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Science News Archive October 2020 - Page 15


Page 15 of 47

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