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Science News Archive May 2018 - Page 7


Page 7 of 44

Black holes from an exacomputer

Scientists from Goethe University Frankfurt and the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies have developed a novel simulation code, ExaHyPE, to calculate gravitational waves on exascale supercomputers. This breakthrough allows for more accurate simulations of black hole mergers and other astrophysical phenomena.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalPhysical Review D·DateMay 28, 2018

Virus genes from city pond rescue bacteria

Researchers discovered that bacteriophages can transfer genes to E. coli bacteria, enabling them to break down a crucial cell component and reset their metabolism for new survival functions. This study highlights the importance of investigating hidden potential in bacterial cells to understand antibiotic resistance and pathogenicity.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMay 28, 2018

AI software assists design of new material for solar cells

Researchers used machine learning to automate the search for well-matched solar materials, creating a new organic photovoltaic polymer. The study suggests that AI could accelerate solar cell development by instantaneously predicting results and providing crucial support for molecular designers.

SourceOsaka University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMay 28, 2018

Paramedic-run health sessions in low-income apartments reduced number of 911 calls, improved health

A randomized controlled trial found that paramedic-run health sessions significantly reduced the number of 911 calls and improved quality of life for seniors living in subsidized housing. The program, known as CP@clinic, offered blood pressure and diabetes assessments, as well as referrals to healthcare and education.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 28, 2018

To scan or not to scan: research shows how to personalize lung cancer screening decisions

A new online tool takes into account personalized risks and benefits of lung cancer screening, while also allowing for a range of patient preferences. The tool is designed to help doctors fine-tune their advice to patients, taking into account individual attitudes about looking for problems and dealing with the consequences.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 28, 2018

Mongooses remember and reward helpful friends

New research by University of Bristol researchers found that dwarf mongooses can quantify earlier acts of cooperation and provide suitable levels of delayed rewards. The study shows that mongooses have sufficient cognitive ability to trade goods and services with their groupmates, with grooming being traded for sentinel behavior.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 28, 2018

Switched on: a breakthrough for spintronics

A new tri-layer structure made of Cr2O3, YIG, and Pt enables significant control over the transmission of spin current at room temperature. This discovery is a major breakthrough in spintronics, paving the way for more efficient information processing devices.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 28, 2018

'Will this be on the test?' Even if it isn't, students might remember it

A new study by the University of British Columbia suggests that teachers can strengthen students' memories without causing assessment fatigue. The researchers found that students who were tested on a portion of their study material performed better on other, related questions - even if they weren't included in the initial test.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalAdvances in Health Sciences Education·DateMay 28, 2018

Positive feedback between East Asian mid-latitude circulation and land surface temperature

A study found a positive feedback mechanism between the East Asian upper-tropospheric westerly jet (EAJ) and land surface temperature, particularly in the Russian Far East. The EAJ's deceleration leads to increased warming, which in turn strengthens the EAJ, creating a self-reinforcing cycle.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateMay 28, 2018

What do animals want?

Researchers at Kyoto University used machine learning to study the behavior of worms searching for food on surfaces with different temperature zones. The findings showed that the worms combined sensory information from environmental temperature and change in temperature to make decisions, similar to rational decision-making in humans. ...

SourceKyoto University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMay 28, 2018

Rise and fall of the Great Barrier Reef

A landmark international study found the Great Barrier Reef is more resilient to sea-level rise and temperature changes than thought, but highly sensitive to sediment input and poor water quality. The reef's ability to survive is uncertain due to current stresses and projected future changes.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 28, 2018

Novel method to fabricate nanoribbons from speeding nano droplets

A novel VLS growth mechanism yields nanoscopic semiconductor ribbons only a few atoms thick, opening doors to highly integrated electronic and photonic devices. The breakthrough method uses liquid droplets to mediate the growth of MoS2 ribbons in a unique 'crawling mode', allowing for direct 1D growth of van der Waals layered materials.

A key switch in biological clocks

Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have identified CK1 as the priming kinase that 'switches on' the biological clock's phosphorylation process, shedding light on circadian rhythm regulation. This discovery may lead to treatments for circadian clock disorders and improve sleep-wake cycles.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 27, 2018