A thin layer of metal oxides could significantly boost the efficiency of solar cells, according to a new study. Researchers have been working on a material made of the elements bismuth, iron, chromium and oxygen, which absorbs solar radiation. They discovered that by changing the temperature and pressure at which they deposit thin films of […]
Posts by Kelly Fram (KellyFram)
Healthy baby birth weight depends on mother’s birth country
Babies born in Canada from immigrant mothers, especially from East and South Asian mothers, are often of lower weight than babies from Canadian’s mothers, but it’s not worrisome a new study shows. It’s usually thought that smaller infants are more likely to die or suffer adverse events than heavier infants. Research now shows that clinicians […]
To visit ED, or not to visit ED?
One in five patients who are discharged from hospital emergency departments (ED) without being admitted could just as easily have gotten the treatment they need at a family practice, according to a new report. Data compiled by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) helps determine which emergency room visits are avoidable and could help […]
No sitting duck(bill) – how hadrosaurs won the “dino derby”
A new paper indicates that hadrosaurs – also known as duck-billed dinosaurs – were built for endurance rather than speed, and that this helped them avoid predators despite their lack of horns or armour. Computer analysis of leg bones showed that a critical muscle known as the caudofemoralis attached lower on the thigh in hadrosaurs […]
Why anesthesia may cause memory problems
After surgery using a general anesthetic, up to a third of patients experience memory problems for months afterward and a new study helps explain why. Many anesthetics work by binding to specific receptors (GABA A receptors) in the brain and increasing the function of these receptors, leading to drowsiness and memory loss. The new study shows […]
Everything you want to know about climate change in three easy lessons
The Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS) recently released the third and final installment of Climate Insights 101, a free online course designed to help journalists and the public get up to speed on the best available peer-reviewed science about climate change. The new installment, BC Climate Impacts and Adaptation. Through videos and test-your-knowledge sections the […]
Ebola: how ZMAb, and ZMapp, works
Researchers at the Public Health Agency of Canada have studied how the experimental Ebola-treating antibody cocktail ZMAb – a major constituent of the drug ZMApp – fights the virus. They report that the drug binds to the proteins on the surface of the virus and neutralises its activity. The researchers say the findings may help […]
Vous n’êtes pas seul dans la pièce
Une nouvelle étude explique en partie le phénomène de sentiment de présence quand une personne ressent qu’elle n’est pas seule dans une pièce alors qu’elle l’est. Les scientifiques expliquent habituellement ce phénomène par l’épilepsie, des accidents vasculaires cérébraux, des migraines et des tumeurs. Dans cette nouvelle, des chercheurs ont conçu un robot capable de faire […]
This robot makes you feel like there’s someone behind you
A new study sheds light on the mechanisms underlying the “feeling of presence” phenomenon, where people feel like there is a presence with them in a room even though they are alone. Scientists usually attribute this feeling to medical conditions such epilepsy, stroke, migraine and tumors. Researchers have now devised a robot capable of giving […]
Un fossile de l’ancêtre des reptiles aquatiques découvert en Chine
Des paléontologues ont découvert en Chine des fossiles qui pourraient nous aider à comprendre l’évolution des reptiles aquatiques comme les ichtyosaures. Les ichtyosaures étaient des reptiles marins ressemblant aux dauphins modernes, mais les chercheurs n’avaient pas de fossiles expliquant leur origine terrestre. Les nouveaux fossiles sont les restants d’animaux ressemblant à un ichtyosaure avec de […]
Ancient amphibious reptile discovered in China
Fossil remains discovered in China could shed light on the early evolution of aquatic reptiles, including icthyosaurs. Icthyosaurs were sea-going reptiles whose body shape resembled modern dolphins, but the fossil record has been silent about the land-based animals they evolved from. The new remains – which date back to the Lower Triassic (about 248 million […]
Prévenir un monde sans antibiotiques
Un nouveau modèle mathématique montre que nous devrions à la fois essayer de trouver de nouveaux antibiotiques tout en essayant de prolonger le plus possible l’utilisation des plus vieux antibiotiques. Les antibiotiques peuvent souvent être utilisés que pendant un certain temps avant que les bactéries infectieuses développent une résistance. Dans cette étude, des chercheurs montrent […]
Des robots-pétoncles qui avancent comme Pac-Man
Des chercheurs ont construit un robot minuscule ressemblant à un pétoncle capable de nager dans des fluides visqueux comme le sang et la salive en ouvrant et en fermant sa coquille. Le robot est composé de deux coquilles en polymère de silicone mesurant à peine 300 micromètres. Les chercheurs contrôlent les mouvements du robot en […]
Comment les écureuils évitent la rage des stéroïdes
Une nouvelle étude montre que des écureuils, des spermophiles de Richardson, produisent des stéroïdes anabolisants afin de grossir et de se préparer pour l’hiver. Une nouvelle étude montre que ces écureuils ont aussi développé des mécanismes afin de contrer les effets négatifs des stéroïdes. Les animaux en hibernation brûlent du gras afin de survivre au […]
How squirrels avoid ‘roid rage
A new study shows that Arctic ground squirrels use anabolic steroids to beef up for winter hibernation, but that they have evolved systems to avoid the negative side effects. Most hibernating animals burn fat during the winter, Arctic ground squirrels hibernate at such low temperatures that they need to burn muscle as well. A previous […]
How to prevent a world without antibiotics
A new mathematical model suggests that in addition to looking for new drugs, we should also be using strategies to prolong the life of old ones. Most drugs only work for a certain period of time until organisms develop resistance. This lifetime can be prolonged by using antibiotics sparingly or combining them into ‘drug cocktails’ […]
