(Washington State University) Researchers found that a silica surface such as sand has little effect on slowing down the movement of the plastics, but that natural organic matter resulting from decomposition of plant and animal remains can either temporarily or permanently trap the nanoscale plastic particles, depending on the type of plastics. The work could lead to the development of better ways to filter out and clean up pervasive plastics from the environment.

Original source: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-04/wsu-rfh042721.php

(Institut national de la recherche scientifique – INRS) CHARGE syndrome is a rare genetic disorder affecting about 1 in 10,000 newborns. It can lead to neurological and behavioural disorders for which no treatment is currently available. Dr. Kessen Patten and his team, from the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) have just discovered a compound that could alleviate these symptoms. The results of their research were published in the journal EMBO Reports.

Original source: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-04/indl-tns042721.php

Researchers developed a machine-learning technique that uses an image to estimate the stresses and strains acting on a material. The advance could accelerate engineers’ design process by eliminating the need to solve complex equations.

Original source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/04/210427163251.htm

(Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)) Skoltech researchers used Google Trends’ Big Data ensuing from human interactions with the Internet to develop a new methodology – a tool and a data source – for analyzing and researching the growth of startups.

Original source: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-04/sios-srp042721.php

(National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)) Researchers have spent more than three decades developing and studying miniature biosensors that can identify single molecules. To boost the accuracy and speed of these measurements, scientists must find ways to better understand how molecules interact with these sensors. Researchers from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) have now developed a new approach.

Original source: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-04/nios-nss042721.php

(American Phytopathological Society) A Practical Guide to Turfgrass Fungicides, Second Edition, is a current, comprehensive, and hands-on resource focused specifically on the fungicides used for disease control on turfgrass. Author Richard Latin developed this user-friendly guide based on his belief that if turf managers understand how and why fungicides work (and sometimes fail), they will use these products more effectively and efficiently and communicate disease control issues with greater confidence.

Original source: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-04/aps-nep042721.php

(Massachusetts Institute of Technology) MIT researchers developed a machine-learning technique that uses an image to estimate the stresses and strains acting on a material. The advance could accelerate engineers’ design process by eliminating the need to solve complex equations.

Original source: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-04/miot-nat042721.php

(DOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) A shoe scanner may allow people passing through security screening to keep their shoes on. PNNL built the scanner based on the same technology it used to develop airport scanners. It’s licensed to Liberty Defense.

Original source: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-04/dnnl-sst042721.php

(University of Surrey) New research from the University of Surrey has shown that silicon could be one of the most powerful materials for photonic informational manipulation – opening up new possibilities for the production of lasers and displays.

Original source: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-04/uos-sst042721.php

Scientists have long sought to invent materials that can respond to the external world in predictable, self-regulating ways. Now, new research brings us one step closer to that goal. For their inspiration, the scientists looked to nature.

Original source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/04/210427110614.htm