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Science News Archive April 2018 - Page 15


Page 15 of 42

Porous salts for fuel cells

Researchers have created a new class of crystalline porous organic salts with exceptional proton conductivity, potentially revolutionizing fuel cell technology. The salts' unique structure and strong ionic bonds enable stable pore systems, making them highly efficient electrolytes for fuel cells.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 19, 2018

In the surcharge blame game, companies tend to finish last

A study found that consumers tend to blame companies for imposing internal and external surcharges, even if the charges were imposed by an outside agency. The characteristics of the surcharge can shift blame, with customers being more likely to blame the firm if it's something internal.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Service Research·DateApr 19, 2018

Study predicts 2018 flu vaccine will have 19 percent efficacy

A Rice University study predicts the 2018 flu vaccine will have limited efficacy against the dominant circulating strain of influenza A due to viral mutations related to egg production. The pEpitope method accurately predicted vaccine efficacy rates for over 40 years of flu records and suggests a more accurate predictor than ferret tests.

SourceRice University·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateApr 19, 2018

Policy driver of soil organic carbon accumulation in Chinese croplands identified

Chinese croplands experienced drastic changes in management practices since the 1980s, leading to increased soil organic carbon (SOC) accumulation. The study found that economics and policy-driven organic inputs dominated SOC sequestration, particularly through crop straw/stover return policies.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 19, 2018

Museum researchers rediscover animal not seen in 30 years

Researchers from the San Diego Natural History Museum have rediscovered the San Quintin kangaroo rat in Baja California, partnering with a conservation plan to protect the endangered species. The discovery was made using traditional field techniques and live traps, and the rat has been found to persist in the Valle Tranquilo Nature Res...

SourceSan Diego Natural History Museum·JournalBulletin Southern California Academy of Sciences·DateApr 19, 2018

Let's talk about sex chromosomes

Male and female cells behave differently after being reprogrammed into stem cells due to their number of X chromosomes. This affects DNA methylation, a process that changes DNA activity without changing its sequence.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateApr 19, 2018

Weight-loss surgery improves lives and saves money

A new study found weight-loss surgery reduces average costs to the UK National Health Service by €2742, while gaining 0.8 life-years and 4.0 quality-adjusted life years compared to usual care. The procedure also has potential benefits in reducing obesity-related cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

SourceWiley·JournalBJS·DateApr 19, 2018

Bedside tests for syphilis and yaws tested in sub-Saharan Africa

Researchers tested Dual Path Platform (DPP-POCT) Syphilis Screens tests in rural clinics and a hospital in the Solomon Islands, showing high patient satisfaction and ease of use. The point-of-care test can provide results in under half an hour with no electricity or special equipment needed.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateApr 19, 2018

Online ads help pregnant smokers quit

A new study found that commercial online advertising can engage large numbers of pregnant smokers earlier in their pregnancies, with an overall uptake rate of 3.4% among those who clicked on adverts. The ads were more effective than free-of-charge adverts on health websites and yielded a high user engagement rate.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateApr 19, 2018

How can medical marijuana benefit older adults?

Medical marijuana shows promise in managing pain and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in older adults. However, its use requires a thorough assessment of side effects to ensure lower doses have a greater impact.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateApr 19, 2018