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Science News Archive May 2020 - Page 21


Page 21 of 42

A soft touch for robotic hardware

Researchers developed soft robotic technology using reservoir computing, enabling flexible control of pneumatic artificial muscles. This innovation may lead to wearable rehabilitation devices, biomedical robots, and remote-sensing applications, all with improved safety and adaptability.

Like thunder without lightning

Researchers discovered black hole-neutron star mergers in globular star clusters can be detected using computer simulations. The study offers critical insights into the fusion of massive stellar objects, with potential implications for gravitational wave detection.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalCommunications Physics·DateMay 15, 2020

The dreaming brain tunes out the outside world

Researchers found that the brain filters out external sounds during REM sleep, prioritizing meaningful speech during light sleep. This mechanism enables the brain to protect the dreaming phase, necessary for emotional balance and learning consolidation.

SourceCNRS·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 15, 2020

Applying the analogy method to improve the forecasting of strong convection

Researchers improve forecasting of strong convective weather using analogy method, which estimates occurrence environment for similar weather phenomena based on historical model forecasts. The method performs well in predicting potential for strong convection in different regions of China.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateMay 15, 2020

Parents that know a child's preferences can assertively guide exercise

Children perceive coercion as reducing exercise motivation, while parent-child interaction, acceptance of lack of motivation, and participation in activities increase enthusiasm. Parents can support exercise motivation by taking into account children's interests and providing flexible boundaries for screen time.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMay 15, 2020

Impacts of different social distancing interventions detectable two weeks later, shows German modeling study

A German modeling study finds that three social distancing interventions led to a decline in COVID-19 cases, with the full effect only visible after a two-week delay. The study's results emphasize the need for policymakers to carefully consider when to lift restrictions to avoid worsening the situation.

Bizarre new species discovered... on Twitter

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen's Natural History Museum of Denmark have discovered a new species of parasitic fungus on American millipedes, found via a shared photo on Twitter. The newly discovered fungus, Troglomyces twitteri, is part of the Laboulbeniales order and has never been documented before.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalMycoKeys·DateMay 15, 2020

Indigenous protection

A team of anthropologists, physicians, and tribal leaders developed a strategy to manage COVID-19 among the Tsimane indigenous population in Bolivia. The plan aims to provide a general template for other indigenous groups, promoting collaboration and minimizing harm due to the pandemic.

Blood clotting abnormalities reveal COVID-19 patients at risk for thrombotic events

Researchers found critically ill COVID-19 patients with severe blood clotting who were at high risk of developing complications like renal failure, venous blood clots, and stroke. The study linked blood clotting measurements with patient outcomes, suggesting early testing may help identify and treat dangerous complications.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMay 15, 2020

AJR details COVID-19 infection control, radiographer protection in CT exam areas

Radiologists at Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical School implemented strict disinfection measures, including air disinfector use and ultraviolet light, in CT examination rooms to reduce COVID-19 transmission risk. Radiographers followed personal protective equipment protocols, with separate zones for clean and contaminated areas.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateMay 15, 2020

Study finds association between atherosclerosis and changes in the structure, heart function

Researchers found a significant association between coronary artery calcium and changes in the left ventricular mass index and aortic root diameter. This suggests that higher calcium scores may be linked to potential adverse effects on heart function, emphasizing the need for a healthy lifestyle to prevent calcification of arteries.

How do plants forget?

Researchers found a phenomenon called 'epigenetic resetting' in plant sperm that erases histone modifications, allowing seeds to forget their environment. This mechanism is similar to data erasure on hard drives and is essential for plants to adapt to changing conditions.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateMay 15, 2020

Physicists offer a new 'spin' on memory

A team of physicists at the University of Arizona discovered a thin layer of iron oxide that explains a long-standing puzzle in magnetic tunnel junctions, which could lead to faster and more efficient spintronics. The finding opens up new possibilities for developing this technology, potentially revolutionizing computing.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 15, 2020