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Science News Archive July 2020 - Page 5


Page 5 of 47

Social distancing varies by income in US

A study by University of California, Davis found that wealthier US communities became the least mobile, while poorer areas increased mobility, exacerbating the pandemic's impact. The research highlights the need for targeted emergency relief packages to address lower-income regions' unique challenges.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2020

Reopening K-12 schools during COVID-19 pandemic

The article provides recommendations from a National Academies of Sciences report on reopening elementary and secondary schools, emphasizing partnerships with public health officials and transparent communication. The report aims to minimize risks and maximize benefits for students, staff, and communities.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJul 29, 2020

The stars that time forgot

Astronomers have found a strange dismembered star cluster at the galaxy's edge, with lower quantities of heavier elements than other globular clusters. The discovery poses significant problems for current ideas on globular cluster origins.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature·DateJul 29, 2020

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