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Science News for September 24, 2020


How earthquake swarms arise

A Stanford-developed model shows that fluids ascending by fits and starts weaken the fault, propelling the boundary or locking depth upward. This process can trigger earthquake swarms, strings of quakes clustered in a local area, often too subtle to notice but sometimes strong enough to rattle cities.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 24, 2020

3D camera earns its stripes at Rice

Researchers at Rice University have developed a compact Hyperspectral Stripe Projector that combines depth and spectral information, enabling real-time 3D spectroscopy. This technology has potential applications in self-driving cars, machine vision, crop monitoring, and surface wear and corrosion detection.

SourceRice University·JournalOptics Express·DateSep 24, 2020

Reasons for football injuries

The study found that tackling is linked to a high risk of injury for the attacking player, while injuries without physical contact often occur due to fast running. To prevent these injuries, experts recommend training consisting of aerobic and anaerobic elements.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateSep 24, 2020

The Lancet: Experts compare strategies for easing lockdown restrictions in Europe and Asia Pacific and identify key cross-country lessons

A review of policies from nine high-income countries identifies five key factors for strategies to ease lockdown restrictions. Governments should have clear plans with transparent decision-making processes and robust systems in place to monitor the infection situation. For communities to reopen safely, control measures such as face mas...

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 24, 2020

Bird brains' cortex-like structure may be behind complex cognition, and even consciousness

Two studies found that birds' pallium exhibits a layered architecture similar to mammals', potentially enabling complex cognitive abilities like consciousness. This structure may have been present in the last common ancestor of birds and mammals 320 million years ago, or evolved independently through convergent evolution.

Pale melanomas masked by albino gene

Researchers found people with pale-colored melanomas are more likely to have an albinism gene mutation, which prevents brown pigment synthesis and increases skin cancer risk. This discovery could lead to personalized medicine and earlier treatment for patients with one mutated albinism gene.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 24, 2020

Optimizing of VCSEL photon lifetime for minimum energy consumption at varying bit rates

Researchers have optimized Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (VCSELs) to achieve lower energy consumption while maintaining high data transmission rates. The study demonstrates that doubling the number of devices can reduce total energy consumption by 50% without compromising device lifetime or reducing current density.

LBG individuals use stimulants at higher rates than heterosexuals

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that LGB individuals, particularly bisexual women and gay men, use stimulants at higher rates than heterosexuals. This is linked to minority stress and structural stigma, with potential consequences including substance use disorder and overdose.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateSep 24, 2020

The return of the spin echo

A research team has discovered a remarkable echo effect in phosphorus atoms on silicon, allowing for the detection of multiple spin echoes. This effect is due to strong coupling between atomic spins and microwave photons, enabling the processing of quantum information.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 24, 2020

New analytical model detects mutations in breast cancer

Researchers at Lund University developed a computational model to detect and identify genetic mutations in breast tumours using RNA sequencing. The study found that almost 87% of patients had at least one mutation for which potential drugs exist, with specific genes like PIK3CA associated with good prognosis.

SourceLund University·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateSep 24, 2020

Bridging the gap between the magnetic and electronic properties of topological insulators

Topological insulators exhibit unusual quantum phenomena due to their electrically conductive surface and insulating interior. A recent study revealed the relationship between the magnetic properties and electronic band structure, finding that the Dirac cone gap closes with increasing temperature, contradicting previous theories.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 24, 2020

Next-gen bioinformatics tool enables big data analysis without programming expertise

A new bioinformatics tool called DrBioRight has been developed to enable biomedical researchers to conduct routine analyses of large datasets without specialized expertise in bioinformatics or programming languages. The tool uses a natural-language interface to allow users to ask questions and receive intuitive analysis results.

Study suggests older Western Europeans could already have systemic 'profile' that makes them susceptible to severe COVID-19

Research found that changes in cell populations and circulating inflammatory proteins are already partly present in older healthy individuals. The study identified markers that explain the high susceptibility of older individuals to severe COVID-19 and inform efforts to prevent and treat the disease.

A study could provide guideline for exercise training aimed at high blood pressure patient

Researchers found that exercising in the evening reduced post-exercise hypotension by 50% compared to morning, suggesting a beneficial time frame for patients with resistant hypertension. The study's findings can help health professionals choose optimal exercise times depending on the type of anti-hypertensive drug used.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalClinical and Experimental Hypertension·DateSep 24, 2020

Twin studies suggest impaired type I interferon signaling may contribute to severe COVID-19 symptoms

Two twin studies report specific mechanisms of impaired type I interferon signaling in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, associating mutations and neutralizing autoantibodies with severe respiratory symptoms. Administering specific type I IFNs to select high-risk patients may offer therapeutic benefits, especially early in the disease co...

Study reveals higher COVID-19 mortality in men could be explained by differences in circulating proteins and immune system cells

A new study reveals that higher COVID-19 mortality in men may be attributed to variations in circulating inflammatory proteins and immune cell populations compared to women. The research found lower counts of certain white blood cells and higher levels of inflammation-related molecules in healthy male participants.

Loneliness levels high during COVID-19 lockdown

A recent study found that COVID-19 lockdowns led to high rates of loneliness among UK adults, with 26.6% of respondents reporting loneliness. Risk factors included younger age groups, separation or divorce, and poor sleep quality.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 24, 2020

High-intensity resistance training in post-acute care produced better outcomes and patient experience

A new study published in Physical Therapy found that high-intensity rehabilitation in skilled nursing facilities significantly improved patient function, reducing the need for extended care. Patients who received high-intensity training showed a 0.13m/s increase in walking speed and a 3.5-day reduction in hospital stay.

Topology-optimized thermal cloak-concentrator

Researchers at Shinshu University developed a topology-optimized thermal cloak-concentrator that can cloak and concentrate heat flux using general materials. The study utilized topology optimization to create an optimized structure that achieved both functions simultaneously.

SourceShinshu University·JournalInternational Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer·DateSep 24, 2020

Searching together: A lesson from rats

A team of scientists found that rats in groups outperform solo individuals by following simple behavioral rules, such as exploring uncharted paths but following others. The study reveals the optimal balance between individual and collective search performances, with extremes resulting in lower performance for the group and its members.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 24, 2020

The psychosocial benefits of plastic surgery for young women with congenital breast asymmetry

A new study reveals that surgical treatment of breast asymmetry in young women yields significant and sustained improvements in psychosocial quality of life. The procedure corrected severe breast asymmetry, averaging two cup sizes difference between breasts, and led to notable enhancements in self-esteem, social functioning, and emotio...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateSep 24, 2020

Impurities enhance polymer LED efficiencies

Researchers found that molecular dynamics simulations confirm interactions between triplet excitons and impurities in polymer layers significantly enhance PLED efficiency. This new understanding could lead to more widespread applications of the devices in the future.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateSep 24, 2020

Well-known molecule not found in cancer cells after all

Researchers from Aarhus University discovered that a circular RNA molecule, ciRS-7, is actually not found in cancer cells but contributes to cancer development through the tumor's microenvironment. This finding challenges previous conclusions and highlights the importance of spatial analyses of patient tumors.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 24, 2020

New system detects faint communications signals using the principles of quantum physics

Researchers at NIST have developed a system that can reliably detect even the faintest signal pulses using quantum physics, enabling record-low error rates and reducing energy requirements. The system uses novel receiver technology to process extremely weak signals with up to 16 distinct laser pulses encoding four bits of data.

A question of reality

Bell's inequalities contrast local realism with quantum mechanics, relevant to security, cryptography, and computing applications.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal H·DateSep 24, 2020

Building a better stroke diagnosis

A team of researchers at Case Western Reserve University has identified new biomarkers in the blood that can indicate damage to brain tissue, which could help emergency clinicians quickly recognize minor strokes. The discovery has the potential to reduce delays in treatment and improve patient outcomes.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 2020

Talking alone: Researchers use artificial intelligence tools to predict loneliness

A new study uses artificial intelligence technologies to analyze natural language patterns to discern degrees of loneliness in older adults. The study found that NLP-based tools could help reconcile the differences between research assessments and an individual's subjective experience of loneliness, improving how clinicians and familie...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateSep 24, 2020

Handheld device could provide fast method to diagnose concussions in youth athletes

Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia developed a new study using a handheld device to measure pupil response to light, revealing clear differences between concussed and healthy adolescent athletes. The study found significant variations in pupil diameter, constriction, and dilation velocity among concussed athletes.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateSep 24, 2020

A self-erasing chip for security and anti-counterfeit tech

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a self-erasing chip that can store authentication information or secret messages. The chip uses a new material that emits light in specific frequencies, which can be erased with a flash of blue light, making it suitable for anti-counterfeit measures and secure data transmission.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateSep 24, 2020

Europe: Modelling the evolution of a second wave of COVID-19

A new mathematical model predicts a second wave of COVID-19 in Europe between July and January 2021, highlighting the importance of human behavior in slowing the pandemic. The model suggests that precise infection rates can be controlled through social distancing, local cluster control, and border measures.

SourceCNRS·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 24, 2020

Sky islands and tropical alpine sunflowers at risk of disappearing

Researchers predict that Páramos ecosystems in the Andes will shrink substantially without conservation efforts, threatening biodiversity and human populations. The study focuses on Espeletia species, which are highly diverse and adapted to extreme conditions, but may not evolve fast enough to keep up with climate change.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateSep 24, 2020

Can you paint your migraine?

Researchers found that patients with typical patterns on pain sketches had better outcomes after migraine surgery, while those with atypical patterns saw less improvement. The study highlights the potential value of pain drawings as a tool to select candidates for surgery.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateSep 24, 2020

Waste generation by hospital emergency departments is highlighted for first time

A study published in the Western Journal of Emergency Medicine found that 85% of medical waste does not meet regulated standards for disposal. By implementing changes such as reusable devices, better sorting of infectious waste, and effective recycling, hospitals can reduce waste while saving costs. The study suggests that hospitals co...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalWestern Journal of Emergency Medicine·DateSep 24, 2020