Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive October 2020 - Page 30


Page 30 of 47

Well-formed disorder for versatile light technologies

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a novel approach to frequency doubling in nonlinear crystals, utilizing disordered nanocrystals to achieve efficient light conversion. The method, which combines two seemingly irreconcilable approaches, enables wide-range frequency tuning and minimizes material usage.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 13, 2020

'Less pain' to remove tonsils

A 10-year study from Flinders University has found that removing only a portion of the tonsil can significantly reduce pain and bleeding after surgery. Children who underwent this partial removal procedure returned to normal activities in under half the time compared to those who had their entire tonsil removed.

SourceFlinders University·JournalAustralian and New Zealand Journal of Surgery·DateOct 13, 2020

Television advertising limits can reduce childhood obesity, study concludes

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that restricting television advertising for food and beverages high in fat, sugar, and salt could lead to a significant reduction in childhood obesity rates. The research suggests that limiting ads between 5:30am and 9pm could result in a 4.6% decrease in obese children, equivalent to 40,000...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 13, 2020

Alcohol use changed right after COVID-19 lockdown

A study of twins found that one in four adults changed their alcohol use almost immediately after stay-at-home orders were issued, with 14% reporting higher levels of stress and anxiety. The study suggests a link between decreased drinking and increased mental health issues, highlighting the need for better support.

SourceWashington State University·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·DateOct 13, 2020

Winners and losers of energy transition

A new UNIGE study models 100 feasible scenarios to achieve Central European electricity sector targets by 2035. The research highlights trade-offs between cost-efficiency, renewable electricity, and regional equality, suggesting a compromise is possible to share costs and benefits evenly across regions.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 13, 2020

Trees and lawns beat the heat

A new study from the University of Utah reveals that mixed landscapes, comprising both trees and grass, are the most effective way to cool temperatures in the Salt Lake Valley. Lawns actually outperform trees in reducing daytime and nighttime temperatures by acting as a swamp cooler, while more open areas allow for better heat escape.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalAgricultural and Forest Meteorology·DateOct 13, 2020

Empathy prevents COVID-19 spreading

A new study published in Psychological Science reveals that empathy is a key factor in preventing the spread of COVID-19. The research shows that individuals with higher empathy levels are more likely to keep their distance and wear face masks to protect vulnerable populations.

SourceAarhus University·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 13, 2020

Illinois research links soil nitrogen levels to corn yield and nitrogen losses

Researchers establish relationship between soil nitrogen at different growth stages and corn yield, finding a tradeoff between productivity and environmental impact. Soil nitrogen explains majority of grain yield variation, with optimal levels resulting in 22% yield increase.

Bacterial toxin with healing effect

A study by the University of Jena found that a toxic substance from Staphylococcus aureus stimulates immune cells to produce anti-inflammatory messenger substances, reducing inflammation and promoting tissue healing. The researchers also demonstrated that these substances promote tissue regeneration in an animal model.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 13, 2020

Study links eating disorders with body dysmorphia

A new study published in Eating and Weight Disorders found a strong correlation between eating disorders and body dysmorphia, affecting 76% of participants. The research suggests that healthcare professionals should screen individuals with body dysmorphia for eating disorders regularly.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalEating and Weight Disorders - Studies on Anorexia Bulimia and Obesity·DateOct 13, 2020

Mental accounting is impacting sustainable behavior

Researchers analyze how our minds plan resource use to reduce excessive energy consumption and carbon emissions. They propose concrete strategies to fine-tune policy instruments and promote sustainable behavior, taking into account cognitive mechanisms such as spillover effects, rebound effects, and mental accounting labels.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Energy·DateOct 13, 2020

The deep sea is slowly warming

Researchers found a warming trend in the deep sea, with temperature fluctuations detectable at depths of up to 4,757 meters. The increase in temperatures is consistent with global climate change, but more research is needed to understand its causes.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 13, 2020