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Science News Archive August 2020 - Page 16


Page 16 of 45

Modeling contact tracing strategies for COVID-19

A mathematical modeling study examines the potential of contract tracing to combat SARS-CoV-2 transmission under varying assumptions. The researchers found that effective contact tracing can significantly reduce the spread of COVID-19 in scenarios with reduced physical distancing.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 21, 2020

Genomic analysis reveals many animal species may be vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection

A recent study using genomic analysis compared the ACE2 protein in over 410 species and found that many animals with all 25 amino acid residues matching the human protein are at high risk for contracting SARS-CoV-2 via ACE2. This includes critically endangered primate species, marine mammals, and certain domestic animals.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 21, 2020

Understanding how birds respond to extreme weather can inform conservation efforts

A study of 109 bird species across eastern North America over a 15-year period found that some birds are more resilient to climate change than others. The research, published in Global Change Biology, suggests that conservation efforts should target vulnerable species and locations predicted to experience extreme weather events.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateAug 21, 2020

Group of international scientists align on a definition for 'synbiotic'

A group of international scientists has developed a new definition for synbiotics, outlining a mixture of live microorganisms and selectively utilized substrates that confer a health benefit on the host. The definition aims to clarify scientific ambiguity and provide a foundation for science-based claims about synbiotic health benefits.

SourceInternational Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics·JournalNature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology·DateAug 21, 2020

When learning on your own is not enough

Researchers found two unique learning signals computed in distinct brain regions, one for direct learning and the other for social learning. This integrated brain network supports social influence in human decision-making, particularly in uncertain situations.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 20, 2020

Researchers create nanoclusters that mimic biomolecules

A research team at Cornell University created nanoclusters that can self-assemble and mimic the complex structures of DNA, RNA, and proteins. The clusters have three levels of organization with an interlocking, chiral design, making them potential candidates for metabolic and enzymatic processes.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 20, 2020

Affirmative action incentivizes high schoolers to perform better, new research shows

A study by University of California San Diego researcher Gaurav Khanna finds minority students attain 0.8 additional years of education where affirmative action policies are in place. Affirmative action makes going to a good college more attainable, encouraging minority groups to work harder to get into such schools.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalThe Review of Economic Studies·DateAug 20, 2020

Australia's wish list of exotic pets

A study found that Australians prefer pets from threatened species, invasive species, and popular US imports, posing a risk to native populations. The trade of these animals is often unregulated, making it difficult to track demand and assess the public's interest in owning exotic pets.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalNeoBiota·DateAug 20, 2020

Elevated "hunger" hormone leaves trauma-exposed teens at higher risk for PTSD

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that trauma-exposed adolescents with moderately elevated acyl-ghrelin hormone levels are almost eight times more likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study also suggests that lower acyl-ghrelin levels may reduce the risk and severity of subsequent PTSD.

CU student helps bridge teams at Clemson

A CU student collaborated with three research teams to study perovskite nanocrystals, which have numerous applications. The team discovered a phase transition that affects the material's optical properties and has relevance to applications already in use.

SourceClemson University·JournalNanoscale Advances·DateAug 20, 2020

Anthropogenic CO2 increase is unprecedented

Researchers at the University of Bern used a new measurement technology to analyze Antarctic ice cores and found that CO2 concentration rose rapidly during interglacial periods, even when ocean circulation was disturbed. This challenges the assumption of stable climate conditions during previous interglacials.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalScience·DateAug 20, 2020