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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 257


Page 257 of 512

The story behind a uniquely dark, wetland soil

A team of scientists investigated an unusual wetland soil in California, discovering its peculiar properties that misled initial classification. By analyzing color, water content, vegetation, and chemical composition, they applied a new method to accurately classify the soil as hydric, crucial for conservation.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateJul 8, 2020

The effects of smartphone use on parenting

A new analysis found little evidence of negative impacts on parenting from smartphone use. At low levels of displacing family time, more smartphone use was associated with better parenting.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateJul 8, 2020

The best (and worst) materials for masks

Researchers assessed non-traditional mask materials, finding vacuum cleaner filters reduced infection risk by 83% for a 30-second exposure and 58% for a 20-minute exposure. N99 masks were found to be the most effective option, reducing average risk by 94-99%.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Hospital Infection·DateJul 8, 2020

Community and law enforcement partnerships best help kids who witness home violence

A Rutgers-led study found that community and law enforcement partnerships can significantly improve PTSD screening and treatment for children who witness home violence. The Child Trauma Response Team model, which provides immediate outreach and victim safety assessments, showed a three-fold increase in child PTSD screens among families...

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·DateJul 8, 2020

When is someone old?

Researchers propose using an equivalency criterion to determine the old age threshold based on a fixed remaining life expectancy, which is consistent with the equivalency criterion. This approach highlights the need to reevaluate traditional measures of aging and provides a more nuanced understanding of population aging.

HKUST researchers discover a novel mechanism regulating planar cell polarity

Researchers at HKUST have discovered a new mechanism that regulates planar cell polarity, a process crucial for development and organ function. The study reveals a critical protein interaction that enables efficient delivery of PCP proteins to the cell surface, offering a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 8, 2020

Making a material impact

The University of Delaware's new Center for Hybrid, Active, and Responsive Materials (UD CHARM) aims to transform the way materials are made. Researchers will focus on developing new materials with potential applications in biomedicine, security, sensing, and more.

Regulating the properties of MAPbBr3 single crystal via voltage and application

Researchers developed a technique to modify defect populations in perovskite crystals without chemical additives, enabling the material to act as a memristor device with multiple resistance states. The voltage regulation engineering helps improve optical and electrical properties by passivating deep-level donor-like defects.

Bumblebee habitats and diets change over their lifecycle

A study tracked queen bumblebees' movements as they established nests, revealing changes in habitat selection and diet preferences. The findings suggest that diversified landscapes support bumblebee colonies by meeting their changing needs during different phases of their lifecycle.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 8, 2020