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Science News for September 10, 2020


Evidence of power: Phasing quantum annealers into experiments from nonequilibrium physics

Researchers validate the Kibble-Zurek mechanism in quantum magnetic systems and demonstrate its applicability to open quantum systems using commercially available D-Wave annealers. The study provides strong experimental evidence for the generalized theory, showcasing the potential of quantum annealers in exploring nonequilibrium physics.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateSep 10, 2020

CityU develops anti-bacterial graphene face masks

A research team from City University of Hong Kong has produced graphene masks with an anti-bacterial efficiency of 80%, which can be enhanced to almost 100% with exposure to sunlight. The graphene masks are easily produced at low cost and can help resolve the problems of sourcing raw materials and disposing of non-biodegradable masks.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalACS Nano·DateSep 10, 2020

Superconductors are super resilient to magnetic fields

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have discovered a new explanation for how superconductors recover from temporary exposure to magnetic fields without losing energy. The proposed mechanism involves the presence of a topological quantum number, which allows supercurrents to be switched off without Joule heating.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalEPL (Europhysics Letters)·DateSep 10, 2020

Systematic approach crucial for person-centred care

A University of Gothenburg study emphasizes the importance of a systematic approach to achieve person-centered care in healthcare. The researchers argue that person-centred care must be practiced systematically on an everyday basis, creating organisational and individual conditions for partnership between patients, staff, and relatives.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalThe BMJ·DateSep 10, 2020

The web of death

Scientists have developed a new method to combat cancer by using molecular fibers that target the acidic and reactive environment of cancer cells. The approach has shown promising results in laboratory tests, with cancer cells dying within four hours.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Polymer Research·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 10, 2020

Loss of a pet can potentially trigger mental health issues in children

A new study published in European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry found that the death of a family pet can lead to prolonged and profound grief in children, potentially triggering depression. Researchers analyzed data from over 6,000 children and found that the emotional attachment to pets can result in measurable psychological distress.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalEuropean Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateSep 10, 2020

Vaccine proves effective against the most severe type of pneumonia

A new study published in The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific found that the pneumococcal vaccine PCV13 reduced hypoxic pneumonia and pneumonia requiring oxygen support by 37 per cent in children in Laos. This significant reduction in severe cases has great potential to alleviate the burden of disease on vulnerable populations.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific·DateSep 10, 2020

Jupiter's moons could be warming each other

Researchers discovered that moon-moon interactions may be responsible for more tidal heating than Jupiter alone, potentially leading to the melting of ice or rock internally. The study suggests that tidal resonance occurs when tides generated by other objects in the system match a moon's resonant frequency, resulting in increased heating.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 10, 2020

Mold now associated with food quality

A study by the University of Copenhagen found that Danes associate purity with naturalness, preferring foods with visible mold to those with long shelf lives. This trend suggests a shift in attitudes towards food purity, with consumers prioritizing natural ingredients and visible signs of spoilage.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalSociology·DateSep 10, 2020

UNC researchers publish striking images of SARS-CoV-2 infected cells

The UNC School of Medicine lab generated high-powered microscopic images showing startlingly high SARS-CoV-2 viral loads on human respiratory surfaces. These images illustrate the incredibly high number of virions produced and released per cell inside the human respiratory system, making a strong case for mask use to limit transmission.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 10, 2020

Uncovering the science of Indigenous fermentation

Researchers from the University of Adelaide and Australian Wine Research Institute discovered complex microbial communities associated with natural fermentation of Eucalyptus gunnii sap. The study sheds light on traditional Australian Aboriginal practices and identifies new strains of yeast and bacteria unique to Australia.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 10, 2020

Ellipsys system offers greater patient eligibility and reduced time to dialysis

The new study found that both Ellipsys and WavelinQ systems enabled patients to start dialysis sooner compared to surgery, offering significant quality-of-life benefits. The Ellipsys System demonstrated higher technical success rate and more durable access, with 82% of Ellipsys fistulas still functional at 12 months.

SourceDowling & Dennis PR·JournalJournal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology·DateSep 10, 2020

Sleep apnea linked with higher spine fracture risk among women

A new study published in Journal of Bone and Mineral Research suggests that women with a history of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are at a higher risk of developing vertebral fractures. The study found that OSA was associated with a 2-fold increased risk of vertebral fracture, particularly among those experiencing daytime sleepiness.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateSep 10, 2020

Bumblebees benefit from faba bean cultivation

A study by researchers at the University of Göttingen found that bumblebees thrive in faba bean fields, with populations more than twice as high as in non-bean landscapes. In contrast, other wild bees do not benefit from faba bean cultivation but rely on semi-natural habitats for survival.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateSep 10, 2020

Antibiotic molecule enables immune system to kill HIV infected cells

A team of researchers has discovered a novel approach to combat HIV using an antibiotic molecule called concanamycin A. The compound inhibits the Nef protein, allowing cytotoxic T lymphocytes to recognize and destroy HIV-infected cells. This breakthrough offers new hope for a potential cure for HIV by combining with existing treatments.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 10, 2020

Solvation rearrangement brings stable zinc/graphite batteries closer to commercial grid storage

A research team at Chinese Academy of Sciences has developed a new solvation strategy to enhance the oxidation stability of carbonate-based electrolytes in Zinc/Graphite batteries. This breakthrough could lead to high-voltage cells with low self-discharge and long shelf life, making them suitable for large-scale grid storage.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 10, 2020

How coronavirus took hold in North America and in Europe

A new study reconstructs the spread of coronavirus across the world with unprecedented detail, revealing that early interventions were effective at containing outbreaks. Contrary to speculation, the virus did not jump from China to Europe via British Columbia, Canada, but rather through direct flights and travel. Swift testing and isol...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalScience·DateSep 10, 2020

Drugs bill warning over US/UK trade deal

A new study warns that an impending trade deal between the US and UK could lead to significant increases in NHS drug spending, with estimated costs rising from £1.39 billion to £6.42 billion for 50 brand-name prescription drugs.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateSep 10, 2020

Improving the transition from pediatric to adult rheumatology care

A study of 141 pediatric patients transferred to an adult rheumatology clinic found that continued insurance coverage and referral from a pediatric rheumatologist reduced delays in attending adult visits. Pediatric patients with connective tissue diseases or Black race were particularly vulnerable to unscheduled hospitalizations.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateSep 10, 2020

Lifestyle improvements may lessen cognitive decline

A new study suggests that lifestyle improvements can lessen cognitive decline in older adults by improving their lifestyles and boosting cognition. The results indicate that brain neuroplasticity can be retained through targeted interventions, enabling individuals to bounce back from decline.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateSep 10, 2020

Brazilian researcher creates an ultra-simple inexpensive method to fabricate optical fiber

A novel process for fabricating special optical fiber has been developed by Brazilian researcher Cristiano Cordeiro, simplifying the conventional method that requires costly equipment. The new process can be completed in under an hour and is significantly cheaper, enabling more researchers to produce their own optical fiber.

Study provides insights on bouncing back from job loss

A new study published in the Journal of Employment Counseling found that high levels of self-regulation predict better well-being, job search clarity, and job search self-efficacy. The findings suggest that employment counseling efforts should help individuals improve their self-regulation to achieve positive outcomes after job loss.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Employment Counseling·DateSep 10, 2020

Correcting COVID-19 misconceptions may require speaking to individuals' moral values

A new study finds that people's prevailing moral values significantly influence their acceptance of correct COVID-19 information. Tailored messaging can address differing moral orientations, such as prioritizing social cohesion or individual freedom. The authors suggest framing messages differently to connect with various moral beliefs.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Researcher·DateSep 10, 2020

Mutant tomato helps to crack the secrets of fruiting

A study published in PNAS reveals that fruit development rewires the central metabolism pathway in tomatoes via increased sensitivity to gibberellin. The role of this hormone in fruit-setting ovaries was previously unknown and has significant implications for breeding parthenocarpic fruits.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 10, 2020

Does the Mediterranean diet protect against rheumatoid arthritis?

The analysis found that adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with a decreased risk of rheumatoid arthritis in women who smoked or used to smoke. Among these individuals, high adherence to the Mediterranean diet resulted in 383 cases per 1 million people per year compared to 515 cases per 1 million people per year.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateSep 10, 2020

In the line of fire

A recent study by University of Colorado Boulder researchers reveals that humans caused 97% of wildfires in the wildland-urban interface, a fivefold increase from previous estimates. The study also found that human-started wildfires are expensive and account for half of firefighting costs.

The pharmacist's role in HIV care in France

A recent study examined the pharmacist's role in HIV care in France, revealing that only 40% of pharmacists systematically offer online patient medication files to people living with HIV. The survey also found that 7% of those who were offered medication interviews felt well taken care of.

SourceWiley·JournalPharmacology Research & Perspectives·DateSep 10, 2020

Americans sick with Covid disproportionately poor, minorities, uninsured and food insecure

A new study reveals the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on working-age adults in the US, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, racial/ethnic minorities, and those with less education. The analysis found that these individuals had high rates of uninsurance and food insecurity, which can exacerbate health harm.

SourcePhysicians for a National Health Program·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateSep 10, 2020

Factors linked to college aspirations, enrollment, and success

A recent study found that high school seniors with a college-going aspirational identity and clear post-secondary educational goals are more likely to attend college. Environmental factors like supportive colleges and financial certainty also play a crucial role in student success.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Counseling & Development·DateSep 10, 2020