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Science News for October 27, 2016


It's what underneath that counts

New research reveals that ancient rocks can supply energy to microorganisms kilometers below Earth's surface through reactions between water and minerals. This discovery has significant implications for the search for life on Mars, where similar geological settings may support microbial life.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 27, 2016

A new method to help solve the problem of nuclear waste

Researchers have developed a simple process to create reactive actinide oxide nanocrystals, enabling the production of dense nuclear fuels and potential applications in waste management. This new approach could lead to more efficient and sustainable solutions for nuclear energy.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalOpen Chemistry·DateOct 27, 2016

Want to exercise more? Get yourself some competition

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania found that competition significantly motivates people to exercise more than friendly support. The study, which recruited nearly 800 Penn students, showed that attendance rates were 90% higher in competitive groups compared to a control group. Meanwhile, team support actually led to lower ...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPreventive Medicine Reports·DateOct 27, 2016

Effect of facial expression on emotional state not replicated in multilab study

A coordinated replication effort across 17 labs failed to replicate the 1988 study suggesting that facial expressions can trigger emotional reactions. The multilab study used a standardized protocol with over 1,900 participants but found no evidence that inducing particular facial expressions affected their emotional state.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateOct 27, 2016

Fixing deficits in boundary plasma models

Scientists at DIII-D National Fusion Facility have successfully reproduced radiation patterns in simulations, providing a breakthrough in fusion research. By eliminating molecular physics and accurately accounting for divertor plasma parameters, researchers have made significant progress towards designing radiating exhaust solutions.

Male birth control shots prevent pregnancy

A new study found that injectable contraceptives for men can reduce the risk of unplanned pregnancies in their female partners. The hormone-based method, which involves injecting a combination of progestogen and testosterone, was effective in nearly 96% of continuing users.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateOct 27, 2016

Blood test for early osteoarthritis diagnosis unveiled

Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a blood test to detect early-stage osteoarthritis (OA) and distinguish it from other self-resolving inflammatory joint diseases. The test identifies biomarkers in plasma proteins damaged by oxidation, nitration, and glycation, enabling early detection and treatment.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·DateOct 27, 2016

Neutrons verify new quantum state

Researchers have proved the existence of spin-spirals in a quantum liquid, where neighboring spins fluctuate collectively as spirals. This phenomenon, known as a 'spiral spin-liquid', was observed using polarized diffuse neutron scattering on an instrument at Forschungszentrum Jülich.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNature Physics·DateOct 27, 2016

Midwater ocean creatures use nanotech camouflage

Researchers discovered that midwater crustaceans have transparent bodies and optical coatings on their legs and bodies that reduce reflections by up to 250-fold. The coatings appear to be made of living bacteria, with each species having its own symbiotic optical bacteria. This discovery has potential technological applications.

SourceDuke University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 27, 2016

New approach tests the strength of immunity

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have developed a new test to determine immune cell strength, which could help predict patient reactions to various threats. The CaFlux test uses calcium channel detection to assess T-cell responses, offering insights into potential allergies or autoimmunity.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 27, 2016

ABA: Evolution of a plant hormone

Researchers found that the plant hormone ABA did not yet regulate water balance in early land plants like ferns. Instead, it played a key role in sex determination. The study suggests that the evolution of ABA's function changed as plants transitioned to flowering plants.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 27, 2016

Learning Morse code without trying

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed a system that teaches people Morse code in four hours using vibrations felt near the ear. Participants were 94% accurate keying a sentence and 98% accurate writing codes for every letter, even while playing games and feeling the taps without paying attention.

Mimicking life-like cigarette smoke exposure in human lung airway chips

Researchers have developed a device that mimics the effects of cigarette smoke on human lungs, providing new insights into how non-smokers and COPD patients respond to smoke. The device enables the comparison of physiological responses in healthy individuals and COPD patients before and after exposure to cigarette smoke.

A skin graft for bad burns

Researchers have developed an innovative skin graft process that combines split thickness skin grafts with a specially engineered sheet of stem cells to maximize natural healing power. The new technique shows promising results in treating large or complicated burn injuries, preserving hair follicles and oil glands.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalTheranostics·DateOct 27, 2016

Fruit flies: Food, camera, action!

A team of neuroscientists studied fruit flies' behavior when deprived of specific nutrients, discovering that their brain mechanisms influence food choices and exploration patterns. The findings suggest individual variability in metabolism and feeding behavior may be linked to physiological and neural characteristics.

Ten months in the air without landing

Researchers at Lund University found that common swifts spend 10 months in the air, migrating and hibernating without landing. The birds' physiology is still not fully understood, but the discovery provides new insights into animal behavior.

SourceLund University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 27, 2016

Customizing vitamin D supplements to the individual would ensure benefits are felt

A new study suggests that pregnant women respond differently to vitamin D supplementation depending on their individual attributes, such as season of delivery and weight gain during pregnancy. Tailoring supplement levels according to these factors may be necessary to achieve optimal vitamin D concentrations.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateOct 27, 2016

Getting the most out of fractional models

Researchers developed a method to ensure fractional order stochastic differential inclusions can be controlled. This breakthrough applies to complex systems like financial markets and quantum systems. The team demonstrated controllability for both convex and nonconvex cases, enhancing device design and functionality.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateOct 27, 2016

New warning over spread of ash dieback

Researchers at the University of Exeter have discovered that asexual spores of the ash dieback fungus can germinate on leaves or infect seedlings via soil, spreading the disease more quickly than previously thought. This finding reveals additional routes for the fungus's spread and increases the risk to trees and ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 27, 2016

Fighting the gram-negatives

A team of scientists from Germany has identified a class of quinone-like substances with an epoxide functional group that can kill problematic Salmonella pathogens. The compounds work by interfering with the bacterial stress response system, making them a potential tool in the fight against multidrug resistance.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 27, 2016