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Science News Archive December 2017 - Page 28


Page 28 of 33

Student-led protests for inclusive campuses are more likely at selective universities

A new study found that student diversity alone is not enough to make a college campus feel inclusive, with institutions prioritizing selectivity and prestige instead. Researchers analyzed 1,845 institutions and found that more selective universities with fewer Pell Grant recipients were more likely to experience student-led activism.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalThe Journal of Higher Education·DateDec 5, 2017

It's good to be rare, for some species

Researchers from UC Davis predict certain traits, such as internal fertilization and long-distance mating signals, can help rare species persist during crises. These traits may provide advantages for chronically rare species when compared to more common species that are likely to face extinction during great extinction events.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEcology Letters·DateDec 5, 2017

Blood test could help predict skin cancer's return

Researchers found that a blood test for tumour DNA can predict the likelihood of aggressive skin cancer returning, with 33% of patients who tested positive being alive after five years compared to 65% of those who didn't. The study also revealed that patients with faults in genes BRAF and NRAS are more likely to experience a return wit...

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateDec 5, 2017

Working in the cold

Scientists at Fudan University have designed a high-rate and long-life lithium-ion battery with improved low-temperature performance. The battery system features a cold-enduring hard-carbon anode and a powerful lithium-rich cathode, with the initial lithiation step integrated.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 5, 2017

Hearing different accents at home impacts language processing in infants

Researchers found that infants raised in homes with multiple accents recognize words differently than those exposed to single accents. The study suggests that children from diverse linguistic environments process language uniquely and highlights the importance of considering accent variation when studying speech development.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateDec 5, 2017

Controlling spin for memory storage

Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a computational simulation that shows the potential of ultrafast laser pulses to switch electrons' spins in magnetic materials, enabling faster magnetic memory devices. The study suggests perovskite manganites and layered manganites as possible materials for testing their model.

SourceTohoku University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 5, 2017

Two Super-Earths around red dwarf K2-18

Researchers have discovered two super-Earths around the red dwarf star K2-18, one of which could be a scaled-up version of our own planet. The newly found planet, K2-18c, is likely too hot to support life, but its companion, K2-18b, has potential for liquid surface water and might harbor conditions suitable for life.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateDec 5, 2017

Shorter course of treatment may provide better outcome for intermediate-risk prostate cancer

A new study found that a shorter course of radiation therapy using higher doses over fewer days may provide a better outcome for men with intermediate-risk prostate cancer. The study analyzed data from over 5,000 men and showed a significant 13% reduction in the risk of recurrence with hypofractionated radiation therapy (HRT) compared ...

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalEuropean Urology Focus·DateDec 5, 2017

Men with HPV are 20 times more likely to be reinfected after one year

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that men infected with one type of HPV are 20 times more likely to be reinfected within a year. Vaccination before sexual contact is crucial in preventing initial infection, while vaccinating previously infected men could also reduce reinfection risk.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 5, 2017

Copper will replace toxic palladium and expensive platinum in the synthesis of medications

Researchers have proven the effectiveness of copper nanoparticles as a catalyst for organic synthesis reactions, which is an ideal alternative to toxic heavy metal catalysts like palladium. The use of copper nanoparticles offers numerous benefits, including lower costs, improved selectivity and yields, and recyclability.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalCoordination Chemistry Reviews·DateDec 5, 2017

US transportation and water infrastructure not broken

A new RAND Corporation study finds that US transportation and water infrastructure funding is not broken, but a national consensus on priorities is needed. Targeted spending increases can largely eliminate maintenance backlogs by 2030, while federal capital funding can include resilience requirements for natural disasters and climate c...

Scientists create successful mass production system for bioengineered livers

Scientists have successfully developed a biologically accurate mass-production platform for bioengineering human liver tissues suitable for therapeutic transplant into people. The new process allows researchers to generate single batches of up to 20,000 genetically matched, three-dimensional and highly functional liver micro-buds.

Hybrid electrolyte enhances supercapacitance in vertical graphene nanosheets

Researchers discovered a hybrid electrolyte that combines aqueous and organic characteristics to increase the performance of vertical graphene nanosheets in supercapacitors. The hybrid electrolyte and potassium hydroxide activation improved nanostructure and charge storage capacity, resulting in fivefold improvements in capacitance.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateDec 5, 2017