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Science News for October 14, 2016


Artificial enzyme for asymmetric synthesis using a synthetic chiral polymer

Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology developed a novel synthetic method to create chiral polymers containing cinchona sulfonamide repeating units. These polymers showed high catalytic activity in asymmetric reactions, enabling the enantioselective desymmetrization of cyclic anhydrides.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalRSC Advances·DateOct 14, 2016

Giving credit where credit is due

Academic publishers are moving towards requiring data publication with citations, but current systems struggle to accommodate dynamic data structures. A new paper proposes an automated citation system that would generate standardized citations for extracted data, providing a solution for improving reproducibility and credibility.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalCommunications of the ACM·DateOct 14, 2016

Computer taught to intuitively predict chemical properties of molecules

A new software package called Knodle has been developed to predict the hybridization, bond orders, and functional groups' annotation in molecules. This technology enables researchers to identify potential drugs more efficiently, reducing the search area from hundreds of thousands to just a hundred

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalJournal of Chemical Information and Modeling·DateOct 14, 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.

Why private health insurers are losing money on the Affordable Care Act

Underpriced policies and the absence of young, healthy individuals in insurance risk pools are driving up premiums. Insurers like Aetna face significant losses, prompting rate hikes and withdrawals from the marketplaces. The long-term consequences threaten the sustainability of the Affordable Care Act.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalJAMA·DateOct 14, 2016

Bendable electronic paper displays whole color range

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a new electronic 'paper' that is bendable and gives all the colors of a standard LED display. The material requires significantly less energy than a Kindle tablet, making it suitable for well-lit places such as outdoor displays.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 14, 2016

Diversified management provides multiple benefits in boreal forests

Researchers found that reducing timber revenues can increase biodiversity indicators and improve landscape multifunctionality. Combining forest growth simulations with multiobjective optimization, they concluded that diversified forest management planning is necessary to resolve conflicts between objectives.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateOct 14, 2016

Plant discovered that neither photosynthesizes nor blooms

A new species of plant, Gastrodia kuroshimensis, has been discovered in Japan, exhibiting unique characteristics of non-photosynthesis and cleistogamy. This discovery provides an opportunity to investigate the ecological significance and evolutionary history of complete cleistogamy.

SourceKobe University·JournalPhytotaxa·DateOct 14, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Finding needles in chemical haystacks

A team of chemists has developed a process to identify new catalysts for synthesizing drugs more efficiently and cheaply. By examining libraries of drugs, they found highly effective ligands that can improve reactions beyond those reported nearly four years ago.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Chemistry·DateOct 14, 2016

Research to help develop next-generation food crops

Researchers at Australian National University are developing next-generation food crops that can produce bigger yields and resist drought better than current crops. Crops like sorghum and millet use a more efficient form of photosynthesis, allowing them to thrive in extreme conditions.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·DateOct 14, 2016

Cocoa compound linked to some cardiovascular biomarker improvements

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 randomized controlled trials found potential beneficial effects of flavanol-rich cocoa on cardiometabolic health. Flavanol intake may reduce dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and systemic inflammation, which are major subclinical risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateOct 14, 2016

Researchers use temperature to control droplet movement

Researchers developed a new way to drive fluid droplets across surfaces in a precisely controlled manner using temperature differences. The method opens up possibilities for highly adaptable microfluidic devices and de-icing technologies.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Fluids·DateOct 14, 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.

Study finds knowingly taking placebo pills eases pain

A study found that patients who knowingly took a placebo pill alongside traditional treatment for lower back pain saw more improvement than those given treatment alone. The placebo effect was triggered by the patient-clinician relationship and ritual of taking pills, rather than conscious expectation of an active medicine.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalPain·DateOct 14, 2016

Study finds surface texture of gallium nitride affects cell behavior

Researchers at North Carolina State University have determined that the surface texture of gallium nitride (GaN) materials can influence the health of nearby cells. The study found that altering the surface texture of GaN materials, such as making them rough or smooth, can cause metabolic changes in cells.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalRSC Advances·DateOct 14, 2016

Agriculture development & its imprints in environmental records during Neolithic Age in north China

Scholars studied archaeological and paleoenvironmental records to understand the intensification of agriculture in northern China, revealing a significant impact on fire frequency and natural environments. The findings suggest that millet cultivation played a crucial role in the emergence of ancient Chinese civilization.

SourceScience China Press·JournalChinese Science Bulletin·DateOct 14, 2016
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Spinning semen provides a measurement of fertility

Researchers have developed a method to quantify semen activity based on its spinning motion, providing an objective ranking for artificial insemination. The technique measures the collective rotation of sperm in a semen drop, which is faster and more reliable than current subjective rankings.

SourceImperial College London·JournalInterface·DateOct 14, 2016

ENSO threatens food supply in southern Africa

Research from Lund University finds that ENSO leads to increased shortages of food and animal feed in rural areas of eastern and southern Africa. The study calculates the impact of carbon dioxide absorption by vegetation on food production and predicts a worsening situation as weather phenomena become more frequent.

SourceLund University·JournalClimatic Change·DateOct 14, 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.

Healthy knees

The study aims to examine the biochemical and biomechanical bases for osteoarthritis development after ACL surgery. Researchers plan to analyze gait mechanics, electromyography, qMRI, and finite element modeling to understand knee unloading and cartilage stress distribution.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateOct 14, 2016

Long-term experience supports efficacy and safety of PRRT for treating neuroendocrine tumors

Long-term clinical data supports the efficacy of PRRT in treating neuroendocrine tumors, improving tumor response rates and progression-free survival. To minimize toxicity, steps such as timing of therapy, patient selection criteria, dose optimization, and adequate monitoring can be taken.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalCancer Biotherapy and Radiopharmaceuticals·DateOct 14, 2016

A team of physicists dispels Rayleigh's curse

A team of physicists has broken Rayleigh's limit, achieving resolutions up to 17 times lower than previously thought. This discovery opens doors to significant improvement in imaging systems and challenges traditional Optics textbooks.

SourceUniversidad Complutense de Madrid·JournalOptica·DateOct 14, 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.

Human transport has unpredictable genetic and evolutionary consequences for marine species

New research reveals that human transport has a significant impact on the genetics of marine species, disrupting natural patterns and leading to unexpected consequences. The study found a mosaic of genetic patterns in a native invertebrate species, suggesting that anthropogenic activities are altering genetic composition in native ranges.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalBiology Letters·DateOct 14, 2016

Soy protein early in life may help prevent bone loss in adulthood

A new study published in The FASEB Journal found that early life exposure to a diet high in soy protein isolate can protect against serious bone loss during adulthood. This is the first time scientists have used an animal model to show concrete evidence of a protective effect of an early-life soy protein isolate diet on adult bone loss.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateOct 14, 2016

Creative staff lead to satisfied customers says study

A study by University of East Anglia found that organisations with more creative employees enjoy higher levels of customer satisfaction. The study recommends investing in developing the creative capabilities of customer service employees through tailored HR practices, including workshops and training.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Management·DateOct 14, 2016

New research offers insights into managing agricultural runoff and coastal dead zones

A study published in Ecology Letters examines the relationship between agricultural runoff and harmful algal blooms in the Gulf of Mexico, revealing that managing landscapes at watershed levels can improve water quality. Reservoirs are identified as areas where nutrient loads could be diminished without affecting silica concentrations.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalEcology Letters·DateOct 14, 2016

Sedative may prevent delirium after an operation

A study of 700 patients aged 65 or older found that sedating them with a mild sedative after surgery reduced the risk of post-operative delirium by nearly two-thirds. The condition, which can cause confusion and hallucinations, affects up to one in three people who have major operations.

SourceImperial College London·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 14, 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.

NASA sees large Hurricane Nicole moving past Bermuda

Hurricane Nicole strengthened to a Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph before landfall in Bermuda. The storm's large ocean swells were spreading northward along the U.S. East Coast and into Atlantic Canada.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 14, 2016

How the gut microbiome may help us prevent IBD

A recent study links a disease-associated microbial state to increased risk of developing IBD in genetically- and environmentally-susceptible individuals. Another study found that exposure to high altitude conditions triggers local acid sensing pathways leading to disease progression in IBD patients. Meanwhile, research highlights the ...

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateOct 14, 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.

Lego-like wall produces acoustic holograms

Researchers at Duke University have developed a simple, energy-efficient way to create three-dimensional acoustic holograms using Lego-like metamaterials. The technique manipulates sound waves into desired patterns, enabling applications such as improving sound quality in speakers and creating realistic ultrasound images.

SourceDuke University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 14, 2016

DOE grant focuses on next generation anion exchange membranes

Researchers from Penn State and industry partners aim to create low-cost, durable anion exchange membranes with novel cations for commercial-scale applications in fuel cells and electrolyzers. They will focus on stable polymers meeting ARPA-E requirements for resistance and cost.

SourcePenn State·DateOct 14, 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.

Crystal clear imaging: Infrared brings to light nanoscale molecular arrangement

Researchers have developed a new way to reveal crystal features in functional materials using infrared light, allowing for detailed imaging at the nanoscale. The technique enables better design and optimization of material properties, with applications in electronics, energy conversion, and biological studies.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 14, 2016

Early detection method hopes to prevent psychosis

Researchers developed a new probability model to detect psychosis risk with 70% accuracy, combining medical history, clinical assessment, and biomarkers of fatty acids. This could lead to timely treatment and prevention of psychotic episodes.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateOct 14, 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.

Researchers tackle land loss-climate change connection

Coastal Louisiana's unique situation allows scientists to study future global sea level rise effects on wetland-dominated coastlines. The region experiences a relative sea level rise rate of 13 millimeters per year, with extensive coastal wetland loss and rapid erosion of carbon-rich peat soils.

SourceLouisiana State University·DateOct 14, 2016

Mount Sinai researchers use breakthrough technology to detect glaucoma progression

Researchers use optimal coherence tomography (OCT) angiography to identify characteristic patterns of different forms of glaucoma based on their vascular patterns. This breakthrough technology could lead to earlier diagnosis and potentially slow down the progression of vision loss.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateOct 14, 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.

Female chimpanzees don't fight for 'queen bee' status

A study of wild chimpanzees found that female chimps maintain a stable social rank throughout their lives, whereas males' ranks fluctuate as they age. This unique strategy suggests that females consider long-term reproductive success over short-term gains.

SourceDuke University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 14, 2016

Small-scale agriculture threatens the rainforest

A recent study by Lund University reveals that small-scale farmers in Indonesia are leading to biodiversity decline and ecosystem disruption. The researchers found that the adoption of monoculture farming practices results in short-term financial gains but long-term environmental costs.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 14, 2016
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

JILA's superradiant laser may one day boost atomic clocks

The superradiant laser uses synchronized emissions of light from strontium atoms to improve atomic clock performance and create precise 'rulers' for space science. The laser's output is expected to be less sensitive to noise, making it sharper as a precision tool.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 14, 2016
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Genetic diversity crucial to Florida scrub-jay's survival

The Florida Scrub-jay study reveals that genetic diversity is vital to the species' survival, relying on immigrants from smaller satellite populations for genetic material in mating. The loss of these small populations has led to increased inbreeding and a decline in offspring survival rates.

SourceCornell University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 14, 2016

A new spin on superconductivity

Researchers have made a breakthrough in transmitting spin information through superconducting materials, solving a major challenge for quantum computing. The discovery could lead to the development of more powerful computers capable of processing multiple spin states simultaneously.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Physics·DateOct 14, 2016

America ranks in top 10 in empathy

A study ranking nations by empathy places the US at No. 7, behind countries like Peru and Saudi Arabia. The researchers analyzed online surveys of over 104,000 people, finding that Americans are struggling to form meaningful close relationships due to changing psychological states.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Cross-Cultural Psychology·DateOct 14, 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.

Substance with the potential to postpone aging

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have found that adding the substance NAD+ to mice and roundworms can extend life and delay aging processes. The study suggests that NAD+ plays a key role in maintaining cellular health and repairing genes, with potential benefits for patients with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 14, 2016

Greenland ice is melting 7 percent faster than previously thought

A new study reveals that Greenland's ice sheet lost nearly 2,700 gigatons of ice from 2003-2013, 7.6% more than previously thought, due to mantle softening caused by the Iceland hotspot. This correction refines understanding of modern ice loss patterns and their evolution.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 14, 2016
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.