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 Breakthrough in air purification with a catalyst that works at room temperature
Researchers have shown that a newly engineered catalyst made of gold nanoparticles supported on a metal oxide framework shows breakdown of ammonia impurities in air, with excellent selectivity for conversion to nitrogen gas. Importantly, it is effective at room temperature, making it suitable for everyday air purification systems. The team successfully identified the mechanism behind this behavior, paving the way towards the design of other novel catalytic materials.
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Hydrophobicity and effective acid catalysis
Researchers have shown that the tunable hydrophobic nature of dense siloxane gels is strongly correlated with their catalytic activity, explicitly demonstrating how molecules with different hydrophobic nature at the molecular level interact differently with surfaces of differing hydrophobicity. This is also the first time a siloxane gel has been shown to be highly effective for the reaction of silyl ethers, commonly used as a protecting agent.
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Obese mouse mothers trigger heart problems in offspring
Mitochondria manufacture energy in every cell of the body, including heart muscle cells. A new study shows that cardiac mitochondria are abnormal in the offspring of mouse mothers that become obese due to a high-fat, high sugar diet. Those offspring then pass on the mitochondrial defects at least two more generations.
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Radioactive material detected remotely using laser-induced electron avalanche breakdown
Physicists have developed a powerful new method to detect radioactive material. By using an infrared laser beam to induce an electron avalanche breakdown near the material, the new technique can detect shielded material from a distance -- improving upon current technologies that require close proximity to radioactive material. With additional engineering, the method could be scaled up to scan shipping containers at ports of entry, providing a powerful new tool for security applications.
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 Was Thomas Kuhn Evil?
Filmmaker Errol Morris, once Kuhn’s grad student, accuses him of being a bad philosopher and bad person.
-- Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
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Daylight Brings Toxic Beetles Together For Safety
During daylight hours, hundreds of bombardier beetles of multiple species will congregate together to more effectively ward off any predators not afraid of a lone beetle's toxic spray.
-- Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
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New mechanism to reduce inflammation
Researchers have identified two proteins that act as gatekeepers to dampen a potentially life-threatening immune response to chronic infection.
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 From Popular Anesthetic to Antidepressant, Ketamine Isn't the Drug You Think It Is
An hour before we spoke, Darragh O'Carroll, an emergency room physician from Hawaii, had just given an elderly patient a sedating shot of ketamine. The man had pneumonia and was acting confused and fidgety, making him hard to treat.
"Not only it was a pain control for him when I was putting needles into his neck, but it also kept him still," O'Carroll says. "And with very minimal risk of lowering his blood pressure."
Ketamine's use as an anesthetic — and not as a party...
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Stricter US state gun laws linked to safer high schools
Adopting stricter state gun laws is linked to a safer school experience for students, a new study has found. Strengthening gun laws at state level was associated with teens being less likely to report being threatened or injured with a weapon at school, miss at least one day of school due to feeling unsafe, or to carry a weapon at any location.
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Climate changes make some aspects of weather forecasting increasingly difficult
The ongoing climate changes make it increasingly difficult to predict certain aspects of weather, according to a new study. The study, focusing on weather forecasts in the northern hemisphere spanning 3-10 days ahead, concludes that the greatest uncertainty increase will be regarding summer downfalls, of critical importance when it comes to our ability to predict and prepare for flooding.
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Energy monitor can find electrical failures before they happen
A new system can monitor the behavior of all electric devices within a building, ship, or factory, determining which ones are in use at any given time and whether any are showing signs of an imminent failure. When tested on a Coast Guard cutter, the system pinpointed a motor with burnt-out wiring that could have led to a serious onboard fire.
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How the 'good feeling' can influence the purchase of sustainable chocolate
More and more products carry ethical labels such as fair-trade or organic, which consumers view positively. Nevertheless, the sales figures of these products often remain low, even though they offer advantages for the environment or for society. A team of scientists have investigated what factors influence consumers' purchasing intentions.
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Anti-TB drugs can increase risk of TB re-infection
Current treatments for tuberculosis (TB) are very effective in controlling TB infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). They don't, however, always prevent reinfection. Why this happens is one of the long-standing questions in TB research. A team of scientists may have found the answer... in the gut.
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DARPA's Newest Drone Submarine Detection Device: Snapping Shrimp
Stick your head underwater near a reef and you may hear the sound of bacon frying. The tempting sound comes from the near-comically oversized claws of snapping shrimp — they slam shut fast enough to create bubbles of air that disappear with a loud pop. The crackling of countless shrimp clacking together is mixed with fish grunts, whale and dolphin calls and other sounds underwater to create what's called the oceanic soundscape. It's the kind of biological white noise you might fall asleep...
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Arctic deep sea: Colonization in slow motion
There is a wide variety of animals living on the Arctic seabed. Attached to rocks, they feed by removing nutrients from the water using filters or tentacles. But it can take decades for these colonies to become established, and they probably don't achieve their natural diversity until much later.
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Like mountaineers, nerves need expert guidance to find their way
Similar to the dozens of Sherpas that guide hikers up treacherous Himalayan mountains to reach a summit, the nervous system relies on elaborate timing and location of guidance cues for neuronal axons -- threadlike projections -- to successfully reach their destinations in the body. Now, researchers discover how neurons navigate a tricky cellular environment by listening for directions, while simultaneously filtering out inappropriate instructions to avoid getting lost.
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Salamanders chew with their palate
The Italian Crested Newt eats anything and everything it can overpower. Earthworms, mosquito larvae and water fleas are on its menu, but also snails, small fish and even its own offspring. A research team has now studied the newt's chewing behavior and has made an astounding discovery.
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Researchers get humans to think like computers
Computers, like those that power self-driving cars, can be tricked into mistaking random scribbles for trains, fences and even school buses. People aren't supposed to be able to see how those images trip up computers but in a new study, researchers show most people actually can.
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Caterpillars retrieve 'voicemail' by eating soil
Leaf-feeding caterpillars greatly enrich their intestinal flora by eating soil. It's even possible to trace the legacy effects of plants that previously grew in that soil through bacteria and fungi in the caterpillars.
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Paleontologists report world's biggest Tyrannosaurus rex
Paleontologists have just reported the world's biggest Tyrannosaurus rex and the largest dinosaur skeleton ever found in Canada. The 13-metre-long T. rex, nicknamed 'Scotty,' lived in prehistoric Saskatchewan 66 million years ago.
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 Lockheed awarded $506.9M contract for PAC-3 missiles
Washington (UPI) Mar 15, 2019
The U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin a $506.9 million contract to build the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missiles.
The contract is for incidental services, hardware, facilities, equipment, as well as all technical, planning, management, manufacturing and testing efforts to produce the Patriot, which is an acronym for the Phased Array Tracking Radar to Intercept on Target, the Departme
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A Cosmic Bat in Flight
Munich, Germany (SPX) Mar 19, 2019
ESO's Very Large Telescope (VLT) has caught a glimpse of an ethereal nebula hidden away in the darkest corners of the constellation of Orion (The Hunter) - NGC 1788, nicknamed the Cosmic Bat.
This bat-shaped reflection nebula doesn't emit light - instead it is illuminated by a cluster of young stars in its core, only dimly visible through the clouds of dust. Scientific instruments have com
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Tall ice-cliffs may trigger big calving events -- and fast sea-level rise
Glaciers that drain ice sheets such as Antarctica or Greenland often flow into the ocean, ending in near-vertical cliffs. As the glacier flows into the sea, chunks of the ice break off in calving events. Although much calving occurs when the ocean melts the front of the ice, and ice cliff above falls down, a new study presents another method of calving: slumping. And this process could break off much larger chunks of ice at a quicker rate.
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Citizen science programs provide valuable data on intermittent rivers in southwestern US
An OU-led project is showing how citizen science programs provide valuable data on rivers in southwestern United States. The ecological and hydrological data obtained from intermittent rivers (rivers that dry at some point in space or time) in Arizona are input into a nationwide network. Trained citizen scientists are mapping three rivers in Arizona: the San Pedro River, Cienega Creek and Agua Fria River.
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Rocket Crafters pivots with new patents for 3D-printed fuel
Cocoa FL (UPI) Mar 21, 2019
In the new commercial space age, patents and intellectual property for rocket engines mean everything, as the founders of Florida startup Rocket Crafters Inc. demonstrated recently.
The scrappy space company works out of a gritty garage in Cocoa, about 15 miles from Kennedy Space Center. It made Florida space startup Rocket Crafters pivots with new patents for 3D-printed fuels when it land
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Probability of catastrophic geomagnetic storm lower than estimated
Barcelona, Spain (SPX) Mar 13, 2019
Three mathematicians and a physicist from the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (UAB), the Mathematics Research Centre (CRM) and the Barcelona Graduate School of Mathematics (BGSMath) propose a mathematical model which allows making reliable estimations on the probability of geomagnetic storms caused by solar activity.
The researchers, who published the study in the journal Scientific Repo
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Chemicals induce dipoles to damp plasmons
A new study discovers a mechanism by which molecules affect the plasmonic response of gold nanorods. The mechanism could be used to enhance applications like catalysis that involve plasmon-driven chemistry.
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NASA is Sending a Helicopter to Mars
When the Mars 2020 rover lands on the Red Planet in early 2021, it will carry with it a small helicopter, the first human craft to fly on another planet. Until now, Mars has hosted orbiters, landers, and rovers, but no flying machines. The Mars helicopter is meant only as a technology demonstration. If it doesn't work, the Mars 2020 mission will still succeed. If it does, it will have opened up entirely new avenues for exploring other worlds.
Into the Wild Red Yonder
While helicopters ar...
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4D-printed materials can be stiff as wood or soft as sponge
Imagine smart materials that can morph from being stiff as wood to as soft as a sponge - and also change shape. Rutgers University-New Brunswick engineers have created flexible, lightweight materials with 4D printing that could lead to better shock absorption, morphing airplane or drone wings, soft robotics and tiny implantable biomedical devices.
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Taking gravity from strength to strength
Paris (ESA) Mar 21, 2019
Ten years ago, ESA launched one of its most innovative satellites. GOCE spent four years measuring a fundamental force of nature: gravity. This extraordinary mission not only yielded new insights into our gravity field, but led to some amazing discoveries about our planet, from deep below the surface to high up in the atmosphere and beyond. And, this remarkable mission continues to realise new s
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New report on industrial physics and its role in the US economy
Washington DC (SPX) Mar 11, 2019
Industrial physics plays a significant role in driving the U.S. economy, according to a new report by the American Physical Society, which will be described this week at the 2019 APS March Meeting in Boston.
The report, "The Impact of Industrial Physics on the U.S. Economy," found that industrial physics contributed an estimated $2.3 trillion in 2016, which was 12.6 percent of the gross do
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When neurons are out of shape, antidepressants may not work
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed medication for major depressive disorder (MDD), yet scientists still do not understand why the treatment does not work in nearly thirty percent of patients with MDD. Now, researchers have discovered differences in growth patterns of neurons of SSRI-resistant patients. The work has implications for depression as well as other psychiatric conditions such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia that likely also involve a
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Unequal pain relief at home for dying patients
Pain relief and end of life care is not being provided equally to people with advanced progressive diseases who were at home during their last three months of life, according to a study of 43,000 people who died across England.
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Potential new therapy for liver diseases
Drug therapy may effectively treat a potentially life-threatening condition associated with cirrhosis and other chronic liver diseases, according to a new study.
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Astrobiology seminar aims to inspire a look into the bounds of life
Madison WI (SPX) Mar 22, 2019
"It's something everyone's asked themselves at one point," says Lena Vincent. "How did life arise, and is it anywhere else?" Vincent asks herself these questions every day. It's her job as a graduate student researcher in astrobiology, an interdisciplinary science trying to chip away at some of life's biggest mysteries. By bringing together biologists, chemists, engineers, astronomers and others
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Mitigating the loss of satellite data by using CubeSat remote sensing tech
Beijing, China (SPX) Mar 21, 2019
Advanced infrared and microwave sounding systems, usually onboard traditional polar-orbiting satellites, provide atmospheric sounding information critical for nowcasting and weather forecasting through data assimilation in numerical weather prediction models. This means weather forecasts have become increasingly dependent on satellite observations. But what if we lose one or more of these instru
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The Humanities and the Future
Our descendants’ lives will be intertwined with advanced technologies—and that will revitalize non-technological disciplines such as philosophy
-- Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
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Storm rages in cosmic teacup
Cambridge MA (SPX) Mar 19, 2019
Fancy a cup of cosmic tea? This one isn't as calming as the ones on Earth. In a galaxy hosting a structure nicknamed the "Teacup," a galactic storm is raging.
The source of the cosmic squall is a supermassive black hole buried at the center of the galaxy, officially known as SDSS 1430+1339. As matter in the central regions of the galaxy is pulled toward the black hole, it is energized by t
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Giant X-ray 'Chimneys' Exhaust Energy Produced in the Galactic Center
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Mar 21, 2019
The center of our galaxy is a frenzy of activity. A behemoth black hole - 4 million times as massive as the Sun - blasts out energy as it chows down on interstellar detritus while neighboring stars burst to life and subsequently explode.
Now, an international team of astronomers has discovered two exhaust channels - dubbed "galactic center chimneys" - that appear to funnel matter and energ
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A decade on, smartphone-like software finally heads to space
Washington (AFP) March 20, 2019
Once a traditional satellite is launched into space, its physical hardware and computer software stay mostly immutable for the rest of its existence as it orbits the Earth, even as the technology it serves on the ground continues to change.
Just as some aerospace start-ups are developing technologies to repair, modify or refuel satellites to prolong their lives, some satellite manufacturers
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ExoMars landing platform arrives in Europe with a name
Paris (ESA) Mar 22, 2019
The platform destined to land on the Red Planet as part of the next ExoMars mission has arrived in Europe for final assembly and testing - and been given a name.
An announcement was made by the Russian State Space Corporation Roscosmos of its new name: 'Kazachok'.
The ExoMars programme is a joint endeavour between ESA and Roscosmos and comprises two missions. The Trace Gas Orbiter is
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Testing the value of artificial gravity for astronaut health
Paris (ESA) Mar 22, 2019
Test subjects in Cologne, Germany will take to their beds for 60 days from 25 March as part of a groundbreaking study, funded by European Space Agency ESA and US space agency NASA, into how artificial gravity could help astronauts stay healthy in space.
Carried out at the German Aerospace Center's (DLR) :envihab facility, the long-term bedrest study is the first of its kind to be conducted
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We Are All Tortoises
When it comes to climate change, reptiles and humans alike need a healthy and biologically diverse world to thrive
-- Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
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To stoke creativity, crank out ideas and then step away
There is an effective formula for unlocking employees' creative potential, according to new research. Employers should incentivize workers to produce an abundance of ideas -- even mediocre ones -- and then have them step away from the project for an 'incubation period.'
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The time to apply to space for humanity is now!
Denver CO (SPX) Mar 22, 2019
Space for Humanity website is live! This platform has expanded the application process to both video and written applications, features a new astronaut portal and a social impact portal, and a number of additional ways to participate.
"Space for Humanity has completely re-designed the way users engage with the team, allowing for a more meaningful application process," remarks Todd Youngblo
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Galactic center visualization delivers star power
Huntsville AL (SPX) Mar 22, 2019
Want to take a trip to the center of the Milky Way? Check out a new immersive, ultra-high-definition visualization. This 360-movie offers an unparalleled opportunity to look around the center of the galaxy, from the vantage point of the central supermassive black hole, in any direction the user chooses.
By combining NASA Ames supercomputer simulations with data from NASA's Chandra X-ray Ob
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Jupiter's unknown journey revealed
The giant planet Jupiter was formed four times further from the sun than its current orbit, and migrated inwards in the solar system over a period of 700,000 years. Researchers found proof of this incredible journey thanks to a group of asteroids close to Jupiter.
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How does estrogen protect bones? Unraveling a pathway to menopausal bone loss
Women who have reached menopause are at a greater risk of developing osteoporosis, which can lead to bone fractures and long-term impairment of mobility. Studies have suggested a link between reduced bone density and low estrogen levels due to menopause, but the basis for this link is unclear. Researchers found that the protein Sema3A plays a key role in maintaining healthy bones, suggesting a new therapeutic avenue to treat osteoporosis.
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FDA Approves Ketamine Derivative as Depression Treatment for First Time
Treatment-resistant depression affects 1 in 3 of the estimated 16.2 million adults in the U.S. who have suffered at least one major depressive episode. For them, two or more therapies have failed and the risk of suicide is much greater. It's a grim prognosis.
There are few therapies for depression that resists treatment, which is why the FDA granted this new drug application Fast Track and Breakthrough Therapy status. On March 5, the Food and Drug Administration approved a new treatment...
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This Woman Can Smell Parkinson's. It Might Help Lead To Earlier Treatment
Parkinson's disease stinks. Figuratively. But according to new research, it literally stinks too — to those who have a heightened sense of smell. Thanks to the help of one of these "super-smellers," a team of scientists has identified subtle volatile compounds produced by Parkinson's sufferers. These compounds could be used to make much easier, and earlier, diagnostics for the disease.
According to the CDC, Parkinson's is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after ...
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Brain region discovered that only processes spoken, not written words
Patients in a new study were able to comprehend words that were written but not said aloud. They could write the names of things they saw but not verbalize them. For instance, if a patient in the study saw the word 'hippopotamus' written on a piece of paper, they could identify a hippopotamus in flashcards. But when that patient heard someone say 'hippopotamus,' they could not point to the picture of the animal.
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New brain research challenges our understanding of sleep
A new study has for the first time uncovered the large-scale brain patterns and networks in the brain which control sleep, providing knowledge which in the future may can in the long term help people who experience problems sleeping.
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New perspective on production of blood cells and immune cells
A new study provides a thorough accounting of blood cell production from hematopoietic stem cells. The results are important for understanding disorders such as anemia, diseases of the immune system, and blood cancers such as leukemias and lymphomas.
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