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Science News Archive November 2016


Page 1 of 38

Tracking terrestrial animals

Researchers developed a system using acoustic beamforming to detect and locate Mojave Ground Squirrels on Edwards Air Force Base. The technology, inspired by WWI-era sound detection, is unobtrusive and can pinpoint animal locations over a large area. This innovation aims to support conservation efforts in harsh environments.

First signs of weird quantum property of empty space?

Researchers have detected linear polarisation in the light passing through the vacuum surrounding a neutron star, suggesting that strong magnetic fields can affect the properties of empty space. This finding provides experimental support for predictions made 80 years ago about vacuum birefringence.

SourceESO·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateNov 30, 2016

Princeton-led team finds new method to improve predictions

A Princeton-led team has created a new measure called the influence score, which can effectively differentiate between noisy and predictive variables in big data. This approach significantly improves prediction rates in various fields, including breast cancer diagnosis, terrorism, and financial markets.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 2016

Just keep going

A cross-sectional study found that HIV-positive patients with chronic pain did not experience significant functional interference, maintaining high activity levels. This contradicts previous assumptions and highlights the complex relationship between HIV-related pain and physical activity.

'Mic check' for marine mammals

Researchers have developed a new passive acoustic monitoring method using autonomous underwater vehicles, gliders, and floats to capture sounds of marine life. The method, which was tested in the US Pacific, has the potential to provide more accurate data on marine mammal density and abundance.

Inflammatory complications of immunodeficiency disease may benefit from imaging technique

Researchers used FDG PET-CT to assess anatomical structure and metabolic activity in a patient with GLILD, showing widespread metabolic activity affecting lymph nodes throughout the body. The study reveals that GLILD is a complex, highly metabolically active condition requiring optimal monitoring and treatment timing.

SourceBritish Society For Immunology·JournalClinical & Experimental Immunology·DateNov 30, 2016

Gluten-free diet may not reduce intestinal damage in all children with celiac disease

A new study by MassGeneral Hospital for Children-led team found that nearly one in five children with celiac disease sustained persistent intestinal damage despite a gluten-free diet. The study suggests that current guidelines need to be revised to include more aggressive monitoring of mucosal healing in all patients, not just adults.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition·DateNov 30, 2016

World first MRI study sheds light on heart damage during kidney dialysis

A world-first MRI study has investigated the heart function of kidney patients undergoing dialysis treatment, revealing significant cardiovascular effects with both standard haemodialysis and hemodiafiltration. Both treatments caused falls in cardiac performance, with partial recovery after dialysis, highlighting the need for intervent...

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 30, 2016

Physics, photosynthesis and solar cells

A team of researchers has developed a new type of quantum heat engine photocell that can regulate solar power conversion without active feedback or adaptive control mechanisms. This design is inspired by the natural regulation of energy flow in photosynthetic green plants, and could lead to more efficient and cost-effective solar cells.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNano Letters·DateNov 30, 2016

People matter

A new study by Arizona State University reveals that changes in cooperation among communities and households are more impactful on system connectivity than the loss of key animal species. The researchers used a multiplex network analysis approach to understand how social relationships influence resource sharing and exchange.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 2016

Efficient catalysts key to turning water into fuel

Researchers at Griffith University have made significant progress in developing highly efficient catalysts for turning water into clean chemical fuel like hydrogen. The project aims to address high overpotentials hindering gas evolution reactions, which are critical for clean energy generation and storage technologies.

SourceGriffith University·JournalNature Energy·DateNov 30, 2016

Laser technique boosts aerial imaging of woodlands

Scientists from the University of Exeter developed a groundbreaking technique using airborne laser scanning to create detailed 3D maps of vegetation. This allows for the mapping of small details beneath trees, such as woodland paths and urban shrubberies, promoting biodiversity and understanding its impact on human wellbeing.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·DateNov 30, 2016

Tailor-made membranes for the environment

Researchers at Forschungszentrum Juelich have developed tailor-made ceramic membranes to efficiently separate gases, including harmful greenhouse gases, and produce high-purity hydrogen. The membrane's stability and hydrogen flow rate have been improved by inserting foreign atoms into the crystal lattice.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 30, 2016

New research: Feeling bad has academic benefits

A study published in Developmental Psychology found that students who experienced occasional negative moods had the highest GPAs at graduation, while those with high levels of negative moods and low positive moods tended to have lower GPAs. This suggests that managing negative emotions and stress is crucial for academic success.

SourceConcordia University·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateNov 30, 2016