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Science News for December 16, 2016


Many muons: Imaging the underground with help from the cosmos

Researchers at PNNL have created a smaller muon detector that can be used to monitor CO2 movement or leakage underground. The detector uses optical fibers and electronics to count muons passing through it, allowing for the detection of anomalies in density and the creation of images.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateDec 16, 2016

Fundamental solid state phenomenon unraveled

Physicists at Goethe University Frankfurt have made a pioneering discovery about the phase transition from an electrical conductor to an insulator. The researchers found that both electrons and the atomic lattice play a significant role in the transition, contrary to common textbook opinion.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 16, 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.

New diagnostic test kit offers easy identification of virulent pathogens in remote locations

A new battery-powered detection system can identify 16 virulent pathogens with high sensitivity and provides positive identification from as few as 10 DNA sequences. The device is designed for use in remote locations where laboratory resources are lacking, addressing the lack of timely diagnosis and effective treatment.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateDec 16, 2016

Investigating kidney biomarkers to track lupus

A new study found that urinary epidermal growth factor levels provided improved ability to distinguish between patients with kidney involvement and those without. The biomarker was also associated with overall lupus damage, suggesting its potential role in monitoring disease progression.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateDec 16, 2016

Artificial intelligence to predict odors

Researchers at FAU's Computer Chemistry Center are developing an AI application to predict odor molecules, neutralizing undesirable smells in packaging and products. The project aims to improve product development efficiency, reducing trial-and-error experiments.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·DateDec 16, 2016
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.

Ultrafast lasers reveal light-harvesting secrets of photosynthetic algae

Scientists at Princeton University have discovered a vibrational resonance mechanism that enables the efficient transfer of light energy in cryptophyte algae. This finding provides valuable insights for designing artificial light-harvesting systems, potentially leading to more efficient solar energy collectors.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalChem·DateDec 16, 2016

HSE researchers uncover why morning people should not work at night

Researchers found that morning people are faster at solving attention-related tasks, but make more mistakes. In contrast, evening people are slower but more accurate in completing similar tasks, suggesting a trade-off between speed and accuracy with sleep deprivation.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalExperimental Brain Research·DateDec 16, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Quantifying radiation damage in SAXS experiments

Radiation damage hinders SAXS experiments' success due to protein aggregation and fragmentation. A new software, RADDOSE-3D extensions, calculates doses for SAXS experiments, reducing manual burden and assessing radioprotectant efficacy.

SourceInternational Union of Crystallography·JournalJournal of Synchrotron Radiation·DateDec 16, 2016

A potential pharmaceutical intervention for co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorder

A randomized controlled pilot trial found that N-acetylcysteine combined with group cognitive behavioral therapy reduced PTSD symptoms, cravings, and depression significantly more than CBT alone. The treatment showed promising results for a difficult-to-treat population of veterans with co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorder.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateDec 16, 2016

Internet data could boost conservation

Researchers used internet data to track public interest in conservation over time, finding sudden spikes linked to media coverage and seasonal events. The study suggests harnessing these peaks to aid protection efforts, using methods that are relatively cheap and produce huge sample sizes.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBiological Conservation·DateDec 16, 2016
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

COPD -- what causes the lungs to lose their ability to heal?

Scientists at Helmholtz Zentrum München discovered that the Wnt5a molecule disrupts lung cells' ability to repair damages in COPD. Stimuli like cigarette smoke lead to increased production of Wnt5a, impairing lung regeneration.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateDec 16, 2016

Movable microplatform floats on a sea of droplets

A new approach by researchers at MIT offers a way to make movable parts with no solid connections between the pieces, potentially eliminating wear and failure. The system uses a layer of liquid droplets to support a tiny, movable platform, which can be controlled electrically.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateDec 16, 2016

Hookah tobacco labels are misleading, Roswell Park, UB researchers find

Research at Roswell Park and University at Buffalo found that many hookah tobacco products have inaccurate labeling regarding nicotine content. The study revealed significant variations in nicotine and pH levels among different types of tobacco, highlighting the need for standardized testing and regulation.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalTobacco Regulatory Science·DateDec 16, 2016

Penn study finds link between HIV treatment and neuronal degeneration

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have identified a key player in causing neuronal damage linked to HIV treatment: the enzyme BACE1. Inhibiting this enzyme may offer a new approach to minimizing damage to neurons in patients on antiretroviral therapies.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateDec 16, 2016
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.

Outdoor recreation in protected areas negatively impacts wildlife

A study led by Colorado State University found that outdoor recreation in protected areas leads to negative effects on wildlife, including decreased species diversity and survival rates. However, some studies suggest positive effects on certain species, such as birds and rodents, with increased abundance and reduced stress.

SourceColorado State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 16, 2016
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.

Internet use in class tied to lower test scores

Researchers found that laptop use in class was linked to poorer test scores, with social media and non-academic internet use being the biggest distractions. The study suggests that encouraging students to bring laptops to class without a clear purpose can negatively impact academic performance.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 16, 2016

Method enables machine learning from unwieldy data sets

Researchers developed an algorithm that extracts diverse subsets from large data sets, improving machine learning efficiency and diversity. The new method is 1 billion times faster than existing algorithms, enabling real-time analysis of vast amounts of data.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateDec 16, 2016

What makes influential science? Telling a good story

A study published in PLOS ONE found that scientific papers with a narrative style, including sensory language and emotional appeals, were more highly cited and featured in top journals. Researchers hope this work will improve scientific communication and lead to better policy decisions.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 16, 2016

Ocean temperatures faithfully recorded in mother-of-pearl

A team of researchers led by University of Wisconsin-Madison physics Professor Pupa Gilbert has discovered that mother-of-pearl can accurately record ancient ocean temperatures. By analyzing the thickness of microscopic tablet layers in nacre, they found a reliable method for measuring past climate conditions.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateDec 16, 2016
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.

Toward energy solutions for northern regions

The workshop emphasized social acceptability, aboriginal community involvement, and improving energy demand forecasts for northern regions. Researchers from Iceland and Quebec explored geothermal energy potential, data limitations, and demonstration projects to validate assumptions regarding low-temperature heat pumps.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·DateDec 16, 2016

AMP issues joint guideline to standardize interpretation and reporting of sequence variants in cancer

The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) has published a joint guideline to standardize the interpretation and reporting of sequence variants in cancer. The guidelines aim to improve patient care by establishing standardized classification, annotation, interpretation, and reporting conventions for somatic sequence variants.

SourceAssociation for Molecular Pathology·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateDec 16, 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.

This GI test could help patients avoid a hospital stay

A new study published in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy found that capsule endoscopy can effectively rule out active upper GI bleeding or high-risk lesions in patients presenting with symptoms of possible UGIB. This reduces unnecessary hospital admissions and improves patient outcomes.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateDec 16, 2016

Turning therapeutic antibodies inside-out to fight cancer

Researchers at UCR developed therapeutic monoclonal antibodies that selectively block the action of faulty matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), targeting cancer cell spread. Inspired by camelid antibodies, these human antibodies have convex binding sites ideal for interactions with concave MMP sites.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 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.

Simulation method helps combat climate change, boost energy supply

Researchers at Kyushu University have developed a new simulation method to predict the behavior of oil, carbon dioxide, and water in underground reservoirs. The approach can help identify optimal sites for carbon sequestration, which could significantly increase energy supply and combat climate change.

SourceKyushu University, I2CNER·JournalWater Resources Research·DateDec 16, 2016

World's smallest radio receiver has building blocks the size of 2 atoms

Researchers have created a tiny radio receiver using atomic-scale defects in pink diamonds, enabling it to operate in harsh environments and human bodies. The device uses nitrogen-vacancy centers, which can emit single photons or detect weak magnetic fields.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateDec 16, 2016

New bioinformatics tool tests methods for finding mutant genes that 'drive' cancer

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a new bioinformatics tool to evaluate the accuracy of current methods for identifying cancer-promoting mutations. The study found that existing methods need improvement and shared their methodology publicly to aid others in developing more precise ways to target tumor growth.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2016
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.

Rice, Baylor team sets new mark for 'deep learning'

A new 'deep rendering mixture model' enables computers to learn about the visual world largely on their own, using a semisupervised learning method. The algorithm achieved higher accuracy than previous methods in distinguishing handwritten digits, even with limited training examples.

SourceRice University·DateDec 16, 2016

Certain high blood pressure drugs block cancer invasion

Researchers have identified a new way of blocking cancer cell invasion using calcium channel blockers, which can stop breast and pancreatic cancer from spreading. The team discovered that these drugs target the sticky finger-like structures on cancer cells, rendering them inactive.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 16, 2016

A cure for social anxiety disorders

A recent study published in Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics shows that cognitive therapy on its own has a much better effect over the long term than just drugs or a combination of the two. Nearly 85% of patients improved or became healthy using only cognitive therapy.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalPsychotherapy and Psychosomatics·DateDec 16, 2016

Carbon dots dash toward 'green' recycling role

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a simple way to recycle waste carbon dioxide into valuable fuel using nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots. The dots proved nearly as efficient as copper in converting CO2 into small batches of ethylene and ethanol, with the ability to keep their catalytic activity for a long time.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 16, 2016

Guards of the human immune system unraveled

Researchers characterized dendritic cells across different human organs, revealing constant surface profiles and tissue-specific signals. The study sheds light on the development of new immune therapies and cancer treatments.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience Immunology·DateDec 16, 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.

Bacteria control levels of dangerous pollutant in seabirds

Bacteria play a crucial role in determining the health of birds at the top of the food web. Seabirds feeding in areas rich in sulfate-reducing bacteria have high levels of mercury. This study suggests that bacteria provide a buffer to variation in mercury within the environment.

SourceMcGill University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 16, 2016

Graffiti for science

Researchers from GFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam developed a new method called 'erosion painting' to visualize erosion rates. By applying paint patterns on rock surfaces and monitoring their removal over time, scientists can analyze the spatial distribution and intensity of erosive processes.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalEarth Surface Dynamics·DateDec 16, 2016