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Science News for December 19, 2014


New technique reveals immune cell motion

Researchers developed a new technique to study neutrophil motion in confined spaces, revealing a second mode of motion that doesn't rely on integrins. The findings suggest that physical confinement is key to reproducing this motion and may lead to the development of new drugs to optimize neutrophil movement in specific tissue types.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateDec 19, 2014

The state of shale

Researchers at University of Pittsburgh have contributed three studies to a special issue of the journal Energy Technology, focusing on smart wells, wastewater management, and information gaps related to shale gas drilling. The research aims to improve extraction through wireless communication and safely reuse drilling wastewater.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalEnergy Technology·DateDec 19, 2014

One in every three people with type 1 diabetes produces insulin years post-diagnosis

A recent study published in Diabetes Care found that approximately one-third of people with type 1 diabetes produce insulin, as measured by C-peptide, even up to 40 years after diagnosis. This challenges the long-held assumption that these patients lose all ability to produce insulin, highlighting potential implications for clinical pr...

Making a good thing better

Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding liquid electrolytes used in lithium-ion batteries. They found that the actual solvation environment of lithium ions is non-tetrahedral, contrary to previous predictions. This discovery could lead to more efficient and better-performing electrolytes.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateDec 19, 2014

Microplastics in the ocean: Biologists study effects on marine animals

A study by biologists at the Alfred Wegener Institute found that ingestion of microplastic particles does not mechanically affect marine isopods. In a feeding experiment, researchers offered isopods artificial food supplemented with plastic particles, which were traced through the digestive system using various microscopy techniques.

Atom-thick CCD could capture images

Researchers at Rice University have developed a two-dimensional, light-sensitive material that can capture images. The material, copper indium selenide (CIS), is highly sensitive to light due to its slow-dissipating electrons, making it 10 times more efficient than previous materials.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 19, 2014

Helping parents understand infant sleep patterns

Researchers highlight four areas of concern for parents and practitioners: normal sleep patterns, nightwakings, parental presence at bedtime, and safe sleep training. The study aims to educate nurse practitioners on sharing current knowledge with parents to promote healthy nighttime care choices.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners·DateDec 19, 2014

A 'GPS' for molecules

Scientists create a molecular 'GPS' to precisely locate metal ions in enzymes, which play key roles in metabolism and synthesis. This innovation uses spin-labeled amino acids to track metal ion positions, enabling better understanding of biochemical reactions.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateDec 19, 2014

Epithelial tube contraction

Scientists at the National University of Singapore identified a novel mechanosensitive regulation of epithelial tube contraction using the C. elegans spermatheca as a model. The study revealed that SPV-1 protein maintains regular cycles of actomyosin contractility, which helps maintain tube integrity.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 19, 2014