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Article concludes no reason for laughing gas to be withdrawn from operating theaters

The European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care concludes that there is no clinically relevant evidence to withdraw nitrous oxide from clinical practice or procedural sedation. The debate focuses on the decline of its use over the last 15 years due to new, well-tolerated anaesthetic drugs and modern machines.

SourceThe European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC)·JournalEuropean Journal of Anaesthesiology·DateMay 31, 2015

More is less in novel electronic material

Scientists at Boston College have discovered negative electronic compressibility (NEC) in a three-dimensional material, iridium oxide. Adding electrons to the system effectively shrinks its size, a phenomenon previously only observed in two-dimensional materials.

SourceBoston College·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 27, 2015

Common drug is re-engineered to improve surgery outcomes

A Northwestern University team has re-engineered a common drug to deliver nitric oxide, preventing cellular overgrowth and scarring in blood vessels during and after surgery. This modified protamine sulfate can slowly release nitric oxide, minimizing its negative effects while maintaining its function as an antidote for heparin.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalFree Radical Biology and Medicine·DateApr 7, 2015

Folic acid may help elderly weather heat waves

Researchers found that folic acid supplementation increased nitric oxide production in older blood vessels, improving skin blood flow and reducing cardiovascular risk. This inexpensive alternative to pharmaceutical treatments shows promise for helping older adults cope with environmental heat waves.

SourcePenn State·JournalClinical Science·DateMar 31, 2015

Researchers enable solar cells to use more sunlight

A team of researchers from the University of Luxembourg and TDK has improved a conductive oxide film to increase transparency in the infrared region, enabling solar cells to harness more sunlight. The breakthrough allows for stable films that retain conductivity after exposure to air for over a year.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalProgress in Photovoltaics Research and Applications·DateFeb 25, 2015

Gift-wrapped gas molecules

Researchers have successfully created metal-organic frameworks that can stably store and slowly release nitric oxide, a key player in biological signaling pathways. This breakthrough could lead to new approaches for treating infections and heart conditions, as well as potential applications in medical therapies.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Materials·DateDec 30, 2014

Research aims to improve rechargeable batteries by focusing on graphene oxide paper

The researchers found that sodium storage capacity of paper electrodes depends on the distance between individual layers, which can be tuned by heating it in argon or ammonia gas. They successfully demonstrated a flexible paper composed entirely of graphene oxide sheets that can charge and discharge with sodium-ions for more than 1,000...

SourceKansas State University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry·DateDec 18, 2014

Research links soil mineral surfaces to key atmospheric processes

Research by Indiana University scientists reveals that soil mineral surfaces determine nitrous acid release into the atmosphere, playing a pivotal role in smog formation and greenhouse gas lifetime. This finding could contribute to improved models for understanding and controlling air pollution, a significant public health concern.

SourceIndiana University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 15, 2014

Nanoscale resistors for quantum devices

Researchers have created high-value, compact nanoscale resistors using thin-film chromium oxide, enabling faster development of quantum devices for computing and fundamental physics research. The new resistors can be tuned by controlling oxygen content, making them compatible with quantum phase-slip circuit requirements.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateDec 9, 2014

Laughing gas studied as depression treatment

A pilot study found that two-thirds of patients with treatment-resistant clinical depression experienced an improvement in symptoms after receiving nitrous oxide, compared to one-third who improved with a placebo. The researchers are encouraged by the results and plan to replicate the study and test various concentrations of laughing gas.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateDec 9, 2014

Atmospheric chemistry hinges on better physics model

A new theoretical physics model reveals improved calculations of nitrous oxide photoabsorption, shedding light on its role in stratospheric ozone destruction. This breakthrough improves the accuracy of absorption cross sections and predicts major dissociation pathways.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateOct 6, 2014

Researchers control surface tension to manipulate liquid metals

Scientists from North Carolina State University have developed a method for controlling the surface tension of liquid metals by applying very low voltages. This allows researchers to manipulate the shape of antennas, complete or break circuits, and explore various applications in microfluidic channels, MEMS, photonic and optical devices.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 15, 2014

Graphene paints a corrosion-free future

Researchers have developed a graphene-based paint with exceptional barrier properties, making it suitable for various industrial applications. The coating can provide complete impermeability to gases, liquids, and strong chemicals, rendering it ideal for protecting equipment in harsh environments.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 11, 2014

Despite a significant reduction in smog-producing toxins, the Greater Toronto Area still violates Canada's standards for ozone air pollution

A new study shows that the Greater Toronto Area has reduced some smog precursors by at least 20% since 2004, but still exceeds Canada's ozone standards due to high sunshine and calm winds. The research found that lower ozone levels between 2008 and 2011 were offset by a record-high summer ozone concentration in 2012.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateAug 21, 2014

New manufacturing methods needed for 'soft' machines, robots

Researchers have developed a technique to produce soft machines made of elastic materials and liquid metals using a custom-built 3D printer. The technique enables the creation of strain gauges that can detect high strains and deform with almost any material, making it suitable for wearable technology and sensory skin.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 18, 2014

Nanoscale composites improve MRI

Researchers have created composite particles that can be injected into patients and guided by magnetic fields, allowing for improved detection of diseases. The nanoconstructs, made up of thousands of iron oxide particles, can be heated to kill malignant tissues or trigger the release of drugs at specific sites.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 16, 2014

New Ichthyosaur graveyard found

A new study published in the Geological Society of America Bulletin documents the discovery of forty-six ophthalmosaurid ichthyosaurs in southern Chile. The skeletons are associated with ammonites, belemnites, and other fossils, providing insights into the marine ecosystem of Early Cretaceous times.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalACM SIGSAM Bulletin·DateJun 2, 2014

How to increase the survival rate of motor neurons after spinal root avulsion

Researchers found that preconditioning crush can increase the survival rate of motor neurons after spinal root avulsion. The study, published in Neural Regeneration Research, discovered that induction of heat shock protein 27 inhibits neuronal nitric oxide synthase, attenuating cytotoxic effects and preventing ventral motor neuron loss.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateMay 9, 2014

Graphene not all good

Researchers found graphene oxide nanoparticles more stable in groundwater and unstable in surface waters. The material's mobility in water has significant implications for its potential environmental impact. The study highlights the need for further research on the stability and transport of these engineered nanomaterials.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEnvironmental Engineering Science·DateApr 29, 2014

Scientists watch nanoparticles grow

Researchers at Århus University used X-ray light to track the growth of tungsten oxide nanoparticles, which can be tailored for smart windows and solar cells. The study shows that nanoparticles form from octahedra units in solution and develop a predominantly ordered crystal structure as they grow.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 27, 2014

A shocking diet

Researchers identified a microbe that can take up electrons from minerals in soil and sediment using natural conductivity. The microbes rely on sunlight and iron to generate energy, but have developed an unusual strategy to reach the iron through naturally occurring conductive minerals.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 10, 2014

Every step you take

Researchers have identified two intermediate steps in water oxidation reactions using an Earth-abundant solid catalyst, cobalt oxide. This discovery provides a better understanding of the individual events in the four-electron cycle and enables the design of improvements to boost efficiency.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMar 3, 2014