245 articles from WEDNESDAY 8.7.2020
Scaling up the quantum chip
MIT researchers have developed a process to manufacture and integrate 'artificial atoms,' created by atomic-scale defects in microscopically thin slices of diamond, with photonic circuitry, producing the largest quantum chip of its type.
Self-isolation may increase susceptibility to COVID-19
Previous research points to the effect of social stressors on developing upper respiratory infections, holding clues to COVID-19 risk.
Simple blood test may predict concussion severity just as well as spinal tap
A blood biomarker in people who have had concussions may be just as accurate at predicting the severity of the injury and how long it will last as biomarkers that are obtained through more expensive and invasive tests, according to a study published in the July 8, 2020, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
Soil studies can be helpful for border control
Underground tunnels have been used by warriors and smugglers for thousands of years to infiltrate battlegrounds and cross borders. A new analysis published in the Open Journal of Soil Science presents a series of medieval and modern case studies to identify the most restrictive and ideal soil and geologic conditions for tunneling.
Spectroscopy approach poised to improve treatment for serious heart arrhythmia
Researchers have demonstrated that a new mapping approach based on near infrared spectroscopy can distinguish between fat and muscle tissue in the heart. This distinction is critical when using radiofrequency ablation to treat a serious heart rhythm problem known as ventricular tachycardia.
Spider silk made by photosynthetic bacteria
A research team in Japan reported that they succeeded in producing the spider silk -- ultra-lightweight, though, biodegradable and biocompatible material -- using photosynthetic bacteria. This study will open a new era in which bio-factories stably output the bulk of spider silk.
Stress testing 'coral in a box'
Save the corals: Mobile rapid test to assess coral thermotolerance developed in an international collaboration with the University of Konstanz
STRIDE study results on fall injury prevention in older adults: PCORI Media Availability
As reported in the New England Journal of Medicine, the STRIDE Study found that a personalized approach to delivering proven falls risk reduction strategies to high-risk older adults in typical care settings resulted in an 8% to 10% reduction in serious fall injuries, but this effect was not statistically significant. Potential impediments, such as transportation availability and copayments, are...
Study finds decreased rates of high-cost care after a community development initiative
More than a decade into the community development initiative called Healthy Neighborhoods Healthy Families, the 30-block Southern Orchards neighborhood on Columbus, Ohio's South Side had clear, notable improvement. Home vacancy fell from 30% to under 6%. High school graduation rates increased. More than $40 million in investments were generated in the area.
Study reveals how bacteria build essential carbon-fixing machinery
Scientists from the University of Liverpool have revealed new insight into how cyanobacteria construct the organelles that are essential for their ability to photosynthesise.
Study: 'Anti-vaxxers' gain traction against HPV vaccine on Facebook
One of the biggest social media sites -- Facebook -- has allowed "anti-vaxxers" to gain a stronger voice against the use of the human papillomavirus, or HPV, vaccine, according to a new study from a media expert at the University of Missouri.
Supergenes play a larger role in evolution than previously thought
Large blocks of 'plug and play' genes play a super-sized role in adaption-and may help fill lingering gaps in Darwin's theories
Tackling coral reefs' thorny problem
Researchers from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST) have revealed the evolutionary history of the crown-of-thorns starfish -- a predator of coral that can devastate coral reefs. Their findings shed light on how the populations of these starfish have changed over time and could potentially help reduce their ecological destruction.
Technique fishes valuable nutrients out of shrimp processing water
The seafood industry requires large amounts of water for food processing. Before used water is discharged, some organic matter, including protein, is typically removed. This sludge is usually landfilled or converted into biogas, which results in the valuable nutrients it contains being lost from the food chain. Now researchers report in ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering a method to recover...
Texas will face driest conditions of the last 1,000 years
Texas' future climate will feature drier summers and decreasing water supplies for much of the state for the remainder of the 21st century -- likely resulting in the driest conditions the state has endured in the last 1,000 years, according to a team of researchers led by a Texas A&M University professor.
TGen-led study identifies unique cells that may drive lung fibrosis
This is one of the first comprehensive looks at lung cells using a technology called single-cell RNA sequencing. Instead of examining a mash-up of many cells from a tissue sample, single-cell sequencing allowed researchers in this study to closely examine the individual cells that make up the lungs; to identify their function, and ultimately understand the molecular changes that may be driving the...
The best (and worst) materials for masks
It's intuitive and scientifically shown that wearing a face covering can help reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. But not all masks are created equal, according to new University of Arizona-led research.
The CNIO creates a collaborative platform to streamline brain metastasis research
The Brain Metastasis Cell Lines Panel (BrMPanel) is the first to compile information on +60 cell lines related to brain metastasis researchIt was spearheaded by CNIO researcher Manuel Valiente, who coordinated its 19 constituent international laboratories and seeks to turn it into a 'white paper' for research in this areaThe goal is to streamline brain metastasis research for the development of...
The effects of smartphone use on parenting
Parents may worry that spending time on their smartphones has a negative impact on their relationships with their children. However, a new comprehensive analysis published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that this is unlikely to be the case.
The story behind a uniquely dark, wetland soil
Areas where landslides are common make hydric soil identification tricky.
Therapy delivered electronically more effective than face to face: Hamilton researchers
In this evidence review, researchers identified 17 randomized control trials comparing therapist-supported cognitive behavioural therapy delivered electronically to face to face cognitive behavioural therapy. The studies were conducted between 2003 and 2018 in the United States, Australia, Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden and the United Kingdom
Towards climate resilient urban energy systems
Nik and colleagues evaluated the progress achieved in the energy sector to adapt to climate change, focusing on the climate resilience of urban energy systems. They investigated the relevant concepts, criteria, methods and gaps that exist to assess climate resilience. A framework is suggested to account for climate change including extreme events when designing urban energy systems, considering...
UBC research shows hearing persists at end of life
Hearing is widely thought to be the last sense to go in the dying process. Now, the first study to investigate hearing in palliative care patients who are close to death provides evidence that some may still be able to hear while in an unresponsive state. Electroencephalography (EEG) was used to measure the dying brain's response to sound. The findings may help family and friends bring comfort to...
UBCO kindness researcher challenges the notion of mean teens
A UBC Okanagan researcher is hoping to flip the switch on the pre-convinced stereotype that teens are mean. Associate Professor John-Tyler Binfet, a researcher in the School of Education, says teenagers often receive a negative reputation, sometimes showcased in mainstream media reports of bullying, cyber harassment or schoolyard battles.
UChicago study shows 'Bystander Effect' not exclusive to humans
A rat is less likely to help a trapped companion if it is with other rats that aren't helping, according to new research from the University of Chicago that showed the social psychological theory of the "bystander effect" in humans is present in these long-tailed rodents.