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Science News Archive October 2019 - Page 33


Page 33 of 47

New electrolyte stops rapid performance decline of next-generation lithium battery

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a new electrolyte mixture and additive that can stabilize silicon anodes during cycling, improving long-term cycling and calendar life. The new electrolyte mixtures, called MESA, show increased surface and bulk stabilities, outperforming comparable cells with graphite chemistry.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 10, 2019

System can minimize damage when self-driving vehicles crash

A new decision-making and motion-planning technology has been developed to limit injuries and damage when self-driving vehicles are involved in unavoidable crashes. The system considers various factors such as relative speeds, angles of collision, and differences in mass and vehicle type to determine the best possible manoeuvre.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalIEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems·DateOct 10, 2019

Plant death may reveal genetic mechanisms underlying cell self-destruction

Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology discovered that hybrid plant cells induce programmed cell death due to protein aggregate accumulation. The study used imaging tools and a chemical chaperone to halt the process, paving the way for genetic improvement techniques to enhance crop varieties' disease resistance a...

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 10, 2019

Firearm-related eye injuries to patients under 21

Between 2008 and 2014, approximately 1,972 firearm-related eye injuries occurred in patients under 21, mostly sight-threatening and associated with severe trauma. Black patients were more likely to be injured in assaults, while white patients had a higher rate of self-inflicted firearm-related injuries.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateOct 10, 2019

Changes in driver shifts and pick-up choices for food delivery services can boost profits

New research published in INFORMS journal Transportation Science reveals that optimizing delivery driver shifts can reduce pick-up time by up to 50%, while choosing restaurants closer to the drop-off location can reduce delivery time by 17%. Additionally, order bundling has a limited cost improvement of less than half a percent.

HKU-led study on language speed and efficiency

A recent study led by the University of Hong Kong found that all 17 languages analysed convey information at similar rates, with an average rate of 39 bits per second. This challenges traditional notions of language efficiency and suggests that all human beings share universal cognitive capacities in their language abilities.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 10, 2019

Improving neural implants

A biomimetic coating developed by Xinyan Tracy Cui improves the performance of microelectrode arrays, reducing inflammation and increasing recording quality and longevity. The coating is made of a brain-derived neural adhesion molecule and has proven efficacy in establishing a healthy electrode-neuron interface.

Study finds public support for health care providers talking about gun safety

A study by UC Davis researcher Rocco Pallin found that most Californians support healthcare providers talking about gun safety in exam rooms when there is a risk of firearm-related harm. The study suggests that patients may find these conversations most appropriate when specific risks are elevated, and providers should take a risk-base...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateOct 10, 2019

NSF award supports effort to engage underrepresented island students in marine science

The NSF INCLUDES: SEAS Island Alliance aims to enhance U.S. leadership in discoveries and innovations by focusing on diversity, inclusion, and broadening participation in STEM at scale. The program will connect individuals across islands and partner institutions, providing expertise and mentors through the creation of new island networks.

Researchers find multiple effects on soil from manure from cows administered antibiotics

A new study by Colorado State University researchers found that exposure to manure from cows administered antibiotics alters the soil microbiome and ecosystem functions, reduces soil carbon storage, and changes how plants allocate carbon below ground. The findings suggest that widespread use of antibiotics in livestock production has s...

SourceColorado State University·JournalEcology Letters·DateOct 9, 2019

Vaccine against RSV could be in sight, researchers say

Researchers at Ohio State University have made a significant discovery in developing an RSV vaccine, targeting an epigenetic modification that can tame the virus and prompt a robust immune response. The study's findings could lead to a more effective and affordable vaccine that saves tens of thousands of lives annually.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 9, 2019

American Journal of Roentgenology reviews vaping-associated lung injury findings

The American Journal of Roentgenology review article details common imaging manifestations of vaping-associated lung injury, including hypersensitivity pneumonitis, diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, and organizing pneumonia. The article emphasizes the importance of recognizing these patterns in radiologists to prompt clinical teams to ask a...

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateOct 9, 2019

Predicting the impact of climate change on bridge safety

A novel approach developed by Lehigh University researchers combines four steps: climatology, hydrology, structural engineering, and risk assessment to predict the impact of climate change on bridges. The model reveals that a 20-year flood may become a 13-year flood at the end of the century, nearly doubling the frequency of flooding.

BTI researchers unlocking hornworts' secrets

Researchers are developing robust gene transfer and editing technologies to study the unique biology of hornworts, which could lead to breakthroughs in plant evolution, crop yields, and environmental sustainability. The ultimate goal is to engineer symbiotic nitrogen fixation into crop plants, reducing fertilizer use and pollution.