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Science News Archive October 2020 - Page 21


Page 21 of 47

More than 'just a fish' story

Researchers identify genetic diversity among Neosho and Northern smallmouth bass subspecies, emphasizing importance of origin when stocking streams to avoid 'genetic swamping.' The study's findings could inform fisheries management strategies to preserve native populations and prevent dominant subspecies from outcompeting others.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalConservation Genetics·DateOct 19, 2020

Driver of the largest mass extinction in the history of the Earth identified

A new study reconstructs the Permian-Triassic boundary event, revealing that massive volcanic activities in Siberia triggered the extinction of 95% of ocean life. The team used fossil brachiopod shells to analyze isotopes and simulate Earth's processes, concluding that warming and acidification led to catastrophic consequences.

High pressure is key for better optical fibers

Researchers from Hokkaido University and the US used computer simulations to show that high pressure can reduce light scattering in silica glass fibers by over 50%. This could enable longer distance data transmission without amplification, revolutionizing global communication.

SourceHokkaido University·Journalnpj Computational Materials·DateOct 19, 2020

A trillion turns of light nets terahertz polarized bytes

Researchers at Rice University and Politecnico University have demonstrated the first nanophotonic platform capable of manipulating polarized light 1 trillion times per second. The platform uses plasmonic metasurfaces to exploit ultrafast electronic mechanisms, enabling faster data transmission rates.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 19, 2020

Brain circuit biomarkers to predict response to treatment for neuropsychiatric disorders

Researchers identify distinct functional connectivity patterns in brain circuits using EEG, enabling subtyping of patients independent of clinical diagnosis. These patterns can predict treatment outcomes, with some subtypes responding better to psychotherapy or medication while others benefit from non-invasive TMS treatment.

SourceCohen Veterans Bioscience·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateOct 19, 2020

Hand-held device reads levels of cancer biomarker

Researchers at McMaster University have developed a prototype for a hand-held device that can read the levels of a cancer biomarker, similar to a blood-sugar monitor. The device simplifies cancer testing by allowing patients to collect samples at home and providing accurate results in minutes.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateOct 19, 2020

New evidence to guide the practice of blood transfusions in children with severe malari

A new study led by ISGlobal found that blood transfusions can increase the survival of children with severe malaria, even at higher haemoglobin levels than recommended thresholds. In cases with complications, such as impaired consciousness or acidosis, transfusion improved survival even at high haemoglobin levels.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalThe Lancet Haematology·DateOct 19, 2020

SARS-CoV-2 infection rates in skilled nursing facilities

Researchers examined asymptomatic and presymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection rates in skilled nursing facilities across the US, revealing significant variation in case counts by county. The study highlights the importance of considering local COVID-19 prevalence when evaluating infection control strategies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateOct 19, 2020

The Milky Way galaxy has a clumpy halo

The Milky Way's circumgalactic medium (CGM) has a disk-like geometry, with denser areas where stars are forming and material is being traded between the galaxy and the CGM. The discovery provides insight into the galaxy's formation and evolution, as well as its interaction with the surrounding universe.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalNature Astronomy·DateOct 19, 2020

Significant link found between air pollution and neurological disorders

A large-scale study found significant associations between air pollution and an increased risk of hospital admissions for several neurological disorders. The research analyzed data from over 63 million US adults and linked fine particulate pollution with higher rates of Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and other dementias.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateOct 19, 2020