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Science News Archive August 2021 - Page 17


Page 17 of 38

Victims’ gender, race, and child status affected decisions about death penalty in Pennsylvania

A study examining Pennsylvania death penalty cases found that victim's gender and race affected every outcome. Cases with white female, male or black male victims were more likely to receive a death sentence than those with black female victims. The study also found that prosecutors were more likely to seek the death penalty in cases w...

SourceCrime and Justice Research Alliance·JournalJustice Quarterly·DateAug 18, 2021

Receiving threatening or obscene messages from a partner and mental health

A new study found that one in fifteen adults experienced threatening or obscene messaging from a partner, with victims at higher risk of mental health issues. Recipients were more likely to be female, younger, and socioeconomically disadvantaged. The study suggests that exposure to these messages could lead to poor health outcomes.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalSocial Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology·TypeSurvey·DateAug 18, 2021

Artificial camouflage skin

Researchers at Seoul National University developed a wearable artificial chameleon skin that can detect and adapt to its surroundings in real-time. The device, which combines thermochromic liquid crystal ink with vertically-stacked silver nanowires, enables high-resolution camouflage and blending into complex backgrounds.

SourceSeoul National University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 18, 2021

Smartphone cameras offer smallholder farmers promising new access to soil health knowledge

A recent study published in Biosystems Engineering explores the potential of smartphone cameras to assess soil organic matter and evaluate soil fertility. The technique uses advanced image analysis and machine learning to predict SOM values rapidly and with high correlation to traditional soil analysis.

SourceAfrican Plant Nutrition Institute·JournalBiosystems Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2021

Telehealth helped physical therapists support patients virtually during pandemic, MU study finds

A study at the University of Missouri found that telehealth helped pediatric physical therapists deliver critical therapy services virtually, despite technical issues in rural areas. Access to reliable Wi-Fi was a common challenge, but caregiver engagement was reported as the biggest facilitator to successful sessions.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPediatric Physical Therapy·TypeSurvey·DateAug 18, 2021

University of Surrey reveals optimal usage time for face coverings to mitigate Covid-19 transmission

Air pollution experts at the University of Surrey recommend wearing respirator masks between 3.2 to 9.5 hours for maximum effectiveness, with 97% effective in protecting against virus-laden particles. Medical and handmade masks also provide protection but with lower usage time and effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·TypeNews article·DateAug 18, 2021

Transformation in the particle zoo

A team led by the University of Bonn has detected a triangle singularity mimicking a new particle in CERN data. The discovery provides insights into the strong interaction and its contribution to particle mass.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2021

Lundquist Institute investigators find that early administration of convalescent plasma does not prevent COVID-19 disease progression

A new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that early administration of convalescent plasma did not prevent COVID-19 disease progression in high-risk patients. Despite the strategy's potential, the study suggests that it is not a viable approach to reduce illness severity.

SourceThe Lundquist Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 18, 2021

Sleep duration buffers effects of adversity among recently immigrated Latinx adolescents

A new study by University of Houston researchers suggests that maximizing sleep can offer psychological benefit to adolescents in this at-risk group. The study found that experiences of neglect in childhood were associated with mental health symptoms, but this relation was weakened in the presence of high sleep duration.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJournal of Child & Adolescent Trauma·TypeCase study·DateAug 18, 2021

New research analyzes investor reaction to robo-advisors, some people are missing an opportunity

Investors who need more help from robo-advisors are less likely to adopt them. Those who do use RAs often adjust their usage in response to recent performance, leading to suboptimal outcomes. The study suggests that human-artificial intelligence synergy can be counterproductive if humans have too much control over RA usage.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalInformation Systems Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 18, 2021

Supersolid in a new dimension

Researchers at the University of Innsbruck have successfully generated a two-dimensional supersolid quantum gas, a phenomenon previously observed only in one dimension. This breakthrough enables the study of vortices forming in the hole between droplets, furthering our understanding of superfluidity and its properties.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2021

Bee flight suffers under temperature extremes

Researchers found that bumblebee flight performance rises rapidly from 12°C and peaks between 25-27°C, but declines beyond this. This study suggests that climate warming may benefit some northern-latitude bee species, but poses risks to southern-latitude populations due to more frequent extreme weather events.

SourceImperial College London·JournalFunctional Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2021

New prehistoric ‘Hobbit’ creature is among three discoveries suggesting rapid evolution of mammals after dinosaur extinction

Researchers have discovered three new species of ancient mammals in North America, hinting at rapid evolution following the mass extinction of dinosaurs. The creatures, which include the 'Hobbit'-named Beornus honeyi, differ from earlier known mammals and suggest that mammals diversified more rapidly than previously thought.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Systematic Palaeontology·DateAug 18, 2021

Urban lights keep insects awake at night

A study by Osaka City University reveals that urban lighting and heat delay insect hibernation, allowing insects to enter hibernation up to 3 weeks later than in rural areas. The findings suggest that increased nighttime light and heat from urban areas interfere with the natural photoperiodism of insects.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2021

Specific testing required to assess frailty in older adults

A study of 1800 Japanese citizens aged 65 found that low weight and insufficient exercise are significant risk factors for sarcopenia. Those with possible sarcopenia exhibited higher degrees of frailty despite normal Specific Health Checkup results, highlighting the need for a test to identify sarcopenia early on.

SourceKobe University·JournalGeriatrics and Gerontology International·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 18, 2021

Study: Older patients with chronic conditions benefit from reading medical appointment notes

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older patients with multiple chronic conditions who read their visit notes reported better understanding their medications and taking them as prescribed. Reading notes also helped these patients feel more in control of their care.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·TypeContent analysis·DateAug 18, 2021

Vitamin D deficiency is a global health issue for the black community, finds new study from the University of Surrey

A new study published in The European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people of African descent are at risk of vitamin D deficiency, particularly in countries with high latitudes. To address this issue, researchers recommend increasing consumption of vitamin D-rich foods and taking supplements, especially during winter months.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 18, 2021

JAMA commentary urges uplifting US Latinos to improve health and our nation

The US Latino population faces systemic health inequalities, including lower health insurance coverage, higher rates of chronic diseases, and limited representation in the healthcare workforce. The authors urge uplifting Latinos to improve health and societal presence, citing COVID-19 mortality disparities and the need for culturally s...

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalJAMA·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 18, 2021

Aided eye: Neural network helps augment 3D micro-CT images of fibrous materials

Researchers from Skoltech and KU Leuven used machine learning to reconstruct 3D micro-CT images of fibrous materials, overcoming the difficulties faced by humans in analyzing these complex materials. The team employed GANs to fill a gap in available inpainting tools, enabling precise material analysis and simulation.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalComputational Materials Science·DateAug 18, 2021

Twilight for silicon? Paper reappraises “Moore’s law” through chip density

Researchers at The Rockefeller University shed new light on 'Moore's Law,' revealing a more nuanced historical wave pattern to the rise of transistor density in silicon chips. The study predicts that the end of the silicon chip era is near, with only one or two silicon pulses left before further advances become exponentially difficult.

SourceTerry Collins Assoc·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 18, 2021

Package delivery robots' environmental impacts: Automation matters less than vehicle type

A University of Michigan study found that package delivery robots and automation contribute less than 20% to a package's carbon footprint, while the vehicle itself is the largest contributor. The researchers suggest that switching to electric vehicles and reducing electricity intensity can have the biggest impact on sustainable parcel ...

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateAug 18, 2021

Wind turbine night noise

Researchers find wind turbine night noise contains 'amplitude modulation' (AM) sound that worsens sleep and annoyance after sunset. The 'swoosh' sound is detected up to 60% of the night-time at distances around 1 km from a wind farm.

SourceFlinders University·JournalApplied Acoustics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2021

Plastics aren’t what we think. New study finds they’re a tad rubbery, paving the way for better products

Researchers at the University of South Florida discovered that glassy polymers, or plastics, have a soft, rubbery layer on their surface that can be controlled. This breakthrough could lead to improved properties such as adhesion and scratch resistance in materials like automobile paint and cellphone screens.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2021

Delivering packages at transit stations: Considering accessibility and equity in site placement

Researchers at Portland State University propose a multiple-criteria approach to ensure equitable distribution of common carrier parcel lockers at transit facilities. The study evaluates accessibility and equity metrics, including ridership, mode of transportation, and sociodemographic profiles, to identify high-potential locations for...

SourceSAGE·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·DateAug 18, 2021

Researchers devise simple, fast method to diagnose sleep disorders among stroke survivors

A new study from Boston University School of Medicine has found that a portable sleep testing device can accurately diagnose sleep apnea in stroke patients. The researchers screened over 80% of their patients for mild or severe sleep apnea and found that it was common among non-white racial and ethnic populations.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 18, 2021

First 3D-bioprinting of entire active tumor

Researchers at Tel Aviv University successfully printed the first entirely active and viable glioblastoma tumor using a 3D printer. The 3D-bioprinted model includes functional blood vessels that simulate a real tumor, making it a promising tool for predicting treatment efficacy and drug development.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 18, 2021