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Science News for August 26, 2016


Nanocatalysis for organic chemistry

Nanocatalysts display significant catalytic capability due to increased surface area and multiple catalytic centers. They play a crucial role in enhancing yield and TON in specific chemical products, including chemo-selective and coupling reactions.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Organic Chemistry·DateAug 26, 2016

NASA examines System 99L over Hispaniola in infrared light

System 99L is a tropical low pressure area located over Hispaniola, producing disorganized shower and thunderstorm activity. Heavy rainfall, flash floods, and mudslides are likely over the region, with conditions becoming more favorable for development early next week.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 26, 2016
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.

A visual nudge can disrupt recall of what things look like

A study by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that visual interference can disrupt recall of what things look like. The study, published in the Journal of Memory and Language, challenged widely held theories about visual knowledge and how it is processed in the brain.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalJournal of Memory and Language·DateAug 26, 2016

Researchers find a new way to identify and target malignant aging in leukemia

Researchers have identified RNA-based biomarkers that distinguish between normal, aging hematopoietic stem cells and leukemia stem cells associated with secondary acute myeloid leukemia. The findings suggest a new way to predict leukemic relapse early and identify potential targets for new drug development.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateAug 26, 2016

Sights set on the next generation of shuttle peptides to target the brain

Researchers at IRB Barcelona have made significant advances in developing shuttle peptides that can transport drugs across the blood-brain barrier. These peptide vectors show promise for treating neurological diseases with improved efficiency and lower side effects.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalChemical Society Reviews·DateAug 26, 2016
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.

Electrons at the speed limit

Researchers at ETH Zurich have investigated how electrons respond to extremely fast electric fields, reaching speeds of up to petahertz. They observed that the absorption of diamond varied characteristically following the rhythm of the oscillating electric field, confirming the dynamical Franz-Keldysh effect.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateAug 26, 2016
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.

Allergy research: Response to house dust mites is age-dependent

Researchers found that an extract from house dust mites triggers different responses depending on the age of the person, with leukotrienes playing a key role in adults. The study suggests that cortisone therapy may not be effective against this type of allergy and that targeted therapies could be more effective.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateAug 26, 2016

Bacteria in smokeless tobacco products may be a health concern

Research on smokeless tobacco products has identified several bacteria species associated with opportunistic infections, such as Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus pumilus. These bacteria can produce toxins that cause illness in large quantities and may also contribute to the formation of carcinogenic compounds.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateAug 26, 2016

Crystal unclear: Why might this uncanny crystal change laser design?

Researchers at NIST and Shandong University have found a way to grow large crystals that could revolutionize laser technology. The microcrystals outperform conventional crystals in some ways, but their performance challenges scientific theory.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 26, 2016

Businesses that show commitment to sustainability inspire greener customers

Research from Simon Fraser University's Beedie School of Business found that consumers conserve resources when they perceive a hotel to be environmentally friendly. The study revealed that visible efforts by firms can influence consumer behavior, with eco-friendly initiatives leading to greater resource conservation and cost savings.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateAug 26, 2016
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.

Probing how CRISPR-Cas9 works

Scientists at UMass Chan Medical School discovered how CRISPR-Cas9 targets DNA in live cells, finding that guide RNA stability affects cleavage. The study's findings help predict off-target cuts and may improve gene editing tools.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateAug 26, 2016

Scientists experimentally realize optomechanically induced non-reciprocity

Researchers demonstrate optomechanically induced non-reciprocal transparency and amplification in a microresonator, enabling the creation of controllable isolators and circulators. A non-reciprocal phase shift of up to 40 degrees is achieved using two oppositely propagating driving fields.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Photonics·DateAug 26, 2016

Typhoon Lionrock threatening Japan

Typhoon Lionrock is a powerful storm with maximum sustained winds of 105 knots, forecast to make landfall near Tokyo on August 30th. Its intensity track remains uncertain, with some predicting it will weaken and others that it will remain strong.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 26, 2016

NASA's GPM examines Tropical Storm Lester

Tropical Storm Lester, the 12th named storm of the 2016 eastern Pacific Ocean, was analyzed by NASA's GPM core satellite. The storm showed moderate intensity bands of rain curving around its eastern side, with rainfall rates reaching over 54 mm per hour.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 26, 2016

3-D-printed structures 'remember' their shapes

Researchers at MIT and SUTD used light to print 3D structures that can remember their original shapes after being stretched, twisted, and bent. The structures can be printed with micron-scale features and have potential applications in biomedical devices, soft robotics, and solar panel tracking.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 26, 2016
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Novel schistosomiasis vaccine: New phase of clinical studies

A novel schistosomiasis vaccine called Sm14 Vaccine has reached phase II clinical studies, prioritized by the World Health Organization. The vaccine aims to prevent the parasite that causes the disease from installing in the patient's organism and causing damage.

SourceOswaldo Cruz Institute·DateAug 26, 2016

Selective protection of genetic information by epigenetic system

Researchers found that mismatch repair machinery preferentially protects genetic integrity in open chromatin regions, increasing mutation rates in heterochromatic areas. This study provides direct evidence for the role of epigenetic systems in maintaining genetic fidelity.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 26, 2016

Shifts in the microbiome impact tissue repair and regeneration

Researchers found that a dramatic shift in the microbial community of planaria robs it of regenerative abilities, similar to observed shifts in human inflammatory disorders. The study provides a valuable model for understanding the interplay between immunity and regeneration.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·DateAug 26, 2016
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.

The first epigenetic test to diagnose tumors of unknown origin

A new epigenetic test can diagnose the primary tumor responsible for metastasis in patients with Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP), allowing for more specific treatments. This test, EPICUP, analyzes a patient's DNA to identify the type of cancer, resulting in improved survival rates.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateAug 26, 2016

From rigid to flexible

Researchers have found a mechanism that explains how cells transport cargo efficiently and selectively within their boundaries. The discovery reveals that flexibility in large tether proteins plays a crucial role in initiating the fusion process.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature·DateAug 26, 2016

Penn study finds nasal spray effective and safe anesthesia for dental work

A recent Phase 3 clinical trial led by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that a new nasal spray anesthetic called Kovanaze is effective in preventing pain during dental procedures. The study showed that the compound was comparable to commonly used injectable numbing agents and had minimal side effects.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·DateAug 26, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers report new Zika complication

Researchers have reported a new neurological complication of Zika virus infection, specifically sensory polyneuropathy, in a Honduran patient. The study highlights the potential for Zika virus to cause acute infectious sensory polyneuropathy, which began during the acute infectious phase.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of the Neurological Sciences·DateAug 26, 2016

The sound of a healthy reef

A new study suggests that sound plays a limited role in attracting coral larvae to reef systems. By recording particle motion using accelerometers, researchers found that the signal drops rapidly below levels detectable by most marine species just a few meters away from the reef. This finding challenges previous studies and highlights ...

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 26, 2016

Breast milk sugar may protect babies against deadly infection

A study found that naturally-occurring sugars in breast milk, particularly lacto-n-difucohexaose I, may protect babies against Group B streptococcus infection. Women who produced this sugar were less likely to have the bacteria in their gut and their babies were also less likely to get it from birth.

SourceImperial College London·JournalClinical & Translational Immunology·DateAug 26, 2016
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.

Moth takes advantage of defensive compounds in Physalis fruits

The moth species Heliothis subflexa has a specialized diet of Physalis fruits, which provides it with direct and indirect protection through the presence of withanolides. These compounds increase larval growth and immune system activity while also protecting against bacterial infections caused by Bacillus thuringiensis.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 26, 2016

A few extra pounds can't hurt you -- or can they?

A global study involving 10.6 million people contradicts a previous finding that being overweight increases longevity, stating that it is instead linked to a higher risk of premature death from coronary heart disease, stroke and respiratory disease. The study's findings have important clinical and public health implications.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 26, 2016

Spherical tokamaks could provide path to limitless fusion energy

Researchers propose spherical tokamaks as a design for future fusion devices, offering a compact and low-cost solution for harnessing fusion energy. The upgraded NSTX-U and MAST facilities will provide crucial data for developing commercial fusion plants.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalNuclear Fusion·DateAug 26, 2016
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.

Two NASA satellites take a bead on Gaston's movements

NASA's AIRS and Suomi NPP satellites are monitoring Tropical Storm Gaston's weakening position in the Atlantic. The storms expected to strengthen over the next 48 hours, with forecasters warning of increased winds and potentially tighter storm structure.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 26, 2016

Force triggers gene expression by stretching chromatin

Researchers at University of Illinois discovered that mechanical force can directly trigger gene expression by stretching chromatin, a condensed DNA and protein mixture. The study found that the degree of stretching affects gene expression, with varying effects based on the direction of the force in relation to the cell's cytoskeleton.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 26, 2016

Annual production of gallium and germanium could be much higher

Max Frenzel estimates that the annual global production of gallium and germanium could be at least 7 times higher than it is currently. Gallium production could reach 2,900 tonnes per year, while current production is 440 tonnes, and germanium production could reach 1,200 tonnes.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalResources Policy·DateAug 26, 2016
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.

Structural, regulatory and human error were factors in Washington highway bridge collapse

A new analysis by civil engineering faculty at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign outlines the factors that led to the 2013 Interstate 5 bridge collapse in Washington. The study highlights the importance of updating databases to reflect minimum heights and implementing automated reporting systems to prevent similar accidents.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Performance of Constructed Facilities·DateAug 26, 2016

CAS researchers and Nobel Laureate develop new monomer fluorescent protein for SR imaging

CAS researchers have developed a new monomer fluorescent protein, Skylan-NS, enabling substantial improvements in the speed, duration, and noninvasiveness of live-cell superresolution microscopy. The protein shows high photostability, cycle numbers and signal-to-noise ratio, making it suitable for live-cell SR imaging.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 26, 2016

FAA announces new Center of Excellence

The University of Oklahoma and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University have been selected to lead the FAA's new Air Transportation Center of Excellence. The center will focus on researching innovative training methods, including part-task training, modeling, and adaptive learning technologies.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateAug 26, 2016

Next steps in understanding brain function

Researchers are uniting to tackle the complex challenge of understanding brain function through large-scale computational modeling. This approach aims to improve our knowledge of brain function by creating realistic models based on biological data.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Neuroanatomy·DateAug 26, 2016
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.