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Science News for December 29, 2016


New tool shines light on protein condensation in living cells

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new tool called optoDroplet that allows them to manipulate and understand the chemistry of membraneless organelles in living cells. The study reveals how proteins assemble into different liquid and gel-like solid states, which is crucial for understanding various cellular operations.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalCell·DateDec 29, 2016

The rhythm that makes memories permanent

Researchers found that synaptic inhibition dominated over excitation during SWR generation and was responsible for the oscillation. PV+ interneurons played a key role in generating SWRs, suggesting that inhibition is crucial for making memories permanent.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNeuron·DateDec 29, 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.

Responsive filtration membranes by polymer self-assembly

Researchers from Tufts University review recent developments in stimuli-responsive membranes, highlighting the benefits of polymer self-assembly for improved selectivity. The study showcases various stimuli-responsive behaviors and future development challenges in this promising field.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalTECHNOLOGY·DateDec 29, 2016

Diamonds are technologists' best friends

Scientists from Lomonosov Moscow State University have developed a technology to produce small diamond crystals in needle- and thread-like shapes, which could be used in sensors, quantum optical devices, and other areas of science and technology. The technique involves heating polycrystalline diamond films to oxidize most of the materi...

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 29, 2016

Omega-3 supplements can prevent childhood asthma

A new study found that pregnant women taking long-chain omega-3 supplements reduced their children's asthma risk by 31%. Women with low blood levels of EPA and DHA at the beginning of the study benefited the most from the supplements, with a 54% relative risk reduction.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 29, 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.

Image-based modeling

Researchers developed a novel image-based simulation approach that accounts for realistic architectural non-idealities and flow physics in tissue engineering scaffolds. This technology allows for correlating cell behavior and tissue growth with flow, tracking relationships over time via repeated scanning.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalTECHNOLOGY·DateDec 29, 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.

Penn experts call for expansion of molecular imaging in precision cancer care

Molecular imaging techniques have the potential to revolutionize cancer diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment by providing non-invasive alternatives to traditional biopsies. By identifying specific biomarkers, these methods can help doctors choose the most effective treatments, minimize side effects, and predict patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateDec 29, 2016

Researchers fabricate high performance Cu(OH)2 supercapacitor electrodes

A team of researchers has fabricated copper-based nanostructures with high specific and areal capacitances in a short time frame, making them suitable for energy devices such as supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries. The study's findings suggest that these structures have great potential for energy applications.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalNANO·DateDec 29, 2016

Can paint strokes help identify Alzheimer's?

Researchers analyzed brushstrokes of famous artists' paintings for fractal patterns, detecting changes linked to neurodegenerative disorders. The study suggests a potential new method for identifying Alzheimer's disease in its early stages.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNeuropsychology·DateDec 29, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Racial disparities exist in children's access to kidney transplantation

A study analyzing data from over 12,000 children reveals racial disparities in kidney transplant survival rates, with black children at higher risk due to reduced access to transplantation. Hispanic children, despite lower access, had a lower risk of death compared to non-Hispanic white children.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 29, 2016

Endometrial cancer mutations are detectable in uterine lavage fluid before cancer diagnosis

Researchers discovered cancer-driving gene mutations in uterine lavage fluid of women with and without endometrial cancer. The study's findings suggest that these pre-cancerous mutations can be detected using advanced genomic technologies, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and improved treatment outcomes.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 29, 2016

Genes and the environment equally affect language-related brain activity

Researchers found that genetic and environmental influences affect language-related brain activities in the left frontal area of the brain. The study used magnetoencephalography to measure brain activity in monozygotic and dizygotic elderly Japanese twins, revealing that verbal memory is associated with lower-power ERDs.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNeuroImage·DateDec 29, 2016

A parallel hybrid controller based on the backstepping method

A new simplified mass-spring-bar model is presented for the semi-pelagic trawl system, enabling trajectory tracking and control of the trawl net and two otter boards. The proposed hybrid control approach combines stability analysis with S-plane control to ensure effective motion control.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Cybernetics & Systemics Journal·DateDec 29, 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.

Many smokers with serious mental illness want to kick habit

Smokers with serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are motivated to quit, yet many don't receive treatment or counseling. Researchers found that only 13% of patients who wanted medication to aid quitting received it.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCommunity Mental Health Journal·DateDec 29, 2016

Most doctors ignore one of the most potent ways to improve health, Penn experts say

Experts at Penn Medicine propose a five-step ladder to engineer social incentives that promote health, citing the potential of spouses and friends in encouraging healthy behaviors. The approach aims to tap into existing relationships rather than increasing interactions with physicians or clinicians.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 29, 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.

Psychiatric conditions linked to increased risk of long-term opioid use

A nationwide insurance database study identified psychiatric and behavioral conditions, as well as psychoactive medications, as predictors of long-term opioid use. Patients with mental health conditions or psychoactive medication use were at higher risk, with relative increases in rates ranging from 1.5 to 9 times.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPain·DateDec 29, 2016

Off-switch for CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing system discovered

UCSF researchers have identified anti-CRISPR proteins that can switch off the widely used CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing system, reducing unintended edits and improving precision. The discovery has the potential to revolutionize CRISPR applications in both basic research and clinical settings.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell·DateDec 29, 2016

Scientists opened a new chapter in the study of malaria mosquitoes

Scientists have successfully cultivated a new species of malaria mosquito in the laboratory, allowing for more accurate investigation of their physiology and ability to transfer the disease. The study also found that the species has an expanded habitat range across Eurasia, with populations declining in some areas due to climate change.

SourceNational Research Tomsk State University·JournalJournal of Vector Ecology·DateDec 29, 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.

Gut microorganisms affect our physiology

New research from the University of Exeter and University of Zaragoza found that gut microorganisms regulate serotonin levels through a protein called TLR2. This discovery may shed light on inflammatory bowel disease and other neurological conditions.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 29, 2016

Possible treatment targets found for pre-malignant bone marrow disorders

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that overexpression of TRAF6 in hematopoietic stem cells drives the onset of myelodysplasia syndromes, a group of pre-malignant disorders leading to blood cancer if untreated. Potential treatment targets for MDS include TRAF6 and related proteins.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNature Immunology·DateDec 29, 2016

Flood threats changing across US

A new study by University of Iowa engineers finds that flood risk is growing in the northern US and declining in the southern half, due to shifting rainfall patterns and groundwater levels. The research suggests regional variations can be attributed to changes in rainfall and climate change.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 29, 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.

Hubble gazes at a cosmic megamaser

The galaxy IRAS 16399-0937 hosts a double nucleus, with the northern nucleus featuring a black hole of massive proportions and a starburst region in the southern part. Hubble's observations reveal the intricate structure of this cosmic megamaser, shedding light on its unique composition and energetic processes.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 29, 2016