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Science News for January 8, 2016


Monitoring scoliosis patients on brace use prevents curve progression, surgery

A new study found that adolescent scoliosis patients who received regular monitoring of their brace wear had less spinal progression and were less likely to require surgery. Patients who wore their braces for an average of 13.8 hours per day showed a 59% success rate in preventing curve progression.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateJan 8, 2016

Even children with higher IQs behave better when their sleep apnea is fixed

A study found that high-achieving children who underwent adenotonsillectomy, a procedure to remove tonsils and adenoids, improved their behavior and daytime functioning. The research suggests that obstructive sleep apnea should be considered in all children, regardless of IQ level.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalInternational Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology·DateJan 8, 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.

Racial disparity lies at intersection of HIV, Hodgkin lymphoma

A new study reveals significant racial disparities in treatment for patients with HIV and Hodgkin lymphoma, with black patients facing higher rates of non-treatment. Despite effective treatment options, doctors note that socioeconomic factors and lack of access to care may contribute to these disparities.

SourceBrown University·JournalAIDS·DateJan 8, 2016

Harnessing computers to create a sustainable future

A new research network, CompSustNet, aims to develop computational solutions for creating a sustainable future. Researchers from multiple institutions will collaborate on complex issues like smart electrical grids and renewable energy management.

SourceVanderbilt University·DateJan 8, 2016

Researchers' metallic glue may stick it to soldering and welding

Metallic glue made from nanorods sets at room temperature and requires little pressure to seal, offering high thermal and electrical conductivity. The technology has multiple applications in the electronics industry, potentially replacing traditional solders and thermal grease.

SourceNortheastern University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 8, 2016
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

ASU scientists discover how blue and green clays kill bacteria

Researchers at Arizona State University have identified the natural environment of formation for toxic clay antibacterial properties. The discovery reveals how chemically reduced iron tricks bacterial cells into opening their walls, followed by aluminum, which propels the cell wall open and poisons the cell.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 8, 2016

Using skin to save the heart

Researchers at Kyoto University discovered that heart cells differentiated from induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells can be used to treat damaged hearts. The study found an optimal maturation stage for heart cells, which is crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing the number of cells required for therapy.

SourceCenter for iPS Cell Research and Application - Kyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 8, 2016

NASA sees stubborn Tropical Cyclone Ula kick up

Tropical Storm Ula strengthened over the night of Jan. 6-7, with sustained winds reaching up to 63.2 mph around its center. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center expects the system to curve south, affecting New Caledonia and northern New Zealand.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 8, 2016

Interaction during reading is key to language development

A University of Iowa study found that babies made more speech-like sounds during book reading than during puppet play or toy play, and mothers were more responsive to these sounds while reading. This interaction is crucial for language development in young children.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalLanguage Learning and Development·DateJan 8, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Electronically connected graphene nanoribbons foresee high-speed electronics

Researchers at Tohoku University successfully demonstrated electronic connection between graphene nanoribbons by molecular assembly, showing that GNR electronic properties are directly extended through the interconnected structures. This breakthrough enables the development of high-performance, low-power-consumption electronics based o...

SourceTohoku University·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 8, 2016

Optimum band gap for hybrid silicon/perovskite tandem solar cell

Researchers have developed a hybrid silicon/perovskite tandem solar cell with an optimum band gap of 1.75eV, achieving a significant increase in efficiency due to improved light absorption and stability. This breakthrough could lead to the development of high-efficiency solar modules with increased theoretical maximum efficiency.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalScience·DateJan 8, 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.

Xistential crisis: Discovery shows there's more to the story in silencing X chromosomes

Scientists discover that Xist RNA is insufficient to silence one of the two X chromosomes in every female cell, suggesting a complex interplay between molecules. This finding could lead to new ways to fight X-linked diseases in females, including those linked to autism, hemophilia, and muscular dystrophy.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 8, 2016

Ebola medical team develops guidelines for treating infected children

A team of healthcare workers developed guidelines for treating Ebola-infected children, recommending an aggressive approach that includes fluid therapy, highly fortified food, and increased bedside care. The protocol aims to improve survival rates among young patients and provide a basis for future outbreaks.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJan 8, 2016

Researchers reveal mechanisms of how body remembers, fights infections

Scientists at Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute have found a way to influence long-term memory formation in the immune system. The researchers discovered that proteins responding to the cells' environment can push effector cells towards memory, leading to the creation of specialized cells to combat specific invading pathogens.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 8, 2016
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

The status quo on Europe's mussels

The first comprehensive survey on freshwater mussel species in Europe reveals declining stock sizes and habitat degradation. Mussels play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems, filtering water and maintaining ecosystem balance.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalBiological Reviews·DateJan 8, 2016

Breakthrough in the early diagnosis of preeclampsia

Researchers have developed a blood test to predict the development of preeclampsia, enabling early diagnosis and prevention of complications. The test measures the ratio of serum sFlt-1 to PlGF proteins, allowing for reliable prediction within one week.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 8, 2016

Visualizing atoms of perovskite crystals

Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) researchers conduct the first atomic resolution study of organic-inorganic perovskites used in next generation solar cells. The study reveals positions and orientations of atoms and molecules, providing detailed information on structural defects.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 8, 2016

Risk taking across life span: The effects of hardship

Researchers found that risk-taking propensity decreases with age in most countries, but remains high in countries with poverty and inequality. The study, published in Psychological Science, analyzed data from 77 countries and showed a clear connection between country standards of living and citizens' willingness to take risks.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 8, 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.

Scientists find key driver for treatment of deadly brain cancer

Researchers at Salk Institute identify nuclear factor kB as a key player in glioblastoma multiforme proliferation. Targeting this protein with NBD peptide or Timp1 gene slows tumor growth and increases mouse survival time, offering potential new treatment avenues.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 8, 2016

Novel metasurface revolutionizes ubiquitous scientific tool

Researchers at Harvard have built a polarimeter on a microchip, shrinking the widely used instrument to make it more accessible for various applications. The device provides high-performance polarization measurements at reduced size and cost, promising enhanced network security and real-time monitoring.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalOptica·DateJan 8, 2016

X-rays reveal details of plastic solar cell production

Researchers have observed molecular processes in real-time using X-rays, gaining insights into the printing process. This understanding can help control the arrangement of materials, improving the efficiency of organic solar cells.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateJan 8, 2016
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

NASA looks at storms hitting California

NASA estimated rainfall over a 7-day period while analyzing satellite data from the Eastern Pacific Ocean, revealing extreme rain events affecting southern California. The analysis showed highest rainfall totals of over 4.5 inches in the eastern Pacific and 4 inches near Lake Tahoe.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 8, 2016

How seashells get their strength

Researchers discovered a new mechanism for incorporating soft biological matter into calcium carbonate crystals, creating strong biominerals. The study provides insight into the formation of natural minerals with composite properties, which could lead to sustainable energy materials.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 8, 2016
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Stem cells regulate their own proliferation and their microenvironment

A study by CNIC researchers has identified a new mechanism through which blood stem cells regulate their proliferation and microenvironment. The protein ESL-1 controls the production of TGF-, a cytokine with antiproliferative properties, and is essential for maintaining HSCs in diseases like anemia.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 8, 2016

Quiet quasar has apparently eaten its fill

Astronomers discovered a distant quasar that has apparently run out of gas, leading to a significant decrease in its brightness. The quasar, SDSS J1011+5442, was found to have consumed all the glowing-hot gas in its vicinity, causing it to dim drastically.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJan 8, 2016

New work on knee cartilage structure to aid better replacements and injury treatments

A new study by Penn and Delaware researchers sheds light on the mechanics and biology of natural and engineered tissue, informing ways to treat injuries like knee meniscus tears and age-related tissue degeneration. The team developed micro-engineered models that replicate key features of degenerating native tissue, enabling testing of ...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 8, 2016
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

NOAA's GOES-S, T and U satellites are shaping up

The NOAA GOES-S, T, and U satellites are nearing completion with six new instruments that will offer advanced imaging capabilities for more accurate weather forecasts. The instruments include the Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI), Extreme Ultraviolet and X-ray Irradiance Sensors (EXIS), Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) and others.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 8, 2016

Turning on the thyroid

Thyroid disease affects about 12% of the US population, with an overactive or underactive thyroid causing problems like weight gain or loss and mood changes. Researchers have now identified a common thread among autoantibodies and receptor mutations that trigger abnormal hormone production.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 8, 2016

Small males have more sex appeal, new research shows

Female burying beetles prefer smaller male partners due to reduced competition and potential for squabbles. Despite being less successful as parents, small males still breed more often in faithful pairs than larger males.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateJan 8, 2016