Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive April 2020 - Page 6


Page 6 of 37

BIM & Lean Construction well-established in major firms but lacking within industry's SMEs

Research at the University of Huddersfield warns that smaller construction firms are missing out on cutting-edge techniques like BIM and Lean Construction, which can improve efficiency and productivity. The study found that SMEs are not adopting these practices, despite their potential to transform the industry.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalCanadian Journal of Civil Engineering·DateApr 28, 2020

Study reveals pharmacy-level barriers to treatment for opioid use disorder in Appalachian Kentucky

A new study found that pharmacies in Appalachian Kentucky are limiting buprenorphine dispensing due to concerns about DEA caps, distrust of pharmaceutical companies, and stigma against people who use drugs. This limits access to effective treatment for opioid use disorder, which affects fewer than two in ten individuals.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalInternational Journal of Drug Policy·DateApr 28, 2020

Simulating borehole ballooning helps ensure safe drilling of deep-water oil, gas

A device that simulates borehole ballooning has been developed to help prevent serious drilling accidents and irreversible damage. The device can accurately simulate conditions like fracture opening pressures, rock types, and mud circulation pressures, and its experimental results have validated theoretical research on the topic.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateApr 28, 2020

Polymer membranes could benefit from taking a dip

A team of researchers from Argonne National Laboratory has developed a simple pretreatment step that enables membranes to be enhanced using atomic layer deposition (ALD). The method involves dipping membranes in tannic acid, which provides nucleation sites for ALD coatings. This technique now opens up new possibilities for improving me...

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateApr 28, 2020

Arctic wildlife uses extreme method to save energy

Researchers at Lund University discovered a unique energy-saving strategy used by Arctic birds during the polar night, involving weakening their immune system. This adaptation allows them to conserve energy on keeping warm and finding food, but may pose risks when climate change alters migratory patterns and disease transmission.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateApr 28, 2020

Foot feathering in domesticated breeds of pigeons and chickens use same gene regulatory networks

Researchers found that regulatory mutations in TBX5 and PITX1 genes cause foot feathering in both domesticated breeds of chickens and pigeons. This study demonstrates a remarkable convergence in the evolution of this trait across species, suggesting that favored mutations have been spread through strong phenotypic selection.

Mobile telehealth system in China facilitates clinical communication during COVID-19

A mobile telehealth system in China has been successfully implemented to facilitate clinical communication among healthcare providers and patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. The system allows for secure sharing of patient information, overcoming a significant challenge faced by hospitals treating isolated patients.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalTelemedicine and e-Health·DateApr 28, 2020

How mistakes help us recognize things

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt found that mistakes in short-term memory, such as misperceiving the motion direction of dots, contribute to our ability to recognize and integrate visual information over time. This 'blurring' of perception helps us perceive a stable environment despite constant changes.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 28, 2020

Study indicates artificial intelligence could help stem tide of school violence

Researchers developed an AI system that analyzes linguistic patterns to predict a youth's risk for committing acts of school violence. The system matches the clinical judgements and accuracy of psychiatrists 94 percent of the time, demonstrating its potential to help address youth violence at schools.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalInternational Journal of Medical Informatics·DateApr 28, 2020

Study of nearly 10,000 women explores feasibility and safety of multi-cancer blood test

Researchers developed a multi-cancer blood test that detected some cancers, including ovarian cancers, and successfully screened for non-cancer causes before diagnostic tests. The test showed promise as a minimally invasive option to increase cancer detection rates in populations already following standard screening approaches.

COVID-19 in US prisons, jails

The US prison and jail system faces significant challenges in preventing COVID-19 transmission, according to a new study. The authors emphasize the need for effective policies and programs to minimize the spread of the virus.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateApr 28, 2020

Experimental Biology press materials available now

Recent research studies published in The FASEB Journal cover topics such as the effects of vaping on lung tissue repair, potential treatments for arthritis and indigestion, and insights into why loud noise is bad for health. Other areas of focus include the discovery of new eco-friendly light sources, improved methods for growing plant...

SourceExperimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateApr 27, 2020