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Science News Archive December 2018 - Page 25


Page 25 of 33

A major feat: room temperature electrochemical cycling of a fluoride-ion battery

Researchers developed a method for creating a fluoride-ion electrochemical cell capable of operating at room temperature using a chemically stable liquid fluoride-conducting electrolyte. The new study presents a breakthrough in achieving low-temperature operating FIBs, with potential applications in high-energy-density batteries.

New traffic rules in 'Graphene City'

Researchers at Penn State have developed a system to manipulate electrons based on their energy and momentum, enabling controlled partitioning of electron flow. This technology could potentially be used to create 'color-coded' roads for electrons, revolutionizing the field of electronics.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateDec 6, 2018

High-temperature electronics? That's hot

Researchers at Purdue University have created a new organic plastic material that can reliably conduct electricity in up to 220 degrees Celsius, stable across a wide temperature range. This breakthrough technology has the potential to improve applications such as sensors and solar cells in extreme temperatures.

SourcePurdue University·JournalScience·DateDec 6, 2018

Cardiac rehabilitation linked to improved sexual functioning and frequency

A systematic review of literature found that cardiac rehabilitation attendance is associated with improved sexual function and sexual frequency in patients with cardiovascular disease. The study highlights the need for further investigation into the effectiveness of sexual counseling interventions to improve sexual health outcomes.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·DateDec 6, 2018

Silicosis is on the rise, but is there a therapeutic target?

A study published in Nature Communications identifies extracellular DNA degradation as a key mechanism of lung inflammation induced by silica exposure. Treatment with DNase I may prevent silica-induced lung inflammation, suggesting a new therapeutic target for silicosis.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 6, 2018

Hysterectomy may be linked to brain function

A recent rat study published in the Endocrine Society's journal found that hysterectomy can cause short-term memory loss in rats. Removing the ovaries alongside the uterus did not result in a similar impairment, suggesting a unique negative effect of hysterectomy on brain function.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalEndocrinology·DateDec 6, 2018

Statins overprescribed for primary prevention

A comprehensive statistical modeling study found that statins are recommended far too often, with the benefits outweighing the harms only in people with a high risk of cardiovascular disease. The researchers recommend discussing individual risk and side effects with doctors before taking statins as a preventive measure.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 6, 2018

Obesity intervention needed before pregnancy

A large study found that taking metformin reduced weekly pregnancy weight gain, but did not improve other pregnancy outcomes. The research supports the need for pre-pregnancy dietary and lifestyle interventions to break the cycle of intergenerational obesity.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateDec 6, 2018

Watch how geckos run across water

Researchers discovered geckos' unique locomotion method, combining leg slapping, skin surface tension, and tail propulsion. The findings could inspire rapid swimming robots for search and rescue operations.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 6, 2018

Elevated hormone flags liver problems in mice with methylmalonic acidemia

Researchers have discovered a hormone, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), is extremely elevated in mice with liver disease mimicking methylmalonic acidemia. FGF21 levels can predict liver severity and inform treatment decisions. The study may also shed light on common disorders like fatty liver disease and obesity.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 6, 2018

An exoplanet inflated like a balloon

Researchers from UNIGE have detected helium in the atmosphere of an exoplanet, HAT-P-11b, which is swollen like a balloon due to stellar radiation. The discovery was made using the Carmenes spectrograph on a 4-metre telescope, and supported by numerical simulations that track the trajectory of helium atoms.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience·DateDec 6, 2018

Drawing is better than writing for memory retention

Researchers at the University of Waterloo found that drawing enhances memory retention in older adults more than traditional study methods. Drawing's unique combination of visual, spatial, verbal, semantic, and motoric representations led to better recall in both young people and senior citizens.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalExperimental Aging Research·DateDec 6, 2018