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Science News Archive August 2020 - Page 11


Page 11 of 45

Lockdowns have economic and social costs for world's poorest families

A new research study documents the impacts of COVID-19 lockdown measures on low socioeconomic families in rural Bangladesh, revealing increased financial hardship, food insecurity, domestic violence and mental health challenges. The study highlights the need for welfare support and social protection for women and their families during ...

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateAug 25, 2020

Sedentary behaviour on the rise across Europe

The study found that sedentary behavior increased by 3.9% in Spain, 7.4% in Germany, 17.8% in France, and 22.5% in Great Britain between 2002 and 2017. The authors suggest that increasing physical activity and reducing screen time could help mitigate the risks associated with prolonged sitting.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateAug 25, 2020

Memory protein

A study by UC Santa Barbara researchers found that a disordered protein exhibits slow relaxations, defying expectations, and 'remembers' its previous stretching. This behavior is similar to glassy materials like memory foam and crumpled paper.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 25, 2020

Galactic bar paradox resolved in cosmic dance

A new study resolves the Galactic bar paradox by proposing that the central region of the Milky Way is connected to the spiral arm in a 'cosmic dance', causing contradictory estimates of motion. The bar's size and rotational speed fluctuate rapidly, making it appear larger and slower at certain times.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 25, 2020

Legacy

A new study led by UT Southwestern scientists suggests that breastfeeding changes the body's insulin sensitivity, particularly in highly insulin-sensitive organs like the liver and fat tissue. This increase in insulin sensitivity may provide a buffer against insulin resistance even decades later, lowering the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalDiabetes·DateAug 25, 2020

Why we distort probability

A team of researchers from New York University and Peking University found that human cognitive limitations lead to distorted probabilities and errors in decision-making. The model predicted human performance better than previous models, suggesting that people do as well as they can under their limitations.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 25, 2020

Cutting surgical robots down to size

Researchers at Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard have developed a miniature manipulator that uses origami-inspired design to enhance precision and control during teleoperated surgical procedures. The new device enables surgeons to perform complex operations with increased accuracy and reduced tissue damage.

Thin layer protects battery, allows cold charging

A self-assembling monolayer of electrochemically active molecules protects the surface of the lithium anode, preventing dendritic growth and increasing cycle life. This technology enables cold charging and quick-charging capabilities in lithium metal batteries.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Energy·DateAug 25, 2020

'Oral' bacteria may disrupt the balance of the vaginal microbiome

A study suggests that oral bacteria like Fusobacterium nucleatum can promote the growth of harmful pathogens in the vagina, leading to bacterial vaginosis (BV). The research found that Fusobacterium may engage in mutually beneficial relationships with other vaginal bacteria, encouraging dysbiosis and BV features.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 25, 2020

Treatment for teen anxiety

A University of Cincinnati-led study suggests that a specific selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) may be beneficial in treating childhood anxiety disorders. The treatment showed promise in reducing anxiety symptoms in adolescents with generalized anxiety disorder.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateAug 25, 2020

Study shines new light on young tree seedlings

Researchers used a synchrotron to take detailed X-ray images of ponderosa pine seedlings at various hydration stages. The findings show that the tissue surrounding the xylem, not the xylem itself, dries out when seedlings lose water, revealing new insights into tree seedling growth.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateAug 25, 2020