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Good vibrations for new energy

Scientists at Flinders University have created a new type of nanogenerator that can capture power from environmental vibrations, enabling the development of wireless charging systems and implantable energy harvesting devices. The technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we generate and use energy.

SourceFlinders University·JournalNano Energy·DateOct 21, 2020

First measurements of radiation levels on the moon

Scientists from Chinese and German institutions report on time-resolved measurements of lunar surface radiation, revealing an equivalent dose rate of about 60 microsieverts per hour. This poses considerable exposure for humans, highlighting the need for shielding during long-term moon stays.

SourceKiel University·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 25, 2020

Phone system for assessing chest troubles is unsafe and unreliable

A semi-automatic phone triage system designed to help people with chest discomfort during out-of-hours periods has been found to be unsafe and unreliable. The system underestimated the severity of more than a quarter of patients with serious heart conditions, highlighting the need for input from nurses to ensure accurate assessment.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalOpen Heart·DateSep 21, 2020

Study: Anonymized cell phone location data can help monitor COVID-19 growth rates

Researchers analyzed anonymous county-level cell phone location data and incidence of COVID-19 in over 2,500 US counties between January and May 2020. The study found that changes in cell phone activity were associated with COVID-19 incidence, suggesting that anonymized cell phone location data can help public health officials monitor ...

SourceMount Auburn Hospital·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateAug 31, 2020

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: Individual decisions to reduce movement -- even before state-wide stay-at-home policies were introduced -- likely helped slow the spread of COVID-19 in the USA

Before state-level stay-at-home policies were implemented, individuals in the US reduced their movement, which was strongly correlated with a decline in COVID-19 case growth. This suggests that social distancing played a crucial role in controlling the spread of COVID-19.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateJul 1, 2020

Smart phones are empowering women worldwide

Access to mobile phones is linked to improved health outcomes, including lower infant and maternal mortality rates. Mobile phones also enable women to make informed decisions about their reproductive health, including the use of modern contraceptive methods.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 2020

Government health, safety regulations backfire with conservatives, study shows

A new study from the University of Notre Dame found that government-imposed restrictions on consumption can have unintended consequences for conservatives. The research showed that conservatives increased mobile phone usage in vehicles after a law was enacted, and were more likely to purchase unhealthy foods and view e-cigarettes more ...

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateJun 10, 2020

Should schools go screen-free

A study by Dr. Pooja Tandon found that 33% of middle schools and 69% of high schools do not restrict phone use during these times. Limiting phone use is believed to decrease screen exposure, improve focus in the classroom, and promote physically active play.

SourceSeattle Children's·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 18, 2020

Chinese to rise as a global language

A Flinders University academic challenges traditional arguments that Chinese written characters hinder its global adoption. Dr Jeffrey Gil presents four arguments supporting the possibility of Chinese becoming a global language, citing technological advancements and historical precedents.

SourceFlinders University·JournalGlobal Chinese·DateMay 17, 2020

Portable, reusable test for COVID-19

University of Utah engineer Massood Tabib-Azar has developed a portable, reusable test for COVID-19 that works with cellphones. The sensor uses just a drop of saliva and can produce results in a minute, and is designed to be reused multiple times by destroying the previous sample.

Illuminating the future of renewable energy

A new photosensitizer compound created by West Virginia University researchers has the potential to significantly improve the efficiency of solar panels and other technologies. The compound, made from zirconium, can convert light into electrical energy, making it a more sustainable and cost-effective option for renewable energy.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateApr 13, 2020

New lithium batteries from used cell phones

A research project at the University of Córdoba and San Luis University in Argentina successfully manufactured new lithium batteries from used cell phones. The team recovered graphite material, eliminating impurities and reorganizing its structure for new use, making up a quarter of the total weight of a lithium battery.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalChemSusChem·DateMar 3, 2020

With novel technique, new study is first to definitively map the early development of PTSD

A recent study has provided new insights into the early development of PTSD, revealing that it proceeds along two independent tracks. The research, which tracked symptoms over 30 days after a traumatic event, suggests potential interventions to prevent its development and proposes different treatment approaches for fear-based and depre...

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalDepression and Anxiety·DateDec 12, 2019

You create your own false information, study finds

A new study from Ohio State University found that people tend to misremember numerical statistics on controversial issues to align with their existing beliefs. When presented with accurate data, participants often flip or distort the numbers to match their preconceptions, even when they're correct.

SourceOhio State University·JournalHuman Communication Research·DateDec 9, 2019

A trick for taming terahertz transmissions

Researchers at Osaka University developed a novel receiver that overcomes obstacles in terahertz radiation, enabling record-breaking transmission speeds of 30 gigabits per second. The new technology has the potential to revolutionize next-generation 6G cellular network technology and various other applications.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 2, 2019

On the way to intelligent microrobots

The Paul Scherrer Institute has developed a micromachine that can perform different actions using magnetic fields. The robot measures only a few micrometres across and can be reprogrammed to flap its wings, hover, turn, or side-slip. This technology is an important step towards micro- and nanorobots that can carry out various tasks.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature·DateNov 6, 2019