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Science News for August 11, 2020


Study: Machine learning can predict market behavior

A new study by Cornell researchers uses machine learning to assess the effectiveness of mathematical tools in predicting financial markets. The model can also predict future market movements, a task considered extraordinarily difficult due to markets' massive amounts of information and high volatility.

SourceCornell University·JournalReview of Financial Studies·DateAug 11, 2020

Collaboration is key to rebuilding coral reefs

A global research study has identified successful coral reef restoration projects that combined local community engagement, tourism support, and trained local fishermen or divers. These collaborative efforts resulted in high coral survival rates, increased coral cover, and socioeconomic benefits for surrounding communities.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 11, 2020

Brain-NET, a deep learning methodology, accurately predicts surgeon certification scores based on neuroimaging data

A new deep learning methodology called Brain-NET has been developed to accurately predict a person's level of expertise in surgical motor skills based solely on neuroimaging data. This technology has the potential to streamline the surgeon certification process, enabling real-time score feedback and remediation or training.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·DateAug 11, 2020

SDSU professor finds after-hours cannabis use has no impact on workplace performance

A recent study by Dr. Jeremy Bernerth and H. Jack Walker found that using cannabis after work hours does not compromise job performance as assessed by supervisors. In fact, the researchers suggest that after-hours cannabis use may offer some work-related benefits, such as helping employees relax and restore energy after a long day.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalGroup & Organization Management·DateAug 11, 2020

UBCO researchers link advertising to uptick in youth vaping

UBCO researchers found that e-cigarette companies leverage various reasons for youth vaping, including stress, curiosity, and social benefits, to recruit teens into using their products. The study suggests that health risks associated with vaping are often overridden by these reasons, making it essential to develop comprehensive strate...

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateAug 11, 2020

Long-term risks of joint implants

A study published in Advanced Science has revealed that joint implants can release metals into the surrounding bone tissue, leading to osteolysis and premature loosening. The researchers used a unique synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence imaging setup to determine the concentration and distribution of metallic degradation products.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalAdvanced Science·DateAug 11, 2020

Untapped potential for TikTok to convey COVID-19 guidance

A new study found that few TikTok videos address COVID-19 transmission and prevention, instead focusing on anxiety and quarantine. The researchers believe this missed opportunity to engage young people with vital health information related to the pandemic.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalInternational Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health·DateAug 11, 2020

EULAR: Timely detection of axial spondyloarthritis

A large European cross-sectional study found that patients with axial spondyloarthritis experience a significant delay in diagnosis due to misdirected referrals and involvement of multiple medical professionals. The study recommends initiating measures to prevent such delays and facilitate timely referral to a rheumatologist.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateAug 11, 2020

Analysis pinpoints most important forests for biodiversity and conservation in Central Africa

A study by WCS and partners pinpointed the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Republic of Congo, Cameroon, and Equatorial Guinea as crucial countries for safeguarding biodiversity and intact forests. The analysis combines datasets to highlight regions with high conservation value, guiding national development plans towards sustainabl...

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateAug 11, 2020

Gluten in wheat: What has changed during 120 years of breeding?

A study by the Leibniz-Institute for Food Systems Biology found that modern wheat varieties contain slightly less protein than older varieties, while maintaining a consistent gluten content. The researchers also discovered that environmental conditions, such as precipitation, played a significant role in shaping protein composition.

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateAug 11, 2020

Storing energy in red bricks

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a method to convert red bricks into energy storage units that can store electricity, which could be charged and used to power devices. The 'smart bricks' can store a substantial amount of energy and can be recharged hundreds of thousands of times within an hour.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 11, 2020

SARS-CoV-2 infection among health care workers in hospital

A study conducted at a large community hospital found that COVID-19 was prevalent among healthcare workers, with significant exposure rates reported. The findings underscore the importance of implementing robust infection control protocols to protect healthcare personnel and prevent further transmission.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateAug 11, 2020

Racial, socioeconomic disparities fuel increased infant mortality rates in California

A new study found that infant mortality rates in California have increased among certain groups, including obese mothers, smokers, and African American women. The study analyzed data from over 4 million single births and found that children of African American women had nearly twice the risk of infant mortality compared to those of whi...

Cricket umpires fumble on T20 calls

Research by Queensland University of Technology reveals that elite-level cricket umpires make more errors when making leg-before-wicket (LBW) decisions in T20 cricket, with a hit rate of 86.15% and false alarm rate of 2.04%. The study found that the format of the game affects decision-making behavior.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalPsychology of Sport and Exercise·DateAug 11, 2020

Excess weight among pregnant women may interfere with child's developing brain

Research published in Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry suggests that obesity in pregnant women can affect the developing brain, particularly in areas responsible for decision-making and behavior. The study used fetal brain activity measurements to identify potential links between maternal BMI and changes in brain connectivity.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateAug 11, 2020

COMBAT study preliminary results show response of 32% in treatment of pancreatic tumors

The COMBAT trial, a phase IIa clinical trial, has shown promising results with pembrolizumab and BL-8040 combination therapy, achieving a 32% meaningful tumor shrinkage in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. This response rate is double that of traditional chemotherapy, offering hope for improved treatment outcomes.

'Insect apocalypse' may not be happening in US

A recent US long-term ecological site study suggests that the so-called 'insect apocalypse' may be exaggerated, with many areas showing little to no overall change in insect abundance and biodiversity. However, certain species remain in decline, particularly for key ecosystem services like pollination and natural pest control.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateAug 11, 2020

COVID-19 clinical trials lack diversity

Majority of patients in remdesivir trials were Caucasians, raising concerns about medication efficacy in people of color. The study emphasizes the need for diverse clinical trial participants to accurately represent the US population and inform treatments.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 11, 2020

Researchers explore pollen fertilization mechanisms

A study published in Nature Communications reveals how pollen tubes grow up to a thousand-fold to reach the ovule, creating electrical activity at the cell membrane and promoting faster growth. The findings have implications for understanding seed production, fungal growth, and neuronal development, and may lead to improved food crop v...

Evolutionary theory of economic decisions

A new study from Stanford University proposes that the brain was constructed over evolutionary history to make high-stakes decisions with a bias towards pessimism. This perspective challenges traditional economic models, which assume humans act rationally and weigh probabilities to maximize personal gain.

SourceStanford University·JournalEvolutionary Human Sciences·DateAug 11, 2020

Physicists cast doubt on neutrino theory

Researchers from University of Cincinnati and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory failed to detect sterile neutrinos in twin experiments, increasing doubts about their existence. The study's findings suggest that sterile neutrinos might not be responsible for previously observed anomalies.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 11, 2020

COVID-19: Herd immunity in Sweden fails to materialize

Sweden's policy of controlled spread of COVID-19 has failed to deliver herd immunity, with actual antibody prevalence lower than predicted. Clinical findings suggest that mildly ill or asymptomatic patients are less likely to acquire antibodies.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateAug 11, 2020

Right under your nose: A more convenient way to diagnose Alzheimer's disease

Scientists at DGIST discovered that specific proteins in nasal discharge can indicate the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease, providing a novel approach for early detection. The levels of two particular Aβ oligomers were consistently higher in patients with AD, allowing for non-invasive screenings to assess AD progression.