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Science News Archive August 2020 - Page 15


Page 15 of 45

One more hit from rare Earth: Efficient coherent spin manipulation by the electric field

Scientists from Peking University have developed an efficient method for manipulating the electron spin using an electric field, overcoming the challenges of traditional magnetic resonance techniques. The breakthrough could lead to significant advancements in quantum information processing and the development of quantum computation units.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateAug 21, 2020

Skat and poker: More luck than skill?

Heidelberg economists developed a rating system to measure skill levels in skat and poker. The study found that both games have over 50% luck, but skill takes over in the long term, with a skilled player winning 75% more games against an average opponent after 100 games.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalEuropean Economic Review·DateAug 21, 2020

Detailed map of natural killer cells in COVID-19 patients expands understanding of innate immune response to SARS-CoV-2

A new study maps natural killer cells in COVID-19 patients, finding specific characteristics of activation correlate with disease severity and adaptive NK cells with severe disease. The study suggests future research directions, including the role of NK cell responses in lung tissue and variability over time during SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Simple test could improve public attitudes to autism

Researchers propose a simplification in measuring public attitudes towards people with autism, using a single 'thermometer scale' survey. They found that non-autistic students rated autistic people relatively favourably, averaging 71/100, but there is still a long way to go in understanding and changing negative attitudes.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalExperimental Results·DateAug 21, 2020

Loop, resonate, and accelerate!

Researchers identified a new role for bi-directional connections in accelerating communication between brain regions. By creating loops, these connections can establish resonance and amplify signals, reducing the need for synchronization and increasing network efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateAug 21, 2020

Mount Sinai study finds COVID patients were most commonly readmitted to hospital for respiratory complications

A Mount Sinai study found that COVID patients were most commonly readmitted to the hospital for respiratory distress, with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and hypertension being key comorbidities. The study also showed that these patients had shorter hospital stays and lower rates of anticoagulation treatment.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateAug 21, 2020

Scientists discover a social cue of safety

Researchers at the Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown have discovered that fruit flies freeze as a social cue of danger, but also resume movement when others start moving again, signaling safety. Group size plays a crucial role in this behavior, with smaller groups freezing less and larger groups showing a more complex response pattern.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 21, 2020