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Science News Archive April 2020 - Page 34


Page 34 of 37

Dilemma of COVID-19, aging and cardiovascular disease

A recent study explores the dilemma of COVID-19, aging, and cardiovascular disease, examining the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers in patients with coronavirus disease 2019. The findings highlight the need for careful consideration of treatment options in this vulnerable population.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateApr 3, 2020

Extreme rainfall days in metropolitan São Paulo have risen four-fold in seven decades

The study found that extreme rainfall days have increased significantly in metropolitan São Paulo, with a four-fold rise over the past seven decades. The researchers also observed an increase in consecutive dry days, suggesting that heavy rainfall events are becoming more concentrated in shorter periods.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences·DateApr 3, 2020

Passport to improved health for military veterans

A universal health passport scheme has been shown to improve the mental health of military veterans by providing a sense of control and continuity of care. The VUP pilot project reduced anxiety and gave participants a single document to access various services, promoting feelings of pride and identity.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalBMJ Military Health·DateApr 3, 2020

New study identifies characteristics of patients with fatal COVID-19

Researchers identified common characteristics of COVID-19 patients who died in Wuhan, China, including high mortality rates among males over 50 with chronic diseases. The study found that respiratory failure, shock, and cardiac arrhythmia were leading causes of death, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 3, 2020

New UTA study finds people tune out facts and trust their guts in medical emergencies

A new study by University of Texas at Arlington researchers found that people tend to rely on personal anecdotes rather than facts during medical emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This bias can lead to irrational decision-making and a lack of fact-based decision-making when individuals feel vulnerable.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateApr 3, 2020

New measurements reveal evidence of elusive particles in a newly-discovered superconductor

Researchers at the University of Illinois have used high-resolution microscopy tools to study an unusual type of superconductor, uranium ditelluride (UTe2). The measurements reveal strong evidence for the presence of exotic Majorana particles on its surface, which could provide insights into fundamental physics and quantum computing.

Plant root hairs key to reducing soil erosion

Researchers found that plant root hairs significantly reduce soil erosion by binding soil particles and increasing soil cohesion. The study suggests that root hairs may release materials that reinforce soil or enhance its properties, providing new insights into soil conservation.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCommunications Biology·DateApr 3, 2020

Changes to drylands with future climate change

Future climate change will cause drylands to expand at an accelerated rate, but their average productivity is expected to decline. The study found that while total global productivity may increase by 12%, individual dryland areas will experience decreased productivity due to changes in precipitation and temperatures.

SourceWashington State University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 3, 2020

Oysters and clams can be farmed together

A Rutgers University study found that Eastern oysters and three species of clams can thrive in the same area, benefiting shellfish aquaculture. The research suggests crop diversification gives farmers protection from individual crop failure, increasing profitability.

SourceRutgers University·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·DateApr 2, 2020

Researchers solve structure of 'inverted' rhodopsin

Scientists from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology have determined the high-resolution structure of a protein from the recently discovered heliorhodopsin family. The study reveals a unique 'inverted' structure, with key differences from other known rhodopsins, and suggests possible functions for heliorhodopsins.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 2020