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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 437


Page 437 of 512

Sweat sensor detects stress levels; may find use in space exploration

A wireless sweat sensor developed by Caltech researcher Wei Gao accurately detects cortisol levels in near real-time, allowing for non-invasive monitoring of stress and mental health conditions. The sensor has been tested on healthy individuals and patients with depression and PTSD, showing promising results.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalMatter·DateFeb 26, 2020

New study allows brain and artificial neurons to link up over the web

A novel nanoelectronics device has enabled brain neurons and artificial neurons to communicate with each other over the internet. This breakthrough study shows how three key emerging technologies can work together: brain-computer interfaces, artificial neural networks and advanced memory technologies.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 26, 2020

These feet were made for walking

Researchers discovered that the transverse arch (TA) contributes significantly to the stiffness of the human foot, with half of its stiffness attributed to this structure. The study's findings have implications for understanding flatfoot disorder and the design of robotic feet.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature·DateFeb 26, 2020

Are cats the 'canary in the coal mine' for wildfire effects on human health?

Researchers studied 51 cats injured in California wildfires and found a high incidence of heart problems, including thickening of the heart muscle and blood clot formation. The study suggests that wildfires may be a harbinger of human health effects, with severe burns increasing cardiovascular changes.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 26, 2020

Wildness in urban parks important for human well-being

A new study by the University of Washington reveals that experiencing wildness in urban areas is essential for physical and mental health. Researchers surveyed hundreds of park-goers and found that encounters with wildlife, water views, and solitude were key to visitors' meaningful experiences.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalFrontiers in Sustainable Cities·DateFeb 26, 2020

TRAX air quality study expands

Researchers validate TRAX air quality sensor data, showcasing its ability to capture air pollution events, including summer fireworks and winter inversions. The expanded dataset provides insights into air mass exchange between the Salt Lake and Utah counties.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalUrban Science·DateFeb 26, 2020

'Low' socioeconomic status is the biggest barrier to STEM participation

A new study finds that socioeconomic status has the strongest impact on STEM science enrollment in Australian secondary schools. Lower SES schools lack resources and diversity in syllabi, making it difficult for underrepresented students to engage with science. Initiatives promoting inclusivity and cultural capital can help increase pa...

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalInternational Journal of Science Education·DateFeb 26, 2020

Scientists discover new clue behind age-related diseases and food spoilage

Researchers found that hydroxyl radicals have a surprising partner in crime - Criegee intermediate. This new pathway could help explain age-related diseases and cancer, as well as how food decomposes over time. The study points to an unexpected link between atmospheric chemistry and our bodies' ability to ward off disease.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 26, 2020

Researchers make asthma breakthrough

A breakthrough discovery by Trinity College Dublin researchers identifies Caspase-11 as a key driver of allergic inflammation in asthma. This finding holds great promise for developing new therapeutic options to treat the debilitating disease.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 26, 2020

Isotope movement holds key to the power of fusion reactions

Scientists in Japan have reached a breakthrough in controlling fusion plasma's uniformity by studying the movement of hydrogen isotopes. The research found that turbulent states, such as ion temperature gradient turbulence, result in more uniform isotope ratios, which is favorable for fusion reactions.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 26, 2020

Intensive blood pressure control can extend life up to 3 years

A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital investigators found that aggressively lowering blood pressure levels can add six months to three years to a person's lifetime, depending on their age. The analysis used age-based methods to estimate the long-term benefits of intensive blood pressure control.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateFeb 26, 2020

Revving up immune system may help treat eczema

A drug strategy aimed at boosting natural killer cells appears to effectively treat eczema in mice, reducing inflammation and improving skin rash. Researchers hope this approach could help patients with asthma and food allergies as well.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 26, 2020

How low can you go? Lower than ever before

Researchers at NIST have made the most sensitive measurements to date of silicon's conductivity using a novel method that allows them to test relatively thick specimens. The new technique has the potential to improve semiconductor materials and their applications, including solar cells and next-generation high-speed cellular networks.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalOptics Express·DateFeb 26, 2020

Immune therapy reduces risk of recurrence in aggressive breast cancer

A clinical trial led by Queen Mary University of London found that immune therapy drug pembrolizumab significantly reduced the risk of cancer recurrence in patients with early triple negative breast cancer. Nearly 65% of women showed no sign of cancer after treatment, compared to 51% on chemotherapy alone.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 26, 2020

Super-urinators among the mangroves: Excretory gifts from estuary's busiest fish promote ecosystem health

A new study led by University of Michigan researchers found that highly active gray and cubera snappers in a Bahamian mangrove estuary spread the highest levels of essential nutrient nitrogen through their urine, nearly doubling its presence. This fertilizer supports more plant growth and food at the base of the food web.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 26, 2020

Mathematician identifies new tricks for the old arch in our foot

The study found that the transverse arch is a bigger source of foot stiffness than previously thought, and it may have evolved to become human-like over 3.5 million years ago. The researchers used mechanical mimics and fossil record analysis to support their findings.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNature·DateFeb 26, 2020

A tactile robot finger with no blind spots

Researchers at Columbia Engineering have introduced a new robotic finger with a highly precise sense of touch over complex, multicurved surfaces. The finger uses overlapping light signals to detect contact and can localize touch with very high precision, making it suitable for dexterous hands.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalIEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics·DateFeb 26, 2020

Do girls read better than boys? If so, gender stereotypes may be to blame

A longitudinal study in Germany found that classmates' gender stereotypes have a negative effect on boys' reading outcomes, including lower motivation and achievement. In contrast, girls experienced positive effects from their classmates' stereotypes. The study suggests that reducing stereotypical behaviors in classrooms can help creat...

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateFeb 26, 2020

Turbulent times revealed on Asteroid 4 Vesta

Researchers from Curtin University analyzed volcanic meteorites from Antarctica to understand Asteroid Vesta's geological history. The study found that Vesta was volcanically active for at least 30 million years after its formation, contradicting previous models and suggesting pockets of magma survived on the asteroid.

SourceCurtin University·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·DateFeb 26, 2020

Researchers identify novel anti-aging targets

Conserved epigenetic regulators BAZ2B and EHMT1 identified as novel anti-aging targets in aging research. The study reveals a mechanism for regulating cognitive aging by reducing mitochondrial function.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·DateFeb 26, 2020

Largest ever study of eating disorders launches in England

The Eating Disorders Genetics Initiative (EDGI) will help researchers better understand eating disorders and enable the design of new treatments. Up to 5% of the population will experience an eating disorder, with genetic factors involved in some cases.

SourceKing's College London·DateFeb 26, 2020

Anti-psychotic medication linked to adverse change in brain structure

A commonly used anti-psychotic medication has been linked to potentially adverse changes in brain structure, particularly a thinning of the cortex. The study found these changes were more prominent in elderly participants and those who experienced relapse of psychotic symptoms.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateFeb 26, 2020

Cannabis compound acts as an antibiotic

Researchers have identified cannabigerol (CBG) as a potent antibacterial agent against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). CBG targets the cell membrane of gram-positive bacteria, showing promise in treating MRSA infections.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 26, 2020

Comparing greenhouse gas footprints of online versus traditional shopping

Research estimates that online shopping for fast-moving consumer goods produces varying levels of greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional and 'Bricks & Clicks' models. Shoppers can reduce their footprint by walking or biking to stores, while retailers can cut emissions by switching to electric cargo bikes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 26, 2020

The best preoperative definition of cancer-related malnutrition depends on cancer type

A new study finds that common malnutrition definitions do not apply equally to all cancers, highlighting the need for cancer-type specific definitions for preoperative risk assessment. The study's findings suggest that using one-size-fits-all definitions could result in overestimating or underestimating a patient's risk of complication...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateFeb 26, 2020

Connectedness to nature makes children happier

A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that connectedness to nature has a positive association with sustainability practices and behaviors in children, leading to higher levels of happiness. The study suggests that promoting exposure to nature can encourage pro-environmental behaviors and environmental care in younger g...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateFeb 26, 2020

HKUST scientists shed light on COVID-19 vaccine development

A team of HKUST scientists has identified potential vaccine targets for SARS-CoV-2, leveraging genetic similarity with SARS-CoV. The study found that only 20% of SARS-CoV epitopes map identically to SARS-CoV-2, but these promising candidates may offer protection against COVID-19.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalViruses·DateFeb 26, 2020

Study analyzes impact of switch from nuclear power to coal, suggests directions for policy

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University analyzed US energy production data from 1970-2014, finding that nuclear power reduced carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 2 million metric tons annually. The study suggests policymakers consider nuclear power as a low-carbon source to incentivize utilities to shift toward increased nuclear gener...

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalResource and Energy Economics·DateFeb 26, 2020

Sugary drinks a sour choice for adults trying to maintain normal cholesterol levels

A new study found that middle-aged and older adults who consumed sugary beverages daily had a higher risk of developing abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels compared to those who rarely drank them. The study suggests that limiting sugary drink intake may help maintain healthier blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateFeb 26, 2020

What we learned after 5,000 non-surgical rhinoplasties

A study analyzing 5,000 non-surgical rhinoplasties found high efficacy and safety with low complication rates. The procedure involves targeting critical aesthetic points on the nose and using hyaluronic acid filler for reversibility and convenience. Long-lasting results were observed in approximately 32% of patients.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateFeb 26, 2020

Job insecurity negatively affects your personality: Study

Chronic job insecurity has been shown to alter a person's personality over time, particularly in regards to emotional stability and agreeableness. Researchers found that those exposed to job insecurity for over four years became less conscientious as well.

SourceRMIT University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateFeb 26, 2020

New CRISPR base-editing technology slows ALS progression in mice

Scientists from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign developed a new CRISPR gene-editing methodology that inactivated a key gene responsible for ALS, slowing disease progression and improving muscle function. The treatment also increased overall survival in mice with aggressive forms of ALS.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateFeb 26, 2020

Scientists 'film' a quantum measurement

Researchers created a 'film' of a single atom's measurement process, showing that the state changes gradually over time. This study provides new insights into the inner workings of nature and sheds light on the predictions of modern quantum physics.

SourceStockholm University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 26, 2020

Hearing aids may delay cognitive decline, research finds

A promising new study by University of Melbourne researchers suggests that wearing hearing aids may delay cognitive decline in older adults. The study found significant improvements in executive function, working memory, and quality of life for participants aged 62-82 years with hearing loss.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalJournal of Clinical Medicine·DateFeb 26, 2020

Breaking down stubborn molecules

Scientists investigate microorganisms in the twilight zone of the ocean and find they can degrade recalcitrant organic compounds. The study provides insight into the ocean's carbon cycle and may help predict microbes' role in regulating it.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalLimnology and Oceanography·DateFeb 26, 2020

Heart health problems in your 20s may affect brain health decades later

A study by Northwestern University found that people with better cardiovascular health in their 20s are more likely to have higher scores on thinking and memory tests, even after adjusting for education level. The researchers also found an association between better cardiovascular health and improved cerebral autoregulation.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateFeb 26, 2020