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Science News Archive November 2020 - Page 42


Page 42 of 43

Consequences of glacier shrinkage

Researchers studied a 2014 GLOF event in Ladakh, India, to understand the cause of rapid lake level rise. They found that increased glacial melting caused thawing ice cores to drain through subsurface tunnels without spilling over.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalNatural Hazards·DateNov 2, 2020

Starting kindergarten on the right foot

A new study by researchers at Université de Montréal found that kindergarten readiness is associated with better academic, psychological, and health outcomes in emerging adulthood. The study, published in Pediatrics, analyzed data from over 2,000 children born between 1997 and 1998 and found that kindergarten math skills and classroom ...

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateNov 2, 2020

Canada should approve HIV self-testing

Integrating HIV self-testing into Canada's health system could lead to better HIV detection and management, especially for underdiagnosed populations. The authors propose four factors for successful introduction, including rapid approval of WHO-approved tests and cost-effectiveness studies.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 2, 2020

What's for dinner? Dolphin diet study

A study of common dolphins in the Hauraki Gulf found declines in carbon values, suggesting a decrease in primary productivity or changes in prey selection. The research highlights the need for careful management of marine parks and surrounding environments to prevent overfishing and nutrient runoff.

SourceFlinders University·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·DateNov 2, 2020

Root bacterium to fight Alzheimer's

A novel class of compounds called rhizolutin has been discovered in a soil bacterium, Rhizolutin dissociates protein aggregates associated with Alzheimer's disease both in vivo and in vitro. The compound has been shown to reduce inflammatory processes and cell death caused by Aβ plaques in neuronal and glial cells.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 2, 2020

New insight into how brain neurons influence choices

A recent study by researchers at WashU Medicine has discovered that the activity of specific brain neurons encodes the value of options and determines final decisions. The findings have significant implications for understanding decision-making in mental health conditions such as addiction, depression, and schizophrenia.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateNov 2, 2020

New analysis method can lead to better cancer drugs

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a new DNA-based analytical method called NanoDeep, which enables the analysis of entire populations of cells. This breakthrough could lead to better drugs for breast and other cancers by providing a more detailed understanding of membrane protein organisation.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 2, 2020

Excessive alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased alcohol consumption in the United States due to stress and social isolation. Experts at McLean Hospital recommend educating people on managing stress without alcohol, drinking within safe limits during physical distancing, and recognizing signs of excessive use.

SourceMcLean Hospital·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateNov 2, 2020

Novel technique spotlights neuronal uptake of amyloid beta in Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at the University of California - Santa Cruz identify a specific segment of amyloid beta recognized by the cellular prion protein, which mediates its uptake into neurons and toxicity. This finding suggests targeting this process may be a promising approach for Alzheimer's drug development.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2020

Bats can predict the future, JHU researchers discover

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that bats use a combination of echolocation calls and head movements to predict the future position of their prey. This discovery enhances our understanding of auditory-guided behaviors in animals and humans, including sight-impaired individuals who rely on sound to navigate.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2020

Self-watering soil could transform farming

A new type of soil created by engineers at the University of Texas at Austin can pull water from the air and distribute it to plants, potentially increasing crop yields in previously inhospitable areas. The hydrogel soil retained up to 40% of its initial water quantity, outperforming sandy soils in dry areas.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalACS Materials Letters·DateNov 2, 2020

ACA's expansion of Medicaid improved maternal health

The ACA's Medicaid expansion improved preconception health indicators for low-income women, including increased health counseling and daily folic acid intake. While no changes were found in chronic condition prevalence or health behaviors, the expansion may help address risk factors for maternal and child health.

SourceNew York University·JournalHealth Affairs·DateNov 2, 2020