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A petrifying virus key to evolution

A newly discovered Medusavirus giant virus provides new insights into host-virus co-evolution, with features including DNA coding for five histones and unique capsid surface proteins. The discovery suggests a lateral gene transfer model between host and virus.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Virology·DateMar 25, 2019

Scholar to talk about household water insecurity

Sera Young, a Northwestern University anthropologist, has developed the first scale to measure household water insecurity, a universal need bounded by disciplinary and geographic silos. The 12-question HWISE Scale will transform how we understand the prevalence, causes, and consequences of water insecurity on maternal and child health.

How to pay top executives if you want them to be innovative

A recent study by Bocconi University and University of Bath found that high pay dispersion in variable pay is associated with increased innovation, whereas low pay dispersion in fixed pay hinders it. The researchers measured the innovation output of US firms from 1992 to 2006 using patent data and citations received.

SourceBocconi University·JournalBritish Journal of Management·DateFeb 12, 2019

Novel nanoparticle technology to identify healthcare-associated infections receives $1.5 million

Scientists at the University of Toronto are developing a new nanoparticle sensor technology to detect and visually identify pathogens that cause Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs). The system, called OptiSolve Insight, will enable rapid detection and effective decontamination of surfaces, potentially reducing illness rates.

Estimation of technology level required for low-cost renewable hydrogen production

Researchers in Japan developed an integrated system combining photovoltaic power generation and rechargeable batteries to produce hydrogen at a globally competitive cost. The system can adjust the amount of battery charge/discharge and electrolysis hydrogen production in relation to solar power generated, enabling the production of hyd...

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalInternational Journal of Hydrogen Energy·DateJan 31, 2019

Maestro's techniques

Researchers analyzed impasto layers in three of Rembrandt's paintings and found a rare lead mineral called plumbonacrite, which was not previously known to occur in historic paint layers. The study suggests that Rembrandt used a unique paint recipe.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 30, 2019

Static electricity could charge our electronics

A study by the University at Buffalo suggests that tiny structural changes occur at the surface of materials when they come into contact with each other, leading to the triboelectric effect. This phenomenon has the potential to unify existing theory and create more sustainable power sources for small electronic devices.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Electrostatics·DateJan 25, 2019