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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 496


Page 496 of 512

Blood stem cell research

University of Delaware biomedical engineer Emily Day is developing a platform technology that can transform the treatment of benign and malignant blood disorders. Her research uses nanoparticle carrier systems to target and deliver cargo to blood stem cells, potentially replacing bone marrow transplants.

A new 'cool' blue

Researchers developed a new class of 'cool' blue pigments that are inexpensive, durable, and more environmentally friendly than traditional cobalt blue. The pigments, inspired by the crystalline structure of hibonite, show a range of intense blue colors and reflect near-infrared light.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Omega·DateJan 15, 2020

Toward safer disposal of printed circuit boards

A new method has been developed to remove harmful compounds from waste printed circuit boards. The technique, known as ball-milling, uses a rotating machine to grind up materials and reduce the presence of brominated flame retardants. By breaking down these potentially toxic substances, scientists aim to minimize environmental pollution.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateJan 15, 2020

Faster, cheaper tests for myopia possible

Researchers at Flinders University have developed a new method to measure myopia, using OCT to identify irregularities in the eye's shape. This approach could lead to more effective monitoring and prevention of vision loss, as high myopia is expected to become the leading cause of blindness worldwide by 2050.

SourceFlinders University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 15, 2020

Dating a galaxy crash

A team of researchers used a single star affected by the Milky Way-Gaia-Enceladus collision to determine its age and date the event to approximately 11.5 billion years ago. The study provides insights into the impact of galaxy collisions on their evolution.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJan 15, 2020

Good connections key to startup success

A new study suggests that young startups with strong professional connections are more likely to achieve long-term economic success. The research used a visual network to analyze connections between companies and employees, finding that central positions in the network predicted future success.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 15, 2020

New assessment of gas locked in ice in European waters

A study has mapped several sites in Europe containing gas hydrate, a relatively clean fuel that could play a role as a substitute for coal in the coming decades. Gas hydrate is stored in an ice-like form beneath the seabed, with potential deposits found off Greenland, Svalbard, Norway, Ireland, and the Mediterranean Sea.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalMarine and Petroleum Geology·DateJan 15, 2020

Neandertals went underwater for their tools

Neandertals used clam shells as scrapers and pumice stones as abrading tools, collecting resources from the beach and coastal waters of Italy. The study found that nearly a quarter of the shells had been collected underwater, suggesting Neandertals waded or dived into coastal waters to gather materials.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 15, 2020

Irrigation alleviates hot extremes

A new study finds that irrigation has a significant cooling effect during warm extremes in regions such as Southern Europe, North Africa, and South Asia. This effect partly offsets the warming caused by global greenhouse gas emissions, reducing the likelihood of hot extremes by a factor of 2-8 in some areas.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 15, 2020

Scientists breach brain barriers to attack tumors

Scientists have found a novel method to combat glioblastoma, a deadly brain tumor, by introducing VEGF-C into the cerebrospinal fluid of mice. This approach significantly extended survival rates when combined with immune system checkpoint inhibitors, offering new hope for treatment options.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateJan 15, 2020

How coworkers impact the value of your skills

A recent study by Harvard's Growth Lab analyzed administrative data on Sweden's 9 million inhabitants, finding that workers with complementary coworkers earn high wages and returns on education, comparable to having a college degree. The research offers a tool to assess the right and wrong coworkers in fields of expertise.

SourceHarvard Kennedy School·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 15, 2020

Tennessee review: 2% of providers account for 25% of pediatric antibiotic prescriptions

A study found that in Tennessee, a small percentage of providers account for the majority of pediatric antibiotic prescriptions. The study identified that high prescribers tend to be older and general pediatricians, and researchers are exploring ways to address this issue. The research aims to improve antibiotic stewardship in the state.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateJan 15, 2020

New neutron detector can fit in your pocket

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new semiconductor neutron detector that can absorb thermal neutrons and generate electrical signals. The material is highly efficient, stable, and can be used in small, portable devices for field inspections or large detectors for national security applications.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·DateJan 15, 2020

How zebra finches learn to sing

Researchers analyzed how juvenile male zebra finches learn to sing using a novel framework that revealed multilayered changes in brain wiring. Good songs improve slowly over time, while bad ones change quickly but are often forgotten the next day.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature·DateJan 15, 2020