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Science News for June 17, 2016


New imaging method reveals nanoscale details about DNA

Researchers developed a new enhanced DNA imaging technique that can probe individual DNA strands at the nanoscale, providing orientation information and rotational dynamics. The technique offers more detailed information than current methods, enabling monitoring of DNA conformation changes and interactions with proteins.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateJun 17, 2016

The pizza slice that comes at a price

A recent study by University of Surrey researchers reveals that emissions from pizzerias and steakhouses using wood burners can have damaging effects on the urban environment. The findings highlight the need to consider unaccounted sources of emissions, including burning wood and domestic waste.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateJun 17, 2016
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Marrying superconductors, lasers, and Bose-Einstein condensates

Researchers have observed experimental indication of a phenomenon where superconductors, lasers, and Bose-Einstein condensates coexist. By combining experiments with theoretical models, they found that high-energy side-peak emission may originate from strongly bound electron-hole pairs persisting in an optical cavity.

SourceChapman University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 17, 2016

Ancient DNA shows perfect storm felled Ice Age giants

A new study reveals that Ice Age species, including sabre-toothed cats and giant sloths, died off around 12,300 years ago due to a combination of human arrival and rapid warming. The research found that it was only when the climate warmed, long after humans first arrived in Patagonia, did the megafauna suddenly disappear.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 17, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Terahertz radiation: A useful source for food safety

A new compact emitter has been developed to generate light across the entire terahertz spectrum, making it suitable for analyzing organic materials in the food industry. The innovation could lead to more efficient and cost-effective inspections of food and pharmaceuticals.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Photonics·DateJun 17, 2016

Scientists seek new physics using ORNL's intense neutrino source

The Precision Oscillation and Spectrum Experiment (PROSPECT) aims to detect neutrinos emitted from the reactor, extracting information about neutrino oscillations over short distances. The experiment may reveal the existence of a fourth neutrino flavor that does not interact via the weak force.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateJun 17, 2016

Potential drug target identified for Zika, similar viruses

Researchers discovered a single gene pathway vital for Zika and flaviviruses to spread infection between cells. Shutting down this gene renders flaviviruses unable to leave infected cells, curbing their spread. The study identifies SPCS1 as a potential drug target.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateJun 17, 2016

A new form of hybrid photodetectors with quantum dots and graphene

Researchers at ICFO developed a hybrid photodetector that surpasses existing performance features, operating in visible, NIR, and SWIR ranges. The device integrates an active colloidal quantum dot photodiode with a graphene phototransistor, enabling high quantum efficiency and fast photoresponse.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 17, 2016

Mother mongooses may risk death to protect unborn children

Research shows that pregnant mongooses reduce their levels of toxic metabolites to protect their offspring, but this comes at the cost of potential long-term harm to themselves. The study found that mothers with lower oxidative damage were more successful in reproducing and raising healthy pups.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateJun 17, 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.

When it comes to knowing your true self, believe in free will

Researchers found that diminishing free will leads to increased self-alienation and decreased authentic feelings. In contrast, high-free-will groups showed greater self-awareness and authentic decision-making.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJun 17, 2016

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease

Recent studies suggest that nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in Alzheimer's disease are influenced by direct interactions with proteins such as Lynx, NMDA-receptors, and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. This new understanding adds complexity to cholinergic signaling in the brain and may lead to the development of targeted drugs.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Pharmaceutical Design·DateJun 17, 2016
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Researchers refine method for detecting quantum entanglement

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a method to efficiently detect high-dimensional entanglement, a crucial aspect of quantum computing. This breakthrough could significantly improve the performance of quantum computers by reducing the number of measurements needed to validate their functionality.

SourceRMIT University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 17, 2016

Bacterial physiology: Two sensors for the price of one

Researchers have elucidated the mechanism by which the sensor protein KdpD adjusts potassium uptake in bacteria, employing a dual strategy to monitor both internal and external potassium concentrations. This allows for precise control of intracellular potassium levels, vital for bacterial survival.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 17, 2016

Mothers with diabetes more likely to also have anti-fetal brain autoantibodies

Researchers found that diabetic women were three times more likely to have anti-fetal brain autoantibodies, which may be linked to increased inflammation and neurodevelopmental conditions in children. The study suggests that metabolic conditions during pregnancy may alter maternal immune tolerance to the fetus.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalAutism Research·DateJun 17, 2016
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Safety-net hospitals remain vital resource for minority patients following health reform

After health insurance reform, minority-serving hospitals in Massachusetts saw a significant increase in minority discharges, with 62% of 'safety-net hospital users' continuing to receive care at these facilities. The study suggests that interventions like raising Medicaid reimbursement rates could benefit these vital resources.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalMedical Care·DateJun 17, 2016

A new trick for controlling emission direction in microlasers

Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a method to control the direction of light emission in microlasers using an exceptional point. By exploiting this physical phenomenon, they can create consistently directed photons, which is crucial for reliable photonic signals and applications.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2016

Multicolor super resolution imaging

Researchers developed a novel super-resolution imaging method to monitor dynamic protein binding, such as talin and vinculin, in living cells. The study revealed clustered binding of vinculins to talin, with five or more molecules binding in one second.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 17, 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.

Unveiling the distinctive features of a promising industrial microorganism

KAIST researchers deciphered the genome and proteome profiles of C. tyrobutyricum, revealing its unique metabolic features and energy conservation mechanisms. The bacterium shows higher tolerance to toxic compounds like 1-butanol, enabling efficient production of chemicals including butyric acid.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalmBio·DateJun 17, 2016

Circuit technology that resolves issues with high-frequency piezoelectric resonators

High-frequency piezoelectric resonators can now be used in phase locked loops (PLL) with low noise and excellent Figure of Merit (FoM), resolving issues with resonance frequency variance and temperature dependability. This technology enables compact, low-cost, high-speed radio communication systems for the IoT age.

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·DateJun 17, 2016

Rapid Medicaid expansion in Michigan didn't reduce access to primary care

A University of Michigan study found that rapid Medicaid expansion in Michigan improved primary care appointment availability for new patients, rather than crowding doctor's offices. The Healthy Michigan Plan enrolled 600,000 Michiganders and saw better odds of getting an appointment before and after the expansion.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateJun 17, 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.

Scientists discover mechanism of thalidomide

Researchers at TUM identified the molecular mechanism of thalidomide, revealing a common link between its teratogenic and anti-cancer effects. The study found that disrupting the protein complex CD147-MCT1 leads to both developmental defects and tumor cell death.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Medicine·DateJun 17, 2016

New lizard found in Dominican Republic

A new lizard species, Anolis landestoyi, has been found in the Dominican Republic, revealing similar evolution on separate Caribbean islands. The discovery adds support to the concept of replicated adaptive radiation in anoles.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·DateJun 17, 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.

Animal hormone is involved in plant stress memory

Melatonin production in plants is involved in stress memory, particularly through its regulation of sub-cellular antioxidant systems. The study found that exogenous melatonin application enhances drought priming induced cold tolerance in barley, making it a promising approach to abiotic stress tolerance.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalJournal of Pineal Research·DateJun 17, 2016

New surface makes oil contamination remove itself

Researchers at Aalto University have developed surfaces that can move liquid droplets by surface tension forces, enabling self-removal of oil contamination. The technology works for various liquids, including water, wine, and ethanol, with potential industrial applications in devices such as inkjet printing.

SourceAalto University·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 17, 2016

Improving poor soil with burned up biomass

Adding torrefied biomass to poor soil from Botswana increased water retention and promoted plant growth. The treated soil showed higher levels of potassium, phosphorus, and sulfur, as well as thicker stems, longer roots, and heavier plants.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 17, 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.

E-cigarettes: Gateway or roadblock to cigarette smoking?

E-cigarettes are playing an important role in reducing the likelihood of young people smoking, with most participants viewing them as having reduced the possibility of smoking. Many young people believe vaping will replace smoking and that e-cigarettes offer smokers an alternative to tobacco.

SourceAspect Consulting·DateJun 17, 2016

Astrophysicists release new study of one of the first stars

Researchers analyzed UV spectrum of BD+44 493, a second-generation star thought to have been enriched by one of the first stars. They found phosphorus, sulfur, and zinc, which reveal the star was likely massive and exploded as a supernova.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 17, 2016

Exercise may have therapeutic potential for expediting muscle repair in older populations

A new study published in The FASEB Journal suggests that regular exercise can improve muscle repair in older adults, allowing them to regain lost muscle mass and recover from injury more quickly. After just eight weeks of exercise, old mice experienced faster muscle repair and regrowth compared to non-exercised controls.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJun 17, 2016

Smoking can hamper common treatment for breast cancer

A new study from Lund University found that smoking affects the efficacy of aromatase inhibitor treatment for breast cancer, leading to a threefold higher risk of recurrence. Smoking also increases the risk of dying from breast cancer or other illnesses during treatment.

SourceLund University·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateJun 17, 2016
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Racial disparities found in children's urologic surgery

Black children who undergo urologic surgery are more likely to experience postsurgical complications and hospital-acquired infections. The study analyzed data from nearly 12,000 patients and found that hospitals and policy makers should expand efforts to reduce postoperative adverse events and health disparities in children.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJun 17, 2016

Researchers open hairy new chapter in 3-D printing

The researchers designed arrays of hair-like structures with resolutions as low as 50 microns, printing coarse bristles to fine fur onto flat and curved surfaces. They demonstrated the technology's capabilities by creating Velcro-like bristle pads, sensing systems, and actuation devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJun 17, 2016

Major differences between women and men who commit deadly violence

A Swedish study examines homicide trends over time in Sweden, finding that female perpetrators are more likely to target children and use asphyxia, while male perpetrators tend to use knives. The research also highlights differences in classification of offenses and mental disorder assessments between genders.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalInternational Journal of Forensic Mental Health·DateJun 17, 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.

Breaking out: How black hole jets punch out of their galaxies

Astronomers discovered that magnetic instabilities in black hole jets determine their fate. Powerful jets can punch through surrounding gas into intergalactic space, while unstable ones fall apart and deposit energy within the galaxy.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 17, 2016

Dewatering natural fiber suspensions via compression

The study discovered that microstructure has a significant effect on suspension behavior under compression, with cellulose fibers showing more uniform solid fraction than nylon fibers. The two-phase model predicts the evolution of solid fraction and its relation to fiber and fluid phases.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateJun 17, 2016