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Science News Archive September 2020 - Page 10


Page 10 of 49

Study shows Massachusetts response to COVID-19 in nursing homes helped stem infection rate

A study found that adherence to infection control processes, including proper wearing of PPE and cohorting strategies, was significantly associated with declines in weekly infection and mortality rates. The Massachusetts COVID-19 response in nursing homes helped stem the rate of infection among vulnerable residents through a state-wide...

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateSep 25, 2020

Criticism of COVID-19 models by democratic political leaders may erode public trust in science

A study finds that criticism of COVID-19 models by Democratic elites undermines public support for the models and science more broadly. Republicans have little impact on public attitudes towards models. Scientists should acknowledge model uncertainty and convey what is known about the virus to build trust.

Marine heatwaves are human made

Marine heatwaves have increased significantly due to global warming, with major events becoming more frequent and prolonged. The probability of such events has risen massively, posing a serious threat to marine ecosystems and their ability to recover.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalScience·DateSep 25, 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