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Science News Archive November 2020 - Page 41


Page 41 of 43

Covid-19 "super-spreading" events play outsized role in overall disease transmission

A new MIT study found that Covid-19 super-spreading events, where one person infects many others, are more common than expected. The researchers developed a mathematical model that shows limiting gatherings to 10 or fewer people could significantly reduce the number of super-spreading events and lower overall infections.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2020

Scientists identify specific brain region and circuits controlling attention

A new study by MIT neuroscientists shows that the activity of norepinephrine-producing neurons in a single brain region, the locus coeruleus, controls both focus to ignore distractions and discipline to curb impulses. Stimulating LC activity improved attentional control tasks, while inhibiting it had the opposite effect.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2020

Malaria test as simple as a bandage

Researchers created a test device using protein biomarkers in dermal interstitial fluid, detecting malaria in 20 minutes and requiring no medical expertise or equipment. The patches could cost around $1 each and be adapted for other diseases with biomarkers in interstitial fluid.

SourceRice University·JournalMicrosystems & Nanoengineering·DateNov 2, 2020

Follow your gut: How farms protect from childhood asthma

A recent study by Helmholtz Munich researchers found that a diverse environmental microbiome, particularly in farm children, can protect against childhood asthma. The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in this protective effect, with certain bacteria producing short-chain fatty acids that may contribute to asthma protection.

Artificial night lighting has widespread impacts on nature

A study of over 100 studies found that artificial night-time lighting has a profound impact on animals and plants, reducing melatonin levels and altering hormone regulation. The effects were particularly strong in diurnal species, causing them to start their daily activities earlier, while nocturnal species saw reduced activity duration.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateNov 2, 2020

Vitamin D levels during pregnancy linked with child IQ

A recent study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that mothers' vitamin D levels during pregnancy were associated with their children's IQ scores. The study also identified significantly lower levels of vitamin D among Black pregnant women, emphasizing the need for targeted nutritional interventions to address health disparities.

SourceSeattle Children's·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateNov 2, 2020

More Republicans follow COVID guidelines when they're told it will protect themselves

A new study found that conservatives tend to focus on self-reliance and feel responsible for their own outcomes, while liberals take a community-minded view and prioritize the well-being of others. The research suggests that public health officials should tailor their messages to specific audiences, with more liberal messaging resonati...

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateNov 2, 2020

Secrets behind "Game of Thrones" unveiled by data science and network theory

Researchers used data science and network theory to analyze 'A Song of Ice and Fire', finding that character interactions are similar to real-life relationships and deaths appear random but reflect common events. The study suggests good writers work within psychological limits of the reader, making complex narratives relatable.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2020

Lack of understanding of common heart condition leads to missed treatment opportunities

A study published in the British Journal of General Practice found that poor awareness of Heart Failure with preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF) leads to missed diagnosis and treatment opportunities. The condition affects half of all heart failure cases in England, but frequently goes undiagnosed due to lack of understanding among clin...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·DateNov 2, 2020

New study reveals poisoning exposures in Australian schools

A new study found poisoning exposures in children and adolescents while at school are relatively common and increasing, requiring improved safety strategies to prevent preventable poisonings. The study highlights the need for school-based initiatives and programs to make the school environment safer for students.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateNov 2, 2020

To predict how crops cope with changing climate, 30 years of experiments simulate future

A 30-year review of climate experiments found that C3 crops' yields may increase by 18% with adequate nutrients and water, but quality losses and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases are also expected. Genetic solutions and bioengineering can help mitigate negative effects, but developing new crop cultivars is time-consuming.

A new curriculum helps surgical trainees comprehensively treat victims of firearm violence

A new curriculum at Washington University School of Medicine equips surgical residents with technical and non-technical skills to treat victims of firearm violence. The Anatomy of Gun Violence (AGV) curriculum includes training sessions, simulations, and discussions on the social context of firearm violence.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateNov 2, 2020

How the immune system remembers viruses

Researchers at Technical University of Munich found that memory T cells form earlier in the immune response than previously believed, contrary to current scientific opinion. This discovery has significant implications for vaccine development and could lead to improved vaccines with increased long-term effectiveness.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Immunology·DateNov 2, 2020

New research partnership

The launch of Neurotrauma Reports Null Hypothesis journal aims to promote balance in academic publications by publishing well-performed replication and negative studies. The initiative encourages researchers, funders, and publishers to report on important negative results with the same priority as positive results.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalNeurotrauma Reports·DateNov 2, 2020