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Science News Archive April 2019 - Page 16


Page 16 of 44

Triplet superconductivity demonstrated under high pressure

Researchers at Tohoku University and Université Grenoble Alpes have demonstrated triplet superconductivity in the uranium-based material UBe13 using high pressure and magnetic fields. This phenomenon involves electrons forming parallel spin pairs, unlike conventional superconductors where opposite spins pair together.

SourceTohoku University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 18, 2019

Why language technology can't handle Game of Thrones (yet)

Researchers evaluated four state-of-the-art tools for recognizing names in text and found solutions to boost accuracy from 7% to 90%. They also extracted social networks from novels to explore differences in story structure. The study highlights the challenges faced by NLP tools in handling names in popular fiction.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ Computer Science·DateApr 18, 2019

General anesthesia hijacks sleep circuitry to knock you out

Scientists at Duke University discovered that general anesthesia works by hijacking the neural circuitry responsible for sleep and hormone regulation. The study found that certain anesthetic drugs activate a cluster of cells at the base of the brain, leading to unconsciousness and offering potential new avenues for developing pain-free...

SourceDuke University·JournalNeuron·DateApr 18, 2019

A history of the Crusades, as told by crusaders' DNA

A team of researchers analyzed the DNA of nine 13th-century Crusaders, revealing a genetically diverse group that intermixed with local populations. The findings provide insights into the history of the Crusades and highlight the importance of ancient DNA in understanding historical events.

SourceCell Press·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateApr 18, 2019

Bioengineers program cells as digital signal processors

Researchers have developed a system that allows living cells to perform analog-to-digital signal processing, enabling precise control over cellular responses. This breakthrough expands the toolkit for synthetic biologists, who can now use genetic circuitry to process complex signals and make informed decisions.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·DateApr 18, 2019

A mother lode of protection

A new study found that a maternal vaccine can effectively protect against HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections in mouse offspring, transferring infection-fighting antibodies to their nervous system. The vaccine has shown promise in preclinical animal models and phase 1 human trials, offering new hope for preventing neonatal herpes infections.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 18, 2019

Harmonization of resting-state functional MRI data across multiple imaging sites

Researchers developed an effective harmonization method to reduce site-related differences in resting-state fMRI data, reducing bias by 29% and improving signal-to-noise ratios by 40%. This allows for the development of practical brain-circuit-based biomarkers of psychiatric disorders regardless of imaging site.

Disappearing bumblebee species under threat of extinction

A new study led by York University reveals the American Bumblebee is critically endangered due to a 70% reduction in its area of occurrence and an 89% decrease in relative abundance. Immediate conservation action may save the species from extinction, similar to the fate of the Rusty-patched Bumblebee.

SourceYork University·JournalJournal of Insect Conservation·DateApr 18, 2019

Investigators incorporate randomized trial within dialysis care delivery

A recent clinical trial found that longer hemodialysis sessions did not improve patient outcomes, while also highlighting the need for effective strategies to engage clinicians and patients in trials embedded within routine care. The study's findings suggest a pressing need for data-driven guidance in dialysis practice.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 18, 2019

New CRISPR tool executes multiple edits simultaneously, leading to unique partnership to deliver more precise cancer treatments

A breakthrough CRISPR gene-editing tool allows for the simultaneous execution of multiple edits in DNA extracted from human cells. This technology, developed by the Gene Editing Institute and licensed to NovellusDx, can rapidly reproduce an individual patient's cancer tumor genetic features and identify driver mutations.

SourceBurness·JournalThe CRISPR Journal·DateApr 18, 2019

Could computer games help farmers adapt to climate change?

Researchers developed a web-based game, Maladaptation Game, to improve understanding of climate change methods and adaptation strategies among Nordic farmers. The game presents players with four agricultural challenges and requires strategic decisions, providing a summary of potential negative outcomes.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalOpen Agriculture·DateApr 18, 2019