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Science News Archive 2018 - Page 405


Page 405 of 473

Teaching quantum physics to a computer

Researchers developed machine learning software that allows computers to learn the quantum state of complex systems based on experimental observations. This approach enables faster tomography for quantum states and has implications for testing quantum computers with many qubits.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 27, 2018

Saline use on the decline at Vanderbilt following landmark studies

Two landmark studies by Vanderbilt researchers show significant improvement in patient outcomes using balanced fluids instead of saline for intravenous therapy, leading to a decline in saline use at the hospital. The studies found a 1 percent lower incidence of serious kidney problems or death in patients receiving balanced fluids, res...

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 27, 2018

Why are some mushrooms 'magic?'

A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that psychedelic mushrooms developed psilocybin to interfere with insect neurotransmitters, lowering the chances of being eaten. This evolutionary explanation could guide medical science in finding novel treatments for neurological disorders.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEvolution Letters·DateFeb 27, 2018

A protein that self-replicates

Researchers at ETH Zurich have made a groundbreaking discovery that protein amyloids can self-replicate, challenging the long-held RNA hypothesis as the origin of life. The findings suggest that early life forms may have used amyloids as information carriers and catalytic units.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 27, 2018

New insights into treating a rare leukemia

A study published in Leukemia found that starting mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL) treatment with a less-toxic regimen is linked to better remission rates and long-term survival. Patients treated initially with ALL therapy were three to five times more likely to achieve complete remission than those receiving AML therapy.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalLeukemia·DateFeb 27, 2018

Wind and solar power could meet four-fifths of US electricity demand, study finds

Scientists at UCI, Caltech, and Carnegie Institution for Science found that US can reliably meet 80% of electricity demand with solar and wind power generation. However, meeting 100% demand would require significant investment in energy storage and transmission capabilities to overcome seasonal and weather variabilities.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateFeb 27, 2018

International Spina Bifida experts shapes future research, shares insights for practical care

This special issue of the Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine presents significant contributions from the Third World Congress on Spina Bifida Research and Care, covering topics such as regenerative medicine, genetics, trauma care, and self-management. The goal is to improve healthcare for individuals with spina bifida, includ...

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine·DateFeb 27, 2018

Man-made earthquake risk reduced if fracking is 895m from faults

A new study found that the risk of man-made earthquakes due to fracking is greatly reduced if high-pressure fluid injection used to crack underground rocks is 895m away from faults in the Earth's crust. The ReFINE consortium recommends this distance to avoid reactivating geological faults and reducing the risk of induced earthquakes.

SourceDurham University·JournalGeomechanics and Geophysics for Geo-Energy and Geo-Resources·DateFeb 27, 2018

Exotic state of matter: An atom full of atoms

Scientists have created a new state of matter called Rydberg polarons, where an electron orbits a nucleus at a great distance while many other atoms are bound inside the orbit. The electrons' path is only slightly influenced by neutral atoms, resulting in a weak bond between the Rydberg atom and the surrounding atoms.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 26, 2018

Flu forecasting system tracks geographic spread of disease

Researchers at Columbia's Mailman School developed a method to forecast the spatial transmission of influenza in the US, improving accuracy by 35% compared to previous versions. The system accurately predicts local onset of flu six weeks ahead of time, informing decisions on vaccine distribution and public health measures.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 26, 2018

Brain can navigate based solely on smells

Researchers developed a novel olfactory virtual reality system that enables the study of how smells engage the brain's navigation system. The study demonstrated that mice can form a map of their surroundings based solely on smells, suggesting a potential new frontier in multisensory VR experience development.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 26, 2018

Sea swimming associated with increased ailments

A large-scale research analysis found that sea bathing doubled the odds of reporting general ear ailments and increased the risk of gastrointestinal illnesses by 29%. The study suggests pollution is still an issue affecting swimmers in high-income countries like the UK.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateFeb 26, 2018