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Science News Archive November 2020 - Page 7


Page 7 of 43

Blast from the past

A team of astronomers using Gemini North's GNIRS instrument discovered that CK Vulpeculae, a bright new star in 1670, is approximately five times farther away and has ejected gas at much higher speeds than previously reported. The new findings suggest the explosion was far more violent, releasing roughly 25 times more energy than a nova.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateNov 24, 2020

'Crisis decision making at the speed of COVID-19' - Bay Area public health officials share their experience with shelter-in-place order

In response to the emerging COVID-19 pandemic, Bay Area public health officials issued the first U.S. regional shelter-in-place order in mid-March 2020. They share their experience on crisis decision-making approach, including meta-leadership and decision intelligence, which improved routine team decisions.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Public Health Management and Practice·DateNov 24, 2020

New graph-based statistical method detects threats to vehicular communications networks

Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a cost-effective way to detect security threats in vehicle networks using graph-based anomaly detection techniques. This simple method requires less energy than machine learning or AI methods and can be easily adapted by car manufacturers.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalIEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems·DateNov 24, 2020

Defined blockade

A new method enables specific inhibition and removal of DNA methylation at targeted locations using enzymatic photocaging. This technique involves attaching photocages to AdoMet analogues, which are then transferred to methylation sites, allowing for precise control over gene regulation.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 24, 2020

How dolphins avoid "the bends"

A new study reveals that dolphins adjust their heart rate to suit the length of their planned dive, conserving oxygen and avoiding decompression sickness. This conscious adjustment allows them to safely dive for long periods, providing insights into marine mammal physiology.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateNov 24, 2020

Immune strategy based on limited information in the network

Researchers develop efficient immunization strategy using limited network information, significantly reducing disease spread for small groups of individuals. By focusing on the most connected nodes, they achieve a lower fraction of nodes needed to stop the epidemic, highlighting the potential for effective control measures.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateNov 24, 2020

Scientists apply the METRIC model to estimate the land surface evapotranspiration in Nepal

The METRIC model was used to simulate and evaluate surface evapotranspiration in Nepal, showing good applicability and accuracy. The study found an inverse relation between elevation and ET, highlighting its potential for irrigation management and soil moisture assessment in the country's mountainous regions.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateNov 24, 2020

Animal-free method predicts nanoparticle toxicity for safer industrial materials

Researchers developed an animal-free method to predict nanoparticle toxicity, enabling safer industrial materials production and reducing environmental risks. The new approach identifies key cellular events triggering inflammation, allowing for high-throughput testing and connectable with in silico modeling.

Experimental evolution reveals how bacteria gain drug resistance

A research team at RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research successfully evolved Escherichia coli under antibiotic pressure, identifying mechanisms and constraints underlying drug resistance. The findings can be used to develop strategies that minimize the chance of bacteria developing resistance.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 24, 2020

Closing the racial disparity gap in survival after in-hospital cardiac arrest

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that better medical-surgical nurse staffing has a greater effect on black patients than white patients, and differences in survival to discharge after an IHCA are more pronounced in poorly staffed hospitals. The study included over 14,000 patients in 75 US hospitals.

Brain waves guide us in spotlighting surprises

Researchers found that dynamic interplay of brain wave frequencies, rather than dedicated circuitry, governs the brain's knack for highlighting surprising and downplaying predictable stimuli. This regulatory system has a key role in predictive coding, which is disrupted in autism spectrum disorders.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 24, 2020

Shining a light on nanoscale dynamics

Researchers from University of Konstanz and LMU Munich demonstrate ultrafast electron diffraction to uncover nanomaterials' functionality. They observe quantum mechanical phase shift through interaction with light waves, providing a movie-like sequence of images revealing fundamental light-matter interactions.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 24, 2020

Quantum magic squares

Researchers from University of Innsbruck introduce quantum magic squares, a non-commutative generalization of classical magic squares. Quantum magic squares cannot be easily characterized by convex combinations of quantum permutation matrices, as previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalJournal of Mathematical Physics·DateNov 24, 2020