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Science News for September 25, 2015


New diversity for lager beers

Researchers have created new crosses among relevant yeasts to open up new horizons of taste in lager beers. Genetic studies showed a lack of genetic diversity among lager yeasts, resulting from only two parent yeast species.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateSep 25, 2015

Doctoral math students' career options multiply with training program

A new training program at the University of Texas at Dallas aims to prepare doctoral students in mathematics and statistics for a wide range of career paths. The project, funded by the NSF Enriched Doctoral Training Program, provides students with marketable skills and research experience through collaborations with industry partners.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·DateSep 25, 2015
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

A new catalyst for industrial polyethylene production synthesized

Researchers at Kazan Federal University have developed a new, environment-friendly catalyst for polyethylene production that can be produced from waste materials. The low-cost process is expected to play a significant role in the commercialization of the project with Tatarstan's Kazanorgsintez.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalOrganometallics·DateSep 25, 2015

Exploration of stable, crystalline, porous covalent organic frameworks

Researchers at the National Institutes of Natural Sciences have developed stable, crystalline, porous covalent organic frameworks (COFs) that can be used as platforms for functional exploration. The COFs exhibit enhanced catalytic activity and enantioselectivity in asymmetric Michael reactions.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature Chemistry·DateSep 25, 2015

Extreme Pacific sea level events to double in future

Climate models predict a doubling of extreme interannual sea level swings in the tropical southwestern Pacific, posing significant risks to vulnerable coastlines. Sea level drops and flooding will have severe consequences for Pacific Island communities adapting to rising sea levels.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 25, 2015

I've got your back -- fishes really do look after their mates!

Researchers have found that pairs of rabbitfishes coordinate their vigilance activity to provide safety for one partner while the other feeds, presenting evidence for reciprocal cooperation. This behavior is unique among fishes and suggests that cooperation may not be exclusive to highly developed organisms.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 25, 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.

A different type of 2-D semiconductor

Researchers successfully grew atomically thin 2D sheets of organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites from solution, exhibiting efficient photoluminescence, color-tunability, and unique structural relaxation. The ultrathin sheets have square-shaped geometry, high quality crystallinity, and large size, facilitating their integration into futu...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateSep 25, 2015

Plants with jobs

Two University of Toronto scientists developed a new research framework to measure agricultural impacts using functional trait-based ecology. The approach focuses on how plants respond to and affect changes in their environment, providing insights into crop diversity, nutrient cycling, pest repellence and drought mitigation.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateSep 25, 2015

Proposed standards for triboelectric nanogenerators could facilitate comparisons

Research groups worldwide are developing TENGs to power wearable electronics and sensor networks. A set of standards has been proposed to quantify device performance, including structural and materials performance of four major types. The standards will facilitate comparisons and selection of devices for specific applications.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 25, 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.

NASA sees wind shear affecting Tropical Storm Niala

Tropical Storm Niala formed after experiencing wind shear, according to NASA's Aqua satellite data. The storm moved through warm waters and intensified into a tropical depression before strengthening into a tropical storm.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 25, 2015

COPD heightens deadly lung cancer risk in smokers

A large worldwide study found that smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) are at nearly twice the risk of developing small cell lung cancer compared to those without COPD. The study, published in EBioMedicine, analyzed data from 24 case-control studies and estimated the risk more precisely than before.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalEBioMedicine·DateSep 25, 2015

Deep-diving whales could hold answer for synthetic blood

Researchers found that deep-diving whales have ultra-stable versions of myoglobin, a protein that holds oxygen in muscle cells. This stability allows them to pack more myoglobin into their cells, enabling them to remain active while holding their breath. The discovery could lead to creating synthetic blood for human trauma patients.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 25, 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.

Researchers discover a new mechanism of proteins to block HIV

University of Missouri researchers have discovered that Interferon Induced Transmembranes (IFITM) proteins can inhibit the transmission of HIV-1, the most common HIV strain. The study found that IFITM proteins specifically interact with the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein and block its maturation, reducing viral infectivity and transmission.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 25, 2015

Scientists discover new system for human genome editing

A new CRISPR-Cpf1 system offers a simpler approach to genome engineering with precise DNA cutting capabilities. The system, discovered by Feng Zhang and his colleagues, has potential to advance genetic engineering and cancer research.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalCell·DateSep 25, 2015

Researchers' model helps predict consumer spending

Researchers developed a new methodology to predict consumer spending at competitors, using share-of-wallet as a key metric. The model reveals segments of customers, including those influenced by income and habit, allowing businesses to target high-potential customers and optimize cross-selling strategies.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalInternational Journal of Research in Marketing·DateSep 25, 2015

Nivolumab improves overall survival in patients with advanced kidney cancer

The CheckMate 025 phase III clinical trial shows that nivolumab significantly prolongs survival in patients with advanced kidney cancer, regardless of PD-L1 expression. The study found a median overall survival of 25 months for nivolumab-treated patients compared to 19.6 months for those treated with everolimus.

SourceECCO-the European CanCer Organisation·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 25, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How do highly social wildlife species survive disease?

A recent study by Virginia Tech researchers found that nearly half of endangered social carnivores were threatened by disease, compared to 3% of solitary carnivores. The team will investigate the interaction between sociality and infectious disease in highly social species, such as the banded mongoose.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateSep 25, 2015

Having the 'right' connections only gets you so far

A study of 1,298 NFL coaches found that junior coaches with connections to highly reputable head coaches are more likely to receive promotions. However, these connections do not lead to superior career outcomes in the long term, and instead favor those who missed out on initial advantages but excelled through merit.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateSep 25, 2015

Study links US polarization to TV news deregulation

A Washington State University study links US political polarization to the deregulation of television news following the 1996 Telecommunications Act. The researchers found that increased use of TV news is associated with higher levels of polarization, highlighting the role of media consolidation in perpetuating partisan divisions.

SourceWashington State University·JournalInternational Journal of Public Opinion Research·DateSep 25, 2015

Reproducible neuroscience with real tango

Researchers replicate previous finding on how the brain processes music using a naturalistic free listening context, demonstrating reliable results and ecologically valid findings. The study fine-tunes previous findings, concluding which brain areas are involved in processing different musical elements.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalNeuroImage·DateSep 25, 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.

What powers the pumping heart?

Scientists have identified 500 novel membrane proteins that play a critical role in normal heart function and may help uncover new information about heart failure and arrhythmias. The research focuses on protein Tmem65, which regulates communication between cardiac contractile cells.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 25, 2015

2-million-year-old fossils reveal hearing abilities of early humans

Researchers studying 2-million-year-old human fossils from South Africa found that early hominins had hearing patterns resembling those of chimpanzees, but with slight variations. The discovery suggests that early humans may have had better hearing in certain frequency ranges than other primates.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 25, 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.

Small-scale nuclear fusion may be a new energy source

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed a new type of nuclear fusion process that produces almost no neutrons, instead releasing fast and heavy electrons. This allows for the creation of smaller and simpler fusion reactors with instant electrical energy production.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalInternational Journal of Hydrogen Energy·DateSep 25, 2015

Study adds to evidence that viruses are alive

Researchers have developed a reliable method to trace viral evolution, supporting the hypothesis that viruses are alive and share a long evolutionary history with cells. The study found that viruses possess unique genetic sequences and protein folds that are unlike anything seen in cells.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 25, 2015

Tick spit protein may trigger allergic reactions

Researchers believe that tick spit proteins, such as alpha-gal, can cause severe allergic reactions in humans. A vaccine could be created to target these proteins, potentially providing protection against tick bite allergies.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Parasitology·DateSep 25, 2015

Breaking the anxiety cycle

A new study by UConn Health psychiatrist Golda Ginsburg found that family-based intervention works to prevent anxiety in children. The study, published online September 25 in The American Journal of Psychiatry, found only 9% of children who participated in a therapist-directed family intervention developed anxiety after one year.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateSep 25, 2015
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

EUROCARE data show large variations in survival from blood cancers in Europe

The EUROCARE 5 study shows significant geographical variations in survival from blood cancers in Europe, with the highest five-year relative survival rate for Hodgkin lymphoma at 81% in Northern European countries. In contrast, chronic myeloid leukemia had a significantly lower survival rate of 53%, particularly in Eastern Europe.

SourceECCO-the European CanCer Organisation·DateSep 25, 2015
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

ORNL demonstrates road to supercapacitors for scrap tires

Researchers at ORNL have created flexible polymer carbon composite films as electrodes for supercapacitors, achieving high power and energy density. The technology can consume up to 50 tons of scrap tires daily, providing relief from the expected 1.5 billion discarded tires by 2035.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalChemSusChem·DateSep 25, 2015
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Bravo to biomass

Researchers found significant environmental and public-health benefits from co-firing oat hulls with coal, including 90% reduction in filterable particulate matter. Burning oat hulls also reduced hazardous air pollutants by 41% and heavy metals by 51%.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalFuel·DateSep 25, 2015
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Root microbiome engineering improves plant growth

Researchers have found that artificially selected microbiomes can improve plant growth in genetically identical plants. This method of root microbiome engineering uses bacteria from the roots of large plants and transfers them to other plants, leading to improved growth over time.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Microbiology·DateSep 25, 2015

War's greatest picture

Seventy-five years after the start of the WWII Blitz, Herbert Mason's portrait of St. Paul's Cathedral stands as an enduring symbol of Britain's resilience amidst destruction. The iconic image has been widely reproduced and continues to have a lasting impact on visual shorthand for momentous events.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalThe Journal of Modern History·DateSep 25, 2015
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Simulation of chiral edge states in a quantum system

Researchers have successfully simulated chiral edge states in a quantum system using ultracold ytterbium atoms. The experiment demonstrates the ability to observe chiral currents at the boundaries of two-dimensional materials, similar to those observed in condensed matter physics.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalScience·DateSep 25, 2015

Breakthrough study demonstrates survival advantage with immune checkpoint inhibitor for advanced kidney cancer patients

Researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center demonstrated a significant median overall survival benefit with nivolumab, increasing it to 25 months compared to 19.6 months for everolimus. The study also showed a higher objective response rate and fewer treatment-related adverse events with nivolumab.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 25, 2015

The origin and spread of 'Emperor's rice'

Researchers have solved the mystery of black rice's origin and spread, revealing a genetic basis for its color. The trait arose due to a rearrangement in a gene called Kala4, which activates anthocyanin production, and was later transferred into other varieties through crossbreeding.

SourceAmerican Society of Plant Biologists·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateSep 25, 2015
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Research shows dried plums can reduce risk of colon cancer

Research shows that a diet containing dried plums can positively affect microbiota in the colon, potentially reducing the risk of colon cancer. The study found increased Bacteroidetes and reduced Firmicutes in the distal colon, as well as reduced aberrant crypts and precancerous lesions.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·DateSep 25, 2015

'Fossils' of galaxies reveal the formation and evolution of massive galaxies

Researchers discovered massive dead galaxies with stellar content similar to local elliptical galaxies, revealing the formation and evolution of massive galaxies. The team found progenitors of these dead galaxies when they were forming stars at an earlier cosmic epoch, uncovering a consistent picture of galaxy history.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·DateSep 25, 2015

Scientists stop and search malware hidden in shortened URLs on Twitter

A Cardiff University team developed an intelligent system to detect malicious links disguised in shortened URLs on Twitter, identifying cyber-attacks within 30 seconds with 98% accuracy. The system was tested using tweets from high-traffic events and showed promise in preventing malware infections.

SourceEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council·DateSep 25, 2015

Diabetes medication could be used to treat alcohol dependence

A new study suggests that a diabetes medication could be used to treat alcohol dependence, with results showing a 30-40% reduction in consumption and prevention of relapse. The medication works by interfering with the hormone GLP-1, which regulates food intake and reward centers.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalAddiction Biology·DateSep 25, 2015

Opening new doors

The University of California, Santa Barbara, has been awarded a $2.6 million grant from the US Department of Education to strengthen student success and retention. The grant will focus on two main areas: first-year experiences and faculty professional development, targeting underrepresented students in specific majors and courses.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·DateSep 25, 2015
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Development of trust in B2B relationships calls for common goals

A recent University of Eastern Finland and Cranfield University study found that goal congruence, not power symmetry, drives the development of trust in business-to-business relationships. This finding has implications for companies seeking to establish successful partnerships across different types and sizes of organizations.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalIndustrial Marketing Management·DateSep 25, 2015