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Science News Archive December 2020 - Page 33


Page 33 of 39

Detecting solar neutrinos with the Borexino experiment

The Borexino experiment has successfully detected low-energy neutrinos from the Sun's carbon-nitrogen-oxygen (CNO) cycle, a process that produces about 1% of the Sun's energy output. This detection provides valuable insights into the CNO cycle and its role in the energy production of stars, including our own Sun.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal C·DateDec 4, 2020

New study debunks blood type diet

A randomized control trial of 16 weeks showed that a low-fat, plant-based diet increased metabolism and reduced body weight in overweight participants regardless of their ABO blood type. The study found no association between blood type and the effects of the diet on body fat, plasma lipids, or glycemic control.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateDec 4, 2020

Optimising laser-driven electron acceleration

Scientists study how tuning aspects of a powerful laser beam can affect the acceleration of electrons, finding that optimal values of laser beam waist increase maximum acceleration. They observe significant energy gains in full and half-pulse interactions, reaching up to 1 GeV.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateDec 4, 2020

UBC study explores link between social status and trust in decision-makers

A recent UBC study reveals that individuals with lower socioeconomic statuses are more likely to distrust powerful decision-makers, viewing coercion as a viable path to gain power. In contrast, those with higher socioeconomic statuses are more trusting and associate power with collaboration and respect.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateDec 3, 2020

Hiring foreign nurses does not hurt US nursing jobs, study shows

A new study from the University of Illinois found that hiring foreign-educated registered nurses does not displace U.S.-educated nurses and may even boost wages for highly educated natives. The research analyzed data from 1980-2015 and covered every commuting zone in the US, including rural areas.

Wind farm and sleep disruption

A comprehensive review of existing literature suggests that wind turbine noise can affect sleep stages and deep sleep time. Researchers are calling for further well-controlled experimental studies to better understand the impact on sleep.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Sleep Research·DateDec 3, 2020

JNIS™: cuts in Medicare payments jeopardize patient access to care

The final 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule will result in a 10% reimbursement cut for neurointerventional procedures, putting patients at risk of losing access to life-saving care. The Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery warns that this measure could further exacerbate challenges faced by the field due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceSociety of NeuroInterventional Surgery·JournalJournal of NeuroInterventional Surgery·DateDec 3, 2020

New theory of root competition reveals rules governing growth

A new study provides a theoretical foundation for understanding competitive root behavior, revealing that plants adjust their root growth strategies according to the proximity of competing plants. The research reconciles conflicting hypotheses and demonstrates that roots are likely used to preempt resource capture by competitors in nea...

Scientists predict 'optimal' stress levels

The study suggests most animals remain stressed for longer than optimal after a stress-inducing incident, likely due to physiological limits. The researchers propose that environmental predictability and baseline stress levels play key roles in shaping stress responses.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·DateDec 3, 2020

The same vision for all primates

A study found that visual processing units are identical in size across primate species, from the world's smallest mouse lemur to humans. This preservation suggests an early evolution of primate vision and highlights the importance of conservation efforts for endangered species.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 3, 2020

New review confirms disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on Black, Hispanic populations

A systematic review published in Annals of Internal Medicine confirms health disparities in COVID-19 outcomes among Black and Hispanic populations, attributing the disparity to increased risk of exposure and transmission. The study highlights the need for targeted efforts to reduce exposure to the virus in vulnerable populations.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 3, 2020

Scientists peer into the 3D structure of the Milky Way

A new 3D survey of the Milky Way has revealed a wide range of structures within the galaxy, from individual star-forming clumps to giant molecular clouds. The study provides unprecedented detail on the inner structure and dynamics of the galaxy, shedding light on its star formation processes.

SourceCardiff University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateDec 3, 2020

Study finds over 64% of people reported new health issues during 'work from home'

A study by USC researchers found that working from home negatively impacts physical and mental health, increases distractions, and reduces productivity. Nearly 1,000 respondents reported experiencing one or more new physical health issues, with women and parents of toddlers and infants being disproportionately affected.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateDec 3, 2020