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Science News Archive September 2020 - Page 45


Page 45 of 49

Gamifying interventions may improve mental health

A new randomized control trial found that gamifying mobile mental health intervention content improved resilience and reduced attrition. The study showed significant benefits in both resilience and anxiety measurements after five weeks, with the game group retaining 21% more participants than other groups.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 2, 2020

Zooming in on dark matter

A recent study published in Nature has zoomed in on dark matter haloes of varying masses, revealing a surprising similarity in their internal structure. The research team used supercomputers to simulate the evolution of the universe and found that even small haloes have dense centers and spread-out outer regions.

Why naming neurons can help cure brain disease

A unified classification of diverse cell types in the cerebral cortex has been proposed by a Columbia-led team, which could shed light on how our brains work and potentially lead to treatments for diseases. The new system uses single-cell RNA sequencing and can be updated regularly using algorithms.

SourceColumbia University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateSep 2, 2020

Pharma aims to make a better CBD

Researchers are developing CBD-based treatments for chronic inflammatory diseases, such as lupus and multiple sclerosis. Pharmaceutical companies are also working to enhance the potency of CBD by creating more potent derivatives that can be absorbed by the body.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateSep 2, 2020

Researchers identify five types of cat owner

Researchers found distinct categories of UK cat owners, including 'conscientious caretakers' and 'freedom defenders', with differing views on cat welfare and wildlife conservation. The study aims to find a win-win solution for managing cats that benefit both pets and the environment.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateSep 2, 2020

A 'bang' in LIGO and Virgo detectors signals most massive gravitational-wave source yet

Researchers have detected a signal from the most massive black hole merger observed in gravitational waves, producing an 'intermediate-mass' black hole with a mass of up to 1,000 solar masses. The merger released energy equivalent to eight suns and has raised questions about the formation of such massive black holes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 2, 2020

Guilt by dissociation: Study sheds light on serotonin in autism

Researchers at Florida Atlantic University have made significant progress in understanding the role of serotonin in autism. The study found that a specific mutation in the serotonin transporter protein can lead to altered serotonin levels and behavior changes, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms of autism. Further work is neede...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalFrontiers in Molecular Neuroscience·DateSep 2, 2020

Familial incarceration negatively impacts mental health for African American women

Research reveals familial incarceration has a significant impact on mental health for African American women, leading to elevated psychological distress and depressive symptomology. Employment and social roles can alleviate the burden, contrary to previous studies that only examined parents or children of incarcerated individuals.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateSep 2, 2020

Insights into behavior during chimney tops 2 fire could improve evacuation planning

Research at National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) found that people's sense of danger lowers when exposed to smoke, leading to a false sense of security. The most critical factor for evacuation decisions is perceived risk, with increasing perceptions leading to increased likelihood of evacuation.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalInternational Journal of Wildland Fire·DateSep 2, 2020

Using tattoo ink to find cancer

Using tattoo ink and food dyes, researchers have developed new imaging contrast agents that can illuminate cancers, allowing for better differentiation between cancer cells and normal adjacent cells. This breakthrough aims to improve early cancer detection and localization.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalBiomaterials Science·DateSep 2, 2020

Overlap between immunology of COVID-19 and obesity could explain the increased risk of death in people living with obesity, and also older patients

Research suggests that the immunological disturbances found in COVID-19 and obesity overlap, contributing to increased disease severity and mortality. Fat cells accumulate fat and become larger during weight gain, resulting in chronic low-grade inflammation in obesity.

Editors' Choice in Science: an unusual superconductor

Researchers at Peking University discovered a new type of superconductor that remains stable in ambient conditions, exhibiting large critical magnetic fields and strong spin-orbit coupling. This macro-size system with out-of-plane spin polarization has great potential for superconducting electronic and spintronic applications.

SourcePeking University·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 2, 2020

In a mite-y bit of trouble

The extinction of mites, crucial to ecosystems worldwide, is occurring at an alarming rate, threatening environmental health and species survival. Human activities such as habitat destruction and climate change exacerbate the issue.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalAustral Ecology·DateSep 2, 2020