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Science News Archive October 2016


Page 1 of 44

Artificial muscles show more flex

Researchers have developed a new fiber that offers higher tensile stroke and is triggered at temperatures lower than its predecessors, with potential applications in medical devices and self-healing materials. The fiber's unique geometry provides greater flexibility and thermal expansion/contraction properties.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 31, 2016

Where is my mind?

Researchers at Bar-Ilan University used network theory to map the human cortical network, revealing a hierarchical structure with different shells of low and high connectivity. The 'nucleus' shell, comprising 20% of nodes, supports global information integration and is linked to consciousness.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateOct 31, 2016

Eric Garner video shapes New Yorkers' support for police accountability: Study

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School found that 71% of New York State voters supported indicting police officers involved in the 2014 Eric Garner arrest after watching the video. This increase in support was attributed to the physical force used on Garner being a key factor in respondents' opinions.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Social Service Research·DateOct 31, 2016

Study shows link between mitochondrial DNA and autism

Researchers at Cornell University have confirmed a genetic link between mitochondrial DNA and autism spectrum disorder in children. The study found that autistic children had more than twice as many harmful mtDNA mutations compared to their non-autistic siblings. This finding may lead to better diagnosis and treatment of children with ...

SourceCornell University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateOct 31, 2016

Making lasers cool again

Sushil Kumar aims to create terahertz semiconductor lasers with precise emission frequency, improving power output and beam quality. His goal is to enable various applications including chemical sensing, disease diagnosis and remote-sensing in astronomy.

Scientists show how mutation causes incurable premature aging disease

A team of researchers discovered that a specific mutation in the telomere protein TPP1 causes an incurable premature aging disease called dyskeratosis congenita. The mutation compromises telomerase function, leading to stem cell division slowdowns and tissue breakdown. This breakthrough provides a potential drug target for the disease.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 31, 2016

Researchers nearly reached quantum limit with nanodrums

A new method for measuring microwave signals was developed by researchers at Aalto University, achieving the most accurate measurement with nanodrums so far. This technology enables efficient transformation of quantum information between different frequencies, potentially enabling data encryption based on quantum mechanics.

SourceAalto University·JournalPhysical Review X·DateOct 31, 2016

DNA damage response links short telomeres, heart disorder in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

A study by researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine found that progressively shortening telomeres in heart muscle cells triggered a DNA damage response compromising mitochondrial function. This led to cardiomyopathy and death in mice with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, suggesting new therapeutic targets.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 31, 2016

Model expands landscape for signaling protein mutations

A computational model helps biologists predict minimal mutations for efficient reprogramming of signaling proteins, expanding the landscape for two-component systems in bacteria. The model connects interaction specificity and promiscuity, enabling researchers to design novel interactions.

SourceRice University·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateOct 31, 2016

Study appears first in the nation to examine the impact of vitamin K supplements on the cardiovascul

Researchers are enrolling 60 obese children in an eight-week study to examine the impact of vitamin K supplements on their cardiovascular health. The study aims to determine whether vitamin K can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce lipid levels in the blood, potentially reducing the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Complete sanitation of robotic surgical instruments virtually impossible

A study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology found that robotic surgical instruments are difficult to clean completely, with a protein residue remaining despite multiple cleanings. The researchers suggest establishing new standards for cleaning these instruments using repeated measurements of residual protein.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateOct 31, 2016