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Science News for October 22, 2020


Reviewing multiferroics for future, low-energy data storage

A new UNSW study comprehensively reviews the magnetic structure of bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3), a multiferroic material that displays both magnetic and electronic ordering at room temperature. This unique property allows for low-energy switching in data storage devices, making it a promising material for future, low-energy data storage.

New tool can diagnose strokes with a smartphone

Researchers have developed a machine learning model that analyzes speech and facial movements to diagnose strokes with high accuracy, potentially saving valuable time in diagnosing the condition. The tool was tested on over 80 patients and achieved 79% accuracy comparable to clinical diagnostics by emergency room doctors.

Antiretroviral therapy can't completely stop accelerated cell aging seen in HIV

A new study by UCLA researchers found that antiretroviral therapy given over two years was unable to completely restore age-appropriate epigenetic patterns in HIV-infected adults. This suggests that even successfully treated HIV-infected individuals are at an increased risk for early development of diseases commonly associated with aging.

OSIRIS-REx TAGs surface of asteroid Bennu

The OSIRIS-REx mission successfully collected samples from the surface of asteroid Bennu, with the sampling head touching down within three feet of the targeted location. The majority of sample collection occurred within the first 3 seconds, and the spacecraft spent approximately 5 of the 6 seconds of contact collecting surface material.

For the first time: Realistic simulation of plasma edge instabilities in tokamaks

Researchers at Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) have successfully simulated plasma edge instabilities in tokamaks, revealing trigger and course of instability. The simulation matches experimentally observed values, providing a crucial step towards predicting and avoiding ELM instabilities in future fusion devices.

AI detects hidden earthquakes

A new AI-based method has been developed to detect small, imperceptibly tiny earthquakes that occur on the same faults as bigger earthquakes. This technology could provide insights into how earthquakes interact and spread out along the fault, allowing for a clearer view of earthquake patterns.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 22, 2020

Eliminating COVID-19: What the world can learn from NZ and Taiwan

Taiwan and New Zealand eliminated community transmission of COVID-19 through early action, robust surveillance, and strong public health infrastructure. Effective measures included mask mandates, contact tracing, and quarantine, with Taiwan's response being particularly effective due to its well-planned pandemic preparedness.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific·DateOct 22, 2020

Bat-winged dinosaurs that could glide

Two small dinosaurs, Yi and Ambopteryx, had bat-like wings but struggled to fly, instead gliding between trees. Their unique wing membranes allowed them to glide, but not powered flight. The study supports that dinosaurs evolved flight in multiple ways before modern birds evolved.

SourceMcGill University·JournaliScience·DateOct 22, 2020

A new technique predicts how earthquakes would affect a city's hospitals

A new methodology helps disaster preparedness officials in large cities create regional contingency plans to ensure emergency responders can get patients to likeliest-to-stay-open hospital facilities after a quake. The technique estimates death and injury risks, projects hospital damage, and maps best routes for patient transportation.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 22, 2020

Is spirituality a component of wisdom?

A study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that spirituality is a significant component of wisdom, correlated positively with age and sex. The researchers used a self-report-based measure of wisdom and spirituality, finding that both components were associated with better mental health and well-being.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research·DateOct 22, 2020

COVID-19 anxiety linked to body image issues

A new study found that COVID-19-related anxiety and stress are associated with negative body image, particularly thinner ideals for women and muscularity for men. This association may contribute to eating disorders, as body dissatisfaction can trigger serious mental health issues.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateOct 22, 2020

Robotic trunk support trainer improves upper body control of children with cerebral palsy

A new robotic device called TruST helps children with cerebral palsy improve their trunk and reaching control, allowing them to sit stably and perform daily activities without assistance. After a two-year pilot study, four children aged 6-14 showed significant postural and reaching control improvements.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·DateOct 22, 2020

Optical wiring for large quantum computers

Physicists at ETH Zurich have demonstrated a new method for delivering multiple laser beams precisely to the right locations in a stable manner, allowing for delicate quantum operations on trapped atoms. The approach enables high-fidelity logic gates and scalability for large quantum computers.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateOct 22, 2020

How genetic variation gives rise to differences in mathematical ability

A study published in PLOS Biology found that genetic variants of the ROBO1 gene in young children are associated with grey matter volume in the right parietal cortex, predicting mathematical test scores. The research suggests that genetic variability may shape mathematical ability by influencing early brain development.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 22, 2020

Study: Malaria-preventive drugs dramatically reduce infections in school children

A new study found that malaria-preventive drugs can dramatically reduce infections in school children by half, leading to improved learning and reduced anemia. The analysis included 15,000 schoolchildren across seven African countries and showed a significant association between preventive treatment and better health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateOct 22, 2020

New tricks for old antibiotics

Doxycycline, an antibiotic, confers protection against sepsis by inhibiting mitochondrial protein production, reducing cell damage and promoting tissue repair. The study opens new possibilities for therapies targeting disease tolerance mechanisms to combat infections and diseases like sepsis.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalImmunity·DateOct 22, 2020

Are bushmeat hunters aware of zoonotic disease? Yes, but that's not the issue

A recent study in northern Uganda found that bushmeat hunters and women who cook the meat are aware of the potential for zoonotic diseases, but their practices are often driven by financial gain rather than precaution. The survey also revealed that many hunters disguise primate meat to avoid detection, posing a risk to public health.

Exercising one arm has twice the benefits

Researchers found that eccentric exercise on the opposing arm can prevent muscle damage and build strength in the unaffected limb. The study involved 30 participants with one arm immobilised for four weeks, showing significant improvements in strength and minimal muscle loss.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateOct 22, 2020

To avoid impression that SARS-CoV-2 transmission is ever-changing, interpret new info using existing

The authors argue that the rapidly developing research on SARS-CoV-2 transmission provides a solid foundation for interpreting new information. The established knowledge of viral spread across various contexts and spatial scales, including household, residential, and community settings, remains well-established.

How herpes infection may impair human fetal brain development

A study found that herpes simplex virus type 1 infection can cause impaired neuronal differentiation and abnormal brain structure in the human fetus, contributing to long-term neurological problems. The research also identified HSV-1-infected microglia promoting inflammation and suggesting new therapeutic avenues for targeting viral re...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 22, 2020