Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for December 4, 2016


Highly efficient genome engineering in flowering plants

Plant biologists have developed a new CRISPR/Cas9 vector that efficiently knocks out genes in Arabidopsis thaliana, improving the method for genome engineering in various plant species. This breakthrough enables the study of genetic functions and potential applications in crops like Brassica napus.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalPlant and Cell Physiology·DateDec 4, 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.

Yo-yo dieting might cause extra weight gain

Repeated dieting can cause weight gain as the brain interprets diets as short famines and urges people to store more fat for future shortages. This phenomenon, known as yo-yo dieting, may explain why people struggle to keep weight off after trying low-calorie diets.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·DateDec 4, 2016

Advocacy and community health care models complement research and clinical care

Researchers and patient advocates emphasize the importance of new care models in combating lung cancer. Dr. Laurie Gaspar discusses the benefits of shared decision-making and Patient Decision Aids, while Dr. Raymond Osarogiagbon highlights the effectiveness of Center of Excellence programs in underserved areas.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·DateDec 4, 2016

Exploring how rice could survive salt stress

Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) studied rice plant responses to moderately saline conditions and pinpointed new salt tolerance genetic loci. They found that growth rate diminished in salt-treated soils, with indica lines faring better than aus varieties, highlighting significant genetic differences.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 4, 2016

Gut microbes contribute to recurrent 'yo-yo' obesity

Researchers at Weizmann Institute of Science found that gut microbes contribute to recurrent 'yo-yo' obesity, with a 'memory' of previous obesity retained after dieting. They developed new treatments using fecal microbiome transplantation and flavonoids, which may help alleviate the obesity epidemic.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature·DateDec 4, 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.

The promise of greener power generation

Researchers at KAUST developed a catalog of compounds formed during methane combustion, revealing surprising findings on ion formation and behavior. The study proposes improvements to simulate ion formation and behavior, with potential applications in more efficient gas turbines and less polluting power plants.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalProceedings of the Combustion Institute·DateDec 4, 2016

Torture: Rehabilitation experts from 80 nations meet in Mexico City

Over 300 participants from 80 nations share expertise on torture rehabilitation, addressing issues like Syria's refugee crisis and Guantanamo Bay survivors' denied rehabilitation. The symposium aims to deliver on the right to rehabilitation, a UN-recognized right for victims of torture.

SourceTerry Collins Assoc·DateDec 4, 2016

Detective work across dingo fence reveals new factor in woody shrub invasion

A new study reveals that dingoes help reduce the spread of woody shrubs in Australian deserts by controlling small mammal populations. The research found that areas with fewer dingoes had higher rates of shrub cover and lower rates of seed removal, leading to a cascade effect where shrubs can thrive without top predators.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateDec 4, 2016

A handful of nuts a day cuts the risk of a wide range of diseases

A large analysis of current research reveals that consuming at least 20g of nuts per day can significantly reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, cancer, and premature death. The study found a 30% reduction in heart disease risk, a 15% reduction in cancer risk, and a 22% reduction in premature death risk.

SourceImperial College London·JournalBMC Medicine·DateDec 4, 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.

Women with dementia receive less medical attention

Research reveals women with dementia have fewer visits to the GP, receive less health monitoring, and take more potentially harmful medication than men. Women are at particular risk of staying on antipsychotic or sedative medication for longer due to fewer check-ups.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalAge and Ageing·DateDec 4, 2016