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Science News Archive October 2020 - Page 6


Page 6 of 47

How hard is it to vote in your state?

A new analysis identifies US states that make voting easiest and those that make it more challenging. States like Oregon, Washington, Utah, Illinois, and Maryland offer convenient options such as online registration, early voting, and mail-in voting.

SourceNorthern Illinois University·JournalElection Law Journal Rules Politics and Policy·DateOct 28, 2020

Study finds seabird ecosystem shift in Falkland islands

A study led by University of Wyoming researcher Dulcinea Groff found that seabird populations in the South Atlantic are shifting their habitats due to climate change, with many species moving to new breeding grounds. The research also highlights the importance of nutrients from seabird guano for maintaining tussac grasslands.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 28, 2020

Waiter! This soup is not fly

New research highlights barriers to adopting insect-based food, including Western consumer acceptance and safety concerns. The larvae offer a high-quality protein source with zinc, iron, and calcium content comparable to meat.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalComprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety·DateOct 28, 2020

Fish banks

A new model forecasts that strategically placing marine protected areas can improve fish populations and increase local catch. The research suggests that protecting an additional 5% of the ocean could boost future catches by 9-12 million metric tons.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 2020

Menstrual dysfunction is more common among young athletes than among non-athletes

A recent study found that young Finnish athletes experience higher rates of menstrual dysfunction compared to non-athletes. However, athletes reported lower levels of body weight dissatisfaction. The study suggests that low energy availability may contribute to menstrual dysfunction in young athletes.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateOct 28, 2020

Answer to Darwin's question

A study of young cichlid species in Nicaraguan crater lakes found that new species can arise within a few hundred years through the involvement of many genes. This contradicts previous theories suggesting that speciation is a slow process driven by simple genetic changes.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature·DateOct 28, 2020

Adults with endocrine disorders have an increased risk of heart disease

The Endocrine Society's Clinical Practice Guideline emphasizes the importance of evaluating high cholesterol and triglycerides in adults with endocrine disorders. The guideline provides recommendations for managing lipid abnormalities and cardiovascular risk in patients with hypothyroidism, menopause, and Cushing's syndrome.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateOct 28, 2020

The chemistry behind self-driving cars

A new article explains how chemistry can help develop materials necessary for fully autonomous vehicles, including efficient batteries and structural materials. Safety features such as sensors and nonstick coatings are also crucial to reducing maintenance and enhancing safety.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateOct 28, 2020

Mountain gorillas are good neighbours - up to a point

New research by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and University of Exeter reveals that mountain gorilla groups are more likely to be friendly with each other when they meet again, even if they had split over a decade earlier. This behavior is similar to human friendships and may help the group share limited space and resources.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateOct 28, 2020

Socio-demographic determinants of overweight and obesity among mothers in South Africa

Research in rural South Africa identifies socio-economic factors as key drivers of overweight and obesity among mothers. The study found that decision-making authority, income level, and family size significantly affect women's health, highlighting the need for evidence-based policies to tackle the region's obesity epidemic.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Public Health Journal·DateOct 28, 2020

Direct observation of a single electron's butterfly-shaped distribution in titanium oxide

Researchers at Nagoya University have directly observed the spatial distribution of a single valence electron in titanium oxide, revealing a butterfly-shaped distribution. The new Fourier synthesis method, called core differential Fourier synthesis (CDFS), can determine orbital states in materials regardless of their physical properties.

SourceNagoya University·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateOct 28, 2020

The National Human Genome Research Institute publishes new vision for human genomics

The National Human Genome Research Institute has published its 2020 Strategic Vision, which describes cutting-edge research priorities and opportunities in human genomics. The vision identifies four focus areas: guiding principles, sustaining and improving genomic research, breaking down barriers, and compelling biomedicine projects.

JNIS: brain-computer allows patients with severe paralysis to text, email, bank

Researchers developed a fully implantable wireless medical device that enables patients with severe paralysis to control computers, smartphones, and other devices without open brain surgery. The Stentrode brain-computer interface restored freedoms for individuals with disabilities, such as texting, emailing, shopping online, and banking.

SourceSociety of NeuroInterventional Surgery·JournalJournal of NeuroInterventional Surgery·DateOct 28, 2020

Smart fluorescent molecular switches based on boron-based compounds

Scientists have created extremely stable fluorescent molecular switches that can be controlled electrochemically, using a particular redox active anion. These systems show large reversible fluorescence modulation and are soluble in many organic solvents, making them suitable for applications in biosensing, imaging, and drug delivery.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateOct 28, 2020