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Science News Archive October 2020 - Page 31


Page 31 of 47

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

Ultrafast fiber laser produces record high power

The research team developed a new ultrafast fiber laser that produces an average power of over 10 kW without significant degradation in beam quality. This technology paves the way for industrial-scale materials processing and visionary applications such as space debris removal.

SourceOptica·DateOct 12, 2020

Tighter border policies leave migrants vulnerable to effects of climate change

A new study suggests that restrictive border policies could exacerbate the effects of climate change on vulnerable regions, limiting their ability to emigrate. In contrast, open borders have a positive impact on developing countries, providing an important source of income through remittance and reducing vulnerability to climate change.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 2020

A new approach to analyzing the morphology of dendritic spines

Researchers from Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University propose a novel approach to analyzing dendritic spine shapes by considering clusterization methods. This approach can provide more accurate understanding of synaptic input and its relationship with learning, memory, and neurodegenerative disorders.

SourcePeter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University·JournalFrontiers in Synaptic Neuroscience·DateOct 12, 2020

New mechanism affecting nerve impulses discovered

Researchers at Linköping University have identified a new mechanism by which substances can open specific ion channels and regulate nerve impulses. The study reveals a large group of substances that influence the coupling between ion channel parts, opening potassium channels in a specific manner.

SourceLinköping University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 2020

Therapy using immune system cells preserves vision in mice implanted with rare eye cancer

Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center developed a therapy using immune system T cells and an immune-boosting drug packaged in a gel to preserve vision in mice implanted with retinoblastoma. The therapy successfully delayed tumor development and prevented recurrence, showing promise for future clinical trials.

Penn Medicine scientists engineer bacteria-killing molecules from wasp venom

Scientists at Penn Medicine have engineered bacteria-killing molecules from toxic proteins found in wasp venom, which could help combat antibiotic-resistant infections. The new antimicrobial molecules work by disrupting bacterial membranes and summoning immune cells, showing promise as potential treatments for sepsis and tuberculosis.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 2020