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Science News Archive February 2020 - Page 32


Page 32 of 40

For aging patients, one missed doctor's visit can lead to vision loss

A new Penn Medicine study found that missing a single ophthalmology appointment over a two-year period was associated with decreased visual acuity for patients with macular degeneration. Patients who attended more frequent visits had better visual outcomes, highlighting the importance of visit adherence for this patient population.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateFeb 6, 2020

Social media users 'copy' friends' eating habits

A new study from Aston University found that social media users are influenced by their friends' eating habits. The research suggests that those who believe their friends consume junk food are more likely to overeat themselves. In contrast, those who think their friends eat healthy diets tend to consume more portions of fruit and veg.

SourceAston University·JournalAppetite·DateFeb 6, 2020

Story tips: Fusion squeeze, global image mapping, computing mental health, Na+ batteries

Researchers have developed a new computational tool for simulating fusion plasmas, which could help hold and squeeze superheated gas in extreme conditions. Additionally, scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have created an approach to scan massive datasets of large-scale satellite images more efficiently, allowing for faster map...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalEnergy Storage Materials·DateFeb 6, 2020

New tool monitors real time mutations in flu

A Rutgers-led team has created a tool to monitor live influenza A virus mutations in real time, allowing for the analysis of viral RNA without killing cells. This breakthrough could aid virologists in understanding and stopping viral replication.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateFeb 6, 2020

A new approach to calm that angry nose

A new study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that semaphorin protein contributes to allergic reactions and development of nasal polyps in patients with eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis. Elevated levels of semaphorin protein were associated with disease severity.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateFeb 6, 2020

Psychology: High volumes of mental health-related tweets associated with crisis referrals

A study published in Scientific Reports found that high volumes of mental health-related tweets were associated with a significant increase in crisis referrals to two London hospitals. The researchers analyzed data from 2010-2014 and observed a 5-15% rise in crisis episodes on days with higher-than-average tweet activity discussing dep...

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 6, 2020

Setting up fundamental bases for information metasurface

A general information theory of metasurface has been proposed to analyze the relation between the information of metasurface and its far-field radiation pattern. The scientists found an upper bound of information contained in the radiation pattern of a metasurface, revealing theoretical upper limit of orthogonal radiation states.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateFeb 6, 2020

Stopping onchocerciasis on two sides of a border

Researchers successfully coordinated MDA to stop onchocerciasis transmission in Sudan and Ethiopia, demonstrating the effectiveness of binational cooperation. The study marked the first known interruption of transmission across international borders.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateFeb 6, 2020

Graphene mapping 50 times faster

Researchers at UT University have developed an algorithm that improves Raman spectroscopy's signal-to-noise ratio, allowing for faster graphene mapping. The technique can also be applied to other two-dimensional materials, such as germanene and silicene.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateFeb 6, 2020

Oh my aching back: Do yoga, tai chi or qigong help?

A comprehensive review of movement-based mind-body interventions found yoga, tai chi, and qigong to be effective in treating chronic lower back pain. The studies showed reductions in pain intensity, disability, and improved functional ability, with longer duration and high-dose yoga intervention and tai chi showing greater benefits.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalHolistic Nursing Practice·DateFeb 6, 2020

Experimental fingerprint test can distinguish between those who have taken or handled cocaine

Researchers at the University of Surrey developed an experimental fingerprint detection approach that can identify traces of cocaine on human skin even after washing hands. The test distinguishes between individuals who have consumed and those who have handled cocaine, utilizing a molecule produced in the body when cocaine is ingested.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 6, 2020