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Science News Archive April 2019 - Page 18


Page 18 of 44

U-M study: 'Induced' driving miles could overwhelm potential energy-saving benefits of self-driving

A University of Michigan study found that self-driving cars could partially or completely offset energy savings due to induced driving miles. The researchers estimated that a 38% reduction in perceived travel time cost would eliminate fuel savings, suggesting the possibility of 'backfire' and net increases in energy consumption.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalApplied Energy·DateApr 17, 2019

Folding revolution

A Harvard Medical School scientist has developed a new approach using deep learning to predict protein structure from amino acid sequence. This method achieves accuracy comparable to current state-of-the-art methods but at speeds upward of a million times faster.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell Systems·DateApr 17, 2019

Microbiome science may help doctors deliver more effective, personalized treatment to children with irritable bowel syndrome

A new diagnostic classification technique enables stratification of pediatric patients with IBS, allowing for tailored nutritional and targeted therapies. Researchers identified correlations between certain microbes and metabolites with abdominal pain, providing insights into novel treatment approaches.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateApr 17, 2019

Neuron and synapse-mimetic spintronics devices developed

Researchers from Tohoku University have developed artificial neuron and synapse devices using spintronics technology, mimicking the brain's architecture. The devices demonstrated fundamental behavior of biological neurons and synapses, including leaky integrate-and-fire and spike-timing-dependent plasticity.

SourceTohoku University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 17, 2019

Novel antibody may suppress HIV for up to four months

Researchers have developed a new antibody that can suppress HIV levels in people who undergo short-term pauses in their antiretroviral therapy regimens. The Phase 2 study, conducted in Taiwan, found the antibody, UB-421, to be safe and effective in maintaining HIV suppression without inducing antibiotic-resistant strains.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 17, 2019

Study identifies how Enterococcus faecalis bacteria causes antibiotic resistant infection

A genomic study of a 1980s hospital outbreak in Wisconsin reveals how Enterococcus faecalis bacteria adapts to the modern hospital environment and causes repeated antibiotic-resistant bloodstream infections. Researchers identified mutations that allow the bacteria to resist antibiotics and develop new strategies for prevention and trea...

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 17, 2019

A comprehensive look at cow's milk

Scientists have developed a centralized database of all known bovine milk compounds, including over 2,300 previously unknown metabolites. The comprehensive analysis was made possible by combining targeted chemical analyses and digital text-mining tools.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateApr 17, 2019

Critical errors in inhaler technique common in children with asthma

A recent study found that nearly half of children hospitalized for asthma demonstrate improper inhaler use, with adolescents being the most common offenders. The study highlights the importance of proper inhaler technique in managing asthma, particularly among older teens who may feel they no longer need a spacer device.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalJournal of Hospital Medicine·DateApr 17, 2019

Improving quantum computers

Scientists are developing better manufacturing processes and control equipment for superconducting circuits and trapped ions. New materials like silicon spin devices and topological materials are also being explored to reduce noise and error in qubits.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateApr 17, 2019