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Concrete evidence: simple method to improve the sustainability of construction

A recent study published in Construction and Building Materials has found that heat treatment can significantly improve the strength of recycled concrete, reducing its environmental impact. The researchers developed an energy-efficient means of improving recycled concrete outcomes through thermal treatment.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalConstruction and Building Materials·DateAug 9, 2022

New study examining women’s breast density knowledge suggests opportunities for improvement

A new study suggests that while breast density knowledge may be increasing due to existing state laws, there is still room for improvement. The study found that most women with non-dense breasts did not correctly know their own density, and that lower education was associated with a lower chance of accurately knowing one's own density.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalJournal of the American College of Radiology·TypeSurvey·DateApr 25, 2022

Story tips: Supply chain crunch, safer batteries on impact and lithium light bright

A new report from Oak Ridge National Laboratory identifies supply chain must-haves for maintaining the pivotal role of hydropower in decarbonizing the nation's grid. The report also highlights advances in safer battery technologies and innovative electron microscopy techniques for imaging lithium in energy storage materials.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2022

Early humans placed the hearth at the optimal location in their cave – for maximum benefit and minimum smoke exposure

Researchers developed a software-based smoke dispersal simulation model to study prehistoric archaeology. They found that early humans placed their hearth at the optimal location in the cave, enabling maximum utilization of fire while minimizing smoke exposure. The study identified a 25sqm area as ideal for locating the hearth.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature·DateJan 31, 2022

T. rex’s jaw had sensors to make it an even more fearsome predator, new digital study finds

A new digital study has found that Tyrannosaurus rex's jaw had nerve sensors enabling it to better detect and eat its prey. The researchers used computed tomography to analyze the distribution of neurovascular canals in a fossil mandible, revealing complex branching patterns similar to those of modern-day crocodiles and birds.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalHistorical Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 23, 2021

Journey to the center of the Earth

Scientists have successfully determined the density of liquid iron and sound propagation speed through it at extremely high pressures. They found the density of the molten outer core to be about 8 percent less dense than pure liquid iron, suggesting the presence of additional lighter elements.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 15, 2020

Solved: The mystery of the expansion of the universe

A UNIGE researcher has solved a scientific controversy about the speed of the universe's expansion by proposing that it may not be homogeneous on a large scale. This approach eliminates a divergence between two independent calculation methods, which previously yielded conflicting values for the Hubble constant.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPhysics Letters B·DateMar 10, 2020

White matter pathway and individual variability in human stereoacuity

A study found that neural tissue density in a specific white matter pathway, the vertical occipital fasciculus (VOF), correlates with individual differences in stereoacuity. The VOF connects key visual areas involved in stereopsis and is crucial for understanding its neural basis.

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 19, 2018

Bilingualism could offset brain changes in Alzheimer's

A new study by Concordia professor Natalie Phillips explores the effects of bilingualism on patients with Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment. The research found that multilingual individuals may be able to compensate for AD-related tissue loss by accessing alternative networks in their brains for memory processing.

SourceConcordia University·JournalNeuropsychologia·DateFeb 6, 2018

Detailed Las Vegas earthquake site classifications could lower construction costs

A new study maps and classifies the earthquake shaking potential across most of the Las Vegas metropolitan area, revealing that much of the ground is stiffer and potentially safer than previously thought. The site classifications could lead to reduced construction costs and improved safety measures for buildings.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateFeb 27, 2017

Moffitt Cancer Center researchers develop automated breast density test linked to cancer risk

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have developed an automated method to estimate mammographic breast density, a major risk factor for breast cancer. The new approach assesses the variation in grayscale values in mammograms, providing a viable, automated mammographic density measure that can be used in clinical settings.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 1, 2013

Plenty of dark matter near the Sun

A new technique has revealed a significant amount of dark matter near the Sun, contradicting previous studies that found less. The researchers used a simulation of the Milky Way to test their method and obtained a high measure of local dark matter density.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 9, 2012

How dense is a cell?

Using Archimedes' principle, MIT scientists have devised a method to measure the density of individual cells, which could provide biophysical insight into fundamental cellular processes. The new device rapidly exchanges fluids, allowing for rapid measurement and potentially screening potential cancer drugs.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 21, 2011

Gymnastic training improves bone health in girls

A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that long-term elite rhythmic gymnastics significantly improves bone health in adolescent girls. The research measured volumetric bone density and bone geometry, showing increased cortical thickness and bone strength.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMay 5, 2010

Order by motion

Researchers at Max Planck Institute propose a biomimetic model system where molecular motors create spatial order in cytoskeletal filaments, defying basic physical principles. The model suggests that motor activity enhances the tendency for filaments to align and order, even in the presence of constant motion.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 25, 2006

Oral contraceptive use does not affect bone mass

A long-term study of 62 white female participants aged 12-20 found that oral contraceptive pill (OCP) use did not impact their peak bone mass or hip bone mineral density, contrary to theoretical concerns. The findings are significant as they address the needs of young women who are concerned about body changes during adolescence.

SourcePenn State·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateNov 27, 2000

Study finds elderly women can halt bone loss

A new study by Oregon State University found that postmenopausal women who participate in a long-term fitness regimen can prevent significant bone loss in the hip. The exercise program, which includes weighted vests and jumping exercises, showed a significant reduction in bone density loss compared to a control group.