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Science News Archive August 2019 - Page 33


Page 33 of 38

Seeing how computers 'think' helps humans stump machines and reveals AI weaknesses

Researchers from the University of Maryland developed a novel approach to generate questions that challenge AI language models. By collaborating with humans and computers, they created a dataset of over 1,200 computer-stumping questions that revealed six different language phenomena consistently stumping computers. This work provides i...

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalTransactions of the Association for Computational Linguistics·DateAug 6, 2019

A hog in wolf's clothing

A new study examines the effects of feral hogs and elephants on livestock, finding significant impacts on farming livelihoods. The research highlights the importance of considering non-carnivore species in mitigating wildlife impacts, with potential consequences for conservation efforts.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 6, 2019

Heart-on-a-chip mimics drug response seen in humans

Researchers replicated human-like drug responses in TARA's engineered heart-on-a-chip system, predicting cardiac safety and efficacy. The study validated the platform's ability to model different heart diseases and measure contractile force of Cardiotype tissues.

SourceCG Life·JournalToxicological Sciences·DateAug 6, 2019

Knowing berry pests' varied diets may help control them

A Cornell University study reveals that spotted-wing drosophila adults and larvae eat mushroom and apple mixtures, as well as bird manure, to survive before and after the growing season. The results may help curb pest populations by encouraging growers to limit access to certain non-fruit food sources.

SourceCornell University·JournalEcological Entomology·DateAug 6, 2019

Staring at seagulls could save your chips

Researchers found that herring gulls take 21 seconds longer to approach food when a human is watching, suggesting that just observing the birds can reduce food-snatching. The study highlights the importance of modifying individual behavior to manage gull-nuisance issues in urban areas.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBiology Letters·DateAug 6, 2019

Scientists create the world's thinnest gold

Researchers at the University of Leeds have created a new form of gold that is just two atoms thick, making it the thinnest unsupported gold ever created. The ultra-thin gold material has been shown to be 10 times more efficient as a catalytic substrate than traditional gold nanoparticles.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalAdvanced Science·DateAug 6, 2019

Development of flexible sensors mimicking human finger skin by DGIST

Researchers at DGIST developed flexible sensors that can detect pressure and vibration similar to human skin, with more sensitive detections. The sensors mimic 'Slow Adaptive' and 'Fast Adaptive' receptors, enabling accurate classification of fabric roughness and potential applications in artificial skin grafting and VR experiences.

New study could reset how scientists view sex determination in painted turtle populations

A new study from Iowa State University analyzed decades of data on painted turtle populations and found a wide variation in temperature sensitivity within local populations, defying theoretical expectations. The findings suggest that temperature-dependent sex determination may be more resilient to changes in temperature than previously...

SourceIowa State University·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateAug 6, 2019

Non-invasive imaging method spots cancer at the molecular level

Researchers developed a technique combining multiphoton microscopy with automated image analysis to distinguish between healthy and metastatic tissue without invasive biopsies or contrast dyes. The approach identified unique textural features in tissue that reflect cancer metastasis, allowing for early detection and improved treatment.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateAug 6, 2019

Is it safe to use an electric fan for cooling?

New research from the University of Sydney suggests that electric fans can be beneficial in hot, humid conditions but detrimental in dry conditions. The study calls into question current guidelines recommending fan use only when temperature rises above 35 degrees Celsius.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 5, 2019

Young teens of color more likely to avoid peers with mental illness

Research reveals that students identifying as black or Latino are more likely to socially distance themselves from peers with a mental illness, indicating persistent mental illness stigma. Targeted anti-stigma interventions may benefit boys of color and Latina girls, who exhibit higher levels of discomfort around mental illness.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Orthopsychiatry·DateAug 5, 2019

Polyoxometalate-based coordination frameworks for CH4 generation in photoreduction of CO2

Researchers have developed polyoxometalate-based coordination frameworks that selectively reduce CO2 to methane with high photocatalytic activity. The integration of polyoxometalates and metalloporphyrin coordination frameworks enhances the reduction efficiency, allowing for the efficient conversion of CO2 to a valuable hydrocarbon fuel.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateAug 5, 2019