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The quest for an ideal quantum bit

A team of scientists at Argonne National Laboratory has developed a new qubit platform formed by freezing neon gas into a solid and trapping an electron there. The platform shows great promise in achieving ideal building blocks for future quantum computers, with promising coherence times competitive with state-of-the-art qubits.

How do waves form in the sea?

Tel Aviv University researchers develop innovative model that explains wave formation, tested in complex experiments. The model takes into account all unstable harmonics and limitations of previous models, providing high reliability for describing physical situation.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 10, 2022

Racial disparities and facility access in mammography recovery after COVID-19 closures

A study found that racial disparities in mammography screening worsened after COVID-19 closures, with non-white patients facing reduced access to facilities. Early interventions aimed at expanding access to these facilities helped to recover late recovery volumes for patients of races other than white.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 2, 2021

New index tracks US state progress on promoting the health and well-being of older populations for the first time

A new index ranks US states based on their support for successful aging across five domains: productivity, security, equity, cohesion, and well-being. The study found that no single domain drives the results, and state policies play a significant role in adapting to an aging population.

Private education in lower-income countries is having limited impact on learning

A study of over 560,000 children in India, Pakistan, Kenya, and Uganda found that private education made little difference in learning outcomes, with gains largely attributed to more advantaged backgrounds. The researchers suggest that private schools may be drawing support away from state education without significantly improving stan...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalComparative Education Review·DateNov 22, 2021

Rural COVID patients in ICUs at higher risk of dying than urban counterparts, according to WVU researcher

A study by West Virginia University researcher Sunil Sharma found that rural COVID patients who end up in an intensive care unit are more likely to die within 30 days compared to their urban counterparts. The researchers also discovered that rural patients with COVID-linked ARDS have a higher mortality rate, even when controlling for d...

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalCritical Care Explorations·DateNov 11, 2021

The deepest dive into the Earth's soil

The University of Idaho's Deep Soil Ecotron facility will be a game-changer for understanding soil ecosystems, allowing researchers to conduct experiments at unprecedented depths. By studying deep soils, scientists can better understand how organisms respond to global environmental change and improve carbon sequestration.

Factors associated with deaths in US ICE detention facilities

A study examining US ICE detention facility deaths from 2011 to 2018 found that inadequate healthcare, poor living conditions, and mental health issues were key factors contributing to these deaths. The study highlights the need for improved healthcare and living conditions in ICE facilities to prevent unnecessary deaths.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 7, 2021

How two California hospitals prevented the spread of a deadly fungal infection during the pandemic

Two California hospitals, Scripps Memorial and UCLA Health, detail their proactive responses to stop the spread of Candida auris. They implemented aggressive measures, including isolating patients, working with public health departments, and using effective disinfectants, to prevent transmission and successfully contain the outbreak.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateJun 29, 2021

Indigenous people travel long distances to give birth compared with non-Indigenous people

A new study published in CMAJ found that Indigenous mothers are 23% more likely to travel 200 km or more to give birth compared to non-Indigenous women. The disparity is attributed to a lack of birthing facilities and providers near rural Indigenous communities, reflecting colonial policies prioritizing non-Indigenous settlements.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 21, 2021

Researchers identify facilitators for rehabilitation care for people with spatial neglect

A recent qualitative study identified facilitators for rehabilitation care of individuals with spatial neglect, including the importance of family support, interdisciplinary collaboration, and continuous treatment. Experts also highlighted the need for therapists to engage patients and their families in therapy to improve outcomes.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalArchives of Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Translation·DateMay 24, 2021

Electrons riding a double wave

Researchers have developed a novel hybrid accelerator that uses both plasma acceleration and electron bunches to accelerate particles to high energies. The new technology has the potential to shrink existing accelerators by up to 1000 times, making them more compact and cost-effective.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 20, 2021

Organic meat less likely to be contaminated with multidrug-resistant bacteria, study suggests

A new study found that organic-certified meats are 56 percent less likely to be contaminated with multidrug-resistant bacteria compared to conventionally produced meat. The research analyzed data from the US National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System and covered over 39,000 meat samples.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMay 12, 2021

Six out of every 10 teachers believe that changing the design of the classroom is key to improving learning

A recent study by Universitat Oberta de Catalunya found that 6 out of 10 teachers believe changing the classroom design is crucial for improving learning. The researchers emphasized the need for flexible spaces that prioritize physical and psychological well-being, allowing students to take an active role in their learning. Additionall...

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalLearning Environments Research·DateApr 29, 2021

A method to assess COVID-19 transmission risks in indoor settings

MIT researchers developed a publicly available model to estimate COVID-19 transmission risks in indoor settings, considering variables like people number, space size, activity type, mask wearing, and ventilation rates. The model provides a detailed guideline for policymakers, businesses, schools, and individuals to gauge their own risks.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2021

New studies in indigenous languages

Researchers examine the biographical information of individual heritage language speakers, highlighting the significance they place on their language in everyday life. The study sheds light on the maintenance and revitalization of minority cultures through the personal experiences of indigenous activists.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Anthropological Research·DateMar 18, 2021

Patients value staff dedication most when evaluating substance use treatment facilities

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine used machine learning to analyze online reviews of substance use treatment facilities, finding that staff dedication and professionalism were key qualities that drove patient satisfaction. The study identified 16 recurring themes in reviews, with 'dedicated staff' and '...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMar 16, 2021

First images of muon beams

Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a new imaging technique that can assess the quality of high-energy muon beams. This innovation allows for better understanding and control of these beams in various applications such as non-destructive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and cancer radiotherapy.

SourceNagoya University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 3, 2021