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Categories: Chemistry: Biochemistry, Environmental: Water
Published Reinforcement learning: From board games to protein design
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source An AI strategy proven adept at board games like Chess and Go, reinforcement learning, has now been adapted for a powerful protein design program. The results show that reinforcement learning can do more than master board games. When trained to solve long-standing puzzles in protein science, the software excelled at creating useful molecules. In one experiment, proteins made with the new approach were found to be more effective at generating useful antibodies in mice than were previous methods. If this method is applied to the right research problems, it likely could accelerate progress in a variety of scientific fields.
Published Using solar farms to generate fresh desert soil crust
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Biocrusts play a crucial role in maintaining soil health and ecosystem sustainability, but they are currently under assault. Human activities including agriculture, urbanization, and off-road vehicle use can lead to the degradation of biocrusts, which have long-term consequences for these fragile environments. Climate change is also placing stress on biocrusts, which struggle to adapt to sunlight and searing heat in arid landscapes like the Sonoran Desert.
Published AI system can generate novel proteins that meet structural design targets
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A new machine-learning system can generate protein designs with certain structural features, and which do not exist in nature. These proteins could be utilized to make materials that have similar mechanical properties to existing materials, like polymers, but which would have a much smaller carbon footprint.
Published Water arsenic including in public water is linked to higher urinary arsenic totals among the U.S. population
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A new study shows that water arsenic levels are linked to higher urinary arsenic among the U.S. population for users of both private wells and public water systems.
Published Versatile, high-speed, and efficient crystal actuation with photothermally resonated natural vibrations
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Mechanically responsive molecular crystals are extremely useful in soft robotics, which requires a versatile actuation technology. Crystals driven by the photothermal effect are particularly promising for achieving high-speed actuation. However, the response (bending) observed in these crystals is usually small. Now, scientists address this issue by inducing large resonated natural vibrations in anisole crystals with UV light illumination at the natural vibration frequency of the crystal.
Published Research collaboration aims to improve nationwide water quality, restore wetlands
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source The new classification system demonstrates the effects wetlands have on water quality at a continental scale -- invaluable data that can be used to better define whether wetlands are federally regulated under the U.S. Clean Water Act.
Published Quantum computer applied to chemistry
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source There are high expectations that quantum computers may deliver revolutionary new possibilities for simulating chemical processes. This could have a major impact on everything from the development of new pharmaceuticals to new materials. Researchers have now used a quantum computer to undertake calculations within a real-life case in chemistry.
Published Nanoparticles provoke immune response against tumors but avoid side effects
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers find that when immunostimulatory drugs called imidazoquinolines are delivered using specialized bottlebrush nanoparticles, the drugs provoke the immune system to attack tumors while eliminating the side effects that occur when the drugs are given on their own.
Published A once-stable glacier in Greenland is now rapidly disappearing
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source As climate change causes ocean temperatures to rise, one of Greenland's previously most stable glaciers is now retreating at an unprecedented rate, according to a new study.
Published Novel nanocages for delivery of small interfering RNAs
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are novel therapeutics that can be used to treat a wide range of diseases. This has led to a growing demand for selective, efficient, and safe ways of delivering siRNA in cells. Now, in a cooperation between the Universities of Amsterdam and Leiden, researchers have developed dedicated molecular nanocages for siRNA delivery. In a paper just out in the Journal Chem they present nanocages that are easy to prepare and display tuneable siRNA delivery characteristics.
Published Physicists find unusual waves in nickel-based magnet
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Perturbing electron spins in a magnet usually results in excitations called 'spin waves' that ripple through the magnet like waves moving across the surface of a pond that's been struck by a pebble. Physicists have now discovered dramatically different excitations called 'spin excitons' that can also 'ripple' through a nickel-based magnet as a coherent wave.
Published Chemists propose ultrathin material for doubling solar cell efficiency
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers are studying radical new ways to improve solar power and provide more options for the industry to explore. Chemists are proposing to make solar cells using not silicon, but an abundantly available natural material called molybdenum disulfide. Using a creative combination of photoelectrochemical and spectroscopic techniques, the researchers conducted a series of experiments showing that extremely thin films of molybdenum disulfide display unprecedented charge carrier properties that could someday drastically improve solar technologies.
Published Swimming secrets of prehistoric reptiles unlocked by new study
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source The diverse swimming techniques of the ancient reptiles that ruled the Mesozoic seas have been revealed.
Published Researchers develop carbon-negative concrete
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A viable formula for a carbon-negative, environmentally friendly concrete that is nearly as strong as regular concrete has been developed. In a proof-of-concept work, the researchers infused regular cement with environmentally friendly biochar, a type of charcoal made from organic waste, that had been strengthened beforehand with concrete wastewater. The biochar was able to suck up to 23% of its weight in carbon dioxide from the air while still reaching a strength comparable to ordinary cement. The research could significantly reduce carbon emissions of the concrete industry, which is one of the most energy- and carbon-intensive of all manufacturing industries.
Published Counting the cost of sunshine: Finding a better metric to measure human ecological footprints
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source The human food-energy-water system is wickedly interconnected, but most of the links in the network are neither global nor local -- the action lies in everyday trade between counties and states that rely on each other's ecosystems. To capture a better picture of human impacts in this system, you need a measurement that starts at the source -- the sun.
Published How electricity can heal wounds three times as fast
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Chronic wounds are a major health problem for diabetic patients and the elderly -- in extreme cases they can even lead to amputation. Using electric stimulation, researchers have developed a method that speeds up the healing process, making wounds heal three times faster.
Published Graphene 'tattoo' treats cardiac arrhythmia with light
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have developed the first cardiac implant made from graphene, a two-dimensional super material with ultra-strong, lightweight and conductive properties. Similar in appearance to a child's temporary tattoo, the new graphene 'tattoo' implant is thinner than a single strand of hair yet still functions like a classical pacemaker.
Published Researchers create digital map of sympathetic nervous system
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have created a digital topographical map of the cardiac sympathetic neural network, the region that controls the body's heart rate and its 'fight-or-flight' response. They hope this map will eventually serve as a guide to treat cardiovascular conditions using bioelectronic devices.
Published Filtering pollution: A microfluidic device for collecting microplastics via acoustic focusing
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Microplastics (MPs), plastic debris smaller than 5 mm, indirectly harm the environment. They are traditionally collected and removed from water by filtering through meshes, which is inefficient. Researchers have now developed a high-enrichment microfluidic device that utilizes acoustic focusing to collect and remove 10--200 ?m MPs from wastewater without recirculation. Its collection rates and enrichment ratios ranged approximately from 70--90% and 50--100, respectively on test samples.
Published A neuromorphic visual sensor can recognize moving objects and predict their path
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source The new smart sensor uses embedded information to detect motion in a single video frame.