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Science News Archive May 2020 - Page 13


Page 13 of 42

First month of data shows children at low risk of COVID-19 infection, no hospitalizations

A new study reveals that children in Australia are at low risk of contracting COVID-19, with none requiring hospitalization. The research, led by the Murdoch Children's Research Institute, analyzed 434 patients and found only four positive cases, highlighting the success of outpatient management for COVID-19 positive patients.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalEmergency Medicine Australasia·DateMay 21, 2020

A sole mate to prevent diabetic foot ulcers

Researchers developed a device that circulates cool water into pressure-relieving insoles to reduce foot temperature and diminish the risk of tissue breakdown. The device, TAPMARI, was tested in eight volunteers and showed promising results, potentially preventing thousands of amputations worldwide.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery·DateMay 21, 2020

Ultrasonic technique discloses the identity of graphite

Graphite exhibits stronger interplanar bond strength than previously believed, with an elastic constant of nearly 50 GPa, due to a short-range correlation effect selectively strengthening the potential energy surface. This discovery was made using a new ultrasonic measurement technique on defect-free monocrystalline graphite.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPhysical Review Materials·DateMay 21, 2020

Women quotas in politics have unintended consequences

A study by University of Rochester researchers found that women quotas in India's local government elections led to a reduction in the representation of lower caste groups, while increasing the representation of Hindu upper castes. The quota policy aimed to increase female representation but ultimately had unintended consequences.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalAmerican Journal of Political Science·DateMay 21, 2020

Sex bias in pain research

A review paper from McGill University found that pain research remains overwhelmingly biased towards male rodents, leading to ineffective treatments for female chronic pain sufferers. The study suggests that most current analgesics will largely work in men rather than women, highlighting a critical blind spot in pain research.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Reviews Neuroscience·DateMay 21, 2020

Advanced manufacturing game changer

A team of Louisiana engineers and scientists, with federal funding from the National Science Foundation, are developing new technologies and materials to enhance structural safety and integrity in 3-D printing. They will use machine learning to efficiently discover and test optimal material compositions and processing methods.

Journal of Dental Research special issue explores a new era for the oral microbiome

The June 2020 issue of Journal of Dental Research explores the latest research on the oral microbiome, highlighting rapid progress in understanding its dynamics. The papers cover topics such as analyzing microbial communities, cultivating species, and their connections to oral health conditions like cancer and diabetes.

The ins and outs of sex change in medaka fish

A team of scientists from Nagoya University found that starving medaka larvae can cause sex reversal, revealing a potential link to environmental factors and metabolic processes. The study may provide insights into rare conditions in humans and other vertebrates where individuals have characteristics of both sexes.

SourceNagoya University·JournalBiology Open·DateMay 21, 2020

Visualization of functional components to characterize optimal composite electrodes

A new visualization method using atomic force microscopy is developed to determine the distribution of components in battery electrodes, providing insights into optimal composite electrode conditions. The method has potential to improve performance and safety of all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries.

Teleradiology enables social distancing during coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic

Remote reading of imaging studies on home PACS workstations helps protect vulnerable radiologists and patients from COVID-19, while ensuring seamless interpretation capabilities in emergency scenarios. The study highlights the challenges and solutions in implementing teleradiology, including workstation assignments and workflow redesign.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateMay 21, 2020

Measuring blood damage

Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a method to detect red blood cell damage in real-time, which could improve patient safety during dialysis. The technique uses mechanical resistance to measure changes in blood conductivity caused by damaged red blood cells.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 21, 2020

Malaria vaccines based on engineered parasites show safety, signs of efficacy

Two malaria vaccines developed using genetically engineered malaria parasites have shown safety and preliminary protection in phase 1/2a clinical trials. The vaccines, created by Isaie Reuling and Meta Roestenberg teams, delayed infections when exposed to mosquitoes infected with Plasmodium falciparum, the primary cause of malaria in h...

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 20, 2020

Going nuclear on the moon and Mars

Nuclear fission reactors are being considered as top candidates to generate electricity in space due to their reliability and capacity. The technology has been tested and could provide a power source for several years, making it an attractive option for lunar and Martian settlements.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMay 20, 2020

Birth control pills affect the love hormone

A recent study by Aarhus University found that birth control pills increase oxytocin levels, potentially affecting romantic love and closeness. The research suggests that women on birth control may experience altered mood and diminished sense of attachment to partners.

SourceAarhus University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 20, 2020