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Science News for October 13, 2020


RUDN University mathematician refined the model of predator-prey relations in the wild

A RUDN University mathematician has enhanced the standard predator-prey model to include nonlocal interactions, which affect system dynamics and lead to different patterns of predation and prey growth. This improved model will help ecologists better understand natural systems and predict their development.

SourceRUDN University·JournalCommunications in Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulation·DateOct 13, 2020

New global temperature data will inform study of climate impacts on health, agriculture

A new data set provides high-resolution daily temperatures from around the globe to study human health impacts from heat waves, risks to agriculture, droughts, and food insecurity. The CHIRTS-daily dataset offers accurate estimates of air temperatures for 1983-2016, supporting efforts to monitor, understand, and mitigate climate hazards.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalScientific Data·DateOct 13, 2020

New study shows which medical procedures pose COVID-19 risk to health-care providers

A new study has identified autopsy, airway suctioning, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation as aerosol-generating procedures that require enhanced personal protective equipment. The research aims to prevent healthcare workers from becoming infected with COVID-19, protecting them from severe disease and maintaining staffing levels during t...

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalBMJ Open Respiratory Research·DateOct 13, 2020

Combination therapy against cancer

Scientists from Germany and China combine chemotherapeutic and photodynamic agents in a nanocapsule to destroy cancer cells. The treatment is effective against resistant tumors and stops tumor growth in live mice, offering a promising new approach to cancer therapy.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 13, 2020

If the glove fits

Israeli archaeologists discover that the inner-rim diameter of storage jars in Israel over 350 years conformed to the palm width of a male hand, matching the original biblical measurements of tefach. The consistent measurement may reflect ancient potters' use of palm as a standard diameter for jar openings.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalBulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research·DateOct 13, 2020

Cameras that can learn

Researchers from the University of Bristol and Manchester have developed cameras that can learn and process visual information in real-time, eliminating the need to record and transmit images. This breakthrough enables intelligent machines to perceive the world more efficiently and securely.

Evolution: No social distancing at the beginning of life

A recent study challenges traditional views of bacterial life, finding that biofilms exhibit characteristics similar to animal embryogenesis. Researchers discovered that bacteria follow a developmental pattern, with stage-organized architecture and increased use of multicellularity genes, similar to those found in animal development.

SourceRuđer Bošković Institute·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateOct 13, 2020

Well-formed disorder for versatile light technologies

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a novel approach to frequency doubling in nonlinear crystals, utilizing disordered nanocrystals to achieve efficient light conversion. The method, which combines two seemingly irreconcilable approaches, enables wide-range frequency tuning and minimizes material usage.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 13, 2020

'Less pain' to remove tonsils

A 10-year study from Flinders University has found that removing only a portion of the tonsil can significantly reduce pain and bleeding after surgery. Children who underwent this partial removal procedure returned to normal activities in under half the time compared to those who had their entire tonsil removed.

SourceFlinders University·JournalAustralian and New Zealand Journal of Surgery·DateOct 13, 2020

Television advertising limits can reduce childhood obesity, study concludes

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that restricting television advertising for food and beverages high in fat, sugar, and salt could lead to a significant reduction in childhood obesity rates. The research suggests that limiting ads between 5:30am and 9pm could result in a 4.6% decrease in obese children, equivalent to 40,000...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 13, 2020

Alcohol use changed right after COVID-19 lockdown

A study of twins found that one in four adults changed their alcohol use almost immediately after stay-at-home orders were issued, with 14% reporting higher levels of stress and anxiety. The study suggests a link between decreased drinking and increased mental health issues, highlighting the need for better support.

SourceWashington State University·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·DateOct 13, 2020

Winners and losers of energy transition

A new UNIGE study models 100 feasible scenarios to achieve Central European electricity sector targets by 2035. The research highlights trade-offs between cost-efficiency, renewable electricity, and regional equality, suggesting a compromise is possible to share costs and benefits evenly across regions.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 13, 2020

Trees and lawns beat the heat

A new study from the University of Utah reveals that mixed landscapes, comprising both trees and grass, are the most effective way to cool temperatures in the Salt Lake Valley. Lawns actually outperform trees in reducing daytime and nighttime temperatures by acting as a swamp cooler, while more open areas allow for better heat escape.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalAgricultural and Forest Meteorology·DateOct 13, 2020

Empathy prevents COVID-19 spreading

A new study published in Psychological Science reveals that empathy is a key factor in preventing the spread of COVID-19. The research shows that individuals with higher empathy levels are more likely to keep their distance and wear face masks to protect vulnerable populations.

SourceAarhus University·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 13, 2020

Illinois research links soil nitrogen levels to corn yield and nitrogen losses

Researchers establish relationship between soil nitrogen at different growth stages and corn yield, finding a tradeoff between productivity and environmental impact. Soil nitrogen explains majority of grain yield variation, with optimal levels resulting in 22% yield increase.

Bacterial toxin with healing effect

A study by the University of Jena found that a toxic substance from Staphylococcus aureus stimulates immune cells to produce anti-inflammatory messenger substances, reducing inflammation and promoting tissue healing. The researchers also demonstrated that these substances promote tissue regeneration in an animal model.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 13, 2020

Study links eating disorders with body dysmorphia

A new study published in Eating and Weight Disorders found a strong correlation between eating disorders and body dysmorphia, affecting 76% of participants. The research suggests that healthcare professionals should screen individuals with body dysmorphia for eating disorders regularly.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalEating and Weight Disorders - Studies on Anorexia Bulimia and Obesity·DateOct 13, 2020

Mental accounting is impacting sustainable behavior

Researchers analyze how our minds plan resource use to reduce excessive energy consumption and carbon emissions. They propose concrete strategies to fine-tune policy instruments and promote sustainable behavior, taking into account cognitive mechanisms such as spillover effects, rebound effects, and mental accounting labels.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Energy·DateOct 13, 2020

The deep sea is slowly warming

Researchers found a warming trend in the deep sea, with temperature fluctuations detectable at depths of up to 4,757 meters. The increase in temperatures is consistent with global climate change, but more research is needed to understand its causes.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 13, 2020

Without the North American monsoon, reining in wildfires gets harder

New research shows that climate change is altering the role of the North American monsoon in regulating wildfire season. Without the monsoon's winter rains, winter rainfall and snowpack are not enough to stop severe fires, leading to more destructive blazes. The US may learn from Mexico's land management strategies to mitigate wildfires.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalInternational Journal of Wildland Fire·DateOct 13, 2020

Athletes don't benefit from relying on a coach for too long

A new study from Binghamton University suggests that coaches who focus on transformational leadership can help athletes become less reliant on them over time. This means that coaches who inspire and mentor their players to achieve their full potential are more likely to have a positive impact on their development.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalInternational Journal of Sports Science & Coaching·DateOct 13, 2020