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Science News for September 22, 2015


Confusion afoot

A University of Oxford study reveals people can't accurately identify their toes even when prodded, with errors in toe identification associated with brain damage and conditions like anorexia nervosa.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalPerception·DateSep 22, 2015

Are we wiser about tsunamis? Expert says yes and no

A Northwestern University expert found mixed results on human preparedness for tsunamis, with significant progress made in tsunami science and education. However, substantial challenges remain, including the impact of 'tsunami earthquakes' and the need to incorporate new knowledge into warning procedures.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (A )·DateSep 22, 2015

CSI -- on the metabolite's trail

A team of bioinformaticians at the University of Jena has developed a new search engine, 'CSI:FingerID', that significantly simplifies the identification of molecular structures of metabolites. The tool reduces the number of possible compounds from thousands to ten, making it feasible for precise lab tests to identify specific compounds.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 22, 2015

New graphene oxide biosensors may accelerate research of HIV and cancer drugs

Researchers have developed a novel type of graphene oxide-based biosensor that can detect biomolecules at a few trillionth of a gram per millimeter square. The sensor's sensitivity is three times higher than commercially available chips, making it ideal for analyzing chemical reactions with small drug molecules.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateSep 22, 2015

Regenstrief and IU develop innovative ethics-based model for academia-industry collaboration

Researchers from Regenstrief Institute and Indiana University developed an innovative ethics-based model to ensure academic-industry partnerships are conducted with the highest ethical standards. The nine-principle framework includes academic freedom, conflict of interest policy, governance, protection of human subjects, and transparency.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateSep 22, 2015

Chemistry for the methanol economy

A Franco-Swiss research team has proposed a new explanation for the starting mechanism of the MTO process. They found that alumina, present in zeolites, can transform methanol into ethylene and other hydrocarbons, which can then be converted into carbenium ions. This discovery sheds light on how the MTO process begins.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalACS Central Science·DateSep 22, 2015

Dirty, crusty meals fit for (long-dormant) microbes

Researchers used exometabolomics to study the interactions between soil microbes and their adaptations in desert biocrusts. The team found that diverse microbes target specific metabolites, supporting diverse microbial communities. This discovery suggests a possible mechanism for promoting soil biodiversity by specialization.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 22, 2015

A fast cell sorter shrinks to cell phone size

A team of researchers developed a cell sorter based on acoustic waves that can compete with existing fluorescence-activated cell sorters, sorting up to 13,000 cells per second while gently manipulating individual cells. The device is compact, inexpensive, and preserves cell viability and functions.

SourcePenn State·JournalLab on a Chip·DateSep 22, 2015

Tracking down the beam

Scientists create 'Prompt Gamma Timing' method using just one detector to measure time span between beam entry and gamma radiation hit, allowing real-time adjustment of radiation parameters. Initial tests show significant improvement in accuracy compared to existing methods.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalPhysics in Medicine and Biology·DateSep 22, 2015

Research uncovers microsopic key to reducing ocean dead zones

Scientists at Brigham Young University have made a breakthrough in reducing ocean dead zones by studying the potential of rhizobia, a type of beneficial bacteria. By understanding how these bacteria interact with plants, researchers aim to develop more sustainable farming practices that minimize fertilizer use and reduce water pollution.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 22, 2015

Benign by design

The UCSB organic chemistry team, led by Bruce Lipshutz, developed an ecofriendly approach to the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction, significantly reducing palladium requirements. By using iron salt as a palladium substitute, they eliminated heat input and organic solvents, creating a more sustainable process.

Better trap for greenhouse gases

Researchers have discovered that vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) can be used to capture and store greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide more effectively than traditional adsorption materials. The study found that adjusting the morphological parameters of VACNTs can significantly impact gas adsorption.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateSep 22, 2015

Unexpected link between choroid plexus and chronic pain

Researchers found a novel connection between the size of the choroid plexus and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), with nearly one-fifth larger choroid plexus in CRPS patients compared to healthy control subjects. The study suggests that the central nervous system plays an important role in the disease.

SourceAalto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 22, 2015

A whale of a tale

Scientists have discovered that the gut microbiome of right whales and other baleen species shares traits with both cows and meat-eating predators. This dual microbial community enables whales to digest not only copepods but also their chitin-rich shells, providing a significant nutritional benefit.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 22, 2015

New weapon against the reef eaters

Researchers at James Cook University have developed a new method using household vinegar to kill the Crown of Thorns Starfish, a major contributor to coral reef decline. The treatment shows a 100% kill rate and is significantly cheaper than existing methods.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalCoral Reefs·DateSep 22, 2015

New sports technology provides a GPS alternative

SABEL Sense technology offers an alternative to GPS for tracking running speeds and distances, presenting a viable solution for improved athlete assessment techniques. The technology has been found to be highly accurate for running speeds, with potential benefits in monitoring training and game workloads.

SourceGriffith University·JournalSensors·DateSep 22, 2015