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Science News Archive 2018 - Page 254


Page 254 of 473

Sources of aerosols in the Himalayan atmosphere

Researchers analyzed a 200-year sediment core from a Himalayan lake, finding increased sulfate concentrations starting at the end of the Second Industrial Revolution. The findings suggest that atmospheric sulfur isotope ratios in the region were influenced by pre-industrial biomass burning and post-1930 anthropogenic dust emissions.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2018

Cementless fly ash binder makes concrete 'green'

Researchers create environmentally friendly composite binder using fly ash, reducing carbon dioxide emissions and the need for sodium-based activators. The new binder replaces Portland cement in concrete production with minimal impact on compressive strength.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Ceramic Society·DateJun 18, 2018

Scientists create continuously emitting microlasers with nanoparticle-coated beads

Researchers have found a way to convert nanoparticle-coated microscopic beads into lasers smaller than red blood cells. These microlasers can constantly and stably emit light for hours at a time, even when submerged in biological fluids. The innovation opens up the possibility for imaging or controlling biological activity with infrare...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 18, 2018

Neuroscientists map brain's response to cold touch

Researchers have mapped the feeling of cool touch to the brain's insula in a mouse model, providing an experimental model for studying conditions like pain and hypersensitivity. The study found that the region was activated in mice with functional TrpM8 receptors, suggesting a highly specific response to cold exposure.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalJournal of Comparative Neurology·DateJun 18, 2018

Overuse of agricultural chemicals on China's small farms harms health and environment

A new study found that small farm size strongly affects the use and intensity of agricultural chemicals in China. The research suggests that addressing this issue is critical to sustainable development in Chinese agriculture. If left unaddressed, other less-developed countries may face similar health and environmental problems.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2018

Organic crystals twist, bend, and heal

Scientists have engineered a molecular soft cocrystalline structure that exhibits reversible twisting upon heating, elastic bending under mechanical force, rapid reversible bending under UV light, and self-healing properties. This multifunctional quality makes it an attractive candidate for advanced materials in electronics and optics.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 18, 2018

New material for splitting water

Researchers have discovered a new class of materials that can harness sunlight to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. Cs2BiAgCl6 and Cs2BiAgBr6 are promising photocatalytic materials due to their ability to absorb visible light and generate sufficient energy to split water.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 18, 2018

Risky opioid prescriptions linked to higher chance of death

A recent study by RAND Corporation found that more than 6 percent of Massachusetts adults received risky opioid prescriptions over a five-year period, increasing their chances of death. The study identified six types of risky prescribing practices linked to fatal opioid overdoses and other causes of mortality.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJun 18, 2018

Study finds reduction in sulfur emissions from power plants in China

A new study found that China's sulfur emissions from coal-fired power plants decreased by 13.9% after implementing a law requiring significant reductions, but compliance varied widely among regions. The research used satellite data and on-the-ground emissions monitoring systems to pinpoint discrepancies and suggest policy lessons.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2018

Coral reef 'oases' offer glimmer of hope

Researchers identified small coral 'oases' thriving against the odds, with some areas rebounding from devastation. These 'escape', 'resist', and 'rebound' oases offer insights into why some ecosystems are more resilient to climate change and local impacts.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJun 18, 2018

AcuraStem receives fast-track SBIR grant

AcuraStem has been awarded a $3.7 million SBIR grant to continue research on a small molecule therapeutic for ALS, utilizing induced motor neuron cellular models and precision platform iNeuroRx°. The grant supports the development of AS2015, targeting expansion repeats in the C9ORF72 gene.

Marine reserves are vital -- but under pressure

A massive study of 1,800 tropical coral reefs found that marine reserves near human populations struggle to protect fish stocks. However, these reserves still offer significant benefits for key fisheries species and top predators like sharks. The study highlights the importance of targeted conservation strategies in different locations.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2018

Embracing respect and dignity as the next frontier in preventing patient harm

A group of national leaders in quality and safety have developed a consensus statement to embrace an expanded definition of patient harm that includes non-physical harm. The document provides six high-level recommendations for health care organizations to engage in the practice of respect, aiming to improve the patient-family experience.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalThe Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety·DateJun 18, 2018

Plant-based diets improve cardiometabolic risk factors in diabetes patients

A new review study published in Clinical Nutrition found that plant-based diets improve glycemic control, lead to weight loss, and lower cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The results suggest that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes can reduce the risk of heart problems and improve type 2 diabetes.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalClinical Nutrition·DateJun 18, 2018