Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive February 2020 - Page 34


Page 34 of 40

High-precision imaging revealed what holds on the smallest light responsive gold chain

Chemists at the University of Jyväskylä Finland and University of California succeeded in determining the atomic precise structure of a chain of gold nanoclusters. The study reveals the disulfide-bridging bond between the bound nanoclusters, advancing our understanding of the optical and electronic response of these systems.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateFeb 5, 2020

Roll up

Researchers successfully grow crystals of various materials onto the surface of carbon nanotubes, paving the way for unique properties in 1D vdWs. This breakthrough enables potential applications in flexible electronics, lasers, solar energy conversion, and more.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience·DateFeb 5, 2020

Breaking up amino acids with radiation

Researchers break down amino acid glutamine when bombarded with different doses of electrons. This process has implications for understanding the effect of ionising radiation on human cells and improving cancer radiotherapy.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateFeb 5, 2020

Paternal involvement might improve health of mom, infant

A study by Northwestern Medicine and CDC found that unmarried mothers with paternal involvement are more likely to breastfeed and engage in protective health behaviors. This is compared to married mothers who also experience benefits from their partner's presence, suggesting a positive impact of fatherhood on maternal health.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPublic Health Reports·DateFeb 5, 2020

Targeting the cancer microenvironment

A new biochemical switch involved in M2 macrophage polarization and proliferation has been identified, which can be targeted to inhibit cancer growth. The discovery was made by a research team from the University of Vienna and could lead to novel therapies against systemic diseases and cancer.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 5, 2020

New droplet-based electricity generator: A drop of water generates 140V power, lighting up 100 LED bulbs

A research team has developed a droplet-based electricity generator that can produce 140V power from a single drop of water. The device features a field-effect transistor-like structure and achieves high energy-conversion efficiency and instantaneous power density, making it an innovative solution for sustainable energy generation.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature·DateFeb 5, 2020

Fastest high-precision 3D printer

Scientists at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have developed a system to print highly precise, centimeter-sized objects with submicrometer details at an unmatched speed. The new 3D printer produces speeds of about 10 million voxels per second, corresponding to the speed reached by graphical 2D inkjet printers.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateFeb 5, 2020

New understanding of childhood immune systems may improve vaccine efficacy

A new study by Swiss TPH and partners found that age, location, and anaemia status significantly impact childhood immune system development. The research suggests that considering these factors can improve the efficacy of childhood vaccinations, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where anaemia is prevalent.

SourceSwiss Tropical and Public Health Institute·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2020

Medical marijuana laws may affect workers' compensation claims

New research shows that US states with medical marijuana laws have seen a decline in workers' compensation claims due to improved symptom management. The modest reductions suggest expanded access to medical marijuana may also boost work capacity and reduce reliance on social insurance programs.

SourceWiley·JournalHealth Economics·DateFeb 5, 2020

Can ionic liquids transform chemistry?

Researchers are exploring the use of ionic liquids as a more sustainable and efficient way to produce industrial materials like fibers and fuels. The unique properties of these molten salts make them an attractive alternative to traditional solvents, with potential applications in chemical synthesis, biomass refining, and energy storage.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateFeb 5, 2020

The shape of water: What water molecules look like on the surface of materials

Researchers used persistent homology and molecular dynamics simulations to study water molecules on graphene surfaces. They found that water molecules form stable polygonal shapes, which evolve into 3D tetrahedral structures after three layers are added. This discovery provides insights into the transition between surface and free water.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJapanese Journal of Applied Physics·DateFeb 5, 2020

What's your brand?

Researchers at the University of Tokyo developed an algorithm that combines statistical modeling techniques with machine learning-based image recognition to analyze social media data. The algorithm predicts consumer purchases and allows brands to identify potential customers.

Social media content matters for job candidates, researchers find

Researchers found that hiring managers perceive candidates with self-absorbed or overly opinionated social media profiles as less suitable for employment. The study also discovered that content suggesting drug or alcohol use has a smaller impact on perceptions of employment suitability.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Selection and Assessment·DateFeb 5, 2020

Unveiling how lymph nodes regulate immune response

Scientists uncover how lymph nodes' development is controlled by the Hippo pathway, shedding light on their role in regulating immune responses. The research found that impaired Hippo signaling can lead to fibrosis or transformation of fat cells, highlighting potential therapeutic targets for diseases affecting systemic immunity.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 5, 2020

Finding genetic cancer risks

Researchers identified germline mutations in the MBD4 gene as a driver of somatic mutations in cancer genomes, accelerating the clock-like mutational process. This discovery has significant implications for understanding cancer development and may lead to personalized screening and early intervention strategies.