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Science News for September 7, 2020


Is APM the best way to evaluate NBA players?

A recent study by Syracuse University researchers challenges the use of Adjusted Plus-Minus (APM) as a reliable metric for evaluating NBA player performance. The study finds that teammates' quality affects a player's APM score, suggesting that APM does not accurately account for individual contributions.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 7, 2020

Producing leather-like materials from fungi

Researchers from the University of Vienna have developed biodegradable, CO2-neutral leather substitutes from fungi, using low-cost agricultural by-products. These materials exhibit comparable properties to traditional leather and hold significant potential as an environmentally friendly alternative.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Sustainability·DateSep 7, 2020

First 'plug and play' brain prosthesis demoed in paralyzed person

A team of researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, has made a significant breakthrough in developing a 'plug and play' brain prosthesis that enables individuals with paralysis to control devices using their brain activity. The device uses machine learning algorithms to match brain signals to desired movements, allo...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateSep 7, 2020

Could singing spread COVID-19?

Researchers at Lund University studied the amount of aerosol particles and virus particles emitted by singers during music tests, finding that loud and consonant-rich singing spreads more aerosols. Safe singing practices like social distancing, good ventilation, and face masks can reduce the risk of transmission.

SourceLund University·JournalAerosol Science and Technology·DateSep 7, 2020

A difficult year for forests, fields and meadows

Extensive measurement data reveals severe impact of heat and drought on lower-altitude ecosystems, while higher-altitude ecosystems benefited from warmer temperatures. Productivity fell by an average of 20% in mixed forest and meadows at lower altitudes.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateSep 7, 2020

Why rats would win Australian survivor

A new study by Flinders University and The University of Queensland reveals that rodents' skull shapes are similar across habitats, contradicting expectations. This conservation of shape may be due to the specialization of rodent jaws, allowing for a versatile arrangement that discourages evolutionary change.

SourceFlinders University·JournalThe American Naturalist·DateSep 7, 2020

Gen Z not ready to eat lab-grown meat

A recent study found that 72% of Gen Z are not ready to accept lab-grown meat, citing concerns over taste, health, and environmental impact. Despite this, 41% believe it could be a viable nutritional source for transitioning to more sustainable food options.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·DateSep 7, 2020

A new twist on DNA origami

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new type of meta-DNA structure that can be used to engineer sophisticated nanoscale structures and devices. The meta-DNA self-assembly concept has opened up new possibilities for optoelectronics, including information storage and encryption, as well as synthetic biology.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateSep 7, 2020

The mathematical values of Linear A fraction signs

A recent study by a team of researchers from the University of Bologna has shed light on the Minoan system of fractions, revealing that the lowest fraction is 1/60. The results have significant implications for understanding the Linear B script and its use in measuring units of measurement.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateSep 7, 2020

Floodwater farming in ancient Peru

A study reveals that ancient Peruvian farmers used floodwater from El Niño events for agriculture, benefiting from flushed-out salts and flexible irrigation systems. This ancient farming practice allowed for runoff harvesting and river water distribution, suggesting potential agricultural advantages during El Niño events.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 7, 2020

How to have a blast like a black hole

Researchers at Osaka University used powerful lasers to recreate relativistic magnetic reconnection, a process responsible for X-ray emissions from black holes. This study may help explain the mysterious X-rays emitted by some celestial bodies.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPhysical Review E·DateSep 7, 2020

Markers may predict patient response to immune therapy of cancer

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a method to identify clinical markers that predict patient response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. The approach involves analyzing gene signatures from cancer tumors and correlating them with patient outcomes, revealing distinct patterns between responders and non-responders.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 7, 2020

Rare immune cells drive gut repair

Scientists discovered that type-1 innate lymphoid cells (ILC1) promote tissue repair in the gut, but when dysregulated can contribute to IBD co-morbidities such as cancer and fibrosis. This finding has important implications for treating patients with inflammatory bowel diseases.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 7, 2020

Gulls pay attention to human eyes

Researchers found that herring gulls pay attention to human gaze direction, reacting faster and more aggressively when watched than when ignored. The study also confirms the bolder nature of urban gulls compared to rural ones.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateSep 7, 2020

New insight into mammalian stem cell evolution

Researchers at Kyoto University found that gene regulatory networks for pluripotent stem cells are highly conserved across mammals, but also exhibit unique variations. These differences may explain why certain features of mammalian pluripotent stem cells have evolved differently in various species.

SourceKyoto University·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateSep 7, 2020