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Science News Archive August 2019 - Page 9


Page 9 of 38

Disability categories in education were redefined to exclude minorities, study shows

A University of Kansas study found that dominant groups in the education system manipulate disability categories to exclude racial minorities and keep them out of most desirable special education programs. The researchers documented how upper-class white students were moved into what was once considered the least desirable category, an...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalAmerican Journal of Sociology·DateAug 26, 2019

Strike three

A team of researchers has discovered a previously unrecognized mechanism that accelerates cystogenesis in polycystic kidney disease (PKD), leading to rapid cyst growth and kidney failure. The study suggests that increasing water intake and avoiding certain foods may slow the progression of ADPKD.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 26, 2019

A 2 nm sized nanomachine able to spin and transfer its rotational energy

Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology created a 2 nm sized nanomachine capable of spinning and transferring its rotational energy, outperforming natural nanomachines. The machine's ability to rotate in different directions and convert thermal energy into movement shows great promise for faster molecular transfer.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 26, 2019

Native approaches to fire management

A Stanford-led study found that incorporating traditional techniques into current fire suppression practices could help revitalize American Indian cultures, economies, and livelihoods. The approach increased the production of high-quality stems needed to make culturally significant items up to 10-fold compared with untreated shrubs.

SourceStanford University·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateAug 26, 2019

A new way to make valuable chemicals

Researchers developed a new process to form high-value chemicals called amides by coupling carbon and nitrogen bonds in an electrochemical reaction. This breakthrough enables the production of useful substances in various industries, including pharmaceuticals.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Chemistry·DateAug 26, 2019

Flame retardants -- from plants

Researchers have identified potentially less toxic and biodegradable flame retardants from plants, which could replace hazardous organohalogen compounds. The new substances, derived from gallic acid and 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, perform as well as many existing flame retardants on the market.

Saving sage-grouse by relocation

Researchers relocated sage-grouse from Oregon, Idaho, and Nevada to Washington state to boost populations. However, it took about a year for the birds to settle in and reproduce effectively. The study shows that relocation can be a viable tool in conserving threatened species like sage-grouse.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateAug 26, 2019

Chocolate muddles cannabis potency testing

Researchers found that altering sample preparation conditions in chocolate samples can significantly impact cannabis potency test results. They discovered that the matrix effect of chocolate's fat content is suppressing the signal for Δ9-THC, which could have major implications for producers and consumers of cannabis-infused edibles.