Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for May 10, 2019


Army discovery opens path to safer batteries

Researchers have identified a new cathode chemistry that increases the energy density of lithium-ion batteries while maintaining improved safety. The discovery, which utilizes an aqueous electrolyte, has the potential to significantly increase the energy capacity of batteries without increasing weight or risk of fire.

Comparison of global climatologies confirms warming of the global ocean

A new ocean climatology reveals the global ocean is warming due to changes in atmospheric conditions, with temperatures increasing by 0.05°C over the past 25 years. The study provides valuable background information for various applications and highlights the importance of periodic updates to ocean climatologies.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateMay 10, 2019

A cup of joe and you're good to go!

Research from the University of South Australia finds that drinking six or more coffees a day can be detrimental to cardiovascular health, increasing the risk of heart disease. The study suggests that limiting coffee consumption to fewer than six cups a day is essential for maintaining a healthy heart and blood pressure.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMay 10, 2019

Nanotubes enable travel of Huntington's protein

Scientists at Scripps Research have discovered that the Rhes protein creates tunnel-like nanotubes that enable the toxic Huntington's protein to travel between neurons, contributing to brain cell destruction and disease progression. This finding improves understanding of how Huntington's disease attacks certain brain cells.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateMay 10, 2019

Study finds Wi-Fi location affects online privacy behavior

A study found that Wi-Fi location influences online privacy behavior, with people in public spaces like coffee shops being more cautious when using public Wi-Fi. Participants who had a stronger 'publicness heuristic' tendency disclosed less information and engaged in fewer unethical behaviors when connected to public networks.

Receiving weekend food improves school attendance among children living with hunger

A new study found that children participating in the BackPack food program missed fewer absences on Fridays than non-participants. The researchers also discovered that families struggling with multiple demands and limited resources often face food insecurity, which may be associated with poverty but is not equivalent to it.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition·DateMay 10, 2019

UT Institute of Agriculture awarded nearly $1 million to study woody biomass feedstock logistics

A team at UTIA will determine key parameters for efficient logistics systems using innovative approaches, including evaluating alternative preprocessing technologies and modeling techno-economic analyses. The study aims to expedite commercialized cellulosic biofuel production by balancing cost and quality in feedstock logistics.

A new system for treating type 1 diabetes mellitus

Researchers at the UPV/EHU-CIBER BBN have developed a new system for treating type 1 diabetes mellitus that reduces the technical problems associated with microencapsulating pancreatic islets. The innovative approach uses magnetic nanoparticles and a microfluidic chip to separate empty microcapsules from purified islets, resulting in a...

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalInternational Journal of Pharmaceutics·DateMay 10, 2019

Our history in the stars

Researchers mapped aluminum monoxide around a distant young star, clarifying details about our solar system's formation. The findings suggest that AlO gas rapidly condenses into solid grains, similar to calcium and aluminum-rich inclusions found in asteroids.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 10, 2019

Tech-savvy people more likely to trust digital doctors

Researchers found that tech-savvy people are more accepting of digital healthcare services, particularly when they have a strong belief in machine abilities and high levels of expertise. This suggests that designing interfaces to appeal to expert users can increase the adoption of automated healthcare providers.

Computing faster with quasi-particles

Scientists from the University of Würzburg and Harvard University successfully created quasi-particles called Majorana fermions in a two-dimensional system, paving the way for topological quantum computers. This breakthrough enables more powerful and efficient computing capabilities.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature·DateMay 10, 2019

Treatment to restore natural heartbeat could be on the horizon for heart failure

Researchers compared two cardiac resynchronization therapies in a pilot study, finding comparable rates of response between His bundle pacing and biventricular pacing. The study suggests that His bundle pacing may be a viable alternative for treating heart failure patients with electrical disturbances.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 10, 2019