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Science News Archive September 2020 - Page 43


Page 43 of 49

Helping teens with type 1 diabetes improve diabetes control with MyDiaText

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that a text messaging intervention combined with MyDiaText improved self-care for adolescents with T1DM. The study showed persistent engagement and potential increase in glycemic control, suggesting a promising method to engage this population.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalJournal of Diabetes Science and Technology·DateSep 3, 2020

A spicy silver lining

Researchers developed a simple, low-cost method to synthesize silver nanoparticles using habanero peppers. The process utilizes the antioxidant properties of the peppers to reduce silver ions, resulting in stable nanoparticles with potential applications in optics, biosensing, and antimicrobial coatings.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Nanophotonics·DateSep 3, 2020

Comprehensive look at US fuel economy standards show big savings on fuel and emissions

The US fuel economy standards have been effective in reducing reliance on foreign oil and greenhouse gas emissions, saving consumers $5 trillion in fuel costs. The standards also prevented 14 billion metric tons of carbon from being released into the atmosphere, equivalent to eliminating all US emissions for nearly three years.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalEnergy Policy·DateSep 3, 2020

To make a better sensor, just add noise

Penn State researchers discovered that adding background noise can enhance weak signals in manmade sensors, a phenomenon common in the animal world. This technique, known as stochastic resonance, can be used to detect other signals with low energy consumption and space requirements, making it suitable for deployment in IoT applications.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 3, 2020

High levels of toxic flame retardant chemicals found in dust inside college classrooms

Researchers found high levels of toxic flame retardants in college classroom dust, with outdated furniture showing significantly lower levels. The study highlights the need to reduce harmful exposures and create healthier indoor environments, especially in institutions like colleges, offices, libraries, and hospitals.

SourceSilent Spring Institute·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateSep 3, 2020

When doing good boosts health, well-being

Research by the American Psychological Association found that performing acts of kindness and helping others can improve one's mental and physical health. The study, which analyzed 201 independent studies, showed a modest link between prosocial behavior and overall well-being, with younger givers and women reporting stronger relationsh...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateSep 3, 2020

Discovery of unconventional hall effect

A team of scientists has found a new Hall effect phenomenon in non-magnetic materials, revealing an intrinsic in-plane response that defies classical expectations. The observed effect is attributed to the interplay between Berry curvature and Weyl semimetal properties.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateSep 3, 2020

The circumstellar disk in the triple-star system GW-Orionis is shaped by disk tearing

A new observational study reveals that the GW-Orionis triple-star system's disk is misaligned due to disk tearing, which could lead to planetary systems with oblique or retrograde orbits. The study provides a three-dimensional model and simulation of the system, reproducing its highly deformed disk and misaligned rings.

Minimally invasive ellipsys system allows kidney patients to begin dialysis sooner

A new study shows that the Ellipsys Vascular Access System reduces the time before patients with kidney failure can start lifesaving dialysis treatments, while requiring fewer secondary procedures. The technology uses a small needle puncture and catheter to create an endovascular AVF, reducing the average time from fistula creation to ...

SourceDowling & Dennis PR·JournalJournal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology·DateSep 3, 2020

Autonomous robot plays with NanoLEGO

Scientists have developed an artificial intelligence system that autonomously learns how to grip and move individual molecules, overcoming the complexity of nanoscale manipulation. The system uses reinforcement learning to find optimal movement patterns, enabling targeted assembly and separation of molecules.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 3, 2020

Old males vital to elephant societies

Research suggests that older bull elephants hold leading positions in male elephant societies, helping younger followers find food and water. The study's findings raise concerns over the removal of old bulls in both legal and illegal hunting practices.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 3, 2020