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Science News for October 22, 2019


$2.3 million DOE grant to advance ethanol fuel research

Researchers at Purdue University have developed predictive analytical models to simplify the design and construction of biorefineries, enabling robust operation and minimizing downtime due to plugging problems. The models address machinery and operating conditions, reducing reliance on chemical agents in ethanol fuel production.

Women less likely to receive Canadian federal research funding

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that women are significantly less likely to receive Canadian federal research funding than men, with a risk ratio of 0.89 for grant awards and 0.75 for personnel awards. The disparity was observed across various research content areas, with some exceptions, such as Aboriginal People's Health...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 22, 2019

Promising lessons learned from PROMISE

The PROMISE program demonstrates the importance of family engagement, early work experiences, and targeted case management services in improving employment outcomes for youth with disabilities. The six-year experiment showed that evidence-based employment services delivered through coordinated case management are significant predictors...

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Vocational Rehabilitation·DateOct 22, 2019

Optoacoustic imaging shows potential for noninvasive diagnostics for thyroid disorders

Researchers developed a novel noninvasive imaging technique using multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) and ultrasound to diagnose thyroid disorders. MSOT/ultrasound images revealed significant biomarker changes in Graves' disease and malignant thyroid nodules, showing promise for improved diagnostics.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateOct 22, 2019

Lead isotopes a new tool for tracking coal ash

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new forensic tracer that uses lead isotopes to detect coal fly ash in dust and other solids. The tracer can distinguish between the chemical signature of lead from coal ash and lead from other sources, providing a powerful tool for tracking exposure risks near coal ash ponds and landfills.

SourceDuke University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateOct 22, 2019

Biological material boosts solar cell performance

Researchers at Penn State have successfully increased the efficiency of perovskite solar cells by adding the protein bacteriorhodopsin, boosting it from 14.5% to 17%. This breakthrough could lead to more environmentally friendly and cost-effective bioperovskite solar cell technology.

SourcePenn State·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 22, 2019

Fragmented magnetism

A team of researchers from Boston College, MIT, and UC Santa Barbara has discovered an elusive atomic-scale magnetic signal in a Mott insulator material as it undergoes a transition from insulator to metal. The study uses spin-polarizing scanning tunneling microscopy to detail the underlying physics at the atomic level.

SourceBoston College·JournalNature Physics·DateOct 22, 2019

Research worth 'bragging' about

Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a comprehensive system to classify arrogance across three levels: individual, comparative, and antagonistic. This framework provides an analytical perspective on arrogance, which could inform psychological research and applications in various relationships.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalReview of General Psychology·DateOct 22, 2019

Antiquated dams hold key to water quality

Researchers investigating the effects of dam removal on water quality and nutrient processing in streams and rivers. Removing antiquated dams may harm or help water quality depending on the scenario. The study aims to identify hotspots of nitrogen processing and develop a new model for stream and riparian processes.

New flame retardants, old problems

A study published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters found that new organophosphate flame retardants have been associated with lower IQ in children and reproductive problems. These chemicals are also being carried by wind and water far from their origin, polluting areas worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateOct 22, 2019

Advances in precision oral health research proceedings published in Advances in Dental Research

The paper presents advances in precision oral health research, including genomics, data science and biotechnology. The symposium highlighted the importance of personalized oral care and the need for research to fill gaps in understanding the factors that underlie health and disease.

New species take longer to arise in the Amazon

A new study published in PLOS Biology reveals that it takes about 3 million years for aggression levels to decline when males are exposed to songs from distant populations in Amazonia. In contrast, temperate North America species exhibit a quicker response time of around half a million years.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 22, 2019

Rethinking the role of technology in the classroom

A new study by Annahita Ball found that adding tablets and home Wi-Fi to students in an urban New York State school district did not increase academic motivation. Instead, it pointed to the need for schools to focus on interpersonal aspects of learning and family engagement to support student motivation.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalChildren & Schools·DateOct 22, 2019

New treatment may reverse celiac disease

A new phase 2 clinical trial shows that technology can induce immune tolerance to gluten in individuals with celiac disease, reducing inflammation and protecting the small intestine. The treatment, called CNP-101, is a biodegradable nanoparticle containing gluten that convinces the immune system it's safe.

Rice study assesses college leadership training programs

A new study from Rice University found that college leadership training programs teach students about leadership, but additional measures are needed to evaluate their impact on real-life leadership skills. The analysis suggests a 19% increase in knowledge and better leadership outcomes for program participants.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Leadership Quarterly·DateOct 22, 2019

Loosen up!

A study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that exercise can reduce artery stiffness associated with heart failure. Regardless of intensity level or duration, any type of physical activity was beneficial for heart health compared to no exercise at all.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateOct 22, 2019

A 'shocking' new way to treat infections

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a novel electrochemical therapy to treat metal-based implant infections, which are a persistent problem with five to 10 percent failure rates. The new approach damages the microbe cell membrane, increasing susceptibility to antibiotics and eradicating drug-resistant cells.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 22, 2019

When a freestanding emergency department comes to town, costs go up

A new study by Rice University experts found that freestanding emergency departments increased average emergency department spending by 3.6% per insured beneficiary in Texas, Florida, and North Carolina. In contrast, entry of a freestanding emergency department resulted in higher out-of-pocket payments for emergency care in three states.

SourceRice University·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateOct 22, 2019