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Science News Archive April 2020 - Page 5


Page 5 of 37

A one-hour exercise early in college improves career outcomes for black students years later

A one-hour exercise increasing feelings of social belonging in college students appears to significantly improve their lives and careers up to eleven years later. The study found that targeted psychological intervention can be an important tool to interrupt generational sociocultural disadvantages.

Mind-controlled arm prostheses that 'feel' are now a part of everyday life

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed mind-controlled arm prostheses that deliver sensations of touch, revolutionizing prosthetic technology. The new neuromusculoskeletal prosthesis is connected to the user's nerves, muscles, and skeleton, enabling patients with arm amputations to experience a sense of touch i...

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 29, 2020

A great new way to paint 3D-printed objects

Rutgers engineers have created a highly effective way to paint complex 3D-printed objects using an efficient painting method that reaches all nooks and crannies. The technique, known as electrospray deposition, has been used mainly for analytical chemistry but has also been applied in lab-scale demonstrations of coatings.

SourceRutgers University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 28, 2020

Scientists studied the growth rate effect of gut bacteria on degradation of dietary fibers

Researchers investigated how gut bacteria grow at different rates and their effect on dietary fibers, finding that faster growth rates alter the composition and metabolism of fecal microbiota. The study suggests that a person's diet can influence their gut microbiota by adjusting fiber intake to support healthy digestion.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·DateApr 28, 2020

BU researchers: Race and income shape COVID-19 risk

A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that Black, Native American, and lower-income people are more likely to have underlying conditions increasing the risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19. The researchers analyzed data from over 330,000 people and estimated that 43% of American adults have at least on...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateApr 28, 2020

AGS COVID-19 brief offers roadmap to government action for assisted living facilities

The American Geriatrics Society has published a policy brief outlining recommendations for federal, state, and local governments to address COVID-19 concerns in assisted living facilities. The guidelines prioritize resource needs, patient transfers, and public health priorities, aiming to empower healthcare workers on the frontlines of...

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateApr 28, 2020

New drug formulation could treat Candida infections

Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a new drug formulation that significantly improves the activity of fluconazole against Candida biofilms. The study uses bacterial signals to improve fluconazole's effectiveness, offering a potential alternative to current antifungal treatments.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalInternational Journal of Pharmaceutics·DateApr 28, 2020

AGA and joint task force on allergy-immunology practice parameters release EoE guidelines

The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has released new guidelines for the management of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a chronic inflammatory disease of the esophagus triggered by allergens. Topical steroids are recommended as a first-line treatment, while proton pump inhibition, diet therapy, and esophageal dilation are ...

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateApr 28, 2020

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A new study from Annals of Internal Medicine reveals COVID-19 disparities affecting U.S. healthcare workers with risk factors for poor outcomes, as well as African Americans and Latinos disproportionately affected by the pandemic. The authors discuss lessons learned from prior experiences to reduce observed disparities.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 28, 2020

Initial motivation, a key factor for learning in massive open online courses

Researchers from the University of Seville found that initial motivation is related to individual differences in drop-out probability and satisfaction with the learning experience. The study suggests designing personalized learning plans based on a good initial diagnosis of students' learning intentions and motivational profiles.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalEducational Technology Research and Development·DateApr 28, 2020

Immune-regulating drug improves gum disease in mice

A study published in eLife found that rapamycin, an immune-suppressing drug, reduces bone loss, inflammation, and changes to oral bacteria in older mice with gum disease. The treatment also reversed clinical features of periodontal disease, suggesting a potential approach for age-related dental problems.

SourceeLife·DateApr 28, 2020

People with brown fat may burn 15% more calories

A study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that short-term cold exposure increased energy expenditure and improved fatty acid profiles in individuals with active brown fat. People with brown fat burned 15% more calories than those without, highlighting the organ's potential as a ta...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 28, 2020

Ultra-precision nano-sensor could detect iron disorders

Researchers have developed a multipurpose nanoscale bio-probe that allows precise monitoring of iron disorders in cells, tissue, and body fluids. The test is more sensitive and specific than current blood testing methods, enabling early disease diagnosis and potential prevention of serious diseases.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 28, 2020

Study from Chinese city of Shenzhen, outside Hong Kong in southern China, provides key insights on how coronavirus spreads

A study in Shenzhen, China analyzed data from 391 COVID-19 cases and their contacts to understand the virus's transmission dynamics. The analysis revealed that contact tracing and extensive testing reduced the incubation period to about three days, and household contacts were at high risk of infection.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateApr 28, 2020

Hey, Alexa, who else is listening right now?

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are exploring potential security weaknesses in voice-activated speakers like Alexa and Google Home. They found that hackers can exploit devices using a passive attack called 'voice command fingerprinting', which involves eavesdropping on data transferred between the smart speaker and the clou...

Surveying the lipid landscape

A groundbreaking tool, LipidCreator, has been developed to efficiently analyze specific lipid groups and signal molecules, accelerating the discovery of biomarkers for diseases. This software enables scientists to quantify 60 lipid classes and their signaling molecules in larger studies than previously possible.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 28, 2020

Alcoholics Anonymous method can mesh well with other treatments for alcohol misuse

A Baylor University researcher suggests that clinicians should be aware of their misconceptions about Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and educate themselves about the program to integrate it into their work with clients. Both AA and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) aim to help individuals accept personal responsibility for their actions.

SourceBaylor University·JournalTraining and Education in Professional Psychology·DateApr 28, 2020

Plastic pollution reaching the Antarctic

Researchers have found an increase in marine debris collected on beaches of Bird Island and Signy Island, with most items being plastic. Scientists also discovered that fishing vessels contribute significantly to plastic pollution, threatening seabirds and other wildlife in the region.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalEnvironment International·DateApr 28, 2020