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Science News Archive March 2019 - Page 38


Page 38 of 43

Nanoparticles help realize 'spintronic' devices

Researchers have demonstrated a new way to perform functions essential to future computation at speeds trillions of times faster than current commercial devices. The team created a nanoscale spintronic semiconductor device that can partially switch between specific magnetic states in under a picosecond.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 5, 2019

Capturing bacteria that eat and breathe electricity

Researchers at Washington State University captured heat-loving bacteria that can 'eat' pollution by converting toxic pollutants into less harmful substances and generating electricity. The discovery was made possible by a cheap portable potentiostat invented by graduate student Abdelrhman Mohamed, who worked with Professor Haluk Beyenal.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Power Sources·DateMar 5, 2019

Nitric acid and ammonia electrosynthesis

Researchers at Tianjin University have developed an alternative strategy for synthesizing nitric acid and ammonia through electrochemical reactions using air and waste nitrate combined electrocatalytic process. This approach offers a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly method compared to traditional industrial processes.

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

Location and competition

A UC Santa Barbara study reveals that proximity to highly trafficked areas, shopping centers, and freeways leads to higher gas prices. The researchers also found that market competition can override the effect of location, with nearby gas stations influencing pricing behavior.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalAsia-Pacific Journal of Regional Science·DateMar 5, 2019

HIV remission achieved in second patient

A second person has experienced sustained remission from HIV-1 after ceasing treatment through a stem cell transplant. The patient remained undetectable after stopping antiretroviral therapy (ARV) and his immune cells continue to lack the CCR5 receptor, making it difficult for the virus to enter host cells.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature·DateMar 5, 2019

Sacrificing accuracy to see the big picture

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania propose that humans' ability to detect patterns stems from the brain's desire for simplicity. By prioritizing overall structure over individual details, people can more quickly recognize complex patterns and anticipate what comes next. The study's findings have significant implications for ...

New Regenstrief studies report drug focused approach insufficient to manage ICU delirium

Recent clinical trials conducted by the Regenstrief Institute found that traditional drug-focused approaches are ineffective in managing delirium in ICU patients. Implementing deprescribing strategies and exploring alternative methods, such as waking and mobilization, may be more effective in reducing delirium severity and duration.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 5, 2019

Giving a voice to society's maintainers

Researchers Lee Vinsel and Andrew Russell aim to improve the lives of maintenance professionals through a global network and recognition. They received a $189,193 grant from the Alfred Sloan Foundation to connect leaders with maintainers in various industries.

Menstrual cycle phase influences cocaine craving

A new study reveals that the menstrual cycle phase may contribute to differences between men and women in cocaine seeking and vulnerability to relapse after quitting. Female rats exhibited stronger cravings for cocaine during estrus, a phase associated with ovulation, compared to non-estrus.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMar 5, 2019

Results of ABATE infection trial published

The ABATE Infection Trial found that daily antiseptic bathing with nasal ointment reduced hospital-acquired bloodstream infections by 30% in patients with central venous catheters, a high-risk group. This intervention also decreased antibiotic-resistant organisms, including MRSA and vancomycin-resistant enterococcus, in this patient po...

Genetic 'usual suspects' identified in researchers' new list

Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have created a ranked list of genes that are likely to be involved in any disease, allowing researchers to distinguish between these 'usual suspects' and those unique to specific conditions. The study's findings provide valuable context for interpreting gene activity in disease onset.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 5, 2019

Distracted drivers 29 times more likely to wreck in a highway work zone

Researchers at the University of Missouri found that drivers who are distracted while driving in a highway work zone are 29 times more likely to be involved in a collision or near-miss. The study analyzed data from over 3,000 drivers and provides recommendations for behavioral countermeasures to reduce injuries and fatalities.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·DateMar 5, 2019

Attitudes about health affect how older adults engage with negative health news

A study by North Carolina State University found that older adults are more willing to engage with negative health information when they have a positive attitude towards their health. Participants who completed a checklist designed to make them feel good about their lifestyle choices read more than 50% of the negative articles, compare...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPsychology and Aging·DateMar 5, 2019

Spin devices rev up

Researchers from University of Tokyo discover magnetic spin Hall effect in non-collinear antiferromagnet Mn3Sn, enabling efficient spin current transfer. This could lead to high-speed and high-capacity devices with improved power efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature·DateMar 5, 2019

A step closer to an HIV cure

Researchers have found no rebound of HIV in two patients who stopped taking their medication after receiving stem cell transplants, providing crucial insights into the potential mechanisms of cure. The transplanted donor cells had a gene defect that made it difficult for HIV to infect cells, offering new hope for developing a cure.

Matrix could ensure vital copper supplies

Researchers have identified a matrix of 12 risk categories that consider environmental, social, governance and mineralogical factors affecting the viability and accessibility of complex copper orebodies. The study found that 75% of undeveloped copper orebodies face environmental, social and governance challenges.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateMar 5, 2019

A silver lining like no other

New technology from the University of South Australia uses silver-loaded microneedle patches to create a 24-hour bacteria-free zone around the injection site, reducing infection risk. The dissolvable feature ensures no reuse and eliminates one of the greatest causes of infection.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalChemical Communications·DateMar 5, 2019