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Science News Archive March 2020 - Page 20


Page 20 of 41

Timing is key for parents who want to help children learn at museums, say researchers

Children's museums offer a perfect environment to study early science learning. Researchers found that timing is crucial in explaining concepts, as it enhances exploration and discovery. Parents can support their children's learning by listening to them, watching their actions, and offering explanations at the right moment.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalMonographs of the Society for Research in Child Development·DateMar 16, 2020

Even a limited India-Pakistan nuclear war would bring global famine, says study

A new study suggests that even a limited India-Pakistan nuclear war would cause unprecedented planet-wide food shortages and probable starvation lasting more than a decade. Crops would be hardest hit in the northern breadbasket regions, but southerly regions would suffer much more hunger due to global trade disruptions.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2020

Cancer diagnostics

A team of scientists has developed a cancer diagnostics method that amplifies microRNA in live tumor cells using synthetic DNA and nanoparticles. This allows for the detection of tumor cells with high sensitivity, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and improved treatment outcomes.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 16, 2020

Ancient mantis-man petroglyph discovered in Iran

A unique rock carving with six limbs has been identified as a part man, part mantis, suggesting humans have linked mantids to the supernatural since ancient times. The petroglyph was discovered in Iran's Teymareh site and is believed to be between 40,000-4,000 years old.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalJournal of Orthoptera Research·DateMar 16, 2020

Sobering new data on drinking and driving: 15% of US alcohol-related motor vehicle fatalities involve alcohol under the legal limit

According to a new study, accidents involving drivers with low blood alcohol concentrations are more likely to cause harm to others than drivers with levels at or above the limit. The study found that stringent alcohol policies can reduce the likelihood of fatal accidents involving drivers with all levels of alcohol blood concentration.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMar 16, 2020

'Toxic,' but still successful professionally?

Researchers at the University of Bonn found that toxic personalities who are socially adept can still succeed professionally due to their ability to deceive others. The study suggests that balancing personal traits with social skills is crucial for career advancement.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateMar 16, 2020

Cancer drug with better staying power, reduced toxicity promising in preclinical trial

Researchers developed a cancer-drug candidate called OxaliTEX that stops tumor growth entirely and delivers more cancer-busting power than many commonly used chemotherapy drugs. OxaliTEX has fewer toxic side effects and is more effective in overcoming resistance compared to existing platinum-based treatments like carboplatin.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2020

Effects of family member detention or deportation

A survey study of nearly 550 Latino adolescents found a strong association between family member detention or deportation and later suicidal thoughts, alcohol use, and externalizing behaviors. The study highlights the need for policymakers to consider the impact of immigration policies on vulnerable populations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMar 16, 2020

Dual therapy reduces risk for bleeding better than triple therapy for patients with atrial fibrillation

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that dual therapy with a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) plus P2Y12 inhibitor was associated with reduced risk of major bleeding compared to triple therapy with a vitamin K antagonist (VKA) plus aspirin and P2Y12 inhibitor for patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation after percutaneous ...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 16, 2020

Researchers sniff out AI breakthroughs in mammal brains

A new computer algorithm inspired by the mammalian olfactory system rapidly learns patterns and identifies smells even with strong sensory interference. The algorithm is applied to a neuromorphic computer chip, Loihi, which can learn to identify patterns or perform tasks a thousand times faster than traditional methods.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateMar 16, 2020

Receptors for the immune defense

Researchers discovered that jawless and jawed vertebrates share similar immune receptor gene structures despite independent evolution. The findings provide insight into the evolution of the adaptive immune system and its importance for human health.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience Immunology·DateMar 13, 2020

How plants sound the alarm about danger

A team of scientists has discovered a complex communication network in plants that responds to the hormone jasmonic acid, allowing them to defend against insects and fungi. The study reveals two key genes, MYC2 and MYC3, which play a crucial role in regulating plant defense responses.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Plants·DateMar 13, 2020