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Science News Archive October 2015 - Page 10


Page 10 of 38

A new algorithm to predict the dynamic language of proteins

Researchers have developed a computational method to predict protein dynamics based on co-evolutionary studies, which explains changes in shape or structure to interact with other compounds. This study is crucial for designing drugs and researching genetic diseases like cancer, resulting in higher complexity than current methods.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 23, 2015

Faster optimization

Researchers have developed a new cutting-plane algorithm that improves upon existing methods, offering huge efficiency gains for specific optimization problems. The algorithm has been applied to various types of problems, including submodular minimization and semidefinite programming, resulting in significant speedups.

Capacitor breakthrough

Researchers at the University of Delaware have successfully developed a new method to increase the energy storage ability of dielectric capacitors using nanotechnology. The innovation achieves an energy density of about two watt hours per kilogram, significantly higher than existing structures.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 23, 2015

Potato harvest reduced by half

A new study reveals that potato waste in Switzerland can be reduced significantly through improved cultivation methods and quality standards. The researchers found that 53% of conventionally produced table potatoes are wasted, while organic production leads to a higher waste proportion.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalWaste Management·DateOct 23, 2015

New methane organisms discovered

Researchers have discovered two new organisms that play an unknown role in greenhouse gas emissions and consumption, belonging to a previously unexplored group called Bathyarchaeota. The discovery expands our understanding of life on Earth and suggests we are missing other organisms involved in carbon cycling and methane production.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience·DateOct 23, 2015

Upgrading the quantum computer

Researchers at University of Innsbruck propose new quantum computer architecture that detaches logical qubit from physical implementation, overcoming challenges in adiabatic quantum computation. This approach enables scalable and fault-tolerant quantum computing.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 23, 2015

It takes a thief

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have discovered the structural basis by which bacteria capture and utilize foreign DNA, a crucial step in their adaptive immune system. The study reveals that Cas1 and Cas2 enzymes function as molecular rulers to measure and manipulate foreign DNA.

New gene a key to fighting sepsis

Researchers at Australian National University and Genentech have identified a gene, Gasdermin-D, that triggers the inflammatory condition leading to sepsis. The discovery could lead to new treatments for this deadly disease, which kills an estimated one million people in the US each year.

Unhealthy pregnancy weight gain tips the scales for mothers 7 years later

Research found that excessive gestational weight gain during pregnancy is associated with greater body fat and weight seven years after delivery, particularly among women who begin pregnancy at normal or slight overweight. The study suggests that these women may need additional support to gain weight appropriately during pregnancy.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateOct 22, 2015

Study combats 'anxiety' as barrier to breast cancer screening

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology describes a successful intervention to decrease anxiety related to mammography, increasing breast cancer screening rates. The study found that information about the logistics and outcomes of mammography reduced anxiety and improved understanding among participants.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of the American College of Radiology·DateOct 22, 2015

3-D map of the brain

Researchers at the University of Utah have developed software to create detailed 3-D models of animal brains, allowing for a more complete understanding of brain connectivity. This new tool can aid in studying mental and neurological conditions such as schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, and autism.

Bio-Rad's Droplet Digital™ PCR (ddPCR™) proves highly reproducible at identifying viral RNA mutations in clinical samples

A study published in the Journal of Virological Methods found that Bio-Rad's Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) technology significantly increases the sensitivity and precision of mutation abundance quantification when compared to RT-qPCR. This makes it an ideal tool for detecting viral RNA mutations in clinical samples.

SourceCG Life·JournalJournal of Virological Methods·DateOct 22, 2015

A biomarker for premature death

Researchers identified GlycA, a molecular byproduct of inflammation, as a predictor of premature death due to infections. High GlycA levels indicate chronic inflammation, which damages the body and increases susceptibility to severe infections.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Systems·DateOct 22, 2015

When queuing in a supermarket, who do you let go first?

A new study on supermarket queuing behavior found that customers are more willing to cooperate if the recipients can save significant waiting time. The authors propose a model of indirect reciprocity, where potential helpers' readiness to cooperate depends on their image of the recipient.

SourceSpringer·JournalHuman Nature·DateOct 22, 2015

Middle schoolers may benefit academically from extracurricular activities

A new study by NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development found that participating in extracurricular activities can be protective for low-income youth academically. Community engagement and sports were the most highly associated with better academic performance, while school-based activities had little effect.

SourceNew York University·JournalAmerican Journal of Community Psychology·DateOct 22, 2015

Blocking differentiation is enough to give cells 'stemness'

Researchers at RIKEN have discovered a method to maintain immune cells in a stem cell-like state by inhibiting differentiation, allowing them to proliferate extensively. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new treatments for regenerative medicine and immune therapy.

SourceRIKEN·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateOct 22, 2015

Speedy evolution affects more than 1 species

A study by Michigan State University researchers found that changes in a new species of fruit fly have an almost domino effect on several species, including parasitic wasps. The research reveals how these sequential events can generate a large number of species in a short period.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 22, 2015