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Science News for November 25, 2016


People with Parkinson's show altered iron levels in their brains

Researchers used whole-brain MRI mapping to reveal pathological alterations in brain iron distribution. They found excess iron in areas like the substantia nigra and decreased iron content in previously overlooked regions, such as the dentate nucleus.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalBrain·DateNov 25, 2016

New drug limits and then repairs brain damage in stroke

Researchers at the University of Manchester have discovered a potential new drug that reduces brain cell death and promotes neurogenesis after a stroke. The drug, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), is already licensed for use in humans for other conditions and has shown promise in early clinical trials.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·DateNov 25, 2016

Three rings stop cell division in plants

Researchers at Nagoya University developed a triarylmethane compound that selectively inhibits cell division in plant cells. This reversible compound may be effective in controlling plant growth by targeting cell division.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalPlant and Cell Physiology·DateNov 25, 2016

Adding clay to saline nanofluids creates useful materials

Research led by Norwegian University of Science and Technology scientist Jon Otto Fossum created micrometer-thick gel structures in clay-based nanofluids that exhibit mechanical strength to prevent oil droplets from merging. These structures could improve oil recovery from reservoirs and potentially enhance food product shelf life.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 25, 2016
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Hyperuricemia is associated with musculoskeletal pain

Research suggests elevated urate levels may be associated with musculoskeletal pain in asymptomatic individuals. Cross-sectional study found ultrasound evidence of monosodium urate crystal tissue deposition in intra- and extra-articular structures.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Pain Journal·DateNov 25, 2016

New method developed for analyzing photonic crystal structure

Researchers have developed a new method for analyzing photonic crystal structure, which provides a direct view of the inner details. The technique uses scattered light patterns to reveal the iso-frequency contours, offering a beautiful and straightforward way to observe the material's properties.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 25, 2016

CNIC scientists discover a key signal in intercellular communication

A team of CNIC scientists has characterized a cell signal called ISGylation that impairs the secretion of exosomes, which are crucial for intercellular communication. The discovery sheds light on how this signal affects exosome formation and could lead to new biomedical applications.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 25, 2016

The fusion reactor that employs a liquid metal shower

Researchers have developed a novel liquid metal shower divertor system that can withstand extremely high heat loads and efficiently evacuate plasma as neutral gases. The new design features a fine jet stream of liquid metal, which forms a strong wall to block plasma and facilitate effective evacuation.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNuclear Fusion·DateNov 25, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New approach needed in way Tourette's syndrome is portrayed, research shows

A new study explores how adolescents perceive people with Tourette's Syndrome (TS), finding that media portrayals can perpetuate negative stereotypes and stigma. The researchers suggest using media as an educational tool to improve understanding and acceptance of the condition.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalJournal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities·DateNov 25, 2016

New method for predicting congenital CMV infection during the prenatal period

Researchers at Kobe University developed a new method to predict congenital CMV infection in fetuses using non-invasive tests. The most effective methods are ultrasound and PCR tests for uterine cervical secretion, which can accurately identify affected infants and enable early antiviral treatment.

SourceKobe University·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateNov 25, 2016

A novel anticandidal compound containing sulfur from endophytic fungus

A novel sulfur-containing molecule has been identified with potent anticandidal activity, offering a new lead for designing effective drugs against Candida species. This discovery highlights the potential of endophytes as a source of bioactive compounds for developing novel medicines.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Natural Products Journal·DateNov 25, 2016

Theory that challenges Einstein's physics could soon be put to the test

Researchers have predicted a testable figure for the spectral index, which could confirm their theory that the speed of light was variable in the early universe. The team's model suggests a value of 0.96478, close to current estimates, and could lead to modifications of Einstein's theory of gravity.

SourceImperial College London·JournalPhysical Review D·DateNov 25, 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.

Enough is enough -- stem cell factor Nanog knows when to slow down

Researchers found that more Nanog protein in cells leads to less reproduction, contradicting previous assumptions. The study uses an algorithm called STILT to analyze time-resolved protein expression data, revealing a negative feedback loop that regulates Nanog's activity.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalCell Systems·DateNov 25, 2016

Physicists spell 'AV' by manipulating Abrikosov vortices

Researchers use laser tweezers to control and arrange Abrikosov vortices in a superconductor, creating an AV-pattern. This technique has potential applications in quantum computation and optically controlled rapid single flux quantum logic elements.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 25, 2016

Scientists step closer to halting spread of lung cancer

Researchers at the University of York and Texas have identified a protein, PAQR11, in the Golgi apparatus that receives a signal from Zeb1, triggering the transport of membrane sacks and altering the cancer cell's perimeter. This process allows cancer cells to detach from their fixed position and travel to other parts of the body.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 25, 2016

MNI researchers receive funding to study ARSACS

ARSACS affects brain movement coordination due to gene alterations, leading to uncoordinated movements and muscle stiffness. Researchers will generate stem cells from skin biopsies to create neurons for new insights into cellular defects underlying the disease.

SourceMcGill University·DateNov 25, 2016
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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Why air pollutants make some people vulnerable to atopic dermatitis

A study by Tohoku University found that air pollutants cause hypersensitivity to itch, leading to skin inflammation and allergic diseases like asthma. The research team discovered that AhR, a transcription factor activated by air pollutants, causes itchy sensations through the expression of neurotrophic factor artemin.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Immunology·DateNov 25, 2016

DNA study offers blood test hope for bowel disease patients

Scientists have identified chemical changes in DNA that can be detected in blood samples, paving the way for a simple test to aid diagnosis. The findings could lead to a blood test to screen people who show symptoms of bowel diseases, sparing further tests for those without the signatures.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 25, 2016