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Science News Archive 2019 - Page 230


Page 230 of 486

No more trial-and-error when choosing an electrolyte for metal-air batteries

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a novel parameter to select electrolytes for metal-air batteries, reducing trial-and-error testing. The 'Electrochemical' Thiele Modulus measures ion transport and reaction kinetics, allowing rational development of high-performance electrolytes.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 2019

Terahertz technology escapes the cold

Researchers at ETH Zurich have demonstrated a terahertz quantum cascade laser that operates without cryogenic cooling, reaching temperatures of up to 210 K. This breakthrough removes the main obstacles to widespread use in various applications, including non-invasive imaging and quality control.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 10, 2019

Using artificial intelligence to detect discrimination

Researchers developed an AI tool to detect discrimination in salaries and policing, using causality-based counterfactual inference algorithms. The tool was tested on various datasets and found evidence of gender-based discrimination in salary, with women having lower odds of receiving a salary over $50,000 per year.

Puzzling on a quantum chessboard

A quantum computer has solved a complex chess puzzle using quantum physics, with the solution determined by atomic microscopy. The experiment was designed to demonstrate quantum supremacy for certain optimization problems, and its feasibility is now within reach of laboratory implementation.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalQuantum·DateJul 10, 2019

Will your future computer be made using bacteria?

Scientists have developed a method to produce graphene materials using bacteria, overcoming a major hurdle in adopting this revolutionary nanomaterial. The bacterially-produced graphene material retains its amazing properties, making it suitable for innovative technologies such as field-effect transistor biosensors and conductive inks.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalChemistryOpen·DateJul 10, 2019

Anaphylactic shock: IgG antibodies and neutrophils play an unexpected role

Researchers have identified a new pathological mechanism responsible for 10-20% of unexplained anaphylactic cases involving IgG antibodies that activate neutrophils, releasing harmful vasodilating mediators. This discovery may help improve diagnosis and treatment for patients with anaphylactic shock.

How the mosquito immune system fights off the malaria parasite

A recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows that mosquitoes employ a multi-stage immune response to combat malaria parasites, involving a complement-like pathway and phenoloxidases. This understanding could lead to opportunities to eliminate malaria parasites in the mosquito, reducing human cases.

SourceIowa State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 2019

Beat the heat

Researchers have discovered a way to produce more electricity from heat than thought possible by creating a silicon chip that converts thermal radiation into electricity. The chip can generate electricity even closer two silicon surfaces are together, potentially increasing battery life by up to 50%.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 10, 2019

Nonphysician practitioners absorbing more new patient requests post Affordable Care Act

With the Affordable Care Act, millions of new patients are seeking primary care. Nonphysician advanced practitioners like nurse practitioners and physician assistants have seen a significant increase in appointments for Medicaid patients, suggesting practices may be relying on them to accommodate new beneficiaries.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 10, 2019

'Flash mob' study puts clinical decision rules for ACS to the test

A nationwide flash-mob study found that acute coronary syndrome cannot be safely ruled out using the Marburg Heart Score or family physicians' clinical assessment in emergency care. The study identified 45 patients with ACS among 243 receiving a final diagnosis, with sensitivity for FP rating and MHS being 86.7% and 94.4%, respectively.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 10, 2019