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Science News Archive October 2019 - Page 15


Page 15 of 47

Turning plastic trash into treasure

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new catalytic method to upcycle single-use plastics into high-quality liquid products, such as motor oils, lubricants, and cosmetics. This breakthrough improves current recycling methods, producing fewer greenhouse gases and toxic byproducts, while contributing to a circular economy.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalACS Central Science·DateOct 23, 2019

Study examines first use of flavored tobacco products

A nationwide study of over 38,400 participants found a link between using flavored tobacco products for the first time and subsequent continued use. The findings suggest that flavored tobacco products may pose a significant public health risk, particularly among young adults.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 23, 2019

By popular demand

Researchers developed an algorithm to recommend tags for social media posts, resulting in a 20% boost in popularity. The system takes into account user popularity and content emotional impressions to suggest effective tags.

Pathogens from the sea

Researchers identified specialized 'adventurer' cells in Vibrio parahaemolyticus that facilitate its dissemination and prevalence. These cells enable the bacterium to colonize new habitats and spread disease globally.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateOct 23, 2019

Strategies of a honey bee virus

Scientists analyzed the virus' course of action and discovered how it captures host ribosomes using a structured RNA sequence called IRES. This finding advances research into feeding bees RNA molecules that interfere with the virus's RNA, potentially offering a solution to Colony Collapse Disorder.

SourceEMBO·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateOct 23, 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