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Science News Archive October 2020 - Page 44


Page 44 of 47

A tale of two cesspits: DNA reveals intestinal health in Medieval Europe and Middle East

A new study analyzed DNA from medieval latrines in Jerusalem and Riga, Latvia, providing insights into the microbiomes of pre-industrial agricultural populations. The findings highlight the value of ancient latrines as sources of bio-molecular information and may provide context for interpreting modern microbiome health.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateOct 4, 2020

Air stable intrinsically stretchable color-conversion layers for stretchable displays

Researchers at Seoul National University have developed an air-stable color conversion layer using perovskite nanocrystals and a flexible polymer matrix, enabling the creation of stretchable displays that can be bent, stretched, and attached to the skin. The new material has shown improved stability and photoluminescence intensity unde...

SourceSeoul National University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 4, 2020

A tale of two cesspits: DNA reveals intestinal health in Medieval Europe and Middle East

A new study characterizes the microbial diversity of ancient gut contents from medieval latrines, providing insights into pre-industrial agricultural populations' microbiomes. The research highlights the value of ancient latrines as sources of bio-molecular information, shedding light on the health of modern microbiomes.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateOct 4, 2020

All-2D light-emitting field-effect transistors

Researchers have developed a new type of transistor that can emit strong light, overcoming previous limitations. By modulating the contacts and channel with separate three gates, the polarity and light emission can be controlled, showing great promises for multi-digit logic devices and highly integrated optoelectronic circuitry.

SourceSeoul National University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 4, 2020

How the brain helps us navigate social differences

Researchers found that brain activity increased in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex when participants conversed with someone of a different socioeconomic background. This increase in activity suggests that our brains have developed a system to help us deal with diversity, supporting previous research on frontal lobe systems and ...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateOct 4, 2020

A putative mechanism that switches brain pathology from anxiety to depression discovered

Researchers discovered a novel brain mechanism that links anxiety and depression, showing unique cellular mechanisms activate as one pathology progresses into another. The 'switch' involves astrocytes and cytoskeletal mechanisms, which may be targeted for new classes of psychotropic drugs.

SourceSt. Petersburg State University·JournalProgress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry·DateOct 2, 2020

Face masks unlikely to cause over-exposure to CO2, even in patients with lung disease

A study published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society found that wearing face masks has minimal impact on gas exchange in healthy individuals and those with severe lung impairment. The researchers stress the importance of wearing masks to prevent COVID-19 infection, especially for patients with lung disease.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateOct 2, 2020

Subsidized cars help low-income families economically, socially

A study published in the Journal of Planning Education and Research found that subsidized car ownership has a transformative impact on low-income families, allowing them to access better education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. The research also highlighted the importance of considering the broader social benefits of car ow...

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Planning Education and Research·DateOct 2, 2020

Future climate changes in nature reserves

A new study examines the effects of future climate change on over 137,000 nature reserves worldwide, revealing severe local impacts, especially in tropical countries. The research highlights the importance of informed management to mitigate climate change effects and preserve biodiversity.

SourceUniversität Bayreuth·JournalDiversity and Distributions·DateOct 2, 2020

Smartphone surveys find a connection between daily spiritual experiences and well-being

Researchers found a connection between daily spiritual experiences and overall well-being, with both stable and fluctuating experiences contributing to mental well-being. Daily spiritual experiences, such as feeling God's presence or inner peace, were associated with lower depressive symptoms and higher levels of flourishing.

SourceBaylor University·JournalInternational Journal for the Psychology of Religion·DateOct 2, 2020

Study highlights shortcomings in telemedicine despite large increases in remote consults during COVID-19 pandemic

A new study found that despite increased telemedicine use, the number of primary care consultations fell by over 21% in the second quarter of 2020. This drop was accompanied by a significant decline in blood pressure and cholesterol checks, which are crucial for detecting cardiovascular disease risks.

Potential new tool for frost screening in crops

Agricultural scientists at the University of Adelaide have identified a potential new tool for screening cereal crops for frost damage using terahertz imaging technology. The non-destructive method was found to successfully screen barley plants for frost damage, with individual grain positions along the spike also detectable.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalOptics Express·DateOct 2, 2020