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Science News for May 20, 2016


Power up when the temperature is down

Researchers from Hiroshima University have developed a new re-chargeable battery that can operate at below-freezing temperatures, making it suitable for use in refrigerated factories or extreme winter environments. The eco battery has the potential to be cheaper, safer, and longer-lasting than current metal-based batteries.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalBulletin of the Chemical Society of Japan·DateMay 20, 2016

An integrated inertial microfluidic vortex sorter

Researchers developed an integrated inertial microfluidic vortex sorter for simultaneous double sorting of rare target cells and removal of background cells. The device achieved highly purified target cell products, even in complex samples containing orders of magnitude larger number of background cells.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalTECHNOLOGY·DateMay 20, 2016

Rapid rise of the Mesozoic sea dragons

Researchers from the University of Bristol found that marine reptiles in the Mesozoic era quickly developed diverse feeding habits and morphological adaptations, expanding their ecological niches. This study, published in Paleobiology, sheds light on the rapid evolution of these ancient predators.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPaleobiology·DateMay 20, 2016

Could Hollywood technology help your health?

Researchers at the University of Bath's new CAMERA centre are applying motion capture technology to train elite athletes and rehabilitating injured service personnel. The team aims to automate the process of animating non-human creatures using input from human actors, with potential applications in healthcare, sports, and entertainment.

Taking control of key protein stifles cancer spread in mice

A new study reveals that suppressing a key protein, Chitinase 3-like-1 (CHI3L1), restores multiple antitumor responses in the lungs of mice, preventing cancer spread. Researchers tested an intervention that boosted the RIG-like helicase pathway, which counteracts CHI3L1's effects and decreases tumor-inducing responses.

SourceBrown University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 20, 2016

Rural, low-income moms rely on nature activities for family health but don't always have access

Research shows that spending time in nature promotes health and well-being among rural, low-income mothers and their families. Despite living in areas with abundant natural spaces, these mothers often lack access to safe and accessible outdoor recreation resources due to financial constraints and geographical barriers.

Graphene makes rubber more rubbery

Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed a composite material that combines graphene with natural rubber and polyurethane, resulting in increased strength and elasticity by up to 50%. The added graphene enhances the materials' ability to stretch and withstand force without breaking.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalCarbon·DateMay 20, 2016

Nanotubes are beacons in cancer-imaging technique

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new cancer-imaging technique that uses carbon nanotubes tagged with antibodies to pinpoint the location of tumors. The technique, known as spectral triangulation, uses non-invasive optical measurements to determine the depth and coordinates of the nanotube beacons in tissue.

SourceRice University·JournalNanoscale·DateMay 20, 2016

Computing a secret, unbreakable key

The University of Waterloo's IQC developed software to assess QKD protocol security, achieving perfect agreement with previous results and enabling exploration of new protocols. The tool enables users to analyze any protocol in seconds, a significant improvement over months-long efforts.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 20, 2016