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Science News Archive November 2020 - Page 3


Page 3 of 43

Older adults with dementia exhibit financial 'symptoms' up to six years before diagnosis

A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Federal Reserve Board of Governors found that individuals with dementia miss payments on bills as early as six years before diagnosis. Financial symptoms like missed payments and subprime credit scores are unique to dementia and can be used as early predictors.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateNov 30, 2020

Surprising trove of sorghum diversity discovered in Australia -- but it's disappearing fast

Researchers discovered a surprising trove of wild sorghum relatives in Australia, offering potential solutions to combat drought and extreme heat. However, these economically important plants are in peril due to habitat destruction, invasive species, and climate change, highlighting the need for urgent conservation efforts.

Dream reports during the COVID 19 pandemic

A new Brazilian study found that dreams during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown are related to mental suffering and fear of contagion. The computational assessment of dream reports used in the study reveals these emotional connections.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 30, 2020

Recycled concrete could be a sustainable way to keep rubble out of landfi

A five-year study by University of British Columbia Okanagan researchers found that recycled concrete performs as well as conventional concrete, with comparable strength and durability. The innovative material can be a 100% substitute for non-structural applications and may eventually replace traditional construction methods.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalConstruction and Building Materials·DateNov 30, 2020

Business closures, partial reopenings due to COVID-19 could cost the US $3-$5 trillion GDP

A new USC study finds that the COVID-19 pandemic could result in net losses of $3.2 trillion and up to $4.8 trillion in U.S. Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) over two years. The study's findings depend on factors such as business closures, gradual reopening processes, infection rates, and fatalities.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalEconomics of Disasters and Climate Change·DateNov 30, 2020

Liver cirrhosis: Disease progression

A recent study by MedUni Vienna found that blood biomarkers for systemic inflammation increase with liver cirrhosis stages, predicting complications in asymptomatic patients. The severity of portal hypertension also correlates with levels of inflammatory markers, increasing mortality risk.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateNov 30, 2020

Getting a grip on better health

A study of over 600 men found that grip strength was associated with hypoxemia-induced reductions in peripheral neural innervation. Sleep apnea was also linked to fat infiltration of muscle and endothelial dysfunction, highlighting the importance of addressing this common sleep problem.

SourceFlinders University·JournalNature and Science of Sleep·DateNov 29, 2020

Men tuning into Insta-spiration

New research from Flinders University confirms men are responding to Instagram influencers' body image and fitness messages, with a high level of response to fitspiration goals. The study found exposure to bare-chested images resulted in lower body satisfaction compared to viewing clothed fashion images or scenery images.

SourceFlinders University·JournalBody Image·DateNov 29, 2020

Game changer in thermoelectric materials could unlock body-heat powered personal devices

Researchers at the University of Wollongong have developed a new thermoelectric material with record-high conversion efficiency, improving heat-to-electricity conversion by over 60%. The discovery could enable the creation of body-heat powered personal devices, revolutionizing low-maintenance electronics and zero-carbon power generation.

How stable is the Antarctic ice sheet?

Researchers found that the ice masses of East Antarctica could be less stable than thought, and a rise in global sea level threatens coastal areas. The study's findings indicate that the formation of large glaciers in the northern hemisphere contributed to the ice sheet's stability.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 27, 2020

Poverty and honesty are not opposites

A new study challenges traditional assumptions about the link between poverty and dishonesty, finding that individuals cheat equally in periods of relative wealth and poverty. Researchers also found that brief social interventions can improve behavior when wealth increases, but have no effect during times of scarcity.

SourceWZB Berlin Social Science Center·JournalGames and Economic Behavior·DateNov 27, 2020

UK's aim to half maternal mortality by 2030 is challenged by social inequalities, and increasing maternal age, obesity and c-section rates

The UK is facing an uphill battle in meeting its target of halving maternal mortality by 2030 due to increasing social inequalities and health risks. Maternal age, obesity, and caesarean sections are contributing factors. The European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care has highlighted these issues and recommended improvement...