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Science News for January 13, 2016


3-D mapping of entire buildings with mobile devices

ETH Zurich scientists develop software that uses optical means to create 3D models of entire buildings in just 10 minutes, outperforming infrared technology in sunlight. The method allows for detailed architectural features and potential applications include augmented reality, city tours, and self-parking cars.

Shiny fish skin inspires nanoscale light reflectors

Researchers from Penn State have developed a model that uses fractal geometry to describe the layering in silvery fish skin, which can guide the design of devices such as broadband mirrors. The technique has potential applications in advanced optical coatings, laser protection, infrared imaging systems, and photovoltaics.

The cellular protein shredder is impaired by cigarette smoke and in COPD patients

A study by Helmholtz Munich found that cigarette smoke damages the immunoproteasome, a protein complex responsible for degrading and presenting foreign proteins to the immune system. This impairment weakens the immune response in COPD patients, making them more prone to viral infections.

Migrant values adapt over just 1 generation

A study by the University of Exeter has found that the children of migrants tend to think and reason like the wider UK population. This shift occurs despite retaining cultural similarities with their parents. The research suggests that communities can integrate over a single generation, contrary to common assumptions.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 13, 2016

Annihilating nanoscale defects

Block copolymer molecules can self-assemble into specific shapes using patterns on semiconductor surfaces, allowing for the creation of nano-trenches where conducting wire materials can be deposited. The researchers' technique eliminates metastable states, reducing defects in high-precision nanocircuitry.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 13, 2016

Surgical treatment restores penis length

A new study reveals that surgical treatment can effectively restore penile length and improve erectile dysfunction in patients with Peyronie's disease. The 'sliding technique' and penile prosthesis implantation showed promising results, with an average lengthening of 3.2 cm.

SourceWiley·JournalBJU International·DateJan 13, 2016

The post Big Bang revelead

An international team has discovered a compact galaxy emitting a large number of ionizing photons, confirming the hypothesis that galaxies were responsible for cosmic reionization. The 'green pea' galaxy J0925 was found to be ejecting ionizing photons with unprecedented intensity.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature·DateJan 13, 2016

Cutting down runway queues

Researchers at MIT have developed a queuing model that predicts taxiing time, allowing air traffic controllers to direct departures more efficiently. The model led to significant fuel savings in tests at various US airports, with each gate-held aircraft saving 16-20 gallons of fuel.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalTransportation Science·DateJan 13, 2016

Asthma in many adolescents is not an allergic disease

New research reveals that many adolescents with asthma do not have elevated levels of eosinophils or neutrophils, which are typically associated with inflammation. This finding has significant implications for the development of alternative treatments for asthmatics.

SourceWiley·JournalRespirology·DateJan 13, 2016

Protein patterns -- a new tool for studying sepsis

A new method using mass spectrometry measures hundreds of proteins in a single blood sample, enabling researchers to determine the severity of sepsis and which organs are damaged. This technique provides an understanding of molecular events during the course of a disease, with potential applications for studying other diseases.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 13, 2016

Fewer than 1 in 25 Seattleites can really eat locally

A University of Washington study found that Seattle's urban crops can only feed between 1 and 4 percent of the city's population, even with extensive backyard and public green spaces converted to farming. To meet the nutritional needs of an adult vegetarian diet, it would require a 58-mile expansion around the city.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalUrban Forestry & Urban Greening·DateJan 13, 2016

Nano-hybrid materials create magnetic effect

Scientists at Rice University and Montreal Polytechnic designed computer simulations to investigate the electromagnetic properties of graphene-boron nitride hybrids. The researchers found that these hybrid materials exhibit both electronic and magnetic properties, which could be useful in spintronic and nano-transistor applications.

SourceRice University·JournalCarbon·DateJan 13, 2016

A coffee to keep New Year fitness resolutions

A study suggests that reducing perception of effort during exercise with caffeine can help people stick to their fitness plans. Researchers found that the majority of people give up on exercising within six months due to lack of motivation and physical exertion, which is a natural response to conserve energy. The use of psychoactive dr...

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalSports Medicine·DateJan 13, 2016

Emotion dysregulation in borderline personality disorder: A problem of too much drive and too little control?

A new study reveals that individuals with borderline personality disorder exhibit enhanced amygdala activity and reduced dorsolateral prefrontal cortex function when processing negative emotions, suggesting a lack of control over emotional responses. This findings support the concept of BPD as a disorder of emotion dysregulation.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJan 13, 2016

New role for motor neurons discovered

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a new role for motor neurons in influencing rhythmic movements. Motor neurons directly control the recruitment of upstream excitatory interneurons via gap junctions, indicating they are not passive recipients of signals from interneuronal circuits.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature·DateJan 13, 2016

Study: Workplace flexibility benefits employees

A study by Phyllis Moen and Erin L. Kelly found that workers who participated in a pilot work flexibility program reported higher levels of job satisfaction, reduced burnout, and psychological stress. The research adds to the growing body of evidence showing that flexible work arrangements result in happier, healthier, and more product...

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateJan 13, 2016

Research finds reason advertising boosts stock prices for some companies and not others

New research from Indiana University finds that companies with a differentiation strategy benefit more from advertising than those with a cost leadership approach. Advertising increases awareness and sales for differentiated firms, building brand equity and shareholder value. In contrast, cost leaders may not see an impact on their sto...

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateJan 13, 2016

Could campaigns like Dry January do more harm than good?

Two experts debate the impact of alcohol abstinence campaigns like Dry January, with one arguing they may have unintended consequences for heavy drinkers. On the other hand, another expert suggests that such campaigns can help people reflect on their drinking habits and make longer-term changes.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJan 13, 2016

Ancient going on nouveau

Researchers have evaluated the potential of ancient grains in modern agriculture, finding that they require reduced fertilization to prevent lodging. While they contain high amounts of protein, the quality is lower than in modern crops. However, these grains can enrich biodiversity and offer premium products through traditional methods.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateJan 13, 2016

What do lasers and oranges have in common? A possible cure for citrus greening

Researchers have discovered that lasers can improve the penetration of antibiotic treatments into citrus leaves, potentially offering a new approach to treating the deadly citrus greening disease. The method uses laser etching to create microscopic indentations in the leaf tissue, allowing for more effective delivery of substances.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateJan 13, 2016

Antisocial behavior: Understanding the influence of genes and the environment

A longitudinal study found that exposure to violence in childhood is linked to increased symptoms of conduct disorder and antisocial personality in adolescence and adulthood. The MAOA gene was also identified as a key moderator of this relationship, with certain variants increasing the risk of aggressive behavior and partner violence.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateJan 13, 2016

Mosquito net safe to use in inguinal hernia repair

A Swedish-Ugandan study has shown that sterilized mosquito nets can replace costly surgical meshes in inguinal hernia repairs without compromising patient safety or treatment efficacy. The study involved over 300 adult males from rural Uganda and found no significant differences between groups.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 13, 2016