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Science News for November 18, 2016


An Archimedes' screw for groups of quantum particles

A team of international researchers has developed a scheme to protect groups of quantum particles and enable their coherent transportation. The proposal, based on the ideas of physicist David J. Thouless, utilizes topological pumping to move quantum states along a line of miniature quantum circuits.

SourceCentre for Quantum Technologies at the National University of Singapore·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 18, 2016

NASA analyzes heavy rainfall over Hispaniola

Heavy rainfall over Hispaniola led to widespread flooding in the northern Dominican Republic, with rainfall totals exceeding 230 mm. NASA's Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) data revealed the extent of the flooding, which was caused by slow-moving frontal systems and a tropical wave.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 18, 2016

Breakthrough offers greater understanding of safe radioactive waste disposal

A team of scientists has completed research into radioactively contaminated material to gain further understanding around safely decommissioning nuclear facilities. The study identified the specific location of radioactive isotopes in a concrete core, which could lead to more efficient decontamination and cost savings.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·DateNov 18, 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.

Fear of the unknown common to many anxiety disorders

Researchers found that increased sensitivity to uncertain threat is a common trait among anxiety disorders, including panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. This finding could lead to more impactful and efficient treatment approaches by targeting shared neurobiological characteristics.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of Abnormal Psychology·DateNov 18, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

For some older Chinese-Americans, caring for grandkids can enhance well-being

A recent study found that 80% of Chinese-American grandparents who cared for their grandchildren did not experience negative effects. In fact, they reported higher levels of happiness and lower symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress compared to those who didn't care for their grandchildren.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 18, 2016

'Freeze-frame' proteins show how cancer evolves

Researchers capture elusive DNA reaction intermediates in living cells, discovering mechanisms underlying genome instability and a new role for an E. coli protein related to human cancer proteins. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new drugs that prevent cancer by neutralizing these key pieces of genetic code.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 18, 2016

Using light to map the circuitry of the brain

Researchers develop space-division multiplexing optical coherence tomography (SDM-OCT) to image single neurons in live tissue, enabling label-free and depth-resolved images of neural activity. This breakthrough technology could revolutionize brain mapping and provide insights into brain disorders such as Alzheimer's and schizophrenia.

SourceLehigh University·DateNov 18, 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.

Upsalite® inhibits bacteria without penicillin

Researchers at Uppsala University discovered that Upsalite has strong bacteriostatic effect on Staphylococcus epidermidis, an opportunistic bacterium causing hospital-acquired infections and acne. This finding opens up possibilities for development of materials inhibiting bacterial growth without antibiotics.

SourceUppsala University·JournalACS Omega·DateNov 18, 2016

Molecular 'pillars' team up to protect liver from toxic fat buildup

A new study by a team at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that two molecules complement each other to maintain a healthy level of fat in the liver. When these molecules are removed, there is a swift buildup of toxic fats that causes an aggressive and lethal form of liver damage.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateNov 18, 2016

Diaphragm much older than expected

Researchers found evidence of a diaphragm-like structure in early pelycosaurs, dating back over 300 million years. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the evolution of respiratory systems and warm-bloodedness.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 2016

Weight loss may help prevent multiple myeloma

Research suggests that excess weight increases the risk of progression from MGUS to multiple myeloma. Maintaining a healthy weight may be a way to prevent this progression, particularly in African-American men and those with elevated M protein levels.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 18, 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.

Giant 'great valley' found on Mercury

A newly discovered valley on Mercury is about 250 miles wide and 600 miles long, with steep sides that dip as much as 2 miles below the surrounding terrain. The valley likely formed due to rapid cooling of Mercury's interior, which would challenge previous assumptions about the planet's geologic past.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 18, 2016

Preclinical studies involving resistance to antiangiogenic therapies

Researchers investigated resistance to antiangiogenic therapies using animal models, finding inconsistent definitions of treatment failure. The study emphasizes the need for improved methodology to accurately predict alternative strategies that benefit patients.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Drug Targets·DateNov 18, 2016

The key to a better mood for young men is a nut

A recent study by UNM Nutrition Professor Peter Pribis has found that consuming walnuts can significantly improve the mood of young men. The randomized trial involved 64 students aged 18-25 who were given either banana bread with walnuts or without for 16 weeks, with their mood measured at the end of each eight-week period.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico·JournalNutrients·DateNov 18, 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.

Multinational study finds high rates of acute kidney injury in children admitted to ICUs

A multinational study found that nearly one-fourth of children admitted to pediatric intensive care units worldwide develop acute kidney injury (AKI), which increases the risk of death. The study also revealed that severe AKI is associated with an increased need for mechanical ventilation and renal replacement therapy, highlighting the...

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 18, 2016

Last-line antibiotics are failing

Antibiotic resistance increased across Europe in 2015, with EU-wide carbapenem resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae rising to 8.1%. Prudent use of antibiotics is crucial to prevent the spread of resistant bacteria. The European Commission will launch a new action plan to tackle antibiotic resistance.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·DateNov 18, 2016

Soybean plants with fewer leaves yield more

Modern soybean crops produce too many leaves, wasting resources like water and carbon. By reducing leaf area, researchers found an 8% increase in seed yield through increased photosynthesis and decreased respiration. The study aims to optimize crop structure for higher yields without compromising water efficiency.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateNov 18, 2016

New method helps identify antibiotics in mass spectrometry datasets

Researchers developed a new method to identify antibiotics hidden in massive mass spectrometry datasets. By running data against a database of known antibiotics, they detected previously unknown compounds and discovered new variants of existing ones. This breakthrough aims to help combat antibiotic resistance.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateNov 18, 2016
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

New quality control revealed in immune T cell development

A new quality control mechanism has been discovered in immune T cell development, where a protein complex called LUBAC enables 'quality control' of cells before they are released into the bloodstream. This discovery has significant implications for understanding autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 18, 2016

Protective molecule sidelined in models of ALS

A naturally occurring growth factor called FGFBP1 is secreted by muscle fibers to maintain neuromuscular junctions. However, ALS patients have reduced levels of FGFBP1 due to the accumulation of TGF-beta, a growth factor associated with the immune system.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateNov 18, 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.

Brazil has improved health care for all, but inequalities persist

A special edition of the International Journal for Equity in Health examines Brazil's improved access to medical care and highlights areas where health inequalities persist. The study finds disparities in healthy life expectancy, chronic diseases, mental health care, and violence across different regions and socioeconomic groups.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalInternational Journal for Equity in Health·DateNov 18, 2016

How social media impacts consumer spending

A study by University at Buffalo School of Management found that social media popularity, even negative posts with high engagement, significantly impacts purchases. Combining social media with traditional TV and email marketing efforts boosts customer spending and cross-buying.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateNov 18, 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.

Storing carbon dioxide underground by turning it into rock

A recent study published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters found that carbon dioxide injected into basalt transformed into solid rock within two years. This process has the potential to permanently sequester large amounts of carbon on a global scale, offering a solution to reduce global emissions.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateNov 18, 2016

A novel catalyst design opens possibility to hydrogen vehicle

A novel Fe-N/C catalyst with a silica-protective-layer approach has shown high oxygen reduction reaction activity comparable to platinum-based catalysts. The research paves the way for the commercialization of hydrogen fuel cells, potentially reducing costs and increasing efficiency.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 18, 2016

Dissecting bacterial infections at the single-cell level

Researchers have developed a novel technique to study bacterial infections at the single-cell level, revealing that Salmonella adopt two survival strategies: replicating or adopting a non-growing state. Macrophages infected with Salmonella express different signaling molecules depending on their growth behavior.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Microbiology·DateNov 18, 2016

New research finds avocado extract can prevent Listeria in food

A recent study published in Journal of Food Science found that avocado seed extracts can effectively control Listeria bacteria in ready-to-eat foods. The extracts presented similar properties and chemical profiles to synthetic antimicrobials, making them a promising natural additive for food manufacturers.

SourceInstitute of Food Technologists·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateNov 18, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Outreach to cirrhosis patients doubles early screening rates for deadly liver cancer

A new study from UT Southwestern Medical Center found that proactive outreach to cirrhosis patients doubled their screening rates for liver cancer. The study successfully improved early detection and survival rates among those at highest risk of adverse outcomes. Only one-fourth of cirrhosis patients are currently screened every six mo...

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateNov 18, 2016

Worrying traces of resistant bacteria in air

Researchers have found worrying traces of resistant bacteria in the air, which could lead to the development of last-resort antibiotic-resistant infections. The study analyzed DNA from humans, animals, and environments worldwide and found a wide mix of resistance genes, including those that make bacteria resistant to carbapenems.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalMicrobiome·DateNov 18, 2016

A protein that defines the melanoma blueprint

Researchers at CNIO have discovered CPEB4, a protein essential for melanoma cell survival and proliferation. The protein regulates the expression of factors unique to this tumour type, making melanomas more vulnerable to drugs targeting this pathway.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 18, 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.

Andras Vasy to receive 2017 AMS Bôcher Prize

Andras Vasy's prize-winning paper resolves a 35-year-old conundrum in geometric scattering theory, developing a systematic framework for analyzing certain partial differential equations. The paper has had a major impact and stimulated subsequent research, including Vasy's own work.

SourceAmerican Mathematical Society·DateNov 18, 2016

UNIST researchers turn waste gas into road-ready diesel fuel

Researchers at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) have created a new delafossite-based catalyst that converts CO2 into liquid hydrocarbon-based fuels, including diesel. This breakthrough process removes harmful CO2 from the atmosphere and offers a potential solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalApplied Catalysis B Environment and Energy·DateNov 18, 2016

How thinking about behavior differently can lead to happier FASD families

Parents of children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) who attribute misbehavior to disabilities tend to use effective pre-emptive strategies, reducing unwanted behaviors. These strategies, such as adapting the environment and using one-step instructions, can improve outcomes for families.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalResearch in Developmental Disabilities·DateNov 18, 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.

NASA nears finish line of annual study of changing Antarctic ice

The NASA IceBridge mission has concluded its eighth consecutive Antarctic deployment, carrying out a record number of research flights and providing valuable insights into changes in polar ice. The campaign's findings shed light on the impact of sea level rise on climate change.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 18, 2016

Precut salad may encourage growth of Salmonella

A new study by the University of Leicester reveals that small amounts of damage to salad leaves in bagged salads encourage the presence of Salmonella enterica. Juices released from damaged leaves also boost the pathogen's ability to attach to the salad's plastic container, doubling its motility and allowing it to multiply rapidly.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateNov 18, 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.

Staying socially active can slow decline in older adults' ability to function

Researchers found that participating in social activities like hobby clubs and volunteer groups can delay the decline in older adults' ability to function. Women who engaged in these activities were less likely to experience a decline, while men who participated in hobby clubs maintained their ability to function.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 18, 2016

UTMB researchers create powerful new tools to combat Zika

Researchers at UTMB have created a Zika virus replicon system that strips the virus of its infectious genes, reducing safety risks. This tool will aid in vaccine development and understanding viral replication and mutations.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalEBioMedicine·DateNov 18, 2016