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Maternal IV fluids linked to newborns' weight loss

A new study found a positive association between maternal IV fluids and newborn weight loss, suggesting that some weight loss in the first 24 hours may be due to hydration regulation rather than breast milk deficiency. The researchers recommend using weight measured at 24 hours post-birth as a baseline for assessing newborn weight loss.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalInternational Breastfeeding Journal·DateAug 14, 2011

Effortless sailing with fluid flow cloak

Researchers at Duke University have demonstrated a theoretical ability to significantly increase the efficiency of ships by creating a 'fluid flow cloak' that tricks the surrounding water into staying still. The cloak uses porous materials and tiny pumps to push flowing water along, greatly reducing the energy needed to propel vessels.

SourceDuke University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 11, 2011

WHOI scientists analyze, explain the chemical makeup of Gulf plume

A research team led by WHOI has determined the chemical makeup of a deep hydrocarbon-containing plume in the Gulf of Mexico, shedding light on its composition and potential effects on ocean life. The study found that the plume contained high concentrations of BTEX compounds, which can be toxic to aquatic organisms.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 18, 2011

Advances in research into Alzheimer's disease

Researchers found that vitamin D injections improved the removal of amyloid beta from the brain of mice, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for preventing Alzheimer's disease. Transporter proteins at the blood CSF barrier also play a crucial role in removing amyloid beta from the brain.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalFluids and Barriers of the CNS·DateJul 8, 2011

Berkeley Lab researchers apply NMR/MRI to microfluidic chromatography

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a portable system for highly sensitive multi-dimensional chemical analysis by pairing NMR/MRI technology with microfluidic chromatography. This breakthrough enables real-time peak detection and chemical shift information for small molecules, demonstrating the unique power of magnetic resonance...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateJul 6, 2011

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

NIST 'catch and release' program could improve nanoparticle safety assessment

Scientists at NIST have developed a method to capture metal-based nanoparticles on a surface and release them at the desired moment, allowing for effective assessment of their toxicity in cell cultures. This approach enables precise delivery of particles to cells, mimicking real-world encounters, and reducing clumping issues.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalApplied Surface Science·DateJun 8, 2011

Going with the flow: Caltech researchers find compaction bands in sandstone are permeable

Researchers have discovered that compaction bands in sandstone are more permeable than previously believed, which could significantly improve the development of hydraulic fracturing and CO2 sequestration technologies. This finding was made possible by advanced imaging techniques and multiscale computational models.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 6, 2011

Randomness rules in turbulent flows

A Johns Hopkins University study reveals that two identical beads dropped into a turbulent flow will follow different and random paths. The phenomenon, called 'spontaneous stochasticity,' suggests that even everyday particles can behave randomly in chaotic flows.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalPhysical Review E·DateJun 1, 2011

Making complex fluids look simple

A new microscopic theory describes interactions between components of complex polymer mixtures, enabling realistic modeling and macroscopic property predictions. The method has been experimentally proven using neutron scattering experiments, opening up possibilities for studying complex mixtures with improved properties.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 1, 2011

Mixing fluids efficiently in confined spaces: Let the fingers do the working

A team of researchers at MIT has discovered a simple yet efficient method to mix fluids in small or confined spaces using viscosity contrast. By injecting a thin fluid into a thicker one, the two liquids can be mixed uniformly quickly, overcoming challenges in microfluidics technology and lab-on-a-chip applications.

Viral infection not responsible for exacerbation of lung disease in most patients

Researchers found no evidence of viral infection causing acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in most patients. Instead, torque teno virus (TTV) was detected in lung fluid samples from a small percentage of IPF patients, suggesting it may be a marker of lung injury rather than a cause.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateFeb 25, 2011

Hope for stroke victims

Two new studies provide definitive evidence that administering a naturally-occurring enzyme called oxolacetate can reduce glutamate levels and improve outcomes in stroke patients. High glutamate levels correlate with poor outcomes, while high oxolacetate levels are associated with better recovery.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalJournal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism·DateFeb 8, 2011

Smashing fluids: The physics of flow

The study used an extensional rheometer to measure flow properties of complex fluids, revealing intriguing effects depending on concentration and velocity. At high speeds, the fluid can fracture like a solid, behaving like a jammed system with clusters locking together.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 3, 2010

Whale-inspired ocean turbine blades

Researchers at US Naval Academy have designed novel blade modifications inspired by humpback whale flippers to improve turbine performance in converting low-velocity tidal flow energy into electricity. The modified blades proved effective in extracting energy at low speeds without degrading performance at high flow speeds.

Secrets of sharks' success

Flexible scales on sharks' bodies allow for change in direction while swimming at full speed by controlling water flow separation. This discovery has implications for designing more efficient aircraft, wind turbines, and other systems prone to flow separation issues.

Jellyfish-inspired pumps

Caltech researchers have designed jellyfish-inspired pumps that utilize flexible designs and adaptable tissue composition to create efficient fluid transport systems. The pumps are optimized for medical applications, such as delivering medication or removing excess fluids from the body, without causing damage to surrounding tissues.

Flying snakes, caught on tape

Researchers studied Chrysopelea paradisi snakes as they glided from a branch to the ground. The analysis revealed that the snakes never achieved equilibrium gliding state, but were instead pushed upward due to aerodynamic forces. This temporary effect would eventually cause the snake to hit the ground.