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Science News for December 30, 2020


Novel public-private partnership facilitates development of fusion energy

Researchers at PPPL and Commonwealth Fusion Systems successfully simulated particle confinement in the SPARC tokamak device, crucial for achieving commercial fusion energy. The study predicts well-confined alpha particles will minimize damage to the facility, paving the way for plasma self-heating and improved techniques for control.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalJournal of Plasma Physics·DateDec 30, 2020

Largest study of Asia's rivers unearths 800 years of paleoclimate patterns

Researchers used tree rings to reconstruct river discharge histories, finding that Asian rivers behave in a coherent pattern with large droughts and pluvial periods often occurring simultaneously. The study's findings have important implications for water management, particularly in countries with multiple river basins.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalWater Resources Research·DateDec 30, 2020

Higher red cell transfusion threshold offers no advantage for treating preterm infants

A National Institutes of Health-funded study found that providing a higher threshold of red cells offers no survival benefit for preterm infants and does not reduce neurological impairment. The study used data from 845 infants with varying hemoglobin thresholds to compare outcomes.

LSU Health New Orleans discovers potential new RX strategy for stroke

Researchers at LSU Health New Orleans have discovered a potential new RX strategy for stroke, combining an LSU Health-patented drug with selected DHA derivatives to protect brain cells and increase recovery. The study found that this combination therapy significantly reduced lesion volumes and improved behavioral scores, offering hope ...

Dating apps don't destroy love

A UNIGE study found that people who met their partners on dating applications have stronger cohabitation intentions and desires to have children. The results also show that couples formed through apps have diverse socio-educational profiles, leading to increased long-distance relationships.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 30, 2020

Published data from Moderna COVID-19 vaccine trial show 94.1 percent efficacy

The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine has demonstrated a 94.1 percent efficacy in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 infections and severe illness, according to the results of the ongoing phase 3 clinical trial. The study enrolled over 30,000 participants and found that cases of severe COVID-19 occurred only in those who received the placebo.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 30, 2020

Frailty is a factor in higher mortality for women awaiting liver transplants

A new study by researchers at UCSF and Columbia University highlights the role of frailty in the gender gap in mortality rates for women waiting for liver transplants. Women awaiting liver transplants are found to be more likely to become too ill to undergo surgery or die before receiving a liver, with frailty being a significant risk ...

Scientists find the error source of a sea-ice model varies with the season

Researchers found the error source of a sea-ice model varies with the season, leading to discrepancies between simulations and observations in both cold and warm seasons. The study suggests using an ensemble approach to consider seasonal variations in model errors, improving future simulation and prediction of Arctic sea ice.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateDec 30, 2020