Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for August 24, 2018


Getting a charge out of MOFs

A team of researchers developed an electrically conductive MOF that conducts electricity up to 10,000 times better than before, using a potassium chemical mix to boost conductivity. The new material has high electron mobility and can be used in various applications including batteries, supercapacitors, and fuel cells.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 24, 2018

Risk adjusting for race and poverty bolsters rankings of some hospitals

A new study published in Academic Emergency Medicine finds that risk adjusting for race and poverty improves the apparent performance of hospitals treating large numbers of nonwhite or poor patients. The study's lead author recommends including sociodemographic adjustment in payment models to prevent harm to vulnerable populations.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateAug 24, 2018

Sweeter dreams in a peaceful mind

A new study by University of Turku researchers found that individuals with higher levels of peace of mind reported more positive dream emotions, while those with anxiety experienced negative dream emotions. The study suggests a link between peaceful mind and better emotion regulation during both waking life and dreaming.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 24, 2018

Disappearing into thin air

University of Bristol researchers have discovered a way to exploit hypoxia to kill cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. The study found that a specific receptor, GPRC5A, can be targeted using genetic techniques to trigger cancer cell death.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateAug 24, 2018

Calcium-catalyzed reactions of element-H bonds

Recent advances in organocalcium-catalyzed hydrofunctionalization reactions of element-H bonds are summarized. The use of calcium compounds as catalysts has been shown to be effective and environmentally friendly, providing a cost-effective solution for industrial applications.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateAug 24, 2018

Nanotubes change the shape of water

Rice University engineers discovered that weak van der Waals forces between nanotubes and water molecules can align into a square rod. The research provides valuable insight on ways to leverage atomic interactions for fabricating nanochannels and energy-storing nanocapacitors.

SourceRice University·JournalLangmuir·DateAug 24, 2018

Protecting your health data -- healthcare leaders share their experience with cybersecurity strategy

A series of articles and commentaries highlights the importance of process improvements, team culture, and enterprise cybersecurity in preventing cyberattacks. Healthcare executives discuss key components of effective cybersecurity strategies, including organization-wide training and shared responsibility.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalFrontiers of Health Services Management·DateAug 24, 2018

The youngest smoke more

A recent EU research project ALEC found that all age groups have declined in starting to smoke except for 11-15 year olds, who increased significantly over the last decade. Young women in Western Europe are particularly at risk, with 40 per 1000 starting to smoke annually.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 24, 2018

How low is too low? Study highlights serious risks for intensive blood pressure control

A Kaiser Permanente study found that patients with hypertension who experience unusually low blood pressures are twice as likely to experience a fall or faint. The study suggests that physicians should weigh the risks and benefits of aggressive blood pressure lowering on an individual basis, especially in older patients.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 24, 2018

Flirting flies: More than just winging it

Researchers study how male fruit flies generate their courtship song using cutting-edge imaging techniques and genetic tools. They discover that the song serves as an honest signal of a male's fitness, with flaws indicating neuromuscular deficits, which can affect flying abilities.

SourceAarhus University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 24, 2018

£30 million global cardiovascular challenge launched

The British Heart Foundation is launching a £30 million global cardiovascular challenge to identify and solve the biggest problems in heart and circulatory disease. The Big Beat Challenge will bring together world-leading researchers and innovators to accelerate breakthroughs that could transform lives across the globe.

SourceSCIAD·DateAug 24, 2018