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Science News for December 22, 2016


Fractional calculus helps control systems hit their mark

Researchers developed a new setpoint-tracking strategy using fractional calculus to improve the response time and stability of automated systems. The approach outperformed classical integer-order filters in tracking complex paths, offering potential benefits for applications like robotics, self-driving cars, and medical devices.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateDec 22, 2016

Know thy enemy: Kill MRSA with tailored chemistry

Researchers at UConn have developed experimental antibiotics that successfully target and kill MRSA bacteria by blocking the enzyme pathway critical to its survival. By understanding the molecular structure of the enzyme and designing tailored inhibitors, the team created compounds that evade previously resistant strains.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateDec 22, 2016
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.

What makes a skin cell destined to be hairy or sweaty

Researchers identified mesenchymal-derived BMPs as a crucial mechanism in determining sweat gland versus hairy cell fates. The study found increased expression of BMP and FGF genes at week 17 in human scalp skin, coinciding with the shift from hair to sweat-bud formation.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 22, 2016

New precision medicine tool helps optimize cancer treatment

Researchers developed iCAGES, a computational tool that integrates whole genome-based approach to identify individual cancer driver genes and select treatment options. The tool was found to be superior in predicting cancer drivers and identifying beneficial treatments compared to other computational tools.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalGenome Medicine·DateDec 22, 2016

Histologic classification impacts SBRT treatment in early-stage lung cancer patients

A study analyzing 740 early-stage NSCLC patients treated with SBRT found that Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SqCC) has a significantly higher rate of local failure compared to other histological subtypes. SqCCs are more resistant to SBRT, which may require treatment optimization based on histological subtype.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateDec 22, 2016
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.

Researchers estimate time since death using necrobiome

A new study analyzed the human microbiome to estimate the postmortem interval of cadavers. The researchers used machine learning to predict the time since death with accuracy up to two days. This method could lead to a definitive way to establish time since death, shedding light on homicide cases and corroborating or disproving alibis.

SourceThe City University of New York·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 22, 2016

An astounding number of insects migrate overhead

A decade-long study in southern UK reveals an annual mean of 3.37 trillion insects migrating above the region, comprising 3200 tons of biomass. The majority of migration occurs during daytime, with intensity greatest on warm days.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 22, 2016

The hidden inferno inside your laser pointer

Researchers have developed a method to measure temperature and voltage in systems far from equilibrium, which could lead to the creation of more efficient microelectronic devices. This breakthrough has significant implications for advancing technology, particularly in the development of smaller, faster electronic components.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPhysical Review B·DateDec 22, 2016
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Existence of a short-lived tetraneutron predicted

Physicists have predicted the existence of a short-lived tetraneutron, a particle consisting of four neutrons, with a lifetime of 5×10<sup>−22</sup> sec. Theoretical computations based on new interactions and supercomputer simulations correlate with experimental findings and suggest unprecedented properties.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 22, 2016

Global climate target could net additional six million tons of fish annually

A new study published in Science suggests that meeting the Paris Agreement's global warming target of 1.5 degrees Celsius could lead to a significant increase in global fish catches, with potential gains ranging from three to six million metric tons per year. The researchers found that some oceans are more sensitive to changes in tempe...

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScience·DateDec 22, 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.

Overweight affects DNA methylation

A large-scale international study has identified epigenetic changes in DNA methylation at nearly 200 genomic loci associated with being overweight. The study found significant changes in the expression of inflammatory genes and potential epigenetic markers for type 2 diabetes risk.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature·DateDec 22, 2016

Analysis of 50,000+ genomes reveals detrimental mutations

Two new studies identify medically relevant genetic variants in over 50,000 human participants, revealing rare gene variants that have lost their function and potentially disabling genes. The research also found associations between specific genes and increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including familial hypercholesterolemia.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 22, 2016

Helping pays off: People who care for others live longer

An international research team found that grandparents who provide occasional childcare outlive those who do not. Additionally, childless older adults who offer emotional support also benefit from lower mortality rates.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalEvolution and Human Behavior·DateDec 22, 2016

Post-Op complications measurements differ, Mayo Clinic study finds

A Mayo Clinic study found significant discrepancies in reporting postoperative infection complications between hospital-based administrative data and clinical registry data. The analysis of four common complications revealed that the two approaches yielded vastly different assessments, with rates varying up to fivefold.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateDec 22, 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.

Hidden hearing loss revealed by UConn School of Medicine researchers

Researchers at UConn School of Medicine developed a new hearing test to identify binaural processing deficits in individuals with normal or near-normal audiograms. The study found that listeners with essentially normal clinical hearing test results may exhibit substantial deficits in binaural processing.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateDec 22, 2016

Enhanced energy: ONR global seeks more powerful electronic devices

A groundbreaking study in Nature Magazine explores the use of zinc oxide to improve semiconductors and energy output in electronic devices, promising increased efficiency and performance. The research has significant benefits for Marines on the ground and Sailors at sea, as well as global consumers.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 22, 2016

Genetic cause identified for previously unrecognized developmental disorder

An international team of scientists has identified variants of the EBF3 gene causing a developmental disorder with features in common with autism. The discovery opens the possibility of diagnosing other patients with similar clinical disorders, providing relief to their parents and improving genetic diagnosis.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateDec 22, 2016

Here's why you don't feel jet-lagged when you run a fever

Researchers found that a small group of brain cells controls sleep and regulates core body temperature, which explains why people don't feel jet-lagged when they have a fever. The discovery sheds light on the mechanisms behind circadian rhythms and their role in regulating bodily processes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 22, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The sound of quantum vacuum

The study reveals strong correlations between laser-induced light fluctuations and mechanical motion, showcasing the strange laws of quantum mechanics. By using a phononic crystal to confine vibrations, the researchers achieved ultra-precision measurements, overcoming fundamental quantum limits.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 22, 2016

Genes Nardilysin and OGDHL linked to human neurological conditions

Researchers discovered a link between genes nardilysin and OGDHL, which are crucial for mitochondrial function, and progressive loss of neurological functions in humans. Mutations in these genes lead to neurodegeneration, characterized by the accumulation of cellular trash.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateDec 22, 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.

Plastics compound bps alters mouse moms' behavior and brain regions

A study by UMass Amherst researchers found that bisphenol S (BPS) exposure during pregnancy and lactation impaired maternal behavior in mice, including increased infanticide rates. The compound also affected brain regions sensitive to estrogen, leading to changes in nesting behavior and care of offspring.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalEndocrinology·DateDec 22, 2016

Feeding the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way

Scientists develop rigorous new method for modeling the accretion disk that feeds the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way galaxy. This approach replaces traditional formulas with a kinetic method to trace collisionless particles, improving understanding of plasma behavior and radiative efficiency.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·DateDec 22, 2016

Temperature drives biodiversity

A new study reveals that temperature is the primary driver of biodiversity, with warmer climates hosting more diverse ecosystems. The research, conducted at Mount Kilimanjaro, examined eight plant groups and 17 animal groups, finding a strong correlation between temperature and species diversity.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 22, 2016

Scientists discover concussion biomarker

Researchers at Northwestern University's Auditory Neuroscience Laboratory have discovered a biological marker in the auditory system that can reliably diagnose concussions. The study found that children who suffered concussions had a distinct pattern in their brain activity when exposed to sound, which could be used to identify them.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 22, 2016

Protein that activates immune response harms body's ability to fight HIV

Researchers found that temporarily blocking type I interferon can restore immune function and speed up viral suppression in HIV-infected mice. This approach may help eradicate HIV throughout the body when combined with antiretroviral therapy.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 22, 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.

A smarter, safer way to reduce corrosion

A team of researchers from Swansea University has made a breakthrough in reducing corrosion by developing a new method that outperforms existing products. The new coating lasts up to 12 times as long and is 20 times faster than current methods.

SourceSwansea University·DateDec 22, 2016

New tag revolutionizes whale research -- and makes them partners in science

A new type of 'tag' on whales allows researchers to record data every second for hours, days, and weeks at a time, providing insights into whale ecology, behavior, and interactions with prey. The technology has turned whales into scientific partners to help understand ocean conditions and climate change.

SourceOregon State University·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateDec 22, 2016

Sensor sensation

Researchers at OIST have created a novel sensor that detects biomolecules more accurately than ever before, using the additional function of measuring mass. This allows for more confident encapsulation of disease-detecting biomolecules within microfluidic platforms.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNanoscale·DateDec 22, 2016

Electron-photon small-talk could have big impact on quantum computing

Scientists have successfully built a device that allows a single electron to communicate with a photon, paving the way for more efficient quantum computing. This breakthrough enables quantum information to be transferred between electrons and photons, reducing noise and increasing performance.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalScience·DateDec 22, 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.

Oregon researchers publish reference genome of gulf pipefish

The study provides a detailed genome sequence of the gulf pipefish, which can be used as a reference for other labs to follow. The genome reveals genetic changes responsible for the evolution of unique features in the species, including its ability to gestate embryos.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalGenome Biology·DateDec 22, 2016

FH and other findings from Geisinger-Regeneron genomics studies

A Geisinger-Regeneron genomics study found that Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) is more common than thought, with 1 in every 256 people carrying a disease-causing mutation. The study identified 35 mutations causing FH and found many patients were undertreated due to lack of genetic confirmation.

SourceGeisinger Health System·JournalScience·DateDec 22, 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.

Interleukin-1α causes people to choke on air

Scientists have identified interleukin-1α as the key event triggering allergic reactions to air pollution. The release of IL-1α leads to inflammation in the lungs and intensifies the immune response, suggesting a promising therapeutic target for respiratory illnesses associated with air pollution.

SourceOsaka University·JournalImmunity·DateDec 22, 2016

NIH-supported scientists accelerate immune response to tuberculosis in mice

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis accelerate immune response to tuberculosis in mice by activating dendritic cells, leading to near-sterilizing immunity levels. The study could lead to improved TB vaccines for humans, addressing the variable protection provided by current BCG vaccine.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 22, 2016

Deadly sleeping sickness set to be eliminated in 6 years

Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a two-pronged approach combining active screening and vector control, which could eliminate Gambian sleeping sickness in key regions of DRC within four years. Without this combined strategy, elimination might not occur until the 22nd century.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateDec 22, 2016

NASA spots Tropical Storm Nock-ten intensify

Tropical Storm Nock-ten strengthened from a tropical depression, with maximum sustained winds near 52 mph. The storm is forecast to intensify into a typhoon by Dec 24 and track through the Philippines on Dec 25-26.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 22, 2016

Prior kidney damage may pose risks for pregnant women and their babies

A study found that women with a history of recovered acute kidney injury had an increased rate of preeclampsia and delivered infants earlier than those with normal kidney function. Infants born to these women were also at higher risk for small-for-gestational-age births.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 22, 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.

Weight loss reduces psoriasis symptoms

A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that weight loss reduced psoriasis severity and improved quality of life among obese test subjects. The results, which showed a lasting effect, underscore the importance of weight loss as part of a broader treatment regimen for overweight patients with psoriasis.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateDec 22, 2016

Abortion care in the UK is 'heading towards a crisis,' warns expert

The UK's abortion care system is facing a crisis due to an outdated law and inadequate access, according to an expert. Women seeking abortions face challenges including inequitable access, lack of trained staff, stigmatization, and exceptionalism.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care·DateDec 22, 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.

Heart-related deaths spike at Christmas

Researchers found a 4.2% increase in heart-related deaths during the Christmas period, with average age of cardiac death being 76.2 years. The study suggests that patients may hold back seeking medical care due to travel, geographic isolation, and emotional stress associated with holidays.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateDec 22, 2016

Mass insect migrations in UK skies

Scientists have measured mass insect migrations in UK skies, with up to 3.5 trillion insects migrating annually over southern England. The movements are comparable to significant oceanic migrations and provide essential ecological services, including pollination and predation of crop pests.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScience·DateDec 22, 2016

History of kidney injury increases risk of pregnancy complications

A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that women with a history of acute kidney injury have a higher risk of adverse outcomes during pregnancy, including preeclampsia and preterm delivery. Despite normal kidney function before pregnancy, these women were more likely to develop complications.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 22, 2016

Controlling the body clock

Researchers at RIKEN create genetic knock-out rescue mice to study circadian timekeeping and identify key sites in the CRY1 gene that affect the duration of the circadian period. They find that specific mutations near the p-loop region influence phosphorylation levels, leading to longer or shorter circadian periods.

SourceRIKEN·JournalMolecular Cell·DateDec 22, 2016
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Wayne State University leads groundbreaking research on preterm birth

Researchers at Wayne State University have made a groundbreaking discovery about B lymphocytes and their role in preventing preterm birth. The study found that these cells produce molecules to suppress uterine inflammation and premature birth, potentially leading to new therapeutic approaches.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalNature Medicine·DateDec 22, 2016

Results of major myeloma treatment trial published in The Lancet

A major clinical trial has found that adding bortezomib to a standard two-drug regimen significantly prolongs the time before multiple myeloma cancer returns, giving patients about another year of remission. The study also shows that patients who receive this combination therapy live an average of six years after initial treatment.

SourceSWOG·JournalThe Lancet·DateDec 22, 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.

Oddly shaped immune cells cause fibrosis

Researchers at Osaka University discovered a new subgroup of monocytes called SatM, which may contribute to fibrosis. These cells showed characteristics that suggested they were hybrids of different immune cells and can be regulated by C/EBPβ.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature·DateDec 22, 2016

Nanoscale 'conversations' create complex, multi-layered structures

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory developed a way to efficiently create complex nanoscale structures by leveraging self-assembly and guided layering. The technique enables the creation of intricate 3D structures with internal channels or pockets, advancing nanotechnology for medicine, energy generation, and other applications.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 22, 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.

These dinosaurs lost their teeth as they grew up

Researchers have found that ceratosaurian theropod dinosaurs had teeth as young juveniles that were gradually lost as they grew up. The discovery reveals a unique developmental process where the toothed jaws of juvenile individuals transition to a completely toothless beaked jaw in more mature individuals.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 22, 2016

Artificial intelligence to generate new cancer drugs on demand

Scientists at InSilico Medicine developed a proof-of-concept AI model using Generative Adversarial Autoencoders (AAEs) to generate molecular fingerprints of cancer-killing molecules. The study demonstrates the potential for AI to accelerate pharmaceutical R&D and improve clinical trial success rates.

SourceInSilico Medicine·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateDec 22, 2016

NASA finds heavy rainfall area increasing in Tropical Cyclone Yvette

Tropical Cyclone Yvette's center of circulation has seen an increase in continuous rainfall area, with convective storms dropping rain at rates over 60 mm per hour. The storm's maximum sustained winds have reached up to 52 mph, with forecast predictions indicating landfall on Christmas Day.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 22, 2016
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

A stem cell strategy for boosting testosterone levels tested in rodents

Researchers developed a method for generating Leydig cells by directly converting adult skin cells into functional testosterone-producing cells. The approach successfully restored normal testosterone levels in male rodents with hypogonadism, offering a promising alternative to existing therapies.

SourceCell Press·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateDec 22, 2016

Proteins at the movies

Researchers have successfully filmed protein folding in three dimensions for the first time, enabling them to observe minute changes in protein structures during transformation. The technique, developed using Japan's XFEL facility, has significant implications for drug development and studying membrane transport proteins.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience·DateDec 22, 2016

Researchers capture video of false killer whale's encounter with longline

A team of researchers observed Hawaiian false killer whales removing fish from longline fishing gear for the first time, gaining insight into a behavior that has led to unsustainable entanglements. The study provides new information on the animals' behavior and may lead to the development of 'smart hooks' to reduce bycatch.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateDec 22, 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.

Smoking while pregnant may compromise children's kidney function

Children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy are more likely to show signs of kidney damage. Maternal smoking is linked to an increased risk of childhood proteinuria, a sign of reduced kidney function that can lead to chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease in adulthood.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 22, 2016

Study IDs key indicators linking violence and mental illness

Researchers analyzed data from 3,473 adults with mental illnesses to identify key indicators of subsequent risk of becoming victims or perpetrators of violence. The study found that affective symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, were closely associated with both committing and being a victim of violence.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateDec 22, 2016

Moffitt researchers use mathematics to explain treatment resistance

A team of researchers used mathematical models to study the emergence of treatment-resistant populations in bacteria and cancer cells. They found that biological redundancy can lead to bet-hedging, a mechanism that allows cells to survive even when faced with catastrophic environmental changes. The study suggests that traditional strat...

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalGenetics·DateDec 22, 2016
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

TSRI study: Protein monitors lung volume and regulates breathing

A TSRI study found that the Piezo2 protein plays a critical role in sensing lung expansion and regulating breathing. Researchers discovered that newborn mice lacking Piezo2 channel show severe respiratory distress, while adult mice with deleted channels inhale more air than normal.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature·DateDec 22, 2016

Fractional disturbance observers could help machines stay on track

Researchers created tools called disturbance observers using fractional calculus, which estimate and eliminate disturbances in systems. The new approach outperformed existing methods, particularly when combined to handle highly fluctuating disturbance signals.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateDec 22, 2016

Paris Agreement target critical for preserving fisheries

A new study highlights the urgent need for global action to limit temperature increases to 1.5°C due to its critical role in preserving marine ecosystems and limiting species turnover for the fishing industry. The results show that exceeding this target could lead to a three-fold decline in marine biomass.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 22, 2016