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Science News Archive September 2020 - Page 23


Page 23 of 49

0.5°C of additional warming has a huge effect on global aridity

A new study by the University of Tokyo's Institute of Industrial Science found that limiting warming to 1.5°C rather than 2°C above pre-industrial levels would significantly reduce global aridity, particularly in Mediterranean regions and western Europe. The research highlights the importance of considering regional impacts and suggest...

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateSep 17, 2020

New live biotherapeutic products will require regulatory and scientific innovation

The review highlights the need for clear scientific and pharmaceutical standards when developing live biotherapeutic products. Key challenges include ensuring quality, demonstrating safety, and evaluating efficacy. The PRI's publication provides a framework for stakeholders in microbiome-based product development.

SourcePharmabiotic Research Institute (PRI)·JournalExperimental & Molecular Medicine·DateSep 17, 2020

The Phish scale: NIST's new tool helps IT staff see why users click on fraudulent emails

The Phish Scale uses a rating system to analyze message content in phishing emails, providing insights into why users click or don't click. By understanding these cues, CISOs can optimize their phishing training programs for specific target audiences and improve user preparedness against real phishing scenarios.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of Cyber Security·DateSep 17, 2020

Child neglect linked to teen pregnancy

A 20-year study by University of Queensland researchers found that child neglect was the most severe type of maltreatment associated with teen pregnancy, as well as poor educational and psychological outcomes. Neglected children were also more likely to experience substance abuse problems and psychotic episodes.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateSep 17, 2020

Why the dose matters: Study shows levels and anti-tumor effectiveness of a common drug vary widely

Researchers found a sixfold variation in itraconazole levels in tumor samples of lung cancer patients treated with the drug at a fixed dose. The levels correlated with tumor shrinkage and growth inhibition. Higher blood and tumor levels led to greater decreases in tumor volumes and reductions in new blood vessel formation.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateSep 17, 2020

Chaotic "Lévy walks" are a good strategy for animals

A study published in PNAS explains how Lévy walks, a type of chaotic movement, allow animals to balance exploration and exploitation. The model used by the author shows that these movements emerge near critical points, enabling animals to respond strongly to environmental stimuli.

SourceRIKEN·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 17, 2020

All-optical method sets record for ultrafast high-spatial-resolution imaging: 15 trillion frames per second

Scientists have developed an all-optical imaging system that captures ultrafast dynamic processes at a record-breaking frame rate of 15 trillion frames per second. The method uses non-collinear optical parametric amplifiers, allowing for high spatial and temporal resolutions, and has the potential to become a new microscopy technique.

Study: Europe's old-growth forests at risk

A new study reveals that many primary forests in Europe are not protected and are at risk of being destroyed. The researchers found that only a small percentage of the forest types they assessed had more than half of their old growth strictly protected, highlighting the need for strict conservation protections to be put in place.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalDiversity and Distributions·DateSep 17, 2020

Texas Tech, Nanjing Agricultural Research teams make plant nutrient delivery breakthrough

Scientists discovered that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi supply nitrogen to plants through a newly identified protein, enabling crops like rice to thrive with reduced fertilizer use. The finding could lead to more sustainable agricultural practices and reduce environmental impact by minimizing agrochemical use.

SourceTexas Tech University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 17, 2020

The key to happiness: Friends or family?

A recent study by SMU psychology professor Nathan Hudson found that people experience higher levels of happiness when socializing with friends compared to spending time with family members. The research revealed that being around romantic partners predicted the least amount of happiness among these three groups.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateSep 17, 2020

Children who take steroids at increased risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, blood clots

A Rutgers study found that children on oral steroids are at higher risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, and blood clots, with high-dose steroid users facing the greatest risk. The study, which examined over 933,000 US children, also found that these complications were more common among those with autoimmune diseases.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateSep 17, 2020

Informing genome editing governance through global citizen deliberation

A global citizens' assembly consisting of at least 100 lay citizens from around the world would explore and deliberate on genome editing technologies and regulatory principles. This assembly aims to address the lack of consistent governance and bridge gaps between community values, improving overall governance of genome editing technology

Detaching and uplifting, not bulldozing

Researchers at ETH Zurich propose an alternative theory for the formation of the Alps, suggesting that the mountains were uplifted by the subduction of the Eurasian plate beneath the Adriatic microplate. This new model simulates the processes leading to the formation of the Alps and explains the observed seismicity in the region.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 17, 2020

Study shows quizzes improve academic performance

A meta-analytic study of existing research found that frequent quizzes help students better grasp classroom material, leading to improved academic performance. The study discovered a strong link between quizzing and student success, with students who took quizzes performing better on midterm and final exams.

SourceIowa State University·JournalEducational Psychology Review·DateSep 17, 2020

Scientists sound alarm on plastic pollution

A new study finds that global plastic emissions may exceed reduction targets by 2030, requiring a fundamental transformation of the plastics economy. To mitigate this issue, experts suggest reducing unnecessary plastics, establishing global limits for new production, and improving waste management.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateSep 17, 2020

Live imaging method brings structural information to mapping of brain function

Researchers have developed a new method that pairs functional mapping in live mice with distinguishing structural information, providing unprecedented insights into the coupling of visual areas in the mouse brain. This technique enables scientists to distinguish borders and contents of regions more precisely, shedding light on how stru...

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateSep 17, 2020

Research shows potential of gene editing in barley

Researchers have successfully applied CRISPR gene editing to influence the levels of beta-glucan in barley grain, with implications for brewing and distilling industries. The study provides insight into key genes responsible for barley grain composition, enabling plant breeders to accelerate breeding and develop new crop varieties.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateSep 17, 2020