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Science News Archive July 2019 - Page 16


Page 16 of 41

Cigarette butts hamper plant growth -- study

A new study published in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety found that cigarette butts contain a bioplastic filter that harms plants, reducing germination success and shoot length of clover and grass by significant margins. The filters' chemical composition is believed to be the primary cause of damage.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalEcotoxicology and Environmental Safety·DateJul 19, 2019

Newly discovered biosynthetic pathway in bacteria recipe for drug discovery and production

Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered a novel biosynthetic pathway in bacteria that can produce therapeutic compounds. The pathway, found in Pseudomonas syringae, combines elements of both ribosome-based and enzyme-mediated synthesis, allowing for efficient production of natural products.

Smart irrigation model predicts rainfall to conserve water

A predictive model combining plant physiology, soil conditions, and weather forecasts helps make informed decisions about irrigation, conserving up to 40% of water used. The research also aims to identify the best method for each crop and determine the costs and benefits of switching to an automated system.

SourceCornell University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Control Systems Technology·DateJul 19, 2019

X-ray mapping enhances potential of lightweight magnesium

A world-first study has discovered a new technique to create stronger, lightweight magnesium alloys using atomic-resolution X-ray mapping. The finding significantly improves the structural integrity of automotive and aerospace industries by increasing the boundary pinning effect and strengthening the alloy.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 19, 2019

Boosting the discovery of new drugs to treat spinal cord injuries using zebrafish

Researchers have designed a simple and efficient platform to discover new drugs treating spinal cord lesions using zebrafish, accelerating the translation period from discovery to clinics. The platform has identified a molecule with motor recovery properties in zebrafish larvae and showed efficacy in spinal cord injury models in rodents.

SourceInstituto de Medicina Molecular·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 19, 2019

NIH study links air pollution to increase in newborn intensive care admissions

Infants born to mothers exposed to high levels of air pollution are more likely to be admitted to a newborn intensive care unit (NICU), with risks increasing from 4% to 147%. The study suggests that limiting pregnant women's exposure to high levels of air pollutants may help reduce NICU admissions.

Atomically precise models improve understanding of fuel cells

Researchers at Kyushu University developed computer simulations using realistic atomic-scale models to understand reaction pathways in solid-oxide fuel cells. The study found that reactions are more likely to occur in layers with smaller pore sizes, but also identified a new degradation pathway that could impact performance.

SourceKyushu University·JournalCommunications Chemistry·DateJul 19, 2019

Heat transport through single molecules

Scientists have successfully measured thermal transport through single-molecule junctions for the first time, revealing that heat transfer is length-independent. The breakthrough uses custom-developed calorimetric-scanning-thermal-microscopy technique to determine thermal conductance, which originates from atomic vibrations or phonons.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature·DateJul 19, 2019

What do the red 'ornaments' of female macaques mean?

Researchers studied Japanese macaques to investigate the link between female coloration and attractiveness. Contrary to previous assumptions, dominant female macaques with darker hindquarters were found to have greater reproductive success.

SourceCNRS·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateJul 19, 2019