Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive June 2020 - Page 8


Page 8 of 48

Indirect adverse effects of COVID-19 on children and youth's mental, physical health

The COVID-19 pandemic has significant indirect adverse effects on children's physical and mental health, including delayed care for non-COVID-19 illnesses, missed vaccinations, and increased family violence. Reduced social interaction and lack of structured routines also contribute to anxiety, depression, and decreased physical activity.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 25, 2020

Why are plants green?

Researchers developed a model that reproduces a general feature of photosynthetic light harvesting, observed across many photosynthetic organisms. The model suggests that absorbing specific colors of light can protect against sudden changes in solar energy, resulting in efficient power conversion.

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A commentary from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center reviews basic respiratory physiology and highlights the clinician's role in educating the public against relying on speech as a sign of adequate respiration. Data from studies of war and torture victims show that suffocation is a strong predictor of posttraumatic stress disorder.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 25, 2020

Wavy surfaces for better light control

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new method to produce more efficient and precise diffraction gratings, which can be used to create miniaturized optical devices. These devices have potential applications in futuristic smartphone cameras, biosensors, and autonomous vision for robots and self-driving cars.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateJun 25, 2020

Mountain meadow restoration can bring birds back

A study published in Restoration Ecology found that mountain meadow restorations using the 'pond and plug' technique increased bird populations over time. The study's authors concluded that both hydrologic measures and vegetative measures were helpful in creating habitat for birds, with the latter approach accelerating positive impacts.

SourcePoint Blue Conservation Science·JournalRestoration Ecology·DateJun 25, 2020

Helping consumers in a crisis

A new study shows that quantitative easing drove down mortgage interest rates, allowed consumers to refinance their house loans, and spent more on everyday items, bolstering the economy. However, the benefits were primarily targeted at mortgage holders from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Review of Economic Studies·DateJun 25, 2020

Quantum entanglement demonstrated aboard orbiting CubeSat

Researchers successfully demonstrated quantum entanglement onboard a CubeSat, paving the way for a cost-effective global quantum communications network. The miniaturized photon source operated successfully in space, maintaining high-quality entanglement despite temperature changes.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateJun 25, 2020

Nearness of newly found exoplanetary system offers great promise for studying exoplanet atmospheres

The newly discovered GJ 887 system hosts multiple super-Earth sized planets, making it an ideal target for the James Webb Space Telescope. The system's proximity and relatively quiet red dwarf star reduce the risk of harmful solar flares, providing a promising opportunity to study exoplanet atmospheres.

Better sleep with a partner

Research found that couples sleeping together exhibit increased rapid-eye movement (REM) sleep and synchronized sleep patterns, positively associated with relationship depth. This study suggests that sharing a bed may enhance REM sleep, leading to improved social interactions and reduced emotional stress.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·DateJun 25, 2020