Researchers use artificial intelligence language tools to decode molecular movements

By applying natural language processing tools to the movements of protein molecules, University of Maryland scientists created an abstract language that describes the multiple shapes a protein molecule can take and how and when it transitions from one shape to another.

source https://phys.org/news/2020-10-artificial-intelligence-language-tools-decode.html

The Colorado river's water supply is predictable owing to long-term ocean memory

A team of scientists at Utah State University has developed a new tool to forecast drought and water flow in the Colorado River several years in advance. Although the river's headwaters are in landlocked Wyoming and Colorado, water levels are linked to sea surface temperatures in parts of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans and the water's long-term ocean memory. The group's paper, "Colorado River water supply is predictable on multi-year timescales owning to long-term ocean memory" was published October 9 by Communications Earth and Environment, an open-access journal from Nature.

source https://phys.org/news/2020-10-colorado-river-long-term-ocean-memory.html

You can do more with your voice: Say, 'Hey Google' on Android to command third-party apps

Say, "Hey Google" to your Android phone, and you'll be able to do more with your apps.

source https://techxplore.com/news/2020-10-voice-hey-google-android-third-party.html

Facebook approached FBI about Michigan militia six months ago

Facebook Inc. first approached the FBI six months ago about activity on its platform that led to 13 men being charged in Michigan with planning to storm the state capitol and kidnap the governor.

source https://techxplore.com/news/2020-10-facebook-approached-fbi-michigan-militia.html

Urine-based liquid biopsy test outperforms urine cytology in detecting bladder cancer

Analysis of DNA copy number variants (CNVs) in the cells exfoliated in urine showed better sensitivity and similar specificity in detecting urothelial carcinoma compared with urine cytology, according to results published in Clinical Cancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.

Rapid bedside testing is faster than standard centralised PCR testing for COVID-19

Point-of-care-testing for suspected COVID-19 reduces time to results and may improve infection control, suggesting these tests might have clinical advantages over widely used laboratory PCR methods.

Young people hospitalized with COVID-19 face substantial adverse outcomes

While older age is widely recognized as a risk factor for increased morbidity and mortality due to COVID-19, younger patients have received less attention as a population vulnerable to adverse clinical outcomes. Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital analyzed records from 419 hospitals using the Premier Healthcare Database to study the clinical trajectories of 3,222 hospitalized COVID-19 patients aged 18-34. Findings were published as a research letter in JAMA Internal Medicine. Researchers found that over one-fifth of the patients (21 percent) required intensive care, 10 percent required mechanical ventilation and 2.7 percent died. For comparison, the team wrote, the death rate of those in the same age group hospitalized with heart attacks is approximately half of that figure.

Argentina becomes first country to approve genetically modified wheat

Argentina has become the first country to approve the growth and consumption of genetically modified wheat, the country's agriculture ministry announced Thursday.

source https://phys.org/news/2020-10-argentina-country-genetically-wheat.html

Mobile games thrive, even as pandemic keeps players home

Mobile games are thriving as players turn to them for fun and friendship during the pandemic, with increasing numbers of women joining the trend.

source https://techxplore.com/news/2020-10-mobile-games-pandemic-players-home.html

Arctic odyssey ends, bringing home tales of alarming ice loss

The biggest Arctic expedition in history will return to the German port of Bremerhaven on Monday after a year-long mission, bringing home observations from scientists that sea ice is melting at a "dramatic rate" in the region.

source https://phys.org/news/2020-10-arctic-odyssey-home-tales-alarming.html

Airbnb requires hosts to commit to enhanced cleaning

Airbnb said Thursday it will require hosts to comply with enhanced cleaning procedures as part of its effort to reassure guests and local officials during the coronavirus pandemic.

source https://techxplore.com/news/2020-10-airbnb-requires-hosts-commit.html

Experts: Warming makes Delta, other storms power up faster

Hurricane Delta, gaining strength as it bears down on the U.S. Gulf Coast, is the latest and nastiest in a recent flurry of rapidly intensifying Atlantic hurricanes that scientists largely blame on global warming.

source https://phys.org/news/2020-10-experts-delta-storms-power-faster.html

During a highly partisan time in our nation, survey shows broad bipartisan support for a stronger focus on science

A recent survey commissioned by Research!America on behalf of a working group formed to assess America's commitment to science shows overwhelming support for science across political parties. A strong majority of Americans agree that "the COVID-19 pandemic is a disruptive event and requires urgent refocusing of America's commitment to science."

UK early years sector needs new strategy to recruit and support male staff, says study

The UK's early years sector—staffed 96% by women and facing a longstanding recruitment crisis—needs a radical new strategy to gender-diversify its workforce, according to a new report, published today.

Locals flee as strengthening hurricane barrels toward southern US

The US national guard was mobilized and people on the Louisiana coast evacuated from their homes Friday as a strengthening hurricane bore down that officials say threatens a deadly storm surge and flash flooding.

source https://phys.org/news/2020-10-locals-hurricane-barrels-southern.html

During a highly partisan time in our nation, survey shows broad bipartisan support for a stronger focus on science

A recent survey commissioned by Research!America on behalf of a working group formed to assess America's commitment to science shows overwhelming support for science across political parties. A strong majority of Americans agree that "the COVID-19 pandemic is a disruptive event and requires urgent refocusing of America's commitment to science."

source https://phys.org/news/2020-10-highly-partisan-nation-survey-broad.html

UK early years sector needs new strategy to recruit and support male staff, says study

The UK's early years sector—staffed 96% by women and facing a longstanding recruitment crisis—needs a radical new strategy to gender-diversify its workforce, according to a new report, published today.

source https://phys.org/news/2020-10-uk-early-years-sector-strategy.html