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Science News Archive February 2021 - Page 34


Page 34 of 45

A magnetic twist to graphene

Researchers create a new platform for valleytronics by combining ferromagnets and twisted graphene layers, enabling the manipulation of electrons' 'valley' property. This opens up a new realm of correlated twisted valleytronics with potential applications in topological quantum computing.

SourceAalto University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 8, 2021

79% decrease in primary care visits, 56-fold increase in virtual care: COVID-19 pandemic

Researchers found a significant shift towards virtual care during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 71.1% of all visits being virtual, compared to 1.2% before the pandemic. The study also revealed that older and sicker Ontarians maintained higher levels of care, despite overall decreases in primary care visits.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 8, 2021

Engineer and university administrator Gary S. May receives 2021 AAAS Lifetime Mentor Award

Gary S. May has received the 2021 AAAS Lifetime Mentor Award for his three-decade career as a professor of computer engineering and university administrator. He founded numerous programs to support underrepresented minority STEM students, mentoring over 100 Ph.D. candidates who are now leading positions in academia and industry.

3D printing polymers

Scientists have created a novel 3D-printable material, bottlebrush polymers, which exhibits unusual softness and elasticity resembling human tissue. This breakthrough enables the creation of high-sensitivity electronic devices and biomimetic tissue with improved stability.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 8, 2021

The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health: SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence study in daycare centres in France suggests low rates of infection in very young children

A study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health found low SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence rates among French daycare children, indicating minimal transmission within daycare centers. The rate of infection was approximately 3.7%, with positive cases likely infected by an adult household member.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateFeb 8, 2021

Shuffling bubbles reveal how liquid foams evolve

A team at Tokyo Metropolitan University studied liquid foams and found that bubble movement was qualitatively different depending on the range of bubble sizes present. They discovered a 'relaxation' phenomenon where bubbles rearranged themselves to reach a new stable state, leading to unique correlated motion observed in hexagonal foams.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 6, 2021

Chinese scientists use knowledge from climate system modeling to develop a global prediction system for the COVID-19 pandemic

A team of Chinese scientists, led by Professor Jianping Huang, developed the Global Prediction System of the COVID-19 Pandemic (GPCP) to predict the spread of the disease. The GPCP combines epidemiological data and models using advanced algorithms, achieving better results than traditional methods.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateFeb 5, 2021

Gap between the 'haves' and 'have nots' widened by the COVID pandemic, an IU study found

A new IU study reveals that women, younger individuals, those with lower education levels, and people of color are disproportionately affected by the pandemic. The research found significant disparities in economic hardship, including food insecurity, unemployment, and housing issues among historically disadvantaged groups.

SourceIndiana University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2021

Peginterferon-lambda shows strong antiviral action to accelerate clearance of COVID-19

A clinical study led by Dr. Jordan Feld showed that peginterferon-lambda can significantly speed up recovery for COVID-19 outpatients, with patients who received the treatment being over four times more likely to clear the infection within seven days. The study also found quicker improvement of respiratory symptoms in the treatment group.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2021

Grape consumption may protect against UV damage to skin

A recent human study found that consuming grapes protected against ultraviolet (UV) skin damage by increasing resistance to sunburn and reducing markers of UV damage. The study attributed these beneficial effects to the natural components polyphenols in grapes, which may act as an edible sunscreen offering additional protection.

SourceRomano & Associates, LLC·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateFeb 5, 2021

Silicon anode structure generates new potential for lithium-ion batteries

Scientists at OIST have developed a new nanostructure that improves the silicon anode in lithium-ion batteries, increasing its charge capacity and lifespan. The vaulted structure formed by depositing silicon atoms on metallic nanoparticles increases the strength and structural integrity of the anode.