Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2021 - Page 480


Page 480 of 510

Adding or subtracting single quanta of sound

Researchers perform an experiment that adds or subtracts a single phonon to a high-frequency sound field using laser light interactions. The team's findings show that subtracting a single phonon increases the average number of quanta, defying intuition. This result opens a new path for quantum science and technology with sound waves.

SourceImperial College London·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 25, 2021

Nanomedicine's 'crown' is ready for its close up

Researchers have developed a unique combination of microscopy techniques to study the biological effects of nanoparticles and their interaction with human plasma. This approach allows for an unprecedented view of the nanoparticle's 'corona', also known as its biological 'crown', which contains clues about how nanoparticles interact wit...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 25, 2021

Better bundled: new principle for generating X-rays

Researchers at the University of Göttingen have created a novel approach for generating X-rays by utilizing a thin layer structure with varying electron densities. This 'sandwich structure' enables focused X-ray beams to be directed in a specific direction, overcoming the challenges of traditional X-ray tube methods.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 25, 2021

What's in a name? A new class of superconductors

Physicists Qimiao Si and Emilian Nica propose a new theory that explains how electrons form pairs in unconventional superconductors. Their work reveals a general phenomenon called multiorbital singlet pairing, which is crucial for understanding the behavior of iron-based and heavy-fermion materials.

SourceRice University·Journalnpj Quantum Materials·DateJan 25, 2021

Dairy calves benefit from higher-protein starter feed, Illinois study says

A new University of Illinois study found that dairy calves fed with high-protein starter feed had less fat in their body weight gain and more protein devoted to the development of the gastrointestinal system. Producers can improve calf health and productivity by feeding higher-protein starters.

Charged up: revolutionizing rechargeable sodium-ion batteries with 'doped' carbon anodes

Researchers at Korea Maritime and Ocean University developed a new anode material for sodium-ion batteries by doping carbon with different atoms, improving electrochemical performance and reversible capacity. The findings have significant implications for the engineering of sustainable, inexpensive, high-performance batteries.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalJournal of Power Sources·DateJan 25, 2021

Special Issue, Volume 10 ofInter Faculty- Resonance

This special issue of Inter Faculty journal examines how the pandemic has reshaped society, highlighting key findings on resilience, solidarity, and care. Researchers from diverse fields discuss how the Anthropocene era is transforming human relations and society's relationship with nature.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalInternational Academic Journal Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management·DateJan 25, 2021

Older minority cancer patients have worse surgery outcomes than similar white patients

A new study reveals that older minority cancer patients with poor social determinants experience negative surgical outcomes, including higher complication rates and mortality. Researchers suggest integrating vulnerability assessments into national standard of care models to improve outcomes.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJan 25, 2021

Association of smoking with COVID-19 outcomes

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that smoking is an independent risk factor for severe COVID-19 outcomes. The results suggest that cumulative exposure to cigarette smoke increases the risk of hospital admission and death from COVID-19.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJan 25, 2021

Photocatalytic reaction in the shadow

Researchers developed an illumination-reaction decoupled n-Si MIS photocathode that surmounts challenges impeding p-Si MIS photocathode development. The new design utilizes majority carriers to drive the surface reduction reaction, avoiding light-shielding problems and enabling higher efficiency.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJan 25, 2021

Anti-freeze for cell membranes

Researchers have identified a new protein that regulates fluidity in moss cell membranes, allowing them to withstand cold temperatures. This discovery shows convergence in plant evolution, with mosses and flowering plants using similar mechanisms to protect themselves from cold and pathogens.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Plants·DateJan 25, 2021

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

The American College of Physicians and Annals of Internal Medicine hosted a third virtual COVID-19 vaccine forum, discussing the allocation and distribution of available vaccines. Researchers also published an observational study finding that early therapeutic anticoagulation in critically ill patients with COVID-19 did not affect surv...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 25, 2021

Aircraft could cut emissions by better surfing the wind

Researchers found that commercial flights between New York and London last winter could have used up to 16% less fuel by harnessing favorable winds. The study, published in Environmental Research Letters, analyzed 35,000 flights and suggests that simple tweaks to flight paths can offer benefits immediately.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJan 25, 2021

Afternoon napping linked to better mental agility

Research suggests that regular afternoon napping may be associated with better mental agility, including improved locational awareness, verbal fluency, and working memory. The study found significant differences in cognitive performance scores among nap-takers compared to non-nappers.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalGeneral Psychiatry·DateJan 25, 2021

Energetic costs of human-induced risk in pumas

Pumas in California experienced significant energetic costs when navigating physically difficult terrain or high-risk human disturbance areas, resulting in reduced space use. This study found that male pumas were particularly affected, with a 68% decrease in daily distance traveled and total area traversed over two months.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 25, 2021