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Science News Archive February 2017 - Page 4


Page 4 of 37

Transforming the carbon economy

The task force proposes strategies to recycle carbon dioxide and remove large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, complementing carbon-free approaches like electrification. These approaches aim to produce an overall emissions reduction of at least one billion tons of carbon dioxide per year.

Light beam replaces blood test during heart surgery

Researchers have developed a new technology using light to continuously monitor a surgical patient's blood, providing real-time status during life-and-death operations. This technology has the potential to replace the need for doctors to wait while blood is drawn and tested, potentially saving lives in intensive care settings.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateFeb 27, 2017

What's really in the water

A new study aims to improve detection of viral pathogens in water resources by developing more accurate DNA sequencing methods. The research has the potential to enhance public health and safety, particularly in areas where conventional methods are limited due to viral diversity.

A rose to store energy

Scientists have successfully created plant-based wires and supercapacitors that can store energy, opening up new possibilities for renewable energy sources. The innovative technology enables plants to absorb conducting polymer solutions, forming functional transistors and storing electrical charge.

SourceLinköping University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 27, 2017

Detailed Las Vegas earthquake site classifications could lower construction costs

A new study maps and classifies the earthquake shaking potential across most of the Las Vegas metropolitan area, revealing that much of the ground is stiffer and potentially safer than previously thought. The site classifications could lead to reduced construction costs and improved safety measures for buildings.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateFeb 27, 2017

Materials that emit rainbows

Researchers at Osaka University create tri-color changing materials that exhibit efficient thermally activated delayed fluorescence and enable the production of high-performance OLEDs devices. The materials display a range of colors in response to temperature and pressure, showing promise for applications such as pressure- and temperat...

SourceOsaka University·JournalChemical Science·DateFeb 27, 2017

Gauging ACA's effect on primary care access

A new research letter analyzed changes in appointment availability and wait times for Medicaid and private insurance callers in 10 states. Medicaid callers saw significant increases in appointment availability and short waits, while private insurance callers experienced decreases in short waits and increases in long waits.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 27, 2017

Publicly funding essential medicines for all Canadians could save over $4 billion a year

A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal suggests that publicly funding essential medicines for all Canadians could save over $4 billion a year. The researchers identified a list of 117 essential medicines that accounted for 44% of all prescriptions filled at retail pharmacies in 2015.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 27, 2017

Blind matchmaking for more efficient wireless networks

A new algorithm allows users from different network providers to pair up and make better use of the available wireless spectrum, reducing inefficiency in wireless technology. The 'blind' matching algorithm uses a simple learning process and converges to a stable-matching state, enabling mutually beneficial partnerships.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalIEEE Journal on Selected Areas in Communications·DateFeb 26, 2017

New study on smoking bans finds decrease in smoke exposure in public and private places

A new study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research reveals that comprehensive smoking bans significantly decrease overall secondhand smoke exposure across all settings. Exposure to secondhand smoke was found to drop from 72% in 2006 to 45% in 2011, even outside workplaces and hospitality areas covered by the legislation.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateFeb 26, 2017

Reverse genetics for rotavirus

Researchers at Osaka University developed a plasmid-based reverse genetics system to study rotavirus invasion and replication. The system allowed them to mutate a key protein, NSP1, and decrease viral replication.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 24, 2017

The making of music

Researchers propose that infant-directed song, lullabies and play songs for babies and toddlers, may have deep evolutionary roots as a way for parents to signal their children's needs while freeing up time for other tasks. The theory suggests that this type of music developed as an 'arms race' between parents and infants over attention.

SourceHarvard University·JournalEvolution and Human Behavior·DateFeb 24, 2017