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Science News Archive October 2020 - Page 38


Page 38 of 47

The effects of oxytocin on social anxiety depend on location, location, location

A University of California - Davis study found that oxytocin produced in a specific area of the brain can increase stress-induced social anxiety behaviors in mice. The researchers also discovered that this effect is stronger in females, which could help explain why social anxiety disorders are more common and severe in women.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 7, 2020

Airdropping sensors from moths

University of Washington researchers develop a 98mg sensor system that can be released from drones or insects and land safely without breaking, collecting data for almost three years. The system uses a magnetic pin to hold the sensor, which is then released using a wireless command, allowing for remote monitoring in hard-to-reach areas.

Does general anesthesia increase dementia risk?

Researchers investigated exposure to general anesthesia versus regional anesthesia in elective surgery and found no long-term link to dementia. The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society study followed 7,499 individuals aged 66+ for up to 5 years.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 7, 2020

The benefits of a prostate cancer screening tool

The availability of mpMRIp in Australia has led to a significant reduction in prostate biopsies by an average of 354.7 per month. This is estimated to save $13.2 million annually, making it a financially sensible policy from a healthcare perspective.

SourceWiley·JournalBJU International·DateOct 7, 2020

Printing organic transistors

Scientists at the University of Tokyo have created a new method for printing organic transistors, which could lead to the development of new display technologies and wearable electronic products. The breakthrough uses a lyophobic surface and a special U-shaped metal-film pattern to create uniformly grown semiconductor films.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 7, 2020

First detailed look at how molecular Ferris wheel delivers protons to cellular factories

Researchers have figured out a key step in how molecular Ferris wheels work in yeast proton pumps, providing insight into a fundamental process that could be harnessed to thwart disease. The study uses high-resolution images and computer simulations to confirm the role of water molecules in conveying protons through the membrane.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 7, 2020

Genomic characteristics, transmission routes of patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 in Southern California during early stage of COVID-19 pandemic

A case series of 192 SARS-CoV-2 positive patients in Southern California investigated transmission routes and local community spread within the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The study found that multiple transmission routes existed, including household, healthcare-associated, and travel-related cases.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 7, 2020

Applying artificial intelligence to science education

Machine learning transforms traditional science assessment by tapping into complex constructs, improving functionality and facilitating automatic scoring. The technology is expected to redefine science assessment practices and change the future of education.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Research in Science Teaching·DateOct 7, 2020

The good cough and the bad cough

Researchers have identified separate brain pathways for good and bad coughs, potentially leading to new treatments for chronic cough disorders. The study used functional brain imaging to assess cough reflex sensitivity and identified two distinct neural circuits involved in coughing.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateOct 7, 2020