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Science News for January 3, 2014


Novel exfoliation method developed by NUS chemists paves the way for 2-dimensional materials to be used in printable photonics and electronics

A team of NUS scientists developed a new method to exfoliate molybdenum disulfide crystals into high-quality monolayer flakes with higher yield and larger flake size than current methods. The breakthrough method can be made into a printable solution, which can be applied in printable photonics and electronics.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 3, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Mannotriose promotes survival of hippocampal neurons

Researchers found that mannotriose improves hippocampal neuron survival rates after corticosterone-induced injury. Mannotriose also restored protein levels of glucocorticoid receptor, serum and glucocorticoid-regulated protein kinase, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateJan 3, 2014

A novel look at how stories may change the brain

Researchers found that reading a novel can cause changes in the brain's resting-state connectivity that persist for days after reading. The study, published in Brain Connectivity, used fMRI to examine the neural effects of reading a narrative.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalBrain Connectivity·DateJan 3, 2014

Important mutation discovered in dairy cattle

A genetic mutation affecting fertility and milk yield in dairy cattle has been discovered by scientists. The deletion has a positive effect on milk production but causes embryo mortality, explaining the negative correlation between fertility and milk yield.

SourceAarhus University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJan 3, 2014
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Loss of function of a single gene linked to diabetes in mice

Researchers found that a single gene defect in MADD leads to fasting hyperglycemia and insufficient insulin secretion in mice. The study suggests that type 2 diabetes can be directly caused by the loss of a properly functioning MADD gene, highlighting potential therapeutic targets for treating people with this mutation.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalDiabetes·DateJan 3, 2014

Researchers find simple, cheap way to increase solar cell efficiency

A team of researchers from North Carolina State University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences has found an easy way to modify a commonly used polymer in solar cells to increase efficiency. The modification resulted in a significant boost in energy harvesting, with some solar cells showing a 36% improvement over similar polymers.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 3, 2014

How 'slippers' can end mascara irritation

Scientists at the University of Liverpool have developed a cheaper and more reliable alternative to animal testing, involving miniscule protozoa. The test showed significant variations in population growth according to mascara brand, with some killing the protozoa and others not harming them at all.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalInternational Journal of Cosmetic Science·DateJan 3, 2014
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Parkinson's patients utilization of deep brain stimulation treatment reduced in demographic groups

A study published in Neurology found disparities in the utilization of deep brain stimulation (DBS) treatment among Parkinson's patients, with those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and minority-serving physicians facing significant barriers. DBS out-of-pocket costs are a contributing factor to these disparities.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNeurology·DateJan 3, 2014

Reconstructing the New World monkey family tree

After landing in South America, monkeys forged their own niches, evolved new forms, and spread to Caribbean and Patagonia. The study reveals how primate migration and evolution in the Americas were influenced by ancient climates, geology, and geography.

SourceDuke University·JournalMolecular Phylogenetics and Evolution·DateJan 3, 2014

Higher vitamin D levels in pregnancy could help babies become stronger

Research found that mothers with higher vitamin D levels during pregnancy had children with stronger muscles, which could lead to better health outcomes in adulthood. The study measured grip strength and muscle mass in children born to these mothers at age four.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 3, 2014

Fear of childbirth predicts postpartum depression

Women with prenatally diagnosed fear of childbirth are at a higher risk of postpartum depression, even those without a history of depression. The study analyzed data from over 500,000 mothers in Finland and found that nearly one-third of women experiencing postpartum depression had no previous history of depression.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalBMJ Open·DateJan 3, 2014
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

The entropy of nations

The study reveals a decrease in global energy inequality, with the distribution of per-capita energy consumption approaching an exponential law. As nations like China move up the curve, energy consumption becomes increasingly concentrated among high-consuming nations.

SourceJoint Quantum Institute·JournalEntropy·DateJan 3, 2014

A single-domain antibody that specifically recognizes amyloid-beta 42 oligomers

Researchers have successfully constructed a human Fab library and identified a single-domain antibody that specifically targets amyloid-beta 42 oligomers. This breakthrough discovery offers new hope for treating Alzheimer's disease by reducing amyloid-beta burden and improving memory performance.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateJan 3, 2014

Severe mental illness tied to higher rates of substance use

A new NIH study reveals that individuals with severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder are more likely to engage in substance use, especially cigarette smoking. Protective factors typically associated with lower substance use rates do not exist in those with severe mental illness.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateJan 3, 2014

Sex matters for microbes

African sleeping sickness is caused by single-celled parasites that mate and swap genes through a process known as sexual reproduction. This study reveals sex to be a regular part of the trypanosome life cycle, enabling new combinations of genes that could lead to disease-causing strains.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 3, 2014
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Gabapentin inhibits central sensitization during migraine

Researchers have found that gabapentin can decrease neuronal excitability in spinal trigeminal nuclei and inhibit the formation of central sensitization during migraine. The study published in Neural Regeneration Research suggests a potential therapeutic role for gabapentin in treating migraine-related central sensitization.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateJan 3, 2014

Cleveland Clinic researchers create online colorectal cancer risk calculator

A new tool called CRC-PRO predicts an individual's risk of colorectal cancer, providing a more accurate estimate than current guidelines. The calculator includes gender, race, and family history as calculable risk factors, enabling physicians to identify high-risk patients for earlier screenings.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalThe Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine·DateJan 3, 2014

Supercomputers join search for 'cheapium'

Duke University researchers used computational methods to identify dozens of new platinum-group alloys that could prove beneficial in applications such as catalytic conversion, corrosion-resistance, and fuel cells. The study provides detailed structural data on known materials and identifies potential targets for further research.

SourceDuke University·JournalPhysics·DateJan 3, 2014
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

7 new species of nearctic wasps described and illustrated

Researchers have discovered seven new species of nearctic wasps from the Charipinae subfamily, characterized by their small size and shiny bodies. The newly described species are detailed in a recent article published in Annals of the Entomological Society of America.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalAnnals of the Entomological Society of America·DateJan 3, 2014