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Science News Archive September 2020 - Page 33


Page 33 of 49

Shedding light on coral reefs

A study published in Coral Reefs finds that materials in seawater affect light availability and wavelength on coral reefs, impacting photosynthesis and ecological zonation. Researchers used an instrument called a profiling reflectance radiometer to collect data profiles across Hawaiian and Bermudian reefs.

SourceBermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences·JournalCoral Reefs·DateSep 11, 2020

Halving the risk of infection following surgery

Researchers found that using CHG halves the risk of infection in certain types of surgery compared to povidone-iodine (PVI), with significant implications for global healthcare. The study, published in Annals of Surgery, suggests a simple switch could reduce infections and improve patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateSep 11, 2020

Computational modelling explains why blues and greens are brightest colous in nature

Researchers from the University of Cambridge used numerical experimentation to determine the limits of matt structural colour in the visible spectrum. They found that saturated, pure colors like reds, yellows, and oranges are difficult to recreate using this method, with blues and greens being the most feasible options.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 11, 2020

Evidence of power: Phasing quantum annealers into experiments from nonequilibrium physics

Researchers validate the Kibble-Zurek mechanism in quantum magnetic systems and demonstrate its applicability to open quantum systems using commercially available D-Wave annealers. The study provides strong experimental evidence for the generalized theory, showcasing the potential of quantum annealers in exploring nonequilibrium physics.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateSep 10, 2020

CityU develops anti-bacterial graphene face masks

A research team from City University of Hong Kong has produced graphene masks with an anti-bacterial efficiency of 80%, which can be enhanced to almost 100% with exposure to sunlight. The graphene masks are easily produced at low cost and can help resolve the problems of sourcing raw materials and disposing of non-biodegradable masks.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalACS Nano·DateSep 10, 2020

Superconductors are super resilient to magnetic fields

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have discovered a new explanation for how superconductors recover from temporary exposure to magnetic fields without losing energy. The proposed mechanism involves the presence of a topological quantum number, which allows supercurrents to be switched off without Joule heating.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalEPL (Europhysics Letters)·DateSep 10, 2020

Systematic approach crucial for person-centred care

A University of Gothenburg study emphasizes the importance of a systematic approach to achieve person-centered care in healthcare. The researchers argue that person-centred care must be practiced systematically on an everyday basis, creating organisational and individual conditions for partnership between patients, staff, and relatives.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalThe BMJ·DateSep 10, 2020

The web of death

Scientists have developed a new method to combat cancer by using molecular fibers that target the acidic and reactive environment of cancer cells. The approach has shown promising results in laboratory tests, with cancer cells dying within four hours.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Polymer Research·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 10, 2020

Loss of a pet can potentially trigger mental health issues in children

A new study published in European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry found that the death of a family pet can lead to prolonged and profound grief in children, potentially triggering depression. Researchers analyzed data from over 6,000 children and found that the emotional attachment to pets can result in measurable psychological distress.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalEuropean Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateSep 10, 2020

Vaccine proves effective against the most severe type of pneumonia

A new study published in The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific found that the pneumococcal vaccine PCV13 reduced hypoxic pneumonia and pneumonia requiring oxygen support by 37 per cent in children in Laos. This significant reduction in severe cases has great potential to alleviate the burden of disease on vulnerable populations.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific·DateSep 10, 2020

Jupiter's moons could be warming each other

Researchers discovered that moon-moon interactions may be responsible for more tidal heating than Jupiter alone, potentially leading to the melting of ice or rock internally. The study suggests that tidal resonance occurs when tides generated by other objects in the system match a moon's resonant frequency, resulting in increased heating.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 10, 2020

Mold now associated with food quality

A study by the University of Copenhagen found that Danes associate purity with naturalness, preferring foods with visible mold to those with long shelf lives. This trend suggests a shift in attitudes towards food purity, with consumers prioritizing natural ingredients and visible signs of spoilage.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalSociology·DateSep 10, 2020