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Science News for December 9, 2016


Finger swipe-powered phone? We're 1 step closer

Michigan State University researchers have developed a low-cost nanogenerator that can harness energy from human motion, powering devices such as smartphones and headsets without batteries. The device, called FENG, is flexible, biocompatible, and scalable, with advantages including being lightweight and robust.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNano Energy·DateDec 9, 2016

Sexual harassment common among middle school children, study finds

A recent study by University of Illinois researcher Dorothy L. Espelage found that nearly half of middle school students reported experiencing verbal sexual harassment, with 43% saying they were targeted in the past year. The study also revealed that students who dismissed their experiences with sexual harassment were more likely to pe...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalChildren and Youth Services Review·DateDec 9, 2016

Researchers watch biomolecules at work

Scientists at the University of Bonn have successfully observed an important cell protein in action using a novel method that measures structural changes within complex molecules. This breakthrough allows researchers to elucidate cellular processes in their natural environment.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 9, 2016

Schiff bases of benzothiazol-2-ylamine and thiazolo[5,4-b] pyridin-2-ylamine

The synthesized compounds showed potent anticonvulsant activity in the MES test, with Schiff bases of benzothiazol-2-ylamine being more effective than thiazolo[5,4-b] pyridin-2-ylamine. The log P values revealed a positive correlation with activity, with the most potent compound being benzothiazol-2-yl-(1H-indol-2-ylmethylene)-amine.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCentral Nervous System Agents in Medicinal Chemistry·DateDec 9, 2016

Why can't monkeys speak?

A computer model revealed monkeys could easily produce many different sounds, implying a basic form of spoken language could have evolved without changes in vocal anatomy. Monkeys' ability to vocalize was found to be unrelated to their speech capabilities.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 9, 2016

Older women with breast cancer report better cosmetic satisfaction with less radiation, less surgery

A study published by University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found that older women with breast cancer who underwent less radiation therapy reported improved cosmetic satisfaction. However, reduced radiation was also associated with a slightly increased risk of disease recurrence. The researchers suggest that there may be an opti...

Study finds capuchin monkeys produce sharp stone flakes similar to tools

Researchers have discovered that capuchin monkeys in Brazil produce sharp-edged conchoidal flakes with smooth rounded facets, resembling the shape of scallop shells. These unintentionally produced flakes exhibit identical characteristics and morphology to intentionally produced hominin tools, dating back to 2.6 million years ago.

Cow gene study shows why most clones fail

A new study by researchers from the U.S. and France finds that multiple anomalies in gene expression, including failure to implant and placenta development, contribute to the high rate of pregnancy failure for cloned embryos. The study reveals critical developmental genes and hormonal signaling issues that lead to these failures.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 9, 2016

NIH scientists develop new mouse model to study Salmonella meningitis

Researchers at NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases have established a new mouse model to study Salmonella meningitis. The model mimics the progression of the disease from the gastrointestinal tract to the brain, providing a new tool for investigating this potentially life-threatening illness.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateDec 9, 2016

Hydrogen from sunlight -- but as a dark reaction

Scientists have developed a biomimetic photosynthesis approach using graphitic carbon nitride material to store and release light-generated electrons for catalytic hydrogen production. This technology enables the production of storable solar fuels independent of solar irradiation intermittency.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 9, 2016