Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive September 2020 - Page 12


Page 12 of 49

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

Head to head comparison of five assays used to detect SARS-CoV-2 antibodies shows Siemens and Oxford assays met regulatory targets

A head-to-head comparison of five SARS-CoV-2 antibody assays reveals that the Siemens and Oxford assays performed with the highest sensitivity and specificity, meeting regulatory targets. The study emphasizes the importance of accurately evaluating test performance to understand limitations and improve usage.

COVID-19 antibody studies across Brazil reveal Amazon region badly affected, with poorer Indigenous communities hit hardest

Nationwide COVID-19 antibody seroprevalence studies in Brazil show that cities along the Amazon River were severely affected at the beginning of the pandemic, as well as poorer and Indigenous communities. The research highlights a cluster of high prevalence in 11 cities along the Amazon River, with levels among the highest ever reported.

NTU Singapore scientists devise 'Trojan horse' approach to kill cancer cells without using drugs

Researchers at NTU Singapore have devised a novel approach to kill cancer cells using a nanoparticle coated with an amino acid that selectively targets and destroys cancer cells. The 'Trojan horse' nanoparticle, called Nano-pPAAM, was tested in lab experiments and found to be effective in killing cancer cells with high specificity.

Creating 'green' protein from the air

Gas-to-protein technology uses bacteria to ferment gases, producing up to 70% protein-rich biomass that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This process has the potential to transform agriculture and food production, making it a game-changer for sustainable food options.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateSep 23, 2020

Island-building in Southeast Asia created Earth's northern ice sheets

A new study suggests that Southeast Asian island-building reduced carbon dioxide levels and cooled Earth over 15 million years, allowing large ice sheets to form in North America and Northern Europe. This process, triggered by volcanic rocks dissolving carbon dioxide, is believed to have played a crucial role in the formation of the Gr...

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 23, 2020