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Science News Archive November 2020 - Page 39


Page 39 of 43

Hydrogen bonds may be key to airborne dicamba

Washington University researchers found that hydrogen bonding functional groups on amines play a key role in controlling dicamba volatility. The team's study suggests that amines with more hydrogen bonding sites decrease dicamba's ability to become airborne, potentially leading to improved formulations and reduced crop damage.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 4, 2020

3D print experts discover how to make tomorrow's technology using ink-jet printed graphene

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have successfully used inkjet printing to create novel electronic devices with useful properties. The study shows that combining advanced manufacturing techniques with quantum wave modeling enables the creation of customized structures with promising applications for optoelectronic devices, w...

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateNov 4, 2020

New multicomponent reaction frontiers

A team of researchers from the University of Barcelona has developed a new protocol combining multicomponent reactions with domino type processes to synthesize complex molecules. The study reveals a key principle that enables access to high structural complexity, offering a more efficient and sustainable synthetic pathway.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 4, 2020

Seabirds' response to abrupt climate change transformed sub-Antarctic island ecosystems

A new study found that seabirds' arrival in the Falkland Islands 5,000 years ago transformed the ecosystem through nutrient deposition, enriching the soil and driving changes in plant community structure. The research highlights the critical link between terrestrial-marine ecosystems and emphasizes the need for long-term monitoring to ...

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 4, 2020

New technique extends next-generation lithium metal batteries

Researchers at Columbia University discovered that adding potassium ions to conventional lithium battery electrolytes prevents lithium microstructure proliferation, ultimately limiting the growth of dendrites that can cause short-circuiting and fires. This breakthrough enables stable lithium metal batteries with improved performance.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateNov 4, 2020

Sea-level rise will have complex consequences

A new study examines 12,000 years of sea-level rise and finds that changes in land area and human cultures happened at variable rates, out of step with the prevailing rate of sea-level rise. Researchers warn that future sea-level rise will not always be simple and that human responses will be equally localized.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 4, 2020

Safety of HPV vaccines in males

New analysis shows HPV vaccines are safe for males, with similar side effects to females. The study evaluated reports of adverse events from the U.S. Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System between 2006 and 2018.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateNov 4, 2020

Tricking fake news detectors with malicious user comments

A new study from Penn State reveals how fake news detectors can be manipulated through user comments, allowing adversaries to influence the detector's assessment of a story. The researchers developed a framework called Malcom to generate and optimize malicious comments that fool leading fake news detectors over 93% of the time.

Hormone differences

A University of Delaware researcher studies the impact of birth experiences on hormone development, finding that C-sections disrupt natural hormonal signals. He proposes investigating potential interventions to promote healthier outcomes, such as reintroducing missing microbes or hormones in children born via cesarean.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalJournal of Endocrinology·DateNov 4, 2020

DNA in seawater can reveal fish diversity in the deep ocean

A new study demonstrates the effectiveness of eDNA metabarcoding for detecting deep-sea fish, revealing 11 fish families, 11 genera, and 8 species. This method provides broader coverage of fish diversity and uses significantly less logistical effort than conventional methods.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 4, 2020

The dangers of collecting drinking water

A new international study reveals that collecting drinking water can cause serious injury, with 13% of respondents reporting an injury while fetching water. Women are twice as likely to be hurt as men, highlighting the social and gender inequities of this hidden global health challenge.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalBMJ Global Health·DateNov 4, 2020