NASA tracking a stronger Tropical Storm Nock-Ten
Tropical Storm Nock-ten, also known as Nina, is intensifying before making landfall in the Philippines. NASA's Suomi NPP satellite captured strong thunderstorms and heavy rainfall predictions.
Science News for December 23, 2016
Why chess masters win
Cognitive scientists at Bielefeld University have been investigating the secret of successful chess players by recording players' eye movements and facial expressions. The research group found that chess experts concentrate on main chess pieces and control their attention more efficiently than novices.
NIAID research aids discovery of genetic immune disorder
Researchers found a genetic defect in CD70 protein, leading to poor immune control of EBV and increased risk of Hodgkin's lymphoma. The study provides insight into the normal role of CD70 and offers potential strategies for combatting autoimmune disease.
SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateDec 23, 2016
First movie of energy transfer in photosynthesis solves decades-old debate
Researchers from Imperial College London and Johannes Kepler University have determined the speed of crucial processes in photosynthesis for the first time using ultrafast imaging. The study reveals that the slowest step is not the water-splitting reaction, but rather the light harvesting and transfer process.
Stability challenge in perovskite solar cell technology
A new study has found that iodide-based perovskites produce a gaseous form of iodine during operation, causing further degradation of the material. The researchers suggest that developing new materials with reduced iodine concentrations or reinforced structures could help address this issue.
SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Energy·DateDec 23, 2016
Champagne owes its taste to the finely tuned quality of its bubbles
The taste of champagne is influenced by the complex interplay between CO2 levels and volatile organic compounds within bubbles. The collapse of these bubbles releases wine aromas into the air.
Biophysical Society announces 2018 Future of Biophysics symposium speakers
The Biophysical Society's 2018 Future of Biophysics symposium features young investigators exploring the intersection of physics and life sciences. Researchers will present their work on topics such as enzyme structures, protein sorting, and RNA polymerase II mechanisms.
Biophysical Society announces winners of 2017 Education Travel Awards
The Biophysical Society has announced the winners of its Education Committee Travel Awards, recognizing students and postdoctoral fellows for their scientific merit. The recipients will present their research during the meeting, receive a travel grant, and be recognized at a reception.
Biophysical Society announces winners of 2017 Inclusion and Diversity Travel Awards
The Biophysical Society has announced the winners of its Committee for Inclusion and Diversity Travel Awards, which aim to encourage participation at the annual meeting among underrepresented students. The award recipients will be honored at a reception on February 11, 2017.
Clemson study focuses on improving facemasks to help reduce football brain injuries
A Clemson University team, led by Gregory Batt and John DesJardins, is working on improving facemask designs to help reduce the severity of head injuries in football. They are using a linear drop tower system to test various facemask materials and structures.
Genomic sequencing illuminates recent Shigella outbreaks in California
A study sequencing genomes of Shigella sonnei isolates found two clusters of outbreaks, one causing severe gastrointestinal problems due to a toxin gene acquired from other Shigella species and another resistant to fluoroquinolone antibiotics. The findings provide insights into the bacteria's virulence and antibiotic resistance genes.
Visualizing gene expression with MRI
Researchers at Caltech have developed a method to link magnetic resonance imaging signals to gene expression in cells, allowing for non-invasive monitoring of disease. The technique uses aquaporin reporter genes to visualize gene expression in living tissues, with potential clinical translation.
Biophysical Society announces winners of 2017 CPOW Travel Awards
The Biophysical Society has announced the winners of its 2017 CPOW Travel Awards to increase female participation in biophysics. The recipients are female postdoctoral fellows or mid-career scientists presenting posters or oral presentations at the conference, and will receive travel grants and recognition.
Anti-AXL biologic increases tumor sensitivity to radiation and check-point inhibitors
A new study reveals that inhibiting AXL signaling increases anti-tumor immune response, sensitizes tumors to radiation, and enhances efficacy of anticancer therapies. Aravive-S6 acts as a decoy receptor, binding Gas-6 to prevent AXL activation.
NASA sees wind shear's effects on Tropical Cyclone Yvette
Tropical Storm Yvette was battered by vertical wind shear, with the majority of clouds and thunderstorms being pushed north and west of its center. The storm made landfall on Christmas Day south of Broome, Western Australia.
Fungus-infecting virus could help track spread of white-nose syndrome in bats
A newly discovered virus infecting the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome in bats could help scientists track its spread. The variation in the viral genome provides clues about how the disease is moving, enabling researchers to better understand its epidemiology.
Biophysical Society announces winners of 2017 International Travel Awards
The Biophysical Society has announced the winners of its international travel grants to attend its annual meeting in New Orleans, USA. The recipients are scientists from around the world who will present their research on biophysics and related fields.
A wolverine inspired material
Researchers developed a transparent, self-healing, highly stretchable conductive material that can be electrically activated to power artificial muscles. The material has potential applications in robots, biosensors, and electronic devices, offering improved durability and efficiency.
The incorrigibles
A USC-led study found that people are less flexible when considering counter-evidence on political issues, but more so on non-political statements. The brain's Default Mode Network and amygdalae regions were activated in response to belief challenges.
Dr. Chiaravalloti of Kessler Foundation receives $600,000 grant to study cognition and SCI
Researchers aim to identify effective treatments for cognitive deficits in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. Dr. Chiaravalloti's project seeks to improve everyday functioning and quality of life for individuals with SCI.