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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 454


Page 454 of 512

Skyrmions like it hot: Spin structures are controllable even at high temperatures

The study found that skyrmions move more efficiently at higher temperatures and their trajectories only depend on the speed of the skyrmions, making device design significantly easier. Billionfold reproducible motion of skyrmions was also observed in thin films of magnetic material stabilizing them at room temperature.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Electronics·DateFeb 13, 2020

State of mind: The end of personality as we know it

Researchers propose a holistic framework for understanding how the mind adapts to situations, suggesting that changing states of mind exert coordinated effects on perception, attention, and behavior. By acknowledging and manipulating these dynamic states, individuals can improve performance and achieve a healthier state of mind.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateFeb 13, 2020

Much shorter radiation treatment found to be safe, effective for people with soft tissue sarcoma

Researchers at UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found a condensed five-day radiation regimen to be as effective as traditional five-week treatment in treating soft tissue sarcoma. The new approach showed lower wound complication rates and improved cancer control without increasing side effects.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateFeb 13, 2020

New process for preserving lumber could offer advantages over pressure treating

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed a new method to preserve lumber by applying a metal oxide coating, which shows promise in replacing conventional pressure treating methods. The new process has been found to be effective in creating a hydrophobic barrier, reducing water absorption and mold growth.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalLangmuir·DateFeb 13, 2020

Mystery solved: Why ocean's carbon budget plummets beyond the twilight zone

A recent study found that fragmentation of large organic particles into small ones accounts for roughly half of particle loss in the ocean, controlling sequestration of sinking organic carbon. Sinking particles like plankton and detritus play a critical role in lowering atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 13, 2020

Smelling your lover's shirt could improve your sleep

A new study from the University of British Columbia found that sleeping with a partner's scent can significantly improve sleep efficiency. Participants experienced better rest and reduced tossing and turning when exposed to their partner's scent, even if they weren't consciously aware of it.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 13, 2020

Artificial intelligence is becoming sustainable!

Researchers at Politecnico di Milano developed a novel circuit that can execute advanced AI operations in one operation, reducing energy consumption and paving the way for more sustainable AI computing accelerators. This breakthrough enables faster and more efficient training of neural networks, crucial for applications like facial rec...

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 13, 2020

Benefits and barriers of prescription drug lists for asthma medications

A new study found that Prescription Drug List (PDL) coverage for preventive asthma medications can reduce financial burden and increase medication adherence. However, barriers to PDL use include lack of awareness, exclusions, and inconsistent benefits.

SourceHarvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateFeb 13, 2020

Novel targeted drug shows promise in advanced kidney cancer

A novel drug targeting hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) 2-a has shown a 24% response rate in patients with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma. The study, launched after phase I/II results, aims to further investigate the agent's efficacy and safety.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateFeb 13, 2020

A brighter future for victims of child abuse and neglect

A new study investigates predictors of child maltreatment and factors contributing to better or worse outcomes for victims and their children. The research explores connections between mothers who have experienced child protective services and early-life health and social outcomes of their children.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·DateFeb 13, 2020

Transparent human organs allow 3D maps at the cellular level

Researchers made intact human organs transparent using microscopic imaging, revealing complex structures at the cellular level. The technology, SHANEL, enables detailed analysis of large-scale human tissues and organs, accelerating the development of functional artificial organs.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalCell·DateFeb 13, 2020

Research calls for graphic warning labels to be added to cigarette packages

Researchers at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center argue that graphic warning labels can effectively promote an understanding of the consequences of smoking. The proposed labels, which include images and text warnings, have the potential to help reduce smoking rates and serve as a model for other regulatory efforts.

SourceMediaSource·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateFeb 13, 2020

Heat transport property at the lowermost part of the Earth's mantle

Researchers used quantum mechanical computations to study the thermal conductivity of postperovskite at lower mantle conditions. The study found a significant jump in thermal conductivity associated with phase transition, which affects heat flux across the core-mantle boundary.

SourceEhime University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 13, 2020

As groundwater depletes, arid American West is moving east

The study reveals that even modest climate warming scenarios can lead to a significant loss of groundwater in the continental US, with the eastern region being more sensitive. As shallow groundwater storage is depleted, it can no longer buffer plant water stress, leading to dramatic changes in vegetation and surface waters.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 13, 2020

Storytelling can reduce VR cybersickness

A study found that emotionally evocative storylines can reduce virtual reality cybersickness, especially in non-gamers, by enhancing presence and decreasing sensory conflicts. The findings suggest that game design can be used to create more inclusive VR experiences.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalInternational Journal of Human-Computer Studies·DateFeb 13, 2020

Studying sweat, the small stuff

A team of scientists is working on wearable devices that can detect molecules in sweat to monitor patient health status continuously without blood draws. They aim to standardize sample collection methods and develop low-level detection techniques for neuropeptides, allowing for a more holistic understanding of bodily functions.

SourceUniversity of Arizona College of Engineering·DateFeb 13, 2020

A close-up of Arrokoth reveals how planetary building blocks were constructed

Three studies provide new insights into the composition and origin of Arrokoth. The object's binary lobes were likely formed in a local collapse cloud, with an ancient age of about 4 billion years. Its surface is uniformly red, cold, and covered with methanol ice and complex organic molecules.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 13, 2020

Scientists finally figure out how millipedes actually do it

Researchers have figured out how millipedes mate by using high-tech imaging techniques and blacklights that make the different tissues glow. The findings show that the male's gonopods insert sperm into the female's vulvae through tiny claws, while the female's vulvae seal up with a gooey secretion to trap the sperm.

SourceField Museum·JournalArthropod Structure & Development·DateFeb 13, 2020

Second antibiotic no advantage for treating super-bug Golden Staph

A new clinical trial has found that using more than one antibiotic to treat MRSA infection provides no health benefits and increases the risk of side effects. The three-year study involved over 350 patients and tested whether adding a second antibiotic improved health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 13, 2020

Are all sources of carbohydrates created equal?

A randomized crossover study found that eating non-fried potatoes instead of refined grains improved diet quality and was associated with lower cardiometabolic risk factors. Participants who ate potatoes had higher potassium and fiber intake, as well as a healthier index score.

SourceFoodMinds LLC·JournalBritish Journal Of Nutrition·DateFeb 13, 2020

NSF recognizes Ganesh Balasubramanian with CAREER award

Lehigh University's Ganesh Balasubramanian has received an NSF CAREER award to create a predictive framework for manufacturing complex alloys. The project aims to accelerate the manufacturing process by 50% and reduce costs, while also pushing the industry towards smart manufacturing.

SourceLehigh University·DateFeb 13, 2020

Mathematical model reveals behavior of cellular enzymes

Researchers developed a mathematical model to describe the behavior of cellular enzymes, particularly those involved in multisite phosphorylation reactions. The study revealed that certain mutations affect the activation of key enzymes, including MEK and ERK, which can lead to cancer. This knowledge can help develop new therapeutic str...

SourcePrinceton University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 13, 2020

Capillary shrinkage triggers high-density porous structure

Researchers found that capillary forces in graphene oxide hydrogels can be regulated by surface tension, allowing for the creation of dense yet porous materials. By using solvents with different surface tensions, the microstructure of the resulting materials can be precisely manipulated and densified.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Materials·DateFeb 13, 2020

Boom and bust for ancient sea dragons

Ichthyosaurs experienced a rapid evolution burst around 250 million years ago but quickly lost their diversity due to overcrowded seas. The group's evolution slowed down significantly over the next 100 million years, leading to less variation between species.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCommunications Biology·DateFeb 13, 2020

Mechanism of controlling autophagy by liquid-liquid phase separation revealed

Scientists have elucidated the mechanism of controlling autophagy through liquid-liquid phase separation, revealing a novel structure responsible for progression. The discovery has significant implications for understanding various intracellular phenomena and developing autophagy-specific control agents.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalNature·DateFeb 13, 2020

Clinical practice guideline approval process introduces potential conflicts of interest

A new study found that many US medical specialty guidelines are vulnerable to conflicts of interest due to the approval process used by guideline development committees. Most societies require approval by a committee representing the society as a whole, which creates a potential conflict between professional and economic interests.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 13, 2020

Nitrogen-fixing trees help tropical forests grow faster and store more carbon

A new study published in Nature Communications reveals that nitrogen-fixing trees can double the amount of carbon stored in a forest's first 30 years of regrowth. Forests with these trees also take up 10% more carbon at maturity. Planting fixers as part of reforestation efforts could boost forest development and carbon accumulation.

SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 13, 2020

Method combination allows deep insights into ultrafast light-induced processes

By combining pump-probe measurements with theoretical simulations, researchers can now observe the energy flow in acetone at a key energy window between closely related states. This synergy of experimental and theoretical methods provides new insights into light-matter interactions and molecular dynamics.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateFeb 13, 2020

Brain inflammation in veterans with Gulf War illness

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered extensive brain inflammation in veterans with Gulf War Illness, particularly in cortical regions involved in memory and reasoning. This finding may help identify new therapeutic targets for conditions linked to neuroinflammation.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·DateFeb 13, 2020

Researchers uncover the Moscow subway microbiome

A group of ITMO University researchers analyzed the Moscow Subway and found a microbiome similar to that of New York's public transportation. The study used high-throughput DNA sequencing and discovered identical types of bacteria, including Dietzia, Brevundimonas, and Pseudomonas.

SourceITMO University·JournalComputational and Structural Biotechnology Journal·DateFeb 13, 2020

How useful are current tools that assess the quality of kidney-related care in the US?

A comprehensive evaluation of existing quality metrics for kidney disease reveals that less than half are highly valid, with nearly half related to dialysis management. The study proposes refinements and new metrics to better reflect the spectrum of kidney care delivery, aiming to improve the accuracy of quality measurement.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 13, 2020

How to handle fragile states

Researchers at ETH Zurich present theoretical and experimental work that provides a higher-level understanding of 'fragile topology' in topological insulators. The discovery could lead to new applications in acoustics, photonics, and beyond.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalScience·DateFeb 13, 2020

The Antarctica Factor: model uncertainties reveal upcoming sea level risk

The 'Antarctica Factor' study reveals that Antarctic ice-loss is the greatest risk and uncertainty for global sea-levels, with a possible contribution of up to 58 cm within this century. The range of estimates is quite large, from 6-58 cm, but the results are robust due to the large number of ice sheet modeling groups involved.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalEarth System Dynamics·DateFeb 13, 2020

Children miss more school when their mothers experience high physical violence

A study led by George Mason University found that 23.3% of women who experienced intimate partner violence reported disrupted child school attendance due to IPV. Women experiencing high physical and sexual violence were at greater risk, with their children's school attendance more likely to be affected.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalMaternal and Child Health Journal·DateFeb 13, 2020

Very tough and essential for survival

Biologists from Bayreuth investigate the role of Mauthner cells in fish and amphibian species, revealing a strong hierarchical dependence on these cells for essential functions. The researchers discovered that Mauthner cells remain functional without their cell bodies, contradicting widespread assumptions about nervous system hierarchies.

SourceUniversität Bayreuth·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 13, 2020

Taking a bite out of mosquito-borne disease

Scientists at UNM Health Sciences Center have developed a non-toxic method to eradicate Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which transmit dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. The approach uses yeast cells infused with orange oil, which kills the larvae when ingested.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico Health Sciences Center·JournalParasites & Vectors·DateFeb 13, 2020

Immune cells consult with neighbors to make decisions

Researchers discovered that immune cells count their neighbors before activating to avoid overreactions. This new understanding could lead to improved cancer immunotherapies and treatments for autoimmune diseases.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 13, 2020

Gentle touch loses its pleasure in migraine patients

A recent study reveals that migraine patients exhibit altered tactile sensation, particularly a decreased perception of pleasure in gentle touch. The research suggests that this disturbance may be related to the same neurophysiological processes underlying allodynia, a common symptom of migraine.

SourceInternational Headache Society·JournalCephalalgia·DateFeb 13, 2020

Consider workplace AI's impact before it's too late, study says

A Cornell University researcher co-authored a paper highlighting the importance of considering multiple factors such as variation, power, ideology, and institutions when studying AI's impact on workplaces. This study emphasizes the need for policymakers and scholars to think beyond design and use of AI technologies.

SourceCornell University·JournalInformation and Organization·DateFeb 13, 2020

The curious case of the disappearing snakes

A Michigan State University-University of Maryland study found that the decline of frogs led to a significant decrease in snake diversity, with an estimated 85% probability of fewer species. The research highlights the importance of long-term data for understanding biodiversity loss and its cascading effects on ecosystems.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScience·DateFeb 13, 2020

Making the internet more energy efficient through systemic optimization

The study proposes smart data chip circuits that consume up to 10 times less energy than conventional chips. Researchers also developed an optimisation algorithm to control fibre optic communications at the network level, reducing energy consumption by up to 70%.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 13, 2020

Babies mimic songs, study finds

A study found that a 15-month-old boy attempted to sing along to 'Happy Birthday' after hearing it played on a toy. The research suggests that babies learn music patterns and rhythms through spontaneous imitation.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Research in Music Education·DateFeb 13, 2020

Effectiveness of travel bans -- readily used during infectious disease outbreaks -- mostly unknown, study finds

A University of Washington and Johns Hopkins University study examines travel bans to control infectious diseases like COVID-19. The research suggests that while a travel ban may delay the arrival of an illness, it does not eliminate long-term risk. The authors emphasize the need for more research to inform policy decisions.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Emergency Management·DateFeb 13, 2020

New study: Chronic kidney disease a 'global killer in plain sight'

A new study reveals chronic kidney disease is a leading cause of death globally, resulting in an estimated 1.23 million deaths in 2017. The disease's impact varies widely across countries, with some nations experiencing rates nearly 15 times higher than others.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 13, 2020