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Science News Archive October 2020 - Page 14


Page 14 of 47

OSIRIS-REx TAGs surface of asteroid Bennu

The OSIRIS-REx mission successfully collected samples from the surface of asteroid Bennu, with the sampling head touching down within three feet of the targeted location. The majority of sample collection occurred within the first 3 seconds, and the spacecraft spent approximately 5 of the 6 seconds of contact collecting surface material.

For the first time: Realistic simulation of plasma edge instabilities in tokamaks

Researchers at Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) have successfully simulated plasma edge instabilities in tokamaks, revealing trigger and course of instability. The simulation matches experimentally observed values, providing a crucial step towards predicting and avoiding ELM instabilities in future fusion devices.

AI detects hidden earthquakes

A new AI-based method has been developed to detect small, imperceptibly tiny earthquakes that occur on the same faults as bigger earthquakes. This technology could provide insights into how earthquakes interact and spread out along the fault, allowing for a clearer view of earthquake patterns.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 22, 2020

Eliminating COVID-19: What the world can learn from NZ and Taiwan

Taiwan and New Zealand eliminated community transmission of COVID-19 through early action, robust surveillance, and strong public health infrastructure. Effective measures included mask mandates, contact tracing, and quarantine, with Taiwan's response being particularly effective due to its well-planned pandemic preparedness.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific·DateOct 22, 2020

Bat-winged dinosaurs that could glide

Two small dinosaurs, Yi and Ambopteryx, had bat-like wings but struggled to fly, instead gliding between trees. Their unique wing membranes allowed them to glide, but not powered flight. The study supports that dinosaurs evolved flight in multiple ways before modern birds evolved.

SourceMcGill University·JournaliScience·DateOct 22, 2020

A new technique predicts how earthquakes would affect a city's hospitals

A new methodology helps disaster preparedness officials in large cities create regional contingency plans to ensure emergency responders can get patients to likeliest-to-stay-open hospital facilities after a quake. The technique estimates death and injury risks, projects hospital damage, and maps best routes for patient transportation.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 22, 2020

Is spirituality a component of wisdom?

A study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that spirituality is a significant component of wisdom, correlated positively with age and sex. The researchers used a self-report-based measure of wisdom and spirituality, finding that both components were associated with better mental health and well-being.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research·DateOct 22, 2020