Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for October 14, 2020


Clean and clear: How being more transparent over resources helps cut carbon emissions

A new study by the University of Sussex Business School reveals that countries signing up to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) have seen significant reductions in carbon emissions, with an average decrease of 13% between 2000 and 2014. In contrast, the world average carbon footprint per capita grew by 23% over th...

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalThe Extractive Industries and Society·DateOct 14, 2020

An alternative to animal experiments

Researchers at TUM have developed human intestinal organoids as a model for studying nutrient and drug transport in the intestines. These miniature intestines can accurately reflect physiological processes inside humans, paving the way for medical and pharmaceutical applications such as drug screening.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·DateOct 14, 2020

New insight into neovessel formation shows promise in future treatment of cardiovascular diseases

A new study by researchers at the University of Eastern Finland provides novel insight into the previously unknown effects of factors regulating blood vessel formation. Bone morphogenetic factor 6, BMP6, is shown to regulate blood vessel formation via vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and Hippo signalling pathway.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalAngiogenesis·DateOct 14, 2020

Warm central equatorial pacific sea surface temperatures and anthropogenic warming boosted the 2019 severe drought in East China

A severe drought in East China from August to October 2019 was exacerbated by warm central equatorial Pacific sea surface temperatures and global warming. The study suggests that while natural climate variability played a role, human-induced climate change amplified the droughts likelihood.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateOct 14, 2020

Boost to develop microalgae into health foods

Researchers at Flinders University have developed a novel protocol to detect lipid production in microalgae, enabling the mass production of omega-3 fatty acids and other healthy compounds. The technique improves on traditional fluorescent probes, allowing for easy and rapid evaluation of lipid conditions within microalgae.

SourceFlinders University·JournalMaterials Chemistry Frontiers·DateOct 14, 2020

Researchers take issue with study evaluating an AI system for breast cancer screening

An international group of scientists raises concerns about a recent publication evaluating an AI system for breast cancer screening, citing restrictive data access and lack of transparency. The authors argue that protecting patient privacy should not hinder the broader research community from contributing to methodology and correcting ...

As New Yorkers prepare to vote, COVID-19 stays top-of-mind

A survey of New York City residents found that many are hopeful for the city's recovery from the pandemic, but concerned about a potential COVID-19 resurgence and its disproportionate impact on communities of color. The survey also revealed significant economic disparities, with food insecurity affecting nearly 40% of households.

SourceCUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy·JournalJournal of Health Communication·DateOct 14, 2020

Wearable circuits printed directly on human skin

Scientists successfully printed wearable circuits directly onto human skin using a room-temperature sintering method, enabling seamless integration with the body. The novel approach produced reliable and comparable signal quality to conventional commercial devices for health monitoring applications.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 14, 2020

Improving health care autonomy for young adults with autism

A MU researcher developed a world's first health care transition readiness assessment for adolescents with autism, identifying skills needed for transition from pediatric care to adult care. The study found that young adults with autism can benefit from better understanding medication management, insurance policies and health care fina...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateOct 14, 2020

Immune failure can cause serious COVID-19

Research by University of Bergen scientists has found that patients with critical COVID-19 often have antibodies blocking interferons, a crucial part of the body's defense system. This finding may explain gender differences in severe COVID-19 cases and offer potential treatment options.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalScience·DateOct 14, 2020

Future of farming

The four-year study aims to determine how environmental changes modify nutrient pollution in the Tar-Pamlico River Basin, examining local policies' influence on water quality. The research team will collect soil samples to measure the effect of increasing saltwater concentrations on microbial processing of nitrogen.

The rise of 'zoom towns' in the rural west

Rapid population growth in rural gateway communities poses significant planning challenges due to increased housing costs, traffic congestion, and environmental degradation. The GNAR Initiative aims to help local officials prepare for these pressures through a webinar series on amenity migration.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of the American Planning Association·DateOct 14, 2020

Aerosols vs droplets

UC Santa Barbara researchers modeled the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in different temperatures and relative humidities. They found that respiratory droplets can travel longer distances than recommended social distancing guidelines, especially in cooler environments. The study suggests aerosol transmission may be more significant in summer, re...

Mount Sinai researchers find that where people live can impact their risk for common chronic conditions including high blood pressure and depression

A new study by Mount Sinai researchers found that a person's risk of uncontrolled chronic disease increases after moving to a place where the condition is more common. The study analyzed millions of adults who moved to new neighborhoods, counties, and states, tracing how their health changed after the move.

Stay in touch with your emotions to reduce pandemic-induced stress

A new study led by Emily Kroska found that people who acknowledge and address their emotions during stressful times report lower stress levels than those who avoid identifying with their emotions. By maintaining relationships and engaging in valued activities, individuals can increase their psychological flexibility and reduce distress.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of Contextual Behavioral Science·DateOct 14, 2020

Study upends understanding about joint injuries

A new study published in Scientific Reports found that lubricin, a protein that lubricates joints, increases in dogs with ACL injuries before signs of arthritis appear. The discovery has implications for human ACL and other orthopedic injuries, suggesting increased lubricin may be a biomarker for predicting future osteoarthritis.

SourceCornell University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 14, 2020

Distracted learning a big problem, golden opportunity for educators, students

Research shows that distracted learning significantly impairs students' attention, working memory, and learning outcomes. Educators can empower students to manage distractions by fostering an internal locus of control and promoting active learning. Strategies include removing extraneous devices, using work-reward systems, and incorpora...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Food Science Education·DateOct 14, 2020

Robot swarms follow instructions to create art

A recent study shows that robot swarms can follow instructions to create paintings, using a system where an artist selects areas of the canvas to be painted a certain color. The resulting images are abstract and pleasing to the eye, with unique areas of color flowing into each other.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·DateOct 14, 2020

Ancient maths could foil future cyber hackers

A University of Reading mathematician is collaborating with Microsoft to study ancient mathematical problems, including Diophantine equations, to aid in the development of encryption software. The project aims to create more secure data protection against quantum computers that can solve complex mathematical problems quickly.

Cultural diversity and racism in the Ancient World

A new display at Swansea University's Egypt Centre will showcase artefacts from Egypt, Greece, Rome, and other ancient civilizations to educate visitors about issues like identity, racism, and xenophobia. The exhibit aims to spark meaningful discussions on these topics, drawing from the rich material available in the ancient world.

A new toolkit for capturing how COVID-19 impacts crime

A new set of assessment tools shows promise in capturing how the COVID-19 pandemic affects patterns of criminal activity. The toolkit uses resilience theory to examine the impact of exceptional events on crime patterns, with preliminary evidence linking the pandemic to increased domestic violence and declines in other forms of crime.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 14, 2020

A new land surface model to monitor global river water environment

A new land surface model CAS-LSM was developed to assess impacts of climate change and anthropogenic disturbances on global river temperature and nitrogen transport. The model found increased river temperatures in tropical zones due to climate change, with power plants warming local rivers by up to 60% in Asia.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems·DateOct 14, 2020

Obesity implies risk of COVID-19 regardless of age, sex, ethnicity and health condition

A systematic review of nine clinical studies involving 6,577 patients with COVID-19 found that obesity significantly increases the risk of severe illness and death. The study also highlights the importance of addressing obesity through public health policies to prevent COVID-19-related complications.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalObesity Research & Clinical Practice·DateOct 14, 2020

Protein that keeps immune system from freaking out could form basis for new therapeutics

Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine discovered a molecule called Girdin (GIV) that acts as a brake on macrophages. The GIV-mimic peptide can shut down immune cells' overreaction, supporting a mechanism critical for survival in mouse models of sepsis and colitis.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 14, 2020

Restoring 30% of the world's ecosystems in priority areas could stave off more than 70% of projected extinctions and absorb nearly half of the carbon built up in the atmosphere since the Industrial Revolution

A new report identifies priority areas for ecosystem restoration, which could rescue land-based species and soak up vast amounts of carbon dioxide. Protecting these areas and restoring natural ecosystems can deliver significant biodiversity and climate benefits at a relatively low cost.

SourceBurness·JournalNature·DateOct 14, 2020

New scientific study shows brain injuries can be unbroken by innovative neuro-technologies

A recent scientific study led by the Centre for Neurology Studies at HealthTech Connex and Simon Fraser University reports breakthroughs in brain health recovery for Captain Trevor Greene, a Canadian veteran who survived an axe attack in Afghanistan. The study used innovative neuro-technologies, including Portable Neuromodulation Stimu...

SourceChiang Public Relations·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateOct 14, 2020

Higher average life expectancy after obesity surgery

A University of Gothenburg study finds that individuals who undergo obesity (bariatric) surgery have a higher average life expectancy compared to those given conventional treatment for obesity. The study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, shows that bariatric surgery prolongs life expectancy by 3 years, but patients sti...

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 14, 2020

Bringing people together on climate change

A study published in Science Communication found that watching high-quality, engaging media programs on climate change can reduce political polarization among Democrats and Republicans. Participants who were most engaged with the program showed greater perceptions of climate change risk and efficacy in taking action.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalScience Communication·DateOct 14, 2020

Workplace wellness programs could improve if more personalized, study shows

A new study found that personal and psychological characteristics significantly impact progress in workplace wellness programs. The research suggests that tailoring nudges to an individual's behavior profile can unlock full potential, leading to improved outcomes. For some groups, ongoing incentives may be necessary to sustain motivation.

More diversity needed in oil palm plantations

Research shows that information campaigns and free seedlings can encourage diversification in oil palm plantations, increasing tree planting and survival rates. The study emphasizes the need for policies that consider both supply-side and demand-side impacts to reduce environmental degradation.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalJournal of Environmental Economics and Management·DateOct 14, 2020

Researchers use lab-grown tissue grafts for personalized joint replacement

A multidisciplinary team has bioengineered living cartilage-bone TMJ grafts using the recipient's own cells, demonstrating effectiveness in a clinically sized swine model. The grafts integrated well with surrounding tissues and provided biological and mechanical function similar to the native joint.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 14, 2020