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Science News for November 13, 2020


Sleep apnea may be risk factor for COVID-19

A recent study published in the Sleep Medicine and Disorders International Journal suggests that sleep apnea may be a risk factor for severe COVID-19. The research, conducted at Turku University Hospital, found that 29% of patients admitted to hospital care had already been diagnosed with sleep apnea.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalSleep Medicine and Disorders International Journal·DateNov 13, 2020

Two anti-inflammatory compounds shown to be capable of accelerating recovery from COVID-19

Researchers at University of São Paulo and University of Pennsylvania conducted clinical trials on monoclonal antibody eculizumab and experimental drug AMY-101, showing promising results in accelerating recovery from severe COVID-19. The studies found that inhibiting the complement system reduced inflammation and improved lung function.

The Popovich of floral nectar spurs

Researchers at Harvard University have identified a key gene POPOVICH responsible for floral nectar spur development, a crucial innovation in plant evolution. This discovery provides insight into the origin of this trait and its role in promoting biodiversity among flowering plants.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2020

Handles and holes in abstract spaces: how a material conducts electricity better

A new theory developed by scientists at SISSA has established a relationship between the presence of 'handles' in the space of atom and molecule arrangements and a material's electrical conductivity. The research found that materials equipped with handles, previously thought to be insulators, can conduct electricity like metals.

Worms reveal why melatonin promotes sleep

Researchers identified melatonin's role in promoting sleep by activating the BK channel in the brain, a process that limits neurotransmitter release. This finding has implications for understanding melatonin's effects and potential treatment of diseases related to the BK channel.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2020

Here's why conservatives and liberals differ on COVID-19

A new study from Lehigh University's College of Business found that conservatives are more sensitive to threats with high agency, proposing free will as the primary driver of outcomes in life. To get greater buy-in on safety measures, policymakers should discuss the virus in terms that give it more agency.

SourceLehigh University·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateNov 13, 2020

New saliva-based antibody test for SARS-CoV-2 highly accurate in initial study

A new saliva-based antibody test developed by Johns Hopkins researchers accurately detects SARS-CoV-2 antibodies from small saliva samples. The test's high sensitivity and specificity make it suitable for various applications, including large-scale screening and monitoring changes in antibody-positivity rates over time.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Clinical Microbiology·DateNov 13, 2020

Love waves from the ocean floor

Researchers decoded the origin of love waves, generated by ocean storms, which travel through the solid Earth. Stanford University geophysicist Lucia Gualtieri's study suggests that Love waves originate within the Earth itself, not on the seafloor.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2020

Measuring the true cost of conservation

A new high-resolution map of US land value reveals underestimates in existing cost estimates, highlighting the need for higher funding levels for environmental goals. The tool provides policymakers with realistic expectations for conservation funding, enabling more informed decision-making.

SourceBoston University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2020

Are diagnostic imaging studies with positive conclusions or titles published faster?

A study found that diagnostic imaging studies with positive conclusions were associated with a shorter time from study completion to publication, contributing to an overrepresentation of positive results in the test accuracy literature. Studies with positive titles showed no significant association with faster publication times.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateNov 13, 2020

Is zoom increasing the demand for plastic surgery

A study published in Facial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine suggests that Zoom's increased usage has led to a rise in plastic surgery requests, particularly for nose and wrinkle treatments. The 'Zoom Dysmorphia' phenomenon is characterized by individuals seeking surgical interventions due to perceived flaws on video calls.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalFacial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine·DateNov 13, 2020

How air pollution affects homeless populations

A new study from the University of Utah finds that people experiencing homelessness are exposed to high levels of air pollution, particularly those sleeping outdoors at night. The researchers also discovered that sheltered and unsheltered individuals experience similar negative health outcomes associated with air pollution.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateNov 13, 2020

What does the fox say to a puma?

Pumas and culpeo foxes can successfully coexist due to distinct diets, with pumas primarily feeding on introduced hare species and foxes on smaller mammals. This study sheds light on predator interactions and ecosystem balances in the Andes.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalDiversity·DateNov 13, 2020

Hospital-acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection

A rare nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers is discussed in the article. Minimizing these incidents can be achieved through proper precautions such as wearing surgical masks, maintaining good ventilation, practicing physical distancing, using eye protection, and conducting regular testing and sick leave policies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateNov 13, 2020

Dynamic risk management in cell populations

Scientists at AMOLF and Yale University have discovered a mechanism that enables cell populations to tune their diversity much faster, by combining physical and chemical interactions between existing proteins. This allows cells to quickly adapt to new environmental signals, rather than relying on time-consuming gene expression changes.

SourceAMOLF·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 13, 2020

New supercomputer installed at Stony Brook

Stony Brook University has installed a new supercomputer, Ookami, powered by the HPE Apollo 80 system and Fujitsu A64FX processor, offering a balance of high performance and power efficiency. The system is supported by Bright Cluster Manager software and will be available for researchers nationwide to test new computing technologies.

How religion can hamper economic progress

A recent study from Bocconi University found that Catholic schools in France during the Second Industrial Revolution hindered the introduction of technical education, leading to lower industrial employment. The research suggests that religion can have a negative impact on economic development when it hinders the adoption of economicall...

SourceBocconi University·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateNov 13, 2020

Anions matter

Researchers found that sulfate anions significantly improve the performance of zinc-ion hybrid capacitors, enabling them to operate for over nine months and showing excellent flexibility. The study highlights the importance of electrolyte anions in enhancing the power and energy density of capacitors.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 13, 2020

Order from chaos

Researchers from Kyoto University have created a beam-scanning device using photonic crystals, eliminating the need for moving parts. The technology enables high-power, high-beam-quality two-dimensional beam scanning lasers with improved resolution and accuracy.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 13, 2020

First non-human primate study showing promise of gene therapy for stroke repair

A study published on Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology found successful neural regeneration from brain internal glial cells for stroke repair in rhesus macaque monkeys. This gene therapy approach regenerates new neurons while also protecting injured neurons from secondary damage.

SourceGuangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·DateNov 13, 2020