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Science News Archive February 2020 - Page 9


Page 9 of 40

Going super small to get super strong metals

Scientists have discovered that ultra-strong metals can be created by reducing grain size to below 10 nanometers, contrary to previous assumptions. The study found that high pressure overcomes grain sliding effects, leading to extreme strengthening in finely grained samples.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature·DateFeb 24, 2020

UBC researchers develop strategy to protect wine grapes from smoke-taint

A team of UBC Okanagan researchers has developed a preventative strategy for protecting grapes from volatile phenols in smoke, which can impact wine flavor. Applying an agricultural spray composed of phospholipids to wine grapes one week before exposure to simulated forest fire smoke significantly reduces smoky flavor compounds.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateFeb 24, 2020

Looking for local levers

A study by UC Santa Barbara researchers found that high levels of nitrogen pollution lower the temperature at which coral begins to bleach and increases its severity. The team surveyed over 10,000 corals around Moorea and found that both types of branching corals showed identical responses to nutrient pollution.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 24, 2020

A simple retrofit transforms electron microscopes into high-speed atom-scale cameras

Researchers have developed a retrofit to transform transmission electron microscopes into high-speed cameras, capturing processes on the atomic scale. The 'beam chopper' technology enables laboratories to investigate super-fast phenomena without expensive laser systems or specialized expertise.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateFeb 24, 2020

Anonymous no more: combining genetics with genealogy to identify the dead in unmarked graves

A team of researchers combined genealogical information with genetic data from modern Quebecers to access the genetic profile of Quebec's historical population. The study successfully identified approximately 1.7 million individuals, but limitations in genetic coverage hindered full identification, leaving around 88% of men married bef...

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateFeb 24, 2020

Let it snow: Researchers put cloud seeding to the test

Researchers have developed a method to accurately measure the volume of snow produced through cloud seeding using radar and other tools. The study found that cloud seeding produced about 282 Olympic-sized swimming pools worth of water in the form of snow, with snow falling from clouds for approximately 67 minutes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 24, 2020

Research finds support for 'Trump effect'

A new study from University of California, Riverside, found that Donald Trump's racially inflammatory speech emboldened particular members of the public to express their prejudices. Exposure to such rhetoric made individuals feel more comfortable expressing their prejudice, while silence from other elites gave the impression that a nor...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalBritish Journal of Political Science·DateFeb 24, 2020

Self-reported student mistreatment in US medical schools

An analysis of 27,504 unique student surveys found self-reported medical student mistreatment was common, with public humiliation being the most common type. The study highlights the variation in mistreatment rates among female, Asian, underrepresented minority, and LGBTQ+ students.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 24, 2020

Researchers adapt cognitive assessment for people with intellectual disability

Researchers adapted the NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery to assess cognitive ability in people with intellectual disabilities aged 5 years and above, providing objective measures. The validated battery produces reliable and valid results, paving the way for further research on its adaptation for lower mental ages and older adults.

ETRI develops optical communications technology to double data transfer speed

Researchers at ETRI have developed a compact 200Gbps optical transceiver that can send and receive twice as much data as conventional methods. This new technology is expected to contribute to solving data traffic congestion in 5G networks and provides a cost-effective alternative to existing coherent modulation technologies.

Campaign contributions by oil and gas companies

Oil and gas companies contributed over $84 million to US congressional candidates in 2018, largely influencing environmental policy votes. The study found a negative association between oil and gas company contributions and subsequent LCV scores, suggesting a reward system for legislators voting against pro-environmental policies.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 24, 2020

Wildfire cycles and climate change

A study reveals a cyclical link between high-intensity Asian wildfires and dry glacial periods, with fires associated with increased dust loads and decreased CO2 levels. The findings hint at potential climate effects through the iron cycle, suggesting a connection between fires, dust, and global climate system.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 24, 2020

Social determinant screening not enough to capture patients at risk of utility shut-off

Researchers found that social determinant screening only captures 16% of patients struggling to pay utility bills, emphasizing the need for improved health systems. The study suggests that patients with chronic serious illnesses may be more likely to have difficulty paying utilities due to seasonal and socioeconomic factors.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalJournal of Ambulatory Care Management·DateFeb 24, 2020

Short film of a magnetic nano-vortex

Physicists at the Paul Scherrer Institute recorded a short 'film' of the three-dimensional magnetic structure inside a material with nanoscale resolution. This reveals intricate patterns and domain walls that could be used to pack data more tightly than current methods.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateFeb 24, 2020

New in the Hastings Center Report: A call to confront mistrust in the US health care system

The US healthcare system is facing significant mistrust issues, with experts calling for action to improve patient trust and care. Experts recommend five actions: exploring patients' mistrust, developing individual and institutional efforts to mend and prevent mistrust, being culturally humble, making empathy part of relationships, and...

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateFeb 24, 2020

Obesity embargo alert for March 2020

The Obesity Society's latest research explores the pathophysiology of obesity, therapeutic goals, and differential risk. A new coding system is proposed to address suboptimal efforts in prevention and treatment, offering a personalized approach to care.

SourceThe Obesity Society·JournalObesity·DateFeb 24, 2020