---

Averting toxic chats: Computer model predicts when online conversations turn sour

The internet offers the potential for constructive dialogue and cooperation, but online conversations too often degenerate into personal attacks. In hopes that those attacks can be averted, researchers have created a model to predict which civil conversations might take a turn and derail.
Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180724174314.htm

---

Fitness trackers prove helpful in monitoring cancer patients

Fitness trackers can be valuable tools for assessing the quality of life and daily functioning of cancer patients during treatment, a new study has found. The trackers, also known as wearable activity monitors, include commercial devices worn on the wrist that log a wearer's step counts, stairs climbed, calories, heart rate and sleep.
Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180724174304.htm

---

Young galaxy's halo offers clues to its growth and evolution

A team of astronomers has tested a new way of studying the properties of the gaseous halo surrounding a galaxy using W. M. Keck Observatory's new instrument, the Keck Cosmic Web Imager. The analysis is the first of its kind and could offer clues about galaxy formation and evolution.
Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180724174256.htm

---

Scientists develop new materials that move in response to light

Researchers have developed magnetic elastomeric composites that move in different ways when exposed to light, raising the possibility that these materials could enable a wide range of products that perform simple to complex movements, from tiny engines and valves to solar arrays that bend toward the sunlight.
Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180724174250.htm

---

Where Martian dust comes from

The dust that coats much of the surface of Mars originates largely from a single thousand-kilometer-long geological formation near the Red Planet's equator.
Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180724120854.htm

---

Blasting tiny craters in glass, creating material to miniaturize telecommunication devices

Modern communication systems often employ optical fibers to carry signals across or between devices, combining more than one function into a single circuit. However, signal transmission requires long optical fibers, which makes miniaturizing the device difficult. Instead of long optical fibers, scientists have started testing planar waveguides. Investigators now report on a laser-assisted study of a type of glass that shows promise as a material for broadband planar waveguide amplifiers.
Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180724114355.htm

---

Liquid microscopy technique reveals new problem with lithium-oxygen batteries

Using an advanced, new microscopy technique that can visualize chemical reactions occurring in liquid environments, researchers have discovered a new reason lithium-oxygen batteries -- which promise up to five times more energy than the lithium-ion batteries that power electric vehicles and cell phones -- tend to slow down and die after just a few charge/discharge cycles.
Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180724110252.htm

---

Generation of random numbers by measuring phase fluctuations from a laser diode with a silicon-on-in

Researchers have shown that a chip-based device measuring a millimeter square could be used to generate quantum-based random numbers at gigabit per second speeds. The tiny device requires little power and could enable stand-alone random number generators or be incorporated into laptops and smart phones to offer real-time encryption.
Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180724110250.htm

---

More mysteries of metallic hydrogen

Liquid metallic hydrogen is not present naturally on Earth and has only been created in a handful of places. Now scientists are researching the properties of liquid metallic hydrogen to understand how planets both inside and outside our solar system form magnetic shields.
Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180724110238.htm

---

New crime fighting algorithm could predict reoccurring illegal activity

A new algorithm developed by researchers could give police departments the upper hand in their fight against crime. The approach is similar to that used in weather forecasting and the Apollo space missions.
Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180724110230.htm

---

Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/top/technology/