Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive February 2020 - Page 14


Page 14 of 40

An optimized structure of memristive device for neuromorphic computing systems implemented

Lobachevsky University scientists create a new variant of the metal-oxide memristive device that holds promise for use in RRAM and novel computing systems, including neuromorphic ones. The optimized structure stabilizes resistive switching between nonlinear resistive states, enabling robust switching and low variation of resistive states.

SourceLobachevsky University·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateFeb 19, 2020

Diabetes patients who use online tools manage disease better

A Kaiser Permanente study found that diabetes patients who used the patient portal and mobile phone app showed significant improvements in health outcomes. The use of these online tools was associated with increased medication adherence and lower blood glucose levels, particularly among patients with higher baseline HbA1c levels.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 19, 2020

A new model of the worm C. elegans to progress in the study of a rare disease

A new model of chromosome X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy in C. elegans has been identified, accelerating research on the disease and its potential pharmacological targets. The model points to glial cells as responsible for neurological damage, with oxidative stress caused by mitochondria being a major cause.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalFree Radical Biology and Medicine·DateFeb 19, 2020

Time-resolved measurement in a memory device

The study achieved time-resolved measurement of a single magnetic memory event using a tunnel junction, revealing two stages: incubation and actual reversal. The researchers developed a strategy to minimize time fluctuations, reducing the total time for the reversal event to less than 0.3 nanoseconds.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateFeb 19, 2020

Improving assessments of an endangered lion population in India

A new study provides alternative method for monitoring endangered lions, estimating an overall density of 8.53 lions per 100 square kilometers. The researchers found that prey density does not influence variations in lion density within the study site, and baiting lions for tourism perturbs their natural density patterns.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 19, 2020

Scientists develop open-source software to analyze economics of biofuels, bioproducts

A new open-source simulation software package in Python allows researchers to quickly compare and prioritize strategies for converting biomass to fuels and products. BioSTEAM provides a fast, flexible tool to analyze the economic and environmental implications of biorefineries.

Tart cherry juice concentrate found to help improve endurance exercise performance

A new meta-analysis found that tart cherry concentrate significantly improved endurance exercise performance when consumed for seven days to 1.5 hours before cycling, swimming or running. The study pooled results from 10 previously published studies and concluded that tart cherries improved performance in endurance-trained individuals.

SourceWeber Shandwick Chicago·JournalJournal of the American College of Nutrition·DateFeb 19, 2020

One drug, many diseases

Researchers are working on developing drugs that inhibit the function of NLRP3, an inflammatory protein involved in various diseases such as atherosclerosis, cancer, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and arthritis. Several NLRP3 inhibitors are currently in preclinical trials with varying mechanisms.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateFeb 19, 2020

Grabbing atoms

Researchers at the University of Otago have successfully trapped and cooled three individual atoms, allowing them to observe previously unseen complex atomic interactions. This breakthrough has significant implications for future quantum technologies, including the potential to build and control single molecules of particular chemicals.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 19, 2020

Freedom of Information legislation: Fit for purpose?

A study by University of Leeds researchers found high levels of non-disclosure due to refusal, partial refusal, or non-response to FOI requests. The current FOI Act is deemed unfit for purpose, with only 24% of requests resulting in full disclosure, and many authorities failing to respond within the statutory 20-day period.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalParliamentary Affairs·DateFeb 19, 2020

A new way to assess male fertility

A new microfluidic chip developed by researchers can quickly identify small differences in sperm chemotactic behavior, providing a more complete picture of male fertility. The device uses a concentration gradient of progesterone to guide sperm towards the egg, offering a pump-free alternative to existing tests.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateFeb 19, 2020

Future soldiers may get improved helmet padding

The U.S. Army Research Laboratory has developed new materials and manufacturing methods to create higher performing helmet padding that reduces the likelihood of head injury. The new padding consists of highly-tuned open-cell lattice structures, demonstrating a 27% increase in energy attenuation efficiency compared to existing foam pads.

Antidote to pain and negativity? Let it be

A new study by Yale researchers found that a brief introduction to mindfulness concepts can significantly reduce physical pain and negative emotions in people. The study's results showed that even when participants were subjected to high heat on their forearm, their brain responded as if it was experiencing normal temperature.

SourceYale University·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateFeb 19, 2020

Right place, right time

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have discovered a control mechanism in the brains of mice that ensures adequate blood flow to areas of heightened neural activity. The study found that arteries actively regulate neurovascular coupling and that the protein Mfsd2a plays a critical role in this process.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateFeb 19, 2020

Green chemistry of fullerene: Scientists invented an environmentally friendly way to realize organic

Researchers developed a novel approach for preparing thin fullerene films from aqueous solutions, reducing environmental risks and making organic electronics more accessible. The method enabled fabrication of organic field-effect transistors with high charge carrier mobility and gas sensors.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry C·DateFeb 19, 2020

Journey to the center of Mars

Scientists Takashi Yoshizaki and Bill McDonough developed a new compositional model for Mars, predicting the depth to its core-mantle boundary at around 1,800 km. The model suggests moderate amounts of sulfur, oxygen, and hydrogen in Mars' core, with the core accounting for only about one-sixth of the planet's mass.

SourceTohoku University·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·DateFeb 19, 2020