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Science News Archive October 2019 - Page 16


Page 16 of 47

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.