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Science News Archive August 2019 - Page 27


Page 27 of 38

You're not so tough, h-BN

Researchers at Rice University have created a method to modify hexagonal-boron nitride (h-BN) by attaching carbon chains, making it easier to bond with polymers and other materials. This modification also makes the material more dispersible in organic solvents.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateAug 12, 2019

Glitch in neutron star reveals its hidden secrets

Scientists have studied the Vela Pulsar, a neutron star 1,000 light years away, to understand its behavior during a glitch. The team found that the star's spin increased before slowing down, providing a glimpse into its interior structure, which consists of three different components.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Astronomy·DateAug 12, 2019

Monash University study finds way to disarm dangerous bacteria

Researchers at Monash University have discovered an antibiotic that can prevent the life-threatening diarrhea caused by C. difficile. The treatment strategy could also counter diseases caused by other similar bacteria, including anthrax. Studies show that cephamycins can reduce spore production of C. difficile and Bacillus cereus.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateAug 12, 2019

Sleep, snacks and shift work

A new study found that consuming a snack reduces the impact of sleepiness and fatigue on night shift workers, compared to eating a meal or no food at all. The study's lead researcher hopes the findings will inform strategic eating patterns to help thousands of shift workers stay alert and healthy.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalNutrients·DateAug 9, 2019

Making sense of remote sensing data

Researchers introduce RadialPheno, a new tool to visualize phenocam-collected phenology data, providing meaningful insights into plant developmental events. The tool uses radial representation to identify recurrent events and integrates with common statistical methods, making it a valuable resource for phenology experts.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateAug 9, 2019

The mind-muscle connection: For aesthetes, not athletes?

Focusing on movement during weightlifting may improve performance by reducing mechanical inefficiency and increasing automatic control processes. This contradicts the traditional mind-muscle connection theory, which suggests focusing on individual muscles enhances activation and development.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Sports and Active Living·DateAug 9, 2019

Rice chemists show it's hip to be square

Rice University chemists have developed a fast and inexpensive synthetic route to azetidines, a class of molecules that can be used as building blocks in drug design. The new method allows for the creation of NH-azetidines, which contain unprotected nitrogen atoms, making them more accessible for further reactions.

SourceRice University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateAug 9, 2019

Development of simplified new mass spectrometric technique using laser and graphene

Researchers developed a simplified new mass spectrometric technique using a continuous wave laser and graphene substrate to analyze bio samples without sample preparation. This technology can obtain high-resolution images and secure enough heat needed for specimen analysis with small amount of light generated by the continuous wave laser.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateAug 9, 2019

Chicago water pollution may be keeping invasive silver carp out of Great Lakes, study says

A new study by University of Illinois researchers suggests that Chicago's water pollution is likely keeping invasive silver carp out of the Great Lakes. The study found that certain compounds in the water flowing downstream from Chicago induce avoidance behaviors in fish, causing them to stop moving upstream.