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Science News Archive February 2020 - Page 17


Page 17 of 40

Slithering snakes on a 2D plane

A team of engineers at Johns Hopkins University has developed a snake robot that can nimbly climb large steps using movement inspiration from snakes. The robot's suspension system allows it to maintain stability and climb up to 38% of its body length with a high success rate.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateFeb 18, 2020

Helpful oxygen carriers

Researchers at the University of Freiburg have discovered a novel flavin N5-peroxide that reacts differently than previously known flavin C4a-peroxide, enabling the breakdown of stable chemical compounds and environmental pollutants.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateFeb 18, 2020

Time of day affects global brain fluctuations

A study published in PLOS Biology found that global brain fluctuations decrease as the day progresses, affecting cognitive function and connectivity. The researchers analyzed fMRI data from over 900 subjects and observed a cumulative decrease in global signal fluctuation and functional connectivity with time of day.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 18, 2020

Reporting the facts on indigenous STIs

Young Indigenous people are being discouraged from getting routine STI screenings due to incorrect assumptions. This stigma can lead to poorer health outcomes, as it discourages them from reporting underlying infections. The median age for first-time sex is around 16 years old in both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalThe Medical Journal of Australia·DateFeb 18, 2020

Hubble turns lens towards gender bias, yielding lessons for Earthlings

Researchers analyzed 16 application cycles for Hubble Space Telescope time allocations and found that stripping out personal info can nearly eliminate gender bias. Female lead scientists performed slightly better than men when proposals were completely anonymized, indicating a more equitable review process.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific·DateFeb 18, 2020

Catching light: How cobalt can help utilize visible light to power hydrogen production from water

Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology have created a visible-light photoelectrochemical system using cobalt-enhanced TiO2. The process enables efficient water oxidation, producing hydrogen as a clean alternative fuel. Cobalt domains on the surface enhance light absorption and catalytic sites facilitate water oxidation.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateFeb 18, 2020

Exposure to cleaning products in first 3 months of life increases risk of childhood asthma

A new study finds that young infants exposed to common household cleaning products are more likely to develop childhood wheeze and asthma by three years of age. The study, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, suggests that chemicals in cleaning products can damage respiratory tract cells, increasing the risk of asthma.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 18, 2020

Primary care patients assess econsult model for provider-to-specialist consultations

Patients across five academic medical centers reacted favorably to an electronic consultation (eConsult) service for primary care provider-to-specialist consultations. Key benefits included quicker access to specialty care and convenience, with approval rates high among patients with a trusted primary care provider.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateFeb 18, 2020

Creating custom light using 2D materials

Scientists have created custom light using 2D materials by combining different transition metal dichalcogenides to form artificial semi-conductors emitting specific colors. This discovery opens up new strategies for manipulating light with precise energy and color, paving the way for mass industrialization of tailor-made lighting.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 18, 2020

Community LGBTQ supportiveness may reduce substance use among sexual minority adolescents

Research found that community-level LGBTQ supportiveness is associated with lower odds of lifetime substance use among sexual minority boys and girls. Living in a large population center also reduced the risk of lifetime alcohol use for boys, while a progressive political climate increased the risk of marijuana use for girls.