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Science News for May 28, 2019


New organic flow battery brings decomposing molecules back to life

Researchers have discovered how to rejuvenate organic anthraquinone molecules that decompose over time, extending the lifetime of an organic flow battery by at least a factor of 40. By exposing the molecule to oxygen and avoiding overcharging, the researchers were able to recover up to 70% of lost capacity.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 28, 2019

Release of solar panel dataset helps cities make power grids more safe, reliable

Engineers have released a freely available quality-controlled dataset from 1,287 residential installations across Australia to improve solar forecasting and grid management. The dataset provides six months' worth of measurements from three different cities, allowing for controlled analysis and spatial analysis.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateMay 28, 2019

Finding a cell's true identity

Researchers developed two AI methods that decipher complex gene activity controlling cell fate decisions in retina development, relating this gene activity to other tissues and across different species. The findings provide key insights into human disease and highlight the potential for AI to shed light on cancer treatment.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell Systems·DateMay 28, 2019

When drug treatment for social anxiety is insufficient

A Japanese study found that cognitive therapy maintained its effects more than a year after therapy for patients with social anxiety disorder (SAD) who did not respond to antidepressant drugs. Cognitive therapy helped patients overcome negative thoughts and behaviors, allowing them to enjoy social interactions more.

SourceUniversity of Miyazaki·JournalPsychotherapy and Psychosomatics·DateMay 28, 2019

The message that addiction is a disease makes substance users less likely to seek help

Research at North Carolina State University found that people with substance-use problems are less likely to report wanting effective therapies if they read a message describing addiction as a disease. In contrast, those who received a growth mindset message reported stronger intentions to seek counseling or cognitive-behavioral therapy.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Social and Clinical Psychology·DateMay 28, 2019

Threatened beetles benefit from forest thinning

A new study from the University of Gothenburg found that forest thinning can benefit threatened wood-living beetles, with an increase of over one-third in species numbers. The research, part of the Swedish Oak Project, compared two management alternatives and showed that conservation thinning had a positive effect on these insects.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalBiodiversity and Conservation·DateMay 28, 2019

Studying the evolution of oceans -- grant

Frank O. Aylward's three-year grant will focus on computational genomics to understand evolutionary trends in prokaryotes and their roles in biogeochemical processes. The research aims to predict how microbes might respond to climate change and ocean acidification.

Medicare spending higher among older adults with disabilities who lack adequate support

A new study found that Medicare spending is higher for older adults with disabilities who experience negative consequences such as going without eating or bathing due to lack of help. The study emphasizes the importance of non-medical care and supports for community-living older adults with disabilities.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 28, 2019

Ultra-cold lithium atoms shedding light on superfluid formation

A recent study resolves a long-standing debate about what happens at the microscopic level when matter transitions into a superconducting or superfluid state. Correlations between pairs of atoms in an ultra-cold gas were found to grow suddenly as the system was cooled below the superfluid transition temperature.

GWAS identifies new risk loci for harmful alcohol use

A genome-wide association study has identified five new genetic risk loci for harmful alcohol use, confirming one previously identified locus. The study provides insight into the role of genetics in this behavior and highlights the importance of habitual alcohol use on various health and behavioral traits.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMay 28, 2019

Jumping drops get boost from gravity

Using superhydrophobic surfaces and vertical condensers, the team found that combining surface tension and gravity increases condenser efficiency. This method sheds moisture more efficiently than relying solely on jumping droplets or gravity, benefiting power plants and other heat exchange systems.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJoule·DateMay 28, 2019

Centuries-old drawings lead to better understanding of fan-shaped auroras

Researchers have confirmed the accuracy of older depictions of fan-shaped auroras using centuries-old drawings and modern spectral image data. The team also gained insight into how these rare phenomena appear in the sky and to the human eye. Next, they plan to simulate the effects of space weather on outer atmospheres during fan-shaped...

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalJournal of Space Weather and Space Climate·DateMay 28, 2019

Avalanche victims: When can rewarming lead to survival?

An international study by Eurac Research has established benchmarks for assessing avalanche victim survival using core temperature and serum potassium levels. The study found that rewarming only results in survival in a small proportion of cases, but provides doctors with reliable indicators to make informed treatment decisions.

SourceEurac Research·JournalResuscitation·DateMay 28, 2019

How stress leads to Facebook addiction

A study by Ruhr-University Bochum found that daily stress levels are positively correlated with Facebook engagement and addiction risk. Users who receive little offline social support are most at risk of developing a pathological dependence on the platform.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPsychiatry Research·DateMay 28, 2019

The discovery of acoustic spin

Researchers observe acoustic spin in airborne sound waves, leading to new physics and applications for emerging topics in fundamental physics and acoustics. The discovery enables the control of particle rotation with torque and holds promise for acoustic communication.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMay 28, 2019

Thai dinosaur is a cousin of T. rex

Scientists at the University of Bonn have identified two new dinosaur species in Thailand, both distant relatives of T. rex. The creatures were efficient predators with a more primitive structure than their tyrannosaur cousin.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalActa Palaeontologica Polonica·DateMay 28, 2019

You're having a heart attack; why not ask for help?

A study of 326 patients with acute myocardial infarction found that a perceived inability to act and inaccurate symptom appraisal were common factors contributing to delayed care-seeking. These patients often reported feelings of paralysis, fear, or anxiety, which can be addressed through education and awareness campaigns.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing·DateMay 28, 2019

Lifting the lid on bladder cancer support

A new urology care model developed by Flinders University focuses on supporting bladder cancer patients' partners and family, addressing their daily impacts and needs. Health professionals can capitalize on this by providing clear information, counseling, and support to manage the shock, fear, and treatment of bladder cancer.

SourceFlinders University·JournalCancer Nursing·DateMay 28, 2019

Researchers find 28% of 35- to 50-year-old men studied are at-risk for osteoporosis

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that 28% of men and 26% of women between 35 and 50 years old have osteopenia, a precursor to osteoporosis. This finding suggests that middle-aged adults can benefit from bone health assessments to understand their risk of osteoporosis.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateMay 28, 2019

Scientists revisit the cold case of cold fusion

A team of scientists from top universities and Google is investigating cold fusion, a type of benign nuclear reaction that could offer an attractive option for decarbonizing the global energy system. The research collaboration has produced promising new insights into metal-hydrogen interactions and has not yet found evidence of the phe...

Severe air pollution can cause birth defects, deaths

A Texas A&M University study found that particulate matter in the atmosphere can cause birth defects, fatalities, and damage to organs in adult rats. High levels of fine particulate matter were detected in Asia, Houston, and Los Angeles, posing a significant health risk to millions worldwide.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 28, 2019

Using the past to unravel the future for Arctic wetlands

Researchers reconstructed past moisture conditions and vegetation histories to understand how Arctic wetlands have responded to warming temperatures over the last century. The study found that under certain conditions, Arctic wetlands may transition into peatlands, creating new natural carbon storage systems.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 28, 2019