Neat News - Neat things do happen

Scientists have created conditions in which molecules react in ultra-cold conditions with a few millionths of a degree above absolute zero. This allows them to observe how the molecules form a new molecule.

Machine learning techniques are used to optimize the molecules that make up batteries. The technique selects from 133,000 small organic molecules.

Immunotherapy with Pembrolizumab has proved highly effective for a small proportion of men with advanced prostate cancer that was not responding to other treatment.

There seems to be no evidence that treating tooth decay in children by fillings is more successful than sealing the decay or using preventive measures alone.

With a device that was attached to whales for a while, researchers measured the heart rate of blue whales. It is typically 4-8 beats per minute when diving and up to 37 at the surface when reloading oxygen.

Inhaled cannabis can reduce headaches and migraine pain by almost half. Compared to medication such as ibuprofen it has the advantage that there seems to be no overuse headache.

Visiting Nagasaki, Japan, with Hiroshima one of the two cities destroyed by nuclear bombs, Pope Francis urged world leaders to abolish nuclear weapons and get to a completely different approach replacing the climate of fear, mistrust, and hostility.

In a trial it was found that treating head and neck cancer patients with pembrolizumab, an immunotherapy drug, can prolong their lives by two years. That is much longer than when treating them with chemotherapy.

In a study it has been found that some antibiotics result in an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. This may lead to a better understanding of the causes of the disease.

100 hatchlings of the species of gharials, crocodiles with long thin snouts, were discovered in some part of Nepal. This gives new hope for the survival of the critically endangered species.

In experiments with mice, it has been found that the so-called ketogenic diet in which people eat high-fat and low-carbohydrate products seems to activate T-cells that can then combat the flu virus.

In a new study scientists have looked at chemical reactions that are lifelike and may form a foundation to experiment in order to gain an understanding how life has started.

There is better understanding of the genes that give ash trees resistance to the disease that kills many of them in the UK. The discovery may lead to ash trees that can withstand the fungus.

Archaeologists found in the ancient city of Hierakonpolis in Egypt ceramic vats that were used for beer brewing. Modern analysis techniques were used to get information on the composition of the beer.

Under white noise it is possible to hear pure sounds better. The new finding may help in the longer run people with hearing problems.

Scientists have gained a better understanding how proteins regulate the conversion of sunlight into chemical energy by plants.

In order to reduce pollution, the Dutch government has decided to reduce the daytime speed limit from 130 km/h to 100 km/h.

Researchers have found that insulin can suppress viruses such as the West Nile virus, and the Zika and dengue viruses in mosquitoes. As a consequence the insects have a reduced potential of transmitting the viruses.

The European Commission has approved Ervebo, a vaccine against Ebola. The vaccine will be a powerful tool in the fight against Ebola.

Studying the mathematical abilities of children between 3 and 10 years old, researchers found no differences between boys and girls.

From September 2020 on, students in Italian schools will have climate change lessons. The syllabus will be based on the United Nations 17 sustainable development goals.

A major problem for the use of renewable energy is storing it reasonably cheaply for times when the sun does not shine and there is no wind. A new battery type has been developed using a low cost membrane and only zinc and iron.

In Southern Germany the remains of upright walking apes were found. The 11 million year old fossils may be the missing link between humans and apes.

Even a small amount of running can make a significant difference in avoiding an early death.

In new research, a better understanding has been achieved which heart cells can regenerate and which ones not. This may lead to a regenerative therapy for the heart.

A new test for cervical cancer screening that women can do at home and then send in, could replace the so-called smear test which requires a visit to a doctor. If larger trials are successful it could potentially have the additional advantage of higher participation rates.

Deep sleep seems to help the brain to get rid of toxic waste. The mechanism is, however, not yet well understood.

A new blood test that measures the immune response of the body to tumour cells, has the potential to detect breast cancer five years before clinical symptoms.

A combinations of 3 drugs gives hope for an efficient therapy for many patients with cystic fibrosis, a condition affecting the lung. New tests are carried through now.

Spiders produce a particular glue that allows them to catch their prey even under wet conditions. In animal experiments, such glue has proved helpful to treat wounds.