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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 226


Page 226 of 512

Night-time exposure to blue light associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer

A new study published in Epidemiology found that night-time exposure to outdoor artificial light, especially blue light, may increase the risk of colorectal cancer. The research analyzed data from over 2,000 adults and found a 60% higher risk of developing colorectal cancer among those with the highest exposures to blue light.

First results of an upgraded device highlight lithium's value for producing fusion

The LTX-β upgrade successfully demonstrates the ability of liquid lithium to hold onto stray particles, improving plasma temperature profiles and expanding plasma volume for fusion. The device aims to test whether coating all plasma-facing walls with lithium can enhance plasma confinement and increase temperature.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalIEEE Transactions on Plasma Science·DateJul 29, 2020

Gender gap in surgical residencies

A decade-long study finds that certain surgical specialties have significantly lower percentages of female resident physicians. The researchers identified these specialties and tracked changes in the number of women in each over time.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateJul 29, 2020

COVID-19 risk model uses hospital data to guide decisions on social distancing

A new framework helps local entities determine when to tighten social distancing measures and relax restrictions based on hospital data, aiming to minimize economic impact. The model provides clear guidance for tracking hospital admissions data and acting on strict thresholds to prevent hospitals from becoming overwhelmed.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2020

How stony-iron meteorites form

A scientific team has successfully simulated the formation of pallasites, a type of stony-iron meteorite, on an experimental basis. The experiments confirmed that both partial separation of core and mantle, and subsequent impact of another celestial body, are required for their formation.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateJul 29, 2020

Tailored light inspired by nature

A team of international researchers developed propagation-invariant light fields using caustics that do not change during propagation. This breakthrough enables new applications in high-resolution microscopy, material processing, and multidimensional signal transmission.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 29, 2020

Pregnant Black and Hispanic women five times more likely to be exposed to coronavirus

A new study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that pregnant Black and Hispanic women are five times more likely to be exposed to the coronavirus than white and Asian women. The study analyzed serological data from over 1,200 women and found significant variation in virus exposure rates across racial and ethnic groups.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience Immunology·DateJul 29, 2020

Scientists find new way to kill tuberculosis

Researchers at Durham University have found a new toxin, called MenT, produced by the TB bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This toxin inhibits the use of amino acids needed for protein production, causing the bacteria to die. The discovery opens up new avenues for treating tuberculosis and other infections.

SourceDurham University·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 29, 2020

Estimating bisphenol exposures in the Australian population

Researchers in Australia analyzed urine and wastewater samples to estimate changes in bisphenol exposure over six years. They found that urinary levels of BPA decreased, while BPS increased, with higher levels detected in younger age groups. In wastewater, BPA and BPS were consistently detected, with BPF also present in 29% of samples.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 29, 2020

Astronomers pinpoint the best place on Earth for a telescope: High on a frigid Antarctic plateau

Researchers found that Dome A's unique combination of high altitude, low temperature, and stable atmosphere makes it an attractive location for optical and infrared astronomy. This location could lead to sharper images and the detection of fainter objects, overcoming a major challenge in Earth-based astronomy: atmospheric turbulence.

Solving a DNA mystery

A team of researchers from UC Santa Barbara and LMU found that enzymes can cause liquid droplets formed from DNA to bubble unexpectedly. The bubbles occur when the enzyme penetrates inside the droplet, leading to an osmotic effect that causes water to be drawn in, resulting in a swelling phenomenon.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 28, 2020