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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 41


Page 41 of 461

Artificial muscles give soft robots superpowers

Researchers created origami-inspired artificial muscles that add strength to soft robots, allowing them to lift objects up to 1,000 times their own weight. The muscles are programmable, compact, and can be made for less than $1, opening the door to numerous applications in robotics, medicine, and space exploration.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 27, 2017

Eco-friendly waterborne semiconductor inks using surfactant

A research team at DGIST has developed a technology to produce environmentally friendly water-borne semiconductor inks using surfactant, reducing the use of toxic organic solvents. The new ink has a relatively flat surface and is expected to be applied in various electronic devices such as transistors and photodiodes.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateNov 27, 2017

US companies are investing less in science

Large corporations are investing less in science, with publications by company scientists declining across industries since 1980. The value attributed to scientific research has dropped, while technical knowledge remains stable, suggesting a shift towards commercializing existing knowledge.

SourceWiley·JournalStrategic Management Journal·DateNov 27, 2017

New pain treatment tested in humans

A new study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology demonstrates pain relief in humans using a Trk inhibitor. The study involved 20 participants and compared the inhibitor with pregabalin, ibuprofen, and placebo.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateNov 27, 2017

Researchers identify information gaps about opioid antidote naloxone

A systematic review of evidence reveals important gaps in knowledge about the safety and effectiveness of widespread off-label use of naloxone among patients, families, friends, and emergency responders. The study found that the majority of naloxone being administered nasally is probably the non-approved formulation, but little is know...

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 27, 2017

Turning emissions into fuel

MIT researchers have developed a new membrane-based system that can convert carbon dioxide into useful fuels for cars, trucks, and planes, as well as into chemical feedstocks. The process uses heat energy from solar or waste sources to store chemical energy in form of useful products.

UK obesity levels among the worst in Europe -- heart disease statistics from more than 45 countries

The study reveals huge inequalities persist with heart disease accounting for over 50% of all deaths in many middle income countries, compared to less than 30% in high income countries. The UK has the highest prevalence of adult obesity in males and 2nd highest in females, and ranks joint 5th for raised blood cholesterol.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateNov 27, 2017

How bat brain tracks prey

Neural recordings of wild bats reveal a layered structure in the superior colliculus facilitating rapid tracking and capturing of prey through echolocation. The study contributes to understanding of SC function during naturalistic behaviors, finding both sensory and motor neurons throughout the midbrain region.

Barley no longer an afterthought in beer flavor

Researchers at Oregon State University found notable differences in the taste of beers malted from two barley varieties, revealing novel flavors that carry through malting and brewing into beer. The study's results have significant implications for the brewing industry, particularly for beer connoisseurs.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of the American Society of Brewing Chemists·DateNov 27, 2017

Autism and the smell of fear

Researchers at Weizmann Institute of Science found that individuals on the autism spectrum exhibit distinct reactions to 'smells of fear' and 'calm sweat', including changes in anxiety levels. This suggests a possible underlying connection between smell, social cues, and early brain development in autism.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 27, 2017

In harm's way

Researchers at University of California - Santa Barbara found that about half of hydraulically fractured wells exist within 2 to 3 kilometers of domestic groundwater systems. The study analyzed data from nearly 27,000 wells in 14 states and suggests increased water monitoring efforts are needed to protect water quality.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 27, 2017

Get'em while they're hot

Researchers found that providing real-time cues about sold items and current stock levels can be a viable strategy for offline merchants. Consumers tend to choose products with lower sales and fewer copies remaining in stock. However, when brand familiarity is factored in, the impact of stock level data diminishes.

SourceJournal of Retailing at New York University·JournalJournal of Retailing·DateNov 27, 2017

Clean sweep for agriculture

Rothamsted Research emphasizes the importance of accelerating UK agriculture to meet post-Brexit challenges through a focus on sustainable growth. The institute advocates for a dynamic, innovative model that prioritizes co-development, sharing, and engagement to drive impact.