state medical schools

A study by Eleni Linos found significant pay disparities among clinical department chairs at state medical schools, with men earning higher salaries than women. The researchers investigated 29 state medical schools across 12 states and identified key factors contributing to these differences.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMar 2, 2020

Repeat antibiotic prescribing linked to higher risk of hospital admissions

A study of 2 million patients found a strong association between repeat antibiotic prescriptions and increased risk of hospital admissions for new infections. The researchers suggest that overuse of antibiotics may lead to an imbalance of gut bacteria, making patients more susceptible to infections.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalBMC Medicine·DateMar 1, 2020

Speak math, not code

Using Euclid's algorithm as an example, Dr. Lamport showed how a precise mathematical formula can be used to specify an algorithm, making it more efficient and easier to debug. By using math instead of code, developers can reduce the size of their programs by up to ten times and make debugging easier.

SourceSingapore Management University·DateMar 1, 2020

Scientists seize rare chance to watch faraway star system evolve

Astronomers have discovered a rare opportunity to study the evolution of a planetary system, with the DS Tuc binary system providing insights into how planets form without being heavily impacted by external forces. The findings suggest that the planet DS Tuc Ab formed through relatively calm processes.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·DateMar 1, 2020

Predicting intentional accounting misreporting

A new study developed by SMU Assistant Professor Richard Crowley uses machine learning to analyze topic patterns in company filings to predict intentional accounting misreporting. The researchers found that certain topics, such as revenue and income figures, were more commonly used by companies that had engaged in misreporting.

SourceSingapore Management University·JournalJournal of Accounting Research·DateMar 1, 2020

Physiotherapy could be done at home using virtual reality

Researchers have developed a system that uses virtual reality and 3D motion capture to provide guidance for physiotherapy exercises. The study found that participants could accurately follow the movements of a virtual avatar when it was accompanied by realistic footstep sounds, but struggled with visual information alone.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 28, 2020

The enemy within: How a killer hijacked one of nature's oldest relationships

Researchers found that the MLO gene, which causes many crops to be susceptible to powdery mildew, also facilitates colonization by symbiotic mycorrhizal fungi in plants. This suggests that the primary role of MLO is in colonisation by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, which has been appropriated by powdery mildew pathogens.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNew Phytologist·DateFeb 28, 2020