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Science News Archive 2018 - Page 41


Page 41 of 473

How ancient Mayan shell decor led to a new look at freshwater mussels south of the border

Archaeologists and scientists studied ancient Maya shells and tissue samples, leading to the first molecular study of freshwater mussels in Mexico and Central America. The study provided crucial insight into North American freshwater mussel evolution and revealed that some species were overestimated due to lack of DNA data.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalZoologica Scripta·DateNov 26, 2018

Beware of evening stress

Research at Hokkaido University found that the body's stress response is weaker in the evening, potentially making individuals more susceptible to stress. Cortisol levels were significantly higher in volunteers who took a morning stress test compared to those who took an evening test.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology Reports·DateNov 26, 2018

Few laws to address growing issue of elderly gun owners with dementia

A study in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association notes that elderly gun owners with dementia are at a high risk of suicide and accidental shootings. The authors argue that public policy, such as red flag laws, can help mitigate this risk by removing firearms from patients with cognitive impairment.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateNov 26, 2018

How does potassium enter cells?

A team of scientists has identified a previously unknown protein structure that enables the controlled intake of potassium ions into cells. The discovery, published in Nature Communications, reveals a complex mechanism involving two inter-subunit half-channels and challenges existing theories on potassium transport.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 26, 2018

Faster-charging, safer batteries

Scientists at UD aim to improve battery performance by introducing tapers into polymer membrane electrolytes, increasing conductivity and processing speed. The goal is to create more impact-resistant and safer batteries for devices like cell phones, laptops, and electric vehicles.

A water treatment breakthrough, inspired by a sea creature

A team of Yale researchers has developed a novel, highly stable nanocoagulant that removes both suspended and dissolved contaminants from water in a single step. This breakthrough promises to significantly improve on centuries-old coagulant-based water treatment methods, addressing global water scarcity.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 26, 2018

American College of Physicians releases principles to guide patient partnership in health care

The American College of Physicians has released a set of principles to guide patient partnership in healthcare, aiming to improve health outcomes, practice efficiency, and patient satisfaction. The principles emphasize the importance of patients and families being active partners in their care, contributing to system development and ed...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 26, 2018

Paving the way: An accelerator on a microchip

Electrical engineers at TU Darmstadt have designed a laser-driven electron accelerator that can be produced on a silicon chip, enabling inexpensive and compact particle accelerators. The design uses an alternating-phase focusing method to focus electrons in a narrow channel, promising applications in industry and medicine.

SourceTechnische Universitat Darmstadt·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 26, 2018

Using microcredit to increase rice yield in Bangladesh

A study by Kyoto University found that microcredit programs in Bangladesh increased rice yield and overall crop farm income. Households also showed a higher adoption of hybrid and high-yield rice varieties. Additionally, there was a positive effect on cultivating owned land and livestock ownership.

SourceKyoto University·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·DateNov 26, 2018

Complex systems help explain how democracy is destabilised

Economic inequality and political divergence can lead to instability in democracies. Social media algorithms also play a role in distorting public opinion and creating false consensus effects. The researchers argue that a better understanding of complex systems is needed to preserve democratic institutions.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEuropean Journal of Physics·DateNov 26, 2018

Smarter AI: Machine learning without negative data

Researchers developed a new machine learning method that allows AI to make classifications without negative data, a crucial component in traditional classification technology. This breakthrough enables AI systems to function effectively even when limited by data regulation or business constraints.

SourceRIKEN·DateNov 26, 2018

Environment turns molecule into a switch

Physicists from the University of Würzburg have successfully manipulated a molecule into two stable states by controlling its environment using an electrical field. This breakthrough could enable the creation of molecular switches for spintronics applications, a promising technology for future data processing.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·Journalnpj Quantum Materials·DateNov 26, 2018