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Science News Archive 2019 - Page 409


Page 409 of 486

Solving a sticky problem

Tevis Jacobs will study individual nanoparticles using electron microscopy to understand atomic-scale relationships between adhesion and coarsening. The award enables the development of new methods for measuring nanoparticle attachment and stability on surfaces.

Sensory stimuli improves brain damage in mouse models of preterm birth

A new study by Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona researchers shows that tactile and proprioceptive stimulation can improve the effects of perinatal hypoxic and ischemic brain injuries throughout life. In particular, male mice benefited from sensory stimulation with reduced neurological damage and improved functional capacities.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateMar 4, 2019

A faster, more accurate way to monitor drought

A new monitoring method uses thermal stress measurements to identify drought conditions sooner, enabling conservation measures and reducing damage. The method, developed by Duke University researchers, combines surface and air temperature data from thousands of weather stations and satellite images.

SourceDuke University·JournalAgricultural and Forest Meteorology·DateMar 4, 2019

Sacrificing the climate for reelections

A new study suggests that incumbent politicians often negotiate weak treaties to improve their reelection chances, rather than prioritizing effective climate change mitigation. This analysis from the Journal of Political Economy explores how domestic policymakers' incentives and election fears drive treaty outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Political Economy·DateMar 4, 2019

California fires, precipitation, and jet stream

Researchers found past associations between jet stream dynamics, winter precipitation, and fire activity in California, with dry extremes linked to weaker NPJ zonal velocity. Future climate simulations suggest increasing temperatures will lead to reduced snowpack, drier summers, and increased fire risk under high CO2 conditions.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2019

New quantum sensor could improve cancer treatment

The new quantum sensor developed by researchers at the University of Waterloo promises significant advancements in long-range 3D imaging and monitoring the success of cancer treatments. The sensors can detect single particles of light with high timing resolution, speed, and efficiency over an unparalleled wavelength range.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 4, 2019

North Pacific jet stream, moisture and fires change with fire suppression

Recent widespread fires in California suggest a shift in climate-fire relationships, where increased temperatures and drier summers will override the dynamical influence of the North Pacific Jet. The researchers reconstructed over 400 years of North Pacific Jet variability, finding that fire suppression may be responsible for this change.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2019

New hurdle cleared in race toward quantum computing

Purdue researchers have successfully probed interference of quasiparticles using a new device. The device, built with molecular beam epitaxy, overcomes technical challenges to observe quantum mechanical effects. This breakthrough may be key to developing topological qubits and advancing quantum computing.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 4, 2019

Truth telling about tobacco and nicotine

A new article highlights the need for public health institutions to develop truth-telling relationships with communities affected by smoking disparities. Researchers argue that accurate and comprehensive information about the differential harms of tobacco and nicotine products is crucial for promoting trust and informed decision-making.

SourcePacific Institute for Research and Evaluation·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMar 3, 2019

Light pulses provide a new route to enhance superconductivity

Researchers found that light pulses can induce eta pairing in Mott insulators, turning them into superconductors. This unconventional type of conductivity arises from repulsive interactions between electrons and is believed to take place under non-equilibrium conditions.

SourceRIKEN·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 3, 2019