Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive July 2020 - Page 36


Page 36 of 47

Stress testing 'coral in a box'

Researchers have developed a rapid stress test to assess coral thermotolerance, allowing for the identification of resilient corals that can survive ocean warming. The 'Coral Bleaching Automated Stress System' (CBASS) enables on-site testing within 18 hours, compared to months in a laboratory.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJul 8, 2020

Rock 'n' control

Researchers at University of Göttingen use femtochemistry to film and control chemical reactions on solid surfaces. They successfully transfer principle from molecules to a solid, controlling its crystal structure with high efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature·DateJul 8, 2020

Biobased chemicals take center stage

Biobased chemicals are being developed to replace petroleum-based products in various industries, including diapers, electronics, and automotive coatings. These new materials offer improved performance and sustainability, with potential applications in areas such as electronic touchscreen displays and emission-reducing coatings.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJul 8, 2020

Does early access to pension funds improve health?

A recent study from Singapore found that early access to pension wealth improves overall health status. The researchers analyzed monthly survey data from 2015 to 2019 and discovered that individuals who accessed their pension funds before age 55 had better self-reported health status afterward.

SourceWiley·JournalEconomic Inquiry·DateJul 8, 2020

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