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Science News for November 8, 2016


HKU chemists develop world's first light-seeking synthetic Nanorobot

Researchers have developed a light-seeking synthetic Nanorobot that can be injected into patients' bodies to help surgeons remove tumors. The Nanorobots use light as the propelling force, responding to the light shining on them like moths being drawn to flames.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 8, 2016

Entering the field of zeptosecond measurement

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute and Technical University of Munich have measured photoionization with unprecedented zeptosecond precision, determining the timescale of this process for the first time. This achievement resolves quantum mechanics' impact on ultra-short events in atomic interactions.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 8, 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.

Trump's political success was a triumph of style over substance: UBC research

A UBC study analyzing Trump's speech style and Twitter usage found grandiosity, informal language, and vocal pitch variation as statistical predictors of his success in the Republican primaries. The researchers suggest that these communication styles helped Trump win the nomination despite being shocking to many viewers.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateNov 8, 2016

Solving the puzzle of necroptosis

Necroptosis is a crucial physiological process that regulates cell death and tissue function. Researchers have now found that RIPK1 inhibits another inducer of necroptosis, ZBP1, which triggers inflammation when mutated. This study provides new insights into the regulation of necroptosis and its role in chronic inflammatory diseases.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature·DateNov 8, 2016

Gestational age may impact academic performance

A study found that children born preterm or post-term performed lower on academic tests, with those born extremely early showing the most significant decline. Poor fetal growth was also associated with reduced academic performance.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateNov 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.

Researcher finds key to drug resistant bowel cancer

Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have identified a way to bypass bowel cancer's defence against the drug cetuximab by blocking the ADAM17 protein. This breakthrough could lead to a new combination therapy that delays or prevents cancer recurrence, improving patient outcomes.

SourceCancer Research UK·DateNov 8, 2016

Attosecond physics: A zeptosecond stopwatch for the microcosm

Physicists have recorded an internal atomic event with unprecedented precision, measuring the duration of photoionization for the first time with zeptosecond accuracy. The study provides a reliable basis for future experiments and reconciles theory and experiment in complex systems like helium.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 8, 2016

Big data shows people's collective behavior follows strong periodic patterns

New research using big data analysis has found that people's collective behaviour is more predictable than thought, with strong periodic patterns influenced by the weather and seasons. Historical news and social media data revealed cycles in leisure and work activities, diet, diseases, and mental health.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 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.

Blood fats equal risk of pancreatitis

Research reveals a significant link between elevated blood fats and acute pancreatitis, with even mild increases posing a ninefold greater risk. The study's findings highlight the need for further research into the role of common fats in disease development.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateNov 8, 2016

Collapse of mitochondria-associated membrane in ALS

A study by Nagoya University found that collapse of the MAM is a common pathological hallmark in SOD1- and SIGMAR1-linked ALS. This disruption leads to Ca2+ dysregulation, exacerbating neurodegeneration. The researchers suggest targeting MAM disruption for future therapeutics.

SourceNagoya University·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateNov 8, 2016

Weight loss condition provides insight into failure of cancer immunotherapies

Researchers have found a link between cancer cachexia and the failure of cancer immunotherapies in patients. By understanding this mechanism, they hope to develop combination therapies that target metabolic abnormalities or hormonal responses, increasing the effectiveness of immunotherapy for more patients.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalCell Metabolism·DateNov 8, 2016

Decoding the genome of the Japanese morning glory

The Japanese morning glory genome has been fully decoded, revealing genes that determine flower and leaf shapes, as well as flower colors and patterns. The research also identified a gene involved in plant hormone biosynthesis disrupted by transposons in mutants.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 8, 2016

Shallow reefs off Singapore survive in the face of adversity

A recent study found that shallow coral reefs in Singapore can recover rapidly from bleaching events, despite high levels of sedimentation. The team's research suggests that diverse shallow coral communities can persist in adverse conditions, highlighting the resilience of corals to environmental stresses.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 8, 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.

New study: Male chimpanzees can be players and good fathers

A new study reveals that male chimpanzees prioritize their offspring over building relationships with females, contradicting the long-held assumption that they are solely focused on mating. The researchers found that males spend time with non-mating female chimpanzees caring for their offspring and exhibit paternal behavior towards them.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateNov 8, 2016

Medical professors question 'residency placement fever'

The highly competitive residency matching process has become increasingly frenzied, driving up costs for students and disrupting the fourth year of medical school. Students are applying to an average of 30-45 programs, with some specialties requiring over 70 applications, leading to excessive travel and financial burdens.

SourceBrown University·JournalAcademic Medicine·DateNov 8, 2016

The process of DNA packaging in cell nucleus revealed

Researchers from Lomonosov Moscow State University have discovered the mechanisms of DNA packaging in the cell nucleus, which has implications for epigenetic control of gene expression. The study reveals that chromatin structures maintain high levels of packing and flexibility despite traditional notions.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 8, 2016

People power: Technology allows smartphone-based water testing

Researchers at the University of Houston developed a smartphone-based water testing system using DotLens technology. The system uses commercially available test kits with a low-cost attachment that provides a narrow-band light source, allowing users to identify waterborne pathogens such as Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateNov 8, 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.

The fate of Neanderthal genes

A new study reveals that Neanderthal genes are being removed from the human genome at a rate of weak but widespread selection. The researchers found that the small population of Neanderthals mixing with modern humans led to inbreeding, causing genetic variants to persist and then be weeded out by natural selection.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateNov 8, 2016

Giving women HIV self-tests promotes male partner testing

A randomized trial found that providing pregnant and postpartum women with multiple HIV self-tests increased the likelihood of their male partners being tested for HIV. The study showed a significant increase in partner testing, with 90.8% of partners tested within three months of enrollment, compared to 51.7% in the control group.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 8, 2016

Mobs are, sometimes, good

A Michigan State University study found that hyenas gain an advantage by cooperating during fights with lions, emerging victorious more often. The research team analyzed 27 years of data to fully describe this cooperative behavior, revealing that the number of participating hyenas increases their chances of success.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalCurrent Zoology·DateNov 8, 2016
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

A public database of macromolecular diffraction experiments

A public database of macromolecular diffraction experiments has been developed to archive raw data and metadata from X-ray crystallographic studies. The resource contains 3070 experiments with partially curated metadata, aiming to improve protein structure-determination methods and ensure the availability of orphan data.

SourceInternational Union of Crystallography·DateNov 8, 2016

Brookhaven Lab wins 3 2016 R&D 100 Awards

The US Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory has received three 2016 R&D 100 Awards for its innovative technologies in microscopy, catalysis, and nanomaterials. The lab's custom-built x-ray microscope has advanced imaging capabilities, while the MoSoy Catalyst produces hydrogen in an environmentally friendly way.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateNov 8, 2016

Genetic signaling pathway blocks formation of a cancer in the cerebellum

A research team at the Krembil Research Institute has discovered a genetic signaling pathway that controls blood vessel development in the brain can stop brain tumor formation. Blocking this pathway, Norrin/Frizzled4 (Fzd4), creates more opportunities to form pre-cancerous growths and speed up tumour initiation.

SourceUniversity Health Network·DateNov 8, 2016
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Female chimpanzees employ babysitters to wean young faster

A University of Toronto study found that infant handling and natal attraction had a significant impact on the weaning process in female chimpanzees. Infants who were held and carried more by babysitters nursed less often and drank less milk, becoming nutritionally independent sooner.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateNov 8, 2016

Quality of life in late life can be good

Research by Allina Health LifeCourse reveals that late-life quality of life improves socially but remains emotionally stable, with caregivers playing a crucial role. The study also identifies the need for training and support for family members in caregiving roles.

SourceAllina Health·DateNov 8, 2016

Early exposure to excess hormone causes genital defects in females

Researchers at the University of Florida identified cells targeted by a male hormone and found that excess hormone exposure during fetal development can cause vaginal defects in females. The study found a specific window of hormonal influence and a type of cell responsible for guiding the developing vagina to its correct position.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 8, 2016

Fighting the water army of fake reviewers

Researchers have developed an algorithm to detect fake reviews on ecommerce sites, analyzing behavior and content features to identify deceptive posters. The method outperforms earlier detection algorithms, providing a more accurate picture of product ratings.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Services Operations and Informatics·DateNov 8, 2016

Spin liquid on a peak

Scientists from OIST Graduate University have modelled a spin liquid, showing disorder can co-exist with order in magnetic materials. The discovery offers exciting possibilities for new discoveries in physics and paves the way for finding real magnets in multiple states at once.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalPhysical Review B·DateNov 8, 2016
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Peat bog reveals more than 1,000 years of Tanzanian history

Researchers analyzed sediments from a Tanzanian peat bog to reconstruct the region's ecosystem over 1,200 years. The study found that forest biodiversity remains relatively stable despite human activity, but climate change poses a threat to its future.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalThe Holocene·DateNov 8, 2016

Mismatched light and heat levels can disrupt body clock

A new UCL study found that mismatched light and heat levels can cause major disruptions to body clock function, leading to behavioral changes and molecular signals. The research suggests that a moderate time lag between light and temperature causes the clock to break down, with significant effects on behavior.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 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.

Species of giant cockroaches employ different strategies in the mating game

A study by University of Nottingham researchers found that giant hissing cockroach species adapt to either 'lover' or 'fighter' strategies for winning females, with Flat-horned cockroaches being non-aggressive and focusing on sneaky mating, while Wide-horned cockroaches are aggressive combatants.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 8, 2016

Parents don't notice young children's PTSD -- but may need support themselves

A new study found that young children can experience PTSD for years after a traumatic event, often unnoticed by their parents. Researchers discovered that parent reports of PTSD may be inadequate to identify chronic patterns in young children, and that parental mental health is linked to child PTSD.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateNov 8, 2016

Changing views of evolutionary factors at work on earliest mammals

Researchers found that tooth shape influenced diet and feeding biomechanics, with selection favoring maximum damage, not just force or energy. The study used 3D-printed replicas of ancient mammal teeth to test the impact of different diets on early mammals.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalInterface·DateNov 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.

Evolution purged many Neanderthal genes from human genome

A study published in PLOS Genetics found that natural selection removed weakly deleterious Neanderthal gene variants from the human genome, as they were more effective in larger human populations. This loss of Neanderthal ancestry is attributed to historical differences in population sizes between humans and Neanderthals.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateNov 8, 2016

Cancer cells hijack DNA repair networks to stay alive, Pitt study shows

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute discovered that cancer cells exploit a previously unknown mechanism called alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) to reset their telomere clocks. This allows them to continue dividing and growing, making them more aggressive and resistant to treatment.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 8, 2016

Solved: One of the mysteries of globular clusters

A study by an international team solves the origin of successive generations of stars in globular clusters. The most massive, evolved AGB stars are found to contaminate the interstellar medium, giving rise to new generations of stars.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateNov 8, 2016
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

The messenger in Huntington's disease

Researchers at the Centre for Genomic Regulation have identified a new pathway to therapy discovery for Huntington's disease. The study found that blocking the activity of messenger RNA (mRNA) is enough to revert alterations associated with the disease.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 8, 2016

Genetically engineering disease-fighting cells

Researchers develop domain-swapped T cell receptors that increase the safety of TCR gene therapy by preventing mispairing between introduced and resident chains. These new receptors retain functional domains and prevent autoimmune disease in mice and human cells, offering a promising tool for cancer treatment.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·DateNov 8, 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.

Social networking by doctors may save patients' lives, study suggests

A new study found that heart surgery patients' chances of survival depend on the overall level of teamwork among all physicians who cared for them. Tight 'social networks' of physicians are linked to improved patient outcomes, including lower readmission rates and reduced mortality.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateNov 8, 2016

New strategy for antidepressant therapies

Researchers at Penn State have discovered a new strategy for antidepressant therapies by increasing the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brains of depressed mice. This approach shows promise as a rapidly acting and more effective treatment option.

SourcePenn State·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateNov 8, 2016

Shedding light on the formation of nanodroplets in aqueous solutions of polar organics

A team of Russian researchers used dynamic light scattering and phase microscopy to demonstrate the existence of stable nanodroplets of tetrahydrofuran (THF) in aqueous electrolyte solutions. The research developed a new theory explaining the spontaneous generation of heterogeneous nanoparticles due to 'twinkling' hydrogen bonds.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateNov 8, 2016
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Ketofol an alternative deep sedative for emergency departments

A large clinical trial found that a combination of propofol and ketamine was as effective as propofol alone for sedating adults in emergency departments. The study debunked concerns about ketamine causing adverse psychological reactions, revealing similar outcomes and high patient satisfaction rates.

SourceEmergency Medicine Foundation (Australia)·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateNov 8, 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.

ASH and partners receive grant to address knowledge gaps in AML care

The American Society of Hematology has partnered with several organizations to create a specialized curriculum for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) care. The program aims to address knowledge gaps in the entire multidisciplinary team involved in AML management, including accurate diagnosis, risk stratification, and treatment options.

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·DateNov 8, 2016

Lisa Biggs awarded $100,000 from Knight Foundation

Lisa Biggs' project, 'AFTER/LIFE,' aims to tell the stories of overlooked women and girls involved in the 1967 conflict through oral history, theater, poetry, and dance. The production will be directed by Kristin Horton and commemorated the upcoming 50th anniversary of the unrest.

SourceMichigan State University·DateNov 8, 2016

PPPL physicists build diagnostic that measures plasma velocity in real time

Physicists at PPPL have developed a real-time velocity diagnostic that measures plasma velocity in four locations within the National Spherical Torus Experiment-Upgrade. This device enables rapid calculations of how the velocity profile of ions evolves over time, which is crucial for optimizing plasma stability and fusion reactions.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPlasma Physics and Controlled Fusion·DateNov 8, 2016

Television cooking shows overlook safe food handling practices

A new study found that television cooking shows rarely model proper food safety measures, with only 4 out of 39 episodes showing compliance with recommendations. The study highlights the need for food safety training and education on these programs to reduce the incidence of foodborne illness.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateNov 8, 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.

Study: Carbon-hungry plants impede growth rate of atmospheric CO2

Scientists discover that rising CO2 levels have boosted terrestrial carbon uptake, slowing the growth rate of atmospheric CO2. The increase in carbon absorption is attributed to enhanced photosynthesis and plant respiration, particularly in tropical and high-latitude ecosystems.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 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.

Dementia diagnosis delayed by complex referral criteria

A study found that complex referral criteria are contributing to delays in dementia diagnosis, with some clinics requiring multiple investigations. Alternative approaches, such as primary care-led processes and direct access to memory clinics, may speed up diagnosis while reducing pressure on GPs and specialists.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateNov 8, 2016

Chimpanzee males court friends in high places

A new study reveals that male chimpanzees benefit from befriending the alpha male, gaining priority to preferred mates and a greater chance of passing on genes. Subordinate males can also benefit by having social favors, such as support in fights.

SourceArizona State University·DateNov 8, 2016

Studying structure to understand function within 'material families'

A team of researchers from Peter Grünberg Institute and Tampere University of Technology used numerical simulations to study the motion of over 500 atoms in liquid bismuth. Their findings show excellent agreement with experimental results, including inelastic x-ray scattering and neutron diffraction data.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateNov 8, 2016

Neuroscientists call for deep collaboration to 'crack' the human brain

Neuroscientists propose a collaborative approach to understanding the brain, combining experimentalists and theorists to tackle the great mysteries of consciousness. By sharing data and resources, researchers aim to make progress in neuroscience research using principles similar to those used in particle physics.

SourceJLM&A, SA·JournalNature·DateNov 8, 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.

Alzheimer's disease found to be a diabetic disorder of the brain

Researchers at Tohoku University have discovered a potential link between Alzheimer's disease and insulin signaling dysfunction. The study suggests that memantine, an Alzheimer's treatment, can improve cognitive function by inhibiting the ATP-sensitive potassium channel (Kir6.2 channel), leading to better memory retention in patients.

SourceTohoku University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateNov 8, 2016