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Science News for June 28, 2020


The magnetic history of ice

Researchers propose a new method to read magnetic pole reversals by analyzing ice cores, which could be applied to other bodies in the solar system. The team created artificial snowfall with magnetic dust and froze it into hard ice, detecting a small but detectible magnetic moment that matched the applied fields.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateJun 28, 2020

Ladder falls have long-lasting consequences for older blokes

A study by Queensland researchers found that half of individuals who fell from ladders experienced a deterioration in psychological wellbeing for at least six months after the incident. The study highlights the need for improved safety designs and injury prevention strategies to prevent ladder falls.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 28, 2020

New solar forecasting model performs best

A new mathematical model for solar irradiance prediction has been developed at Uppsala University and proved highly reliable. The MCM model provides accurate forecasts of solar power production fluctuations, enabling greater control over solar energy use.

SourceUppsala University·JournalSolar Energy·DateJun 28, 2020

Red Sea's coral reefs help protect the KSA coast

Researchers at KAUST used high-resolution modeling to show coral reefs play a crucial role in reducing wave heights by half along the Red Sea coastline, enabling safer coastal construction and reduced fill material costs.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalOcean Engineering·DateJun 28, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Report points to intergroup tensions from different interpretations of social distancing

A new report from psychologists at the University of Bath highlights emerging tensions between groups who interpret social distancing guidelines differently. As lockdown measures ease, people are now negotiating social distancing on an interpersonal level, leading to challenges for those who want to maintain strict practices.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalBritish Journal of Social Psychology·DateJun 28, 2020

Declining eyesight improved by looking at deep red light

Researchers discovered that looking at deep red light for three minutes a day can significantly improve declining eyesight in people over 40. The study found improvements in rod and cone sensitivity, with significant gains in color contrast sensitivity, particularly in the blue part of the spectrum.

SourceUniversity College London·DateJun 28, 2020

MRI scan used for heart disease could also pick out aggressive cancers

A new study suggests that a type of MRI scan used for heart disease can also pick out aggressive cancers in children. The T1-mapping technique measures how water molecules interact inside cells, allowing clinicians to understand the cellular make-up of tissue and spot early signs of treatment effectiveness.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateJun 28, 2020

Excessive sugar intake linked with unhealthy fat deposits

A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that excessive sugar consumption is associated with increased fat stores around the heart and abdomen. The researchers analyzed data from a cohort study and found that higher intakes of sugary drinks and added sugar were related to greater fat stores.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateJun 28, 2020

Spraying ethanol to nanofiber masks makes them reusable

Researchers found that nanofiber masks can be reused up to 10 times after spraying ethanol, while melt-blown filters lose efficiency after cleaning. This process inhibits pathogens and maintains air filtration rate.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateJun 28, 2020
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Improved medical imaging improves cancer staging

Researchers developed a novel photoacoustic imaging method using clinically-approved carbon nanoparticles to trace lymph nodes and guide fine needle aspiration biopsies. The technique improved image quality and accuracy for breast cancer staging, offering a promising alternative to existing methods.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·DateJun 28, 2020

'Spear and shield' inspire high toughness microstructure

A team of scientists designed a discontinuous fibrous Bouligand architecture to create exceptional fracture toughness and crack orientation insensitivity. The study reveals the origin of biomimetic microstructures for high-performance advanced composite materials.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 28, 2020
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.