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Science News Archive September 2020 - Page 17


Page 17 of 49

Wild birds as offerings to the Egyptian gods

Scientists analyzed geochemical data from mummy remains to determine if they were bred or hunted. The results indicate that the birds were wild and migrating seasonally, suggesting mass hunting and capture. This discovery sheds light on ancient Egyptian practices and their impact on the environment.

SourceCNRS·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 22, 2020

Cities beat suburbs at inspiring cutting-edge innovations

A recent study suggests that population density plays a crucial role in innovation, with cities producing unconventional patents and suburbs producing conventional ones. The research found that large innovative companies tend to perform their research in suburban office parks, while urban cores facilitate interactions between researche...

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Economic Journal·DateSep 22, 2020

Test, isolate, communicate: Keys to controlling a COVID-19 outbreak in a long-term care facility

A study by West Virginia University found that COVID-19 outbreaks in long-term care facilities can be controlled through rapid testing, isolation, and effective communication among staff, residents, and families. Communication played a crucial role in quashing an outbreak at Sundale facility, where only five residents died.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalJournal of Applied Gerontology·DateSep 22, 2020

Fostering 'political' attitude adjustments

Researchers at the University of Missouri developed a narrative writing exercise to encourage people to reduce political polarization. The study found that this exercise can foster different perspectives and create a sense of common identity, reducing angst toward those with opposing views.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Applied Communication Research·DateSep 22, 2020

Thin and ultra-fast photodetector sees the full spectrum

Researchers at RMIT University developed a hyper-efficient broadband photodetector that can see all shades of light, shrinking it by 1,000 times while maintaining speed and low-light sensitivity. The device has potential applications in biomedical imaging, motion detection, and fibre optic communication.

SourceRMIT University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 22, 2020

Divide and enlarge

A research team led by Prof. Dr. Robert Grosse has found that bundled fibers of actin play a crucial role in the expansion of cell nuclei after division. This process is essential for reorganizing genetic information and processing chromatin.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalEMBO Reports·DateSep 22, 2020

Web resources bring new insight into COVID-19

Researchers have developed two new web resources to study the effects of coronavirus infection on host molecular signaling pathways. These resources, freely available through the Signaling Pathways Project and Network Data Exchange, provide valuable information for accelerating the development of novel therapeutic strategies for COVID-19.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScientific Data·DateSep 22, 2020

Underground connection

Researchers developed the Effective Catchment Index (ECI) to analyze global data sets and determine how topographic and actual catchment areas differ. The study found that every third catchment has an effective area greater than twice or less than half its topographical area, influenced by water management activities.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateSep 22, 2020

Study shows that control of blood sugar levels improved among people with type 1 diabetes who stopped working during lockdown

Among individuals with type 1 diabetes, those who stopped working during lockdown experienced improved blood sugar levels. This improvement was attributed to reduced opportunities for exercise and heightened psychological stress being replaced by a more regular lifestyle and increased focus on diabetes management.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetes Therapy·DateSep 22, 2020

Who's Tweeting about scientific research? And why?

Researchers mined Twitter users' follower descriptions to characterize them in detail and analyze the impact of taxpayer-funded research on academia. The study found that hundreds of papers had audience sectors dominated by conspiracy theorists or science denialists, highlighting the need for scientists to monitor social media engagement.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 22, 2020

Online training helps preemies

A randomised controlled study found that computerised training can support preterm children's academic success, particularly in math and attention skills. The study tested two learning apps, Xtramath and Cogmed, on 65 first graders born preterm.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPediatric Research·DateSep 21, 2020

Southern hemisphere could see up to 30% less rain at end of the century

Climate models suggest that tropical and subtropical southern hemisphere countries, including Brazil, may experience longer droughts and reduced rainfall by the end of the century. The mid-Pliocene period, which occurred 3 million years ago, shares characteristics with modern warming, indicating a possible future scenario.

COVID-19 and human trafficking

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated human trafficking by increasing vulnerability among at-risk populations and disrupting support services. Researchers found that the global crisis has led to a surge in exploitation and abuse, particularly among children and women.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateSep 21, 2020

Marine sponges inspire the next generation of skyscrapers and bridges

Researchers at Harvard SEAS developed a new lattice design inspired by marine sponge skeletons, achieving higher strength-to-weight ratios than traditional designs. The diagonal reinforcement strategy improves structural strength without adding material, paving the way for innovative infrastructural applications.