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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 89


Page 89 of 461

Correcting position errors in spherical near to far-field transformation for long antennas

Researchers developed an efficient technique to compensate for position errors in a spherical near to far-field transformation for long antennas, using minimum near-field measurements. The method achieves accurate reconstructions of uniform samples from non-uniform ones, enabling the evaluation of input data needed for traditional NTFFT.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Electrical & Electronic Engineering Journal·DateOct 20, 2017

The skinny on lipid immunology

Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Monash University uncover the basis for T cell receptor autoreactivity to self-phospholipids, with implications for psoriasis, contact hypersensitivities, and allergies. The study highlights the physical structures that enable lipid recognition by T cells.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Immunology·DateOct 20, 2017

The end of pneumonia? New vaccine offers hope

A new vaccine under development offers comprehensive coverage against up to 90 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, targeting deadly forms of the bacterium that cause pneumonia. The vaccine stimulates a strong immune response and may provide universal coverage against pneumococcal disease.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 20, 2017

Microfluidics probe 'cholesterol' of the oil industry

Researchers at Rice University have developed microfluidic devices to study the interaction between asphaltene and dispersants, revealing that smaller particles are more likely to stick together. The study found that dispersants can break down deposits by increasing repulsion between aggregates, creating softer asphaltenes.

SourceRice University·JournalEnergy & Fuels·DateOct 20, 2017

Metacognition training boosts gen chem exam scores

University of Utah researchers found that metacognition training improved general chemistry exam scores for lower-performing students. On average, these students raised their final exam scores by 4%, with the strongest improvement seen in the bottom quartile, who scored a full letter grade better.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of Chemical Education·DateOct 20, 2017

To vape or not to vape? Probably: Not to vape

A new study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that e-cigarettes trigger both unique and familiar immune responses in the lungs. Researchers compared sputum samples from e-cigarette users, cigarette smokers, and non-smokers, revealing significant increases in inflammatory biomarkers, oxida...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateOct 20, 2017

'Antelope perfume' keeps flies away from cows

A team of scientists developed an innovative way to prevent sleeping sickness in cattle using the smell of antelopes. By mimicking the waterbuck's repellent scent, more than 80 percent of cows were spared from infection. The method is cheaper and more popular among Maasai herders than traditional treatments.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateOct 20, 2017

Fewer stillbirths at East African hospital following introduction of childbirth guidelines

A study introduced a simplified childbirth guide at Mnazi Mmoja Hospital in Zanzibar, reducing stillbirths by 33% and improving newborn health. The PartoMa guidelines, developed with local doctors and midwives, have been widely adopted and are being used to inform healthcare policies in low-income countries.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalBritish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·DateOct 20, 2017

New function in gene-regulatory protein discovered

A team of researchers has discovered a new function of the gene-regulatory protein CBP, which affects the recruitment and release of RNA polymerase from genes. This finding enhances our understanding of gene regulation and provides insights into why CBP is often affected in certain forms of cancer.

SourceUmea University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateOct 20, 2017

Creating a better RNA switch

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a powerful RNA switch that can activate genes thousands of times better than nature, providing precise control over gene expression. This technology has potential applications in diagnostics, metabolic engineering, and regulating RNA networks.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 19, 2017

Ancient DNA offers new view on saber-toothed cats' past

Researchers analyzed complete mitochondrial genomes from ancient saber-toothed cat samples, finding that the two species shared a common ancestor about 20 million years ago. The study suggests that saber-toothed cats continued to live in Europe much more recently than previously thought.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 19, 2017

What the Balkans can teach other states in conflict

The research highlights the importance of peaceful transition to inclusive democracy and power-sharing in facilitating voluntary returns. Notably, older people with positive memories of before wartime were more likely to return, while women were less likely to want to go back. The study also emphasizes the crucial role of lawyers and n...

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalInternational Migration·DateOct 19, 2017

How solar peaker plants could replace gas peakers

Researchers have designed a solar peaker plant that can store energy thermally to deliver power after dark, making it a viable alternative to fossil fuels for peaking. The plants, which use molten salt tower technology, can operate for up to 6 hours and have a capacity factor of 15-25%.