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Science News Archive October 2018 - Page 12


Page 12 of 47

New projectile point style could suggest two separate migrations into North America

Researchers discovered a new projectile point style at the Debra L. Friedkin site in Texas, dated between 13,500 and 15,500 years ago, earlier than typical Clovis-style technologies. The finding may indicate two separate human migrations into North America, challenging current understanding of peopling history.

More rules for the intelligent household

A study investigated ideal access control rules for smart home devices in networked households, analyzing user preferences and derived suggestions for access management. The researchers found that contextual factors such as age, location, and usage history affect access rights, suggesting a need for customizable settings.

Mucus, cough and chronic lung disease: New discoveries

Researchers have uncovered the importance of mucus clearance in maintaining healthy airways. In chronic lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and COPD, immobile mucus layers can accumulate bacteria, damaging lungs. The studies suggest using inhalation sprays to keep mucus bundles moving may impede formation of these harmful layers.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJCI Insight·DateOct 24, 2018

Some planetary systems just aren't into heavy metal

Researchers at Yale and the Flatiron Institute found that compact, multiple-planet systems are more likely to form around stars with lower amounts of heavy elements. This discovery suggests new insights into the formation of smaller planets and their potential for supporting life.

SourceYale University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateOct 24, 2018

Choice architecture for architecture choices

A new tool, Multicriteria Decision Aiding methodology, helps decision makers structure and aggregate complex information for social housing initiatives. The method, based on Analytical Hierarchy Process and Non-Additive Robust Ordinal Regression, provides a transparent and explainable outcome.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalLand Use Policy·DateOct 24, 2018

Small flying robots haul heavy loads

Researchers at Stanford University have developed small flying robots called FlyCroTugs that can pull objects up to 40 times their weight using advanced gripping technologies. The robots' ability to anchor themselves to various surfaces using gecko-inspired adhesives and microspines enables them to navigate through snug spaces and inte...

SourceStanford University·JournalScience Robotics·DateOct 24, 2018

Persistence of glass sponge in face of climatic variability

A study published in PLOS ONE found that the glass sponge Vazella pourtalesi has persisted on the Scotian Shelf, which experiences strong multi-decadal variability in temperature and salinity. The sponge's ability to adapt to these changes suggests its potential response to future climate change.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 24, 2018

New Caledonian crows can create compound tools

Researchers found that New Caledonian crows can combine short parts to create novel functional tools, similar to early human tool manufacture. The birds' ability to anticipate object properties and solve complex problems is remarkable and sheds light on cognitive processes necessary for physical problem-solving.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 24, 2018

More goals in quantum soccer

Researchers at the University of Bonn have successfully applied the Purcell effect to improve the transmission of quantum information. By forcing photons onto a specific path using the Purcell effect, they achieved a significant increase in efficiency, enabling faster communication between quantum dots and transmitters.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 24, 2018

Climate change: US desert areas to become even drier

A recent study reveals that the US desert areas will experience a significant increase in dryness due to climate change. The research, conducted at Devils Hole cave, suggests that the water table has fluctuated by as much as 10 meters over the past 350,000 years, with shifts in Pacific storm track influencing rainfall patterns.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 24, 2018

Antibiotic explorers

Researchers at Harvard University have discovered that tetracycline antibiotics target human cytosolic ribosomes, leading to potential breakthroughs in treating cancer and pathological inflammation. The study provides a crucial foundation for further drug discovery and treatment development.

SourceHarvard University·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateOct 24, 2018

At least 57 negative impacts from cyber-attacks

Researchers identified five key themes of cyber-harm, including physical/digital, economic, psychological, reputational, and social/societal impacts. High-profile attacks like Sony and Ashley Madison demonstrate the devastating consequences of cyber-attacks on individuals and businesses.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalJournal of Cyber Security·DateOct 24, 2018