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Science News Archive 2019 - Page 105


Page 105 of 486

Overlap allows nanoparticles to enhance light-based detection

Researchers at Rice University have developed a method to amplify the light emitted by molecules using plasmonic nanoparticles. By optimizing the spectral frequency overlap between the molecule and nanoparticle, they can enhance signal detection up to 10 times. This technique has potential applications in analyzing catalysts and improv...

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateOct 14, 2019

Study shows a much cheaper catalyst can generate hydrogen in a commercial device

Researchers have developed a cheap catalyst that can generate hydrogen gas for hours in a commercial device, offering a potential solution to reduce the cost of producing this important industrial chemical. The catalyst, based on cobalt phosphide nanoparticles, was tested in a commercial electrolyzer and operated well over 1,700 hours.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateOct 14, 2019

Age and DNA methylation

A new method called PedBE clock estimates age in children under 20 using DNA methylation patterns from cheek cells. This technique is linked to gestational age and autism spectrum disorder, suggesting its potential for studying child development through epigenetics.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 14, 2019

Stress during pregnancy may affect baby's sex, risk of preterm birth

Research at Columbia University Irving Medical Center identifies the types of physical and psychological stress that may matter most to pregnant women. Physically stressed mothers are more likely to give birth prematurely and have a female baby, while socially supported mothers are more likely to have a male baby.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 14, 2019

Researchers explore spinal discs' early response to injury and ways to improve it

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have made a breakthrough in understanding how spinal discs respond to injury. They found that using drugs like fasudil can calm cells and delay their default healing response, which has potential as a treatment for disc degeneration and back pain. This discovery highlight...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateOct 14, 2019

Aggressive and agitated behaviors in dementia are better treated without medications

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that nonpharmacologic treatments, such as massage and touch therapy, were more effective than pharmacologic treatments in reducing aggression and agitation in adults with dementia. The authors recommend prioritizing nonpharmacologic approaches over medications due to potential harms associate...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 14, 2019

Citation networks across disciplines

A study analyzing research article data from 1950 to 2018 found that the average distance between articles on citation networks decreased over time, while ties between articles from different fields increased. Citation networks depend on high-impact articles, suggesting increased interconnectivity among scientific disciplines.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 14, 2019

Stressing metallic material controls superconductivity

Cornell researchers have discovered a way to control superconductivity in heavy fermion metal CeIrIn5 by stressing and deforming it. This method allows for spatial control of superconductivity without relying on chemical augmentation, enabling potential applications in Josephson junction devices and quantum computing.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateOct 14, 2019

Estuarine waters hold promise in global pain-relief hunt

A team of researchers from the University of Sydney has made a breakthrough in the search for an opioid alternative, discovering a fungus that produces tetrapeptides mimicking endomophins. The findings, published in PNAS, suggest a new drug could be developed with fewer side-effects and effective pain relief.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 14, 2019

How to control friction in topological insulators

Physicists at the University of Basel have experimentally verified that the heat generated through friction in topological insulators can be significantly reduced. By regulating voltage, they observed a novel quantum-mechanical dissipation mechanism, enabling targeted control over electronic friction.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 14, 2019