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Science News for May 25, 2016


Could optical clocks redefine the length of a second?

Optical atomic clocks have shown improved accuracy and stability compared to traditional microwave clocks, making them suitable for global timekeeping. By combining optical clocks with masers, researchers achieved a time error of less than 0.20 nanoseconds over 25 days.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateMay 25, 2016

Current atmospheric models underestimate the dirtiness of Arctic air

Current simulation models consistently underestimate black carbon aerosols in Arctic air, but fine-grained simulations using powerful supercomputers can mitigate this underestimation. The research found that more realistic modeling of weather and climate patterns is possible with finer grids and larger computational power.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 25, 2016

Ben-Gurion University study examines the 'gray divide' regarding mobile phone use

A Ben-Gurion University study found that most seniors use mobile phones for basic functions like calling and texting, but struggle with more advanced features. Researchers suggest improving mobile literacy can help older adults reap the benefits of mobile technology for better mental and physical health.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalMobile Media & Communication·DateMay 25, 2016

Brit accents vex US hearing-impaired elderly

A study from the University of Utah finds that older Americans with hearing loss have more trouble understanding British accents when there is background noise. The study also explores how transgender women can adopt a clearer speaking style to sound more feminine and how fast-talking affects speech intelligibility.

What can Pavlov's dogs tell us about drinking?

A study by Concordia University researchers found that cues associated with alcohol can trigger behaviors leading to addiction. The study used lab rats conditioned to associate a visual cue with ethanol, showing the rats began interacting with the cue rather than waiting for the reward.

SourceConcordia University·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateMay 25, 2016

Clouds provide clue to better climate predictions

Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University have discovered a new process behind the formation and evolution of small atmospheric particles free from pollution, key to creating accurate models for global climate change. The findings suggest that up to half of the warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions may be masked by aerosol cooling.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalNature·DateMay 25, 2016

Following tricky triclosan

A study found triclosan in nearly 58% of freshwater streams, contaminating crops and potentially harming humans. Triclosan degrades quickly but breaks down into more harmful compounds, affecting soil microbial communities and plant growth.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateMay 25, 2016

Closer to the source of the itch

Researchers found that IL-17A stimulates skin cells to express genes maintaining an inflammatory microenvironment, leading to psoriasis. The study identified NFKBIZ gene as playing a significant role in the IL-17A pathway.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalInternational Immunology·DateMay 25, 2016

DNA sequencing enables treatment for some types of intellectual disability

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that genome-wide sequencing can diagnose genetic conditions leading to intellectual disability, enabling targeted treatments. Researchers discovered new disease genes and described physical traits associated with known diseases, offering hope for personalized medicine.

SourceChild & Family Research Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 25, 2016

Wayne State aims to improve imaging and chemical sensing of disease biomarkers

A Wayne State University researcher aims to improve upconversion nanocrystals' composition and atomic structure to expand the library of bright and multicolor emitters. The project is expected to lead to better diagnosing and treatment plans for numerous health issues by enhancing imaging and chemical sensing of disease biomarkers.

Richard Benton and Ben Lehner awarded EMBO Gold Medal 2016

Researchers Richard Benton and Ben Lehner received the 2016 EMBO Gold Medal for their groundbreaking work on insect olfaction and developmental biology. They discovered novel genes in odorant receptors, shedding light on the evolution of scent perception, and revealed stochastic variances in gene expression driving phenotypic diversity.

SourceEMBO·DateMay 25, 2016