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Science News Archive August 2020 - Page 32


Page 32 of 45

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.

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