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Science News for August 14, 2015


Unlikely element turns up in enzyme; commercial renewable fuels might ultimately result

A team of scientists has identified a novel tungsten-containing enzyme in the bacterium Caldicellulosiruptor bescii, which shows potential for converting plant biomass into useful chemicals and fuels. The discovery could lead to more efficient production of commercial renewable fuels and reduce greenhouse emissions.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateAug 14, 2015
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Revealed -- Helicobacter pylori's secret weapon

Researchers identified the molecular mechanism behind H. pylori's adhesion protein using powerful x-rays, revealing a specific 'groove' that enables attachment to stomach sugars. This discovery could lead to the development of novel strategies to clear H. pylori from the stomach.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 14, 2015

Vitamin D in teens: Don't overdo it, bad things might happen

A Mayo Clinic study published in Pediatric Obesity found that excessive vitamin D supplementation in obese teenagers showed no benefits for their heart health or diabetes risk. The study, led by Dr. Seema Kumar, also found increased cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the teens during supplementation.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalPediatric Obesity·DateAug 14, 2015

BESC creates microbe that bolsters isobutanol production

Researchers have engineered a microbe called Clostridium thermocellum to produce up to 6 grams of isobutanol per liter, a significant improvement over previous results. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient biofuels production and overcome the challenges of recalcitrance in plant biomass.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalMetabolic Engineering·DateAug 14, 2015
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Young minds think alike -- and older people are more distractible

Researchers used fMRI to measure brain activity while watching Alfred Hitchcock episodes, finding similar responses in younger subjects but not in older adults. The study suggests that attention control declines with age, leading to a greater variety in neural patterns.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNeurobiology of Aging·DateAug 14, 2015

On Wikipedia, politically controversial science topics vulnerable to information sabotage

Researchers found that Wikipedia entries on acid rain, evolution, and climate change receive near-daily edits, resulting in egregious errors and distortion of consensus science. In contrast, non-controversial topics received fewer edits. The study suggests that users should critically evaluate Wikipedia source material and identify ent...

SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 14, 2015

Common group identity may motivate Americans to help integrate immigrants

A new study published by the Society for Personality and Social Psychology found that white American citizens who believe in a common group identity are less racist toward immigrants and more likely to donate their time and money to help them integrate. This research suggests that acceptance of immigrants as equal members of society hi...

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateAug 14, 2015

Recipe book for colloids

Researchers from Forschungszentrum Jülich create a comprehensive phase diagram that describes the material properties of colloids based on their structure and concentration. The study finds that the interaction length, which determines the solubility of the colloid solution, can be tuned to achieve specific macroscopic properties.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNanoscale·DateAug 14, 2015
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Look at me! Forest-dwelling anoles 'glow' to attract attention

A new study found that male anole lizards' glowing dewlaps make their visual signals easier to detect by females in shaded habitats. The translucent coloration allows light to pass through, increasing the signal-to-noise ratio and making the lizard's colors more conspicuous against a visually noisy background.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateAug 14, 2015

Tdap booster vaccine rates triple at family care clinics using automated reminders

A new study from the University of Michigan Health System found that electronic prompts and reminders resulted in significant increases in Tdap vaccine uptake among patients aged 11-64. The system improved vaccine rates by 76% for adults and 85% for adolescents, compared to 59% in similar-aged groups without automated prompts.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateAug 14, 2015

NASA's Aqua Satellite sees birth of Tropical Depression 16W

Tropical Depression 16W was born in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean when NASA's Aqua satellite captured an image on August 14. The depression had maximum sustained winds near 30 knots and was moving west at 5.7 mph, heading towards the Northern Marianas.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 14, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study shows how climate change threatens health

A new study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health highlights the public health implications of climate change on the US Gulf Coast, Northeast, and West Coast. The research emphasizes the need for simultaneous mitigation and adaptation strategies to address the growing threats.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateAug 14, 2015

Can your brain control how it loses control?

Researchers found that the brain coordinates vision loss in glaucoma patients, with a 'Jigsaw Effect' where two puzzle pieces fit together. This suggests that the brain optimizes vision in the face of glaucoma's destruction of sight, opening up new areas of research for neuroprotective therapies.

SourceAssociation for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology·JournalTranslational Vision Science & Technology·DateAug 14, 2015

Rural Medicare beneficiaries receive less follow-up care

A study published in Medical Care found that rural Medicare beneficiaries have lower rates of follow-up care after leaving the hospital, which may lead to higher risks of emergency department visits and repeat hospitalizations. The research also highlights the need for policies to improve access to care for patients in rural areas.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalMedical Care·DateAug 14, 2015
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

What's lurking in your lungs? Surprising findings emerge from U-M microbiome research

Researchers at U-M have identified a key link between stress signals and bacterial growth in the lungs, which may lead to better prevention and treatment of pneumonia. The study found that certain bacteria thrive in response to catecholamines, a type of distress signal produced by the body's immune cells.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 14, 2015

Brown University to lead $4-million solar cell research grant

A Brown University-led team has received a $4 million grant to study perovskite solar cells, aiming to improve efficiency and scalability. The researchers will focus on understanding the basic science behind these solar cells, developing new technologies, and investigating lead-free compositions.

SourceBrown University·DateAug 14, 2015

Attosecond physics: Attosecond electron catapult

Researchers create a technique to emit electrons in a controlled direction using near-fields induced by strong laser pulses on glass nanoparticles. This method has potential applications in cancer therapy and imaging methods.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 14, 2015
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.

Carnivorous conchs to blame for oyster decline

Research finds that a conch population outbreak and high water salinity are causing a sharp decrease in oyster populations on Florida reefs. The study suggests that restoring the habitat may fail if an area contains or is likely to develop an outbreak of conchs like the one in Matanzas.

SourceNortheastern University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 14, 2015

Surprising discoveries about 2-D molybdenum disulfide

The team used the Campanile probe to spectroscopically map nanoscale excited-state/relaxation processes in monolayer crystals of molybdenum disulfide, revealing significant optoelectronic heterogeneity. The discovery of an unexpected edge region with sulfur deficiency holds implications for future optoelectronic applications.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 14, 2015

No link found between PTSD and cancer risk

Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine find no evidence of association between Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and cancer incidence. The large population sample analyzed various cancer diagnoses among people with PTSD compared to the general population, showing no strong associations even among select groups.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalEuropean Journal of Epidemiology·DateAug 14, 2015
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.

Novel diagnostic tool for ethnically diverse non-small-cell lung cancer patients

A new serum miRNA panel has been identified as a potential biomarker for diagnosing non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in ethnically diverse patients. The panel, consisting of five serum microRNAs, was found to have high sensitivity and specificity for detecting NSCLC in both Chinese and American cohorts.

SourceNanjing University School of Life Sciences·JournalEBioMedicine·DateAug 14, 2015

The protein that keeps cells static is found to play a key role in cell movement

E-Cad protein facilitates coordinated movement of diverse cell types, enabling them to migrate together and distribute at their destination. This new function may explain why tumours with intermediate E-Cad levels have a poorer prognosis, highlighting the protein's role in cancer metastasis.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 14, 2015

The potential in your pond

Researchers at the John Innes Centre found that Euglena gracilis has over 32,000 active protein-encoding genes, significantly more than humans. The single cell algae can produce various natural compounds, including vitamins, essential amino acids, and a sugar polymer with anti-HIV effects.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalMolecular BioSystems·DateAug 14, 2015

Higher intelligence score means better physical performance

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen found a strong association between male intelligence in early adulthood and midlife physical performance. Men with higher intelligence scores tend to have stronger back, legs, and hands, as well as better balance and improved exercise habits.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalJournal of Aging and Health·DateAug 14, 2015
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

European consortium develops new approaches for dealing with Big Data

The BigStorage project aims to develop new approaches for handling Big Data, leveraging theoretical research, complex infrastructures, and software packages. The European consortium will focus on high-performance computing and storage technologies to address the needs of climate research, medicine, and environmental sciences.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·DateAug 14, 2015

African-Americans most likely to stop taking meds in Medicare Part D's coverage gap

A new study finds African-Americans are disproportionately affected by the coverage gap in Medicare Part D, with older blacks facing significant challenges affording their medications. Social workers can play a crucial role in connecting individuals to available resources and helping them navigate the complex enrollment process.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalSocial Work in Public Health·DateAug 14, 2015

New survey on Americans' foreign policy priorities

International terrorism and the Islamic State are top foreign policy issues facing the next president, with most Americans opposing military intervention. Diplomacy is a widely supported approach to addressing global problems, including human rights and economic interests.

SourceNORC at the University of Chicago·DateAug 14, 2015

Programming and prejudice

A team of computer scientists from University of Utah discovered a way to find bias in algorithms used for hiring decisions and loan approvals. They developed a technique to determine if such software programs discriminate unintentionally, revealing potential issues with disparate impact. The researchers also found a method to fix thes...

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateAug 14, 2015
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

NASA's Aqua satellite sees birth of Tropical Depression 17W

Tropical Depression 17W was born in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean on August 14, with NASA's Aqua satellite capturing its formation. The depression is currently drifting north at 6 mph and is forecast to intensify into a tropical storm over the next few days.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 14, 2015