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Science News for August 10, 2020


Individual differences in the brain

Scientists selectively bred zebrafish to exhibit distinct personality traits, finding that brain activities soon changed and new brain regions were activated. The study suggests a rapid pace of personality trait changes and potential implications for human behavior.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 10, 2020

Nepal lockdown halved health facility births and increased stillbirths and newborn deaths

A new study reveals that the COVID-19 lockdown in Nepal resulted in a 49.9% decrease in health facility births, leading to increased stillbirth rates by 50% and neonatal mortality by over 3-fold. The lockdown had a disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations, highlighting the need for improved maternal and newborn healthcare duri...

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateAug 10, 2020

Berkeley Lab science snapshots

A Berkeley Lab study finds that California's winter precipitation will become 50% more variable by 2100, affecting agriculture, flood control, and water resource management. The MJO, a global rainfall pattern, is expected to transfer its precipitation-related atmospheric conditions to the West Coast via changes in strong winds.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Climate Change·DateAug 10, 2020

From nanocellulose to gold

Researchers at Linköping University have developed new materials by combining nanocellulose with metal nanoparticles, resulting in antibacterial properties, color-changing abilities, and the ability to generate heat. The materials can be used for various applications, including sensors and energy-based uses.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 10, 2020

Patient experiences in medical imaging and radiation therapy: The importance of skilled patient care professionals

The Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences special issue shares stories about interpersonal skills beyond technical aspects to care for patients during medical imaging and radiation therapy procedures. Guest Editor Sue Robins curated this issue as a learning experience for technologists, therapists, and patients alike.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences·DateAug 10, 2020

Air pollution and honey bee health

Honey bees from highly polluted sites in India show reduced survival rates and altered physiological characteristics, indicating air pollution's negative impact on their health. The study suggests that air pollution may also affect ecosystem services, highlighting the need for further research to address this issue.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 2020

Exact climate data from the past

Researchers have developed a new method for reconstructing past Earth surface temperatures using clumped isotopes. By analyzing the ratio of two rare carbonate groups, scientists can now accurately determine temperature without being influenced by mineralization processes.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 10, 2020

Poverty alleviation efforts are shaping the success of environmental targets

A new study published in PNAS explores the impact of poverty alleviation efforts on environmental targets, finding that successful programs can increase food production and reduce poverty but may also lead to trade-offs with environmental protection. The research highlights the importance of considering social and environmental outcome...

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 2020

Electronic components join forces to take up 10 times less space on computer chips

A new study demonstrates the successful integration of individual elements that make up electronic filters onto a single component, significantly reducing space taken up by devices. The researchers ditched conventional designs and created a single, self-rolling membrane that contains both independently designed elements.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 10, 2020

Seeing chemical reactions with music

Researchers at the Institute for Basic Science found that audible sound can control chemical reactions in solution by supplying energy sources into the air-liquid interface. The study created aesthetically pleasing patterns on the surface and bulk of the solution, exhibiting life-like behavior in synthetic molecules.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Chemistry·DateAug 10, 2020

KIST finds clue to improve artificial vision for patients with retinitis pigmentosa

Researchers at KIST found that retinal neural signals from electric stimulation are altered depending on disease progression in mice affected by outer retinal degeneration. This study suggests guidelines for patient selection of retinal prostheses, improving performance and perception of artificial vision.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·DateAug 10, 2020

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that a substantial number of overdose deaths were misclassified as sudden cardiac deaths, leading to grossly underestimated national estimates of the opioid overdose burden. Meanwhile, another study provides real-world recommendations for overcoming telemedicine challenges with...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 10, 2020

Emergency visits for thunderstorm-related respiratory illnesses

Researchers analyzed atmospheric and lightning data to study the relationship between thunderstorms and increased emergency department visits for respiratory illnesses among older adults. The study found that vulnerable groups may be susceptible to atmospheric changes caused by thunderstorms, leading to higher emergency visit rates.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateAug 10, 2020

HPV strains may impact cervical cancer prognosis

A recent study published in Nature Genetics analyzed genomic differences between HPV strains causing cervical cancers, revealing distinct characteristics and implications for prognosis. The researchers identified specific patterns associated with aggressive cancers, highlighting the need for further studies on African populations.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 10, 2020

Restaurant customers frown on automatic gratuities, particularly after good service

Customers with excellent dining experiences express the most dissatisfaction with automatic gratuities. Research found that high-quality service does not compensate for negative customer responses to non-voluntary tipping systems. Restaurants can explore ways to give customers a sense of control, such as providing feedback or adding se...

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Services Marketing·DateAug 10, 2020

Study pinpoints five most likely causes of post-traumatic stress in police officers

A new study has pinpointed the five most likely causes of post-traumatic stress in police officers, highlighting the importance of genetic and emotional differences. The research identified specific causal factors, including a tendency to startle easily, anxiety, depression, and genetic mutations, which can contribute to the developmen...

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateAug 10, 2020

How fish stocks will change in warming seas

A new study projects significant changes in fish stocks in the UK due to climate change, including increased abundance of warm-adapted species and declining populations of cold-adapted species. The findings highlight the need for flexible management approaches to adapt to these changes and ensure sustainable fishing practices.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateAug 10, 2020

How boundaries become bridges in evolution

A University of Arizona study found that mechanisms making organisms fit into current environments are distinct from those responsible for change, and occur sequentially in evolution. The research used the house finch as a model, tracking carotenoid pigments in feathers across different regions.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 10, 2020

NSF renews Rice biological physics center

The Center for Theoretical Biological Physics at Rice University has received a five-year extension from the National Science Foundation to pursue research on the intersection of biology and physics. Researchers will continue to use computational analysis and experimental efforts to understand cell behavior and interactions.

How building features impact veterans with PTSD

Veterans with PTSD prefer buildings with large windows, easy entrance and exit locations, open floor plans, and green spaces to feel comfortable. Interior design features like brighter colors and fewer furniture pieces also contribute to their comfort.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalHERD Health Environments Research & Design Journal·DateAug 10, 2020

Fighting like cats and dogs?

Researchers found that filling homes with calming pheromones can reduce undesirable interactions between cats and dogs, such as dog chasing cat or barking at cat. Both Feliway Friends for cats and Adaptil for dogs showed positive effects on desirable behaviors like friendly greetings and relaxation in the same room.

SourceUniversity of Lincoln·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·DateAug 10, 2020

ACM SIGCOMM underscores importance of communications technologies that keep daily life functioning

The ACM SIGCOMM conference emphasizes the importance of communications technologies in maintaining daily life. The virtual event showcases research papers on various topics, including programmable switches and video applications. Keynote speakers are recognized for their contributions to data network architectures, and the conference a...

COVID-19 does not directly damage taste bud cells

A recent study published in ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science found that COVID-19 does not directly damage taste bud cells, contradicting previous studies. Instead, the researchers suggest that taste loss is likely caused by events induced during COVID-19 inflammation.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalACS Pharmacology & Translational Science·DateAug 10, 2020

Assessing training in health disparities

A survey study evaluated the curriculum on health disparities and perceptions of training among internal medicine residents. The findings suggest that program directors and residents have differing perspectives on the adequacy of training, highlighting a need for improvement.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 10, 2020