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Science News Archive December 2020 - Page 16


Page 16 of 39

Balancing climate and development goals

A new study explores the climate consequences of developing countries reaching a specific per-capita GDP level before reducing carbon emissions. The research suggests that delaying decarbonization in these countries would result in less than 0.3°C of additional warming and only a 6% increase in total cumulative CO2 emissions by 2100.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateDec 15, 2020

Weak force has strong impact on nanosheets

Rice University scientists found that van der Waals force can indent rigid nanosheets, changing their electromagnetic properties. The researchers discovered that the force is sufficient to deform 8-nanometer-thick silver sheets into curvilinear structures with potential applications in nanophotonic research and catalytic systems.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 15, 2020

Do tumors stiff-arm the immune system?

Tumor cells produce excess complement protein iC3b to mask abnormal proteins, evading immune cell attack. The immune system relies on a flexible receptor CR3 to distinguish between 'I belong' and 'I don't belong' tags.

SourceInsideOutBio·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·DateDec 15, 2020

'Peecycling' payoff: Urine diversion shows multiple environmental benefits when used at city scale

A University of Michigan-led study finds that urine diversion and recycling can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, freshwater consumption, and the potential for algal blooms. The method also has lower environmental impacts than conventional wastewater treatment and fertilizer production methods.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 15, 2020

An avocado a day keeps your gut microbes happy

A new study from the University of Illinois found that consuming avocados as part of a daily meal increased beneficial bacteria and improved gut health in adults with overweight or obesity. The research also showed that avocado consumption reduced bile acids and increased short-chain fatty acids, leading to positive health outcomes.

Resistance training paired with peanut protein affects muscle health in older adults

A six- to ten-week resistance training program significantly improved knee flexion peak torque and vastus lateralis thickness in older adults who received peanut protein supplementation, compared to those without. The study found that PP supplementation increased muscle strength and growth in untrained older individuals.

SourceKetchum New York·JournalJournal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition·DateDec 15, 2020

Supporting renewable electricity: EU member states should coordinate reform efforts

A new study highlights the importance of coordinated policy reforms in supporting renewable electricity across EU member states. Without coordination, investors may shift their focus to subsidized technologies or countries with available subsidies, increasing the overall costs of expanding renewable energy generation in Europe. Strengt...

Quantifying effects of non-pharmaceutical interventions on SARS-CoV-2 transmission with modeling

A new modeling study found that limiting gatherings to fewer than 10 people and closing educational institutions significantly reduced SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Closing schools, universities, and nonessential businesses had a considerable impact on transmission rates, while targeted closures of high-risk businesses showed more benefit.

3D printers may be toxic for humans

Research studies have found that 3D printer emissions can cause moderate toxicity in human lung cells and minimal toxicity in rats. The emitted particles can affect indoor air quality and public health, particularly for children who are more susceptible to the effects of these emissions.

Nearly half of young drivers are resuming driving just weeks after sustaining a concussion

A study found that nearly half of adolescents who sought specialty care for a concussion were back to driving within two weeks, despite few returning to exercise and sports. The researchers recommend a staged approach to cognitive activities, including driving, with clinicians implementing a gradual return-to-driving protocol.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateDec 15, 2020