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Science News for December 8, 2020


Researchers: drop the notion that more hours spent studying guarantees higher educational quality

A new study at the University of Copenhagen found that increased study hours do not necessarily lead to better educational outcomes. Students reported spending time on tasks without feeling engaged or retaining information. The researchers suggest qualitative surveys to better understand study engagement and quality.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalSociological Research Online·DateDec 8, 2020

Algorithms and automation: Making new technology faster and cheaper

Penn State researchers have created an automated process planning software to optimize additive manufacturing, reducing design time and material waste. The software uses algorithmic mapping of designs from CAD software to AM to minimize unnecessary steps, enabling faster production and lower costs.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Additive and Subtractive Materials Manufacturing·DateDec 8, 2020

New study allows regional prediction of uranium in groundwater

A new regional model predicts uranium contamination in California's Central Valley aquifers based on calcium concentrations and soil alkalinity. The study suggests that water managers can forecast solutions by including data about soil properties when generating aquifer vulnerability maps for naturally occurring contaminants like uranium.

SourceStanford University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 8, 2020

Predicting epilepsy from neural network models

A new study published in EPJ B reveals how complex dynamics in branching networks of neurons can be predicted to trigger episodes of epilepsy. The team's findings could lead to the development of better early warning systems for patients.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateDec 8, 2020

COVID-19: persistent symptoms in one third of cases

Physicians from the University of Geneva followed nearly 700 people with SARS-CoV2, finding that 33% still reported symptoms like fatigue, loss of smell or taste, and shortness of breath six weeks after diagnosis. A specific consultation for long COVID patients has been set up to improve care.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 8, 2020

An honored inventor

Terry Papoutsakis, University of Delaware professor and Unidel Eugene Du Pont Chair, was named a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors. He holds over 16 patents and contributes to sustainable manufacturing and human health through his work on microbial engineering tools.

Eyebuy: Sweeping glances can cost you money

Researchers found that customers who were shown product images on a display before shopping walked significantly more miles in the store and made double the number of unplanned purchases. A simple tip is to avoid wandering glances with the support of a shopping list.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 8, 2020

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: Confirmed COVID-19 cases and outbreaks were low in schools and nurseries in England that re-opened after the first lockdown

Research found COVID-19 cases and outbreaks were extremely low in schools and nurseries in England during the summer of 2020. Outbreaks correlated strongly with local infection rates, highlighting the importance of controlling community transmission to protect educational settings.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateDec 8, 2020

More years of obesity means higher risk of disease, study finds

A new study found that individuals with longer durations of obesity are at a higher risk for cardiometabolic disease factors. The duration of obesity exposure between ages 10 and 40 years was associated with worse values for blood pressure, cholesterol, and glycated hemoglobin (blood sugar) measurements.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 8, 2020

Magnetic bacteria as micropumps

Scientists have discovered a way to control the flow of liquids using magnetotactic bacteria, which can be used to transport cancer drugs directly to tumors. The bacteria produce an effect similar to that of a micropump, allowing for precise control over the movement of active substances.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateDec 8, 2020

Understanding COVID-19 infection and possible mutations

Penn State researchers computationally modeled the attachment of SARS-CoV-2 protein spike to ACE2, finding it highly optimized for human binding. The team also explored changes in the virus spike that could alter its affinity with human ACE2, potentially informing future research on vaccine durability and animal transmission.

SourcePenn State·JournalComputational and Structural Biotechnology Journal·DateDec 8, 2020

New definition of sustainability overcomes flaw hampering global transformation efforts

Researchers have developed a new definition of sustainability that recognizes the interdependence of living beings and their wellbeing, expanding the concept to non-human species and their needs. This new approach has wide-ranging applications in fields such as landscape planning and urban greenspace design, aiming to enhance human-wil...

SourceResearch Institute for Humanity and Nature·JournalGlobal Sustainability·DateDec 8, 2020

Studying trust in autonomous products

A Stanford University study reveals that users' moods play a significant role in shaping their trust in smart technologies. The research found that participants trusted devices more when they were in a positive mood, regardless of the experiment's intent. However, user trust also differed by age group, gender, and education level, with...

SourceStanford University·JournalJournal of Mechanical Design·DateDec 8, 2020

A molecule like a nanobattery

Researchers at University of Oldenburg develop complex molecular compound with high electron capacity, revealing new understanding of charge storage in metal centres. The model molecule functions as a 'mini segment of an energy storage material', paving the way for future design elements in molecular catalysts.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalChemPhysChem·DateDec 8, 2020

Risk of serious complications during knee replacement 73% higher when a tourniquet is used

Researchers found that knee replacement surgery using a tourniquet increases the risk of serious complications by 73%, including blood clots, wound infections, and the need for further surgery. Patients who underwent surgery with a tourniquet reported an average 19% more pain after surgery compared to those without.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateDec 8, 2020

Vitamin boosts essential synthetic chemistry

Researchers at Rice University have developed a novel method for producing olefins, or alkenes, using vitamin B12 and blue light, eliminating harsh chemicals typically needed in the process. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and sustainable production of drugs, agrochemicals, and plastics.

SourceRice University·JournalChemical Science·DateDec 8, 2020

Research reveals how COVID-19 affects the eyes

A study by Anglia Ruskin University found that COVID-19 can cause various eye symptoms, with 16% of respondents reporting sore eyes as a symptom. The researchers argue that sore eyes should replace conjunctivitis as a possible COVID-19 symptom due to its differentiation from other types of infections.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalBMJ Open Ophthalmology·DateDec 8, 2020

A colossal step for electronics

Researchers at Osaka University have created thin films of neodymium nickel oxide with an electrical resistance that can change dramatically by controlling the distribution of hydrogen ions. This breakthrough could lead to novel switches and potentially entirely new kinds of computer circuits.

SourceOsaka University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateDec 8, 2020

Getting to the bottom of Arctic landslides

Scientists from CNRS and Melnikov Permafrost Institute conduct cold room simulation to demonstrate permafrost's role in soil collapse. Heterogeneous frozen soils with vertical ice wedges undergo major deformation during thawing, accelerating subsidence and greenhouse gas release.

SourceCNRS·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 8, 2020

A standout superalloy

Researchers developed a new class of high-strength, defect-resistant superalloys that can be 3D-printed with minimal material waste. The nickel-based alloys overcome cracking issues in traditional AM processes, making them suitable for complex one-off components in extreme environments.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 8, 2020

Smartphone data shows real-time impact on health

A study by Cornell University researchers found that older adults in NYC are more likely to report fatigue and pain when encountering stressful social environments. The study used smartphone-based data collection to track participants' movements, activities, and emotions.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateDec 8, 2020

Human systems management critical for businesses during COVID-19

Researchers share critical information and solutions to address behavioral challenges posed by the pandemic, including new working models, digital service approaches, and learning strategies. The papers explore various aspects of human systems management, from employee engagement to occupational health and safety.

SourceIOS Press·JournalHuman Systems Management·DateDec 8, 2020

Racial microaggressions contribute to disparities in STEM education

A recent study from University of Illinois researchers found that racial microaggressions contribute to disparities in STEM education programs. Students of color who experience exclusion, invisibility, or isolation on campus are less likely to continue in STEM majors. The study aimed to encourage STEM-related academic programs to addre...

Development of high-speed nanoPCR technology for point-of-care diagnosis of COVID-19

Developed by a team of researchers, the nanoPCR technology uses hybrid nanomaterials to detect viral RNA in under 11 minutes while maintaining high accuracy. The technique has been tested with 150 patients, showing zero false negatives and positives, and demonstrates its potential for rapid, decentralized point-of-care diagnosis.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateDec 8, 2020

Keep taking the blood pressure medicine during the pandemic

A large-scale study from Aarhus University in Denmark shows that users of popular blood pressure medications had the same probability of a positive coronavirus test and no increased risk of hospitalisation or death. The study confirms previous smaller studies and reiterates the current recommendation to continue taking these medicines.

SourceAarhus University·JournalThorax·DateDec 8, 2020