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Science News Archive August 2018 - Page 10


Page 10 of 41

Gas-sensing drones draw NSF backing

Rice University researchers have developed a fleet of autonomous aerial drones that can coordinate to detect and track airborne pollutants. The system, called ASTRO, will use real-time data to alert neighborhoods of hazardous conditions following extreme weather events.

Connectivity explains ecosystem responses to rainfall, drought

Researchers used information theory techniques to track changes in rainfall, heat, soil moisture and carbon flow in two ecosystems before, during and after rainfall and drought events. The study found that stronger connectivity alters how rainfall affects moisture, heat and carbon flux in the system.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 27, 2018

Cellular pumps protect the gut from toxins

Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School discovered that gut stem cells have a unique population of cells with intrinsic toxin resistance, enabling them to withstand drugs and spicy foods. These 'drug efflux pumps' protect the gut from toxic compounds, promoting intestinal regeneration and overall health.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateAug 26, 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