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Science News Archive June 2018 - Page 34


Page 34 of 40

Sensor detects whiff of bad breath

Researchers developed a sensor that can detect halitosis with high sensitivity and portability, providing doctors with a convenient test for diagnosing the condition. The sensor uses a color-changing chemical reaction to detect traces of hydrogen sulfide gas in breath samples.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateJun 6, 2018

New nuclear medicine method shows promise for better detection of neuroendocrine tumors

Researchers have developed a new nuclear medicine procedure that can safely and effectively detect cancerous gastrointestinal and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. The novel radiolabeled tracer Ga-OPS202 has been shown to improve imaging contrast and sensitivity for detecting primary tumors or liver metastases.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 6, 2018

Inside the brains of killer bees

Researchers examined neuropeptide changes in aggressive and non-aggressive Africanized honeybees, finding that specific peptides can trigger aggression. The study provides new insights into the neurological basis for honeybee behavior, highlighting the complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateJun 6, 2018

Bioengineers identify safer way to make rugby tackles

Researchers have identified a safer way to make rugby tackles by reducing the impact on the head. The recommended techniques include tackling at the lower trunk and avoiding high-impact tackles to the upper trunk. These strategies aim to minimize the risk of concussions and other head injuries.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalJournal of Science and Medicine in Sport·DateJun 6, 2018

Organic insect deterrent for agriculture

Researchers at TUM have developed a biodegradable insect deterrent that repels pests without poisoning them, potentially saving bees and other beneficial insects. The new product is produced by bacteria that use terpenoid-based compounds to protect themselves from pests, offering an alternative to traditional synthetic pesticides.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateJun 6, 2018

Study examines how pathogens affect bird migration

Researchers found that haemosporidians impede migratory performance in infected birds, causing them to arrive later at breeding grounds. Infected individuals have elevated white blood cell counts, indicating an immune response that may divert resources from migration.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Zoology·DateJun 6, 2018

Single molecular insulator pushes boundaries of current state of the art

Researchers at Columbia University have developed a single molecular insulator that can effectively block leakage current in transistors, paving the way for smaller and more efficient devices. The breakthrough uses quantum interference-based approach to create a novel technique for blocking tunnelling conduction at the nanoscale.

Simpler model gets to the point with proteins

Rice University researchers develop a molecular modeling framework that combines experimental data with coarse-grained simulations, enabling more accurate protein dynamics modeling. The technique reveals unanticipated molecular properties and can be scaled up to larger systems, reducing simulation time by hours.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Chemical Theory and Computation·DateJun 6, 2018

New tools reveal prelude to chaos

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis developed mathematical tools that determine when randomness emerges in stochastic systems, describing the kinetics before dissolving into randomness. The tools have potential to predict onset of chaos in nanoparticles to checking accounts.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPhysical Review E·DateJun 6, 2018

Mangos help promote gut health

A new study suggests that eating mangos may be more effective than taking a comparable amount of fiber in relieving constipation. The research found that mango polyphenols helped improve gut health by reducing markers of inflammation and changing the microbiome.

SourceWeber Shandwick Chicago·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·DateJun 6, 2018

Putting lungs under less stress

Researchers have identified a new less-invasive treatment option for patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), using ultra-protective mechanical ventilation. This approach may mitigate further lung injury and improve outcomes without requiring extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of the Intensive Care Society·DateJun 5, 2018

Cornell research illuminates inaccuracies in radiocarbon dating

New research from Cornell University challenges widely accepted radiocarbon dating standards, potentially altering historical timelines for the southern Levant region. The study reveals variations in the radiocarbon cycle, causing offsets of up to 20 years in calibration, which could be related to climatic conditions.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 5, 2018

Mandatory bundled-payment Medicare programs should stay, Penn study suggests

A new study from researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that hospitals receiving bundled payments for joint replacements either voluntarily or through Medicare's mandatory programs vary in size and volume but not in spending or quality. The authors suggest both programs are needed to engage more hospitals.