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Science News for April 13, 2017


Advantage: Water

Scientists have determined that water is only slightly more likely to stay in one piece as it binds to the catalyst surface than it is to form hydroxyl pairs. This small advantage has significant implications for industries using titanium dioxide, including alternative fuel production and solar energy.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 2017

Brain tissue from a petri dish

Researchers at the University of Luxembourg have successfully grown brain-like cultures from human stem cells, mirroring the structure and function of the midbrain. This breakthrough allows for the study of Parkinson's disease mechanisms and potential treatments, as well as reducing animal testing in brain research.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateApr 13, 2017

The new method of analysis in record high speed DNA assay device

The new synergistic PCR (sPCR) technique developed by Curiosity Diagnostics combines the advantages of analogue and digital PCR methods. It offers faster analysis times, reduced calibration requirements, and increased accuracy in detecting genetic material. The method is particularly useful for laboratory staff to independently verify ...

Think you can handle your alcohol? Study may urge some drinkers to think again

Researchers found that heavy drinkers developed behavioral tolerance to alcohol on simpler fine motor tasks, such as the Grooved Pegboard Test, but not on more complex tasks like the Digit Symbol Substitution Test. Despite faster metabolism, heavy drinkers showed similar levels of impairment on these tasks compared to light drinkers.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalPsychopharmacology·DateApr 13, 2017

Green IT: New switching process in non-volatile spintronics devices

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin have developed a new switching process for non-volatile spintronics devices using asymmetric nanorings. The process involves applying a short magnetic field pulse, which leads to an intermediate 'onion state' and subsequently results in a stable opposite magnetization of the ring.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateApr 13, 2017

25 is 'golden age' for the ability to make random choices

A study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that humans' ability to make random choices peaks around age 25 and declines thereafter. The researchers assessed over 3,400 participants and used online tasks to evaluate their algorithmic randomness.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateApr 13, 2017

Scientists discover master switch to turn on silent biosynthetic gene clusters

Researchers at Princeton University have discovered a master switch that 'switches on' silent biosynthetic gene clusters in bacteria, leading to the production of new compounds with anti-parasitic properties. The global regulator, scmR, acts as a gatekeeper for expression and can be eliminated genetically to release molecules of interest.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 2017

The Black Panther Party -- its struggles and achievements

A new special issue of the Journal of African American Studies explores the Black Panther Party's diversity, complexity, and impact on the Black Liberation Struggle. The issue features reflections, interviews with former Panthers, and insights into recent books on the BPP, offering a nuanced perspective on this militant group.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of African American Studies·DateApr 13, 2017

A battery prototype powered by atmospheric nitrogen

Researchers in China have developed a battery prototype that captures atmospheric nitrogen to generate electricity, offering a promising alternative to existing lithium-nitrogen batteries. The battery's energy output is brief but comparable to other lithium-metal batteries, making it a potential solution for renewable energy storage.

SourceCell Press·JournalChem·DateApr 13, 2017

Methane seeps in the Canadian high Arctic

A field campaign on Ellef Ringnes Island revealed over 130 methane seep mounds in Cretaceous age sediments, indicating a significant release of methane during climate warming. The discovery supports concerns of potential destabilization of modern methane hydrates and has important implications for the Arctic Ocean's warming.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateApr 13, 2017

MicroRNA may reduce stroke risk

Researchers discovered that microRNA-210 reduces plaque instability and improves fibrous cap stability, potentially reducing the risk of stroke. Local application of microRNA-210 is being explored as a safer alternative to systemic administration, which could minimize side effects.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalCirculation Research·DateApr 13, 2017

Nanotubes that build themselves

Scientists at Lund University produced nanotubes from a single building block using molecular self-recognition, enabling controlled transport of substances like acetylcholine. The discovery could lead to new treatments for Alzheimer's disease.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 13, 2017

Are tumor cells glutamine addicts?

Researchers found that tumor cells entering a reversible state of proliferation arrest when glutamine is depleted, rather than dying. c-MYC levels are down-regulated upon glutamine deprivation, suggesting it couples transcription to nucleotide availability.

SourceEMBO·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateApr 13, 2017

Worldwide survey finds 16 percent rate of acute neurological conditions in critically ill children

A worldwide survey found 16% of critically ill children have acute neurological conditions with brain damage, highlighting the need for transformational ideas to improve outcomes. The study revealed that cardiac arrest was the most common cause of these conditions, followed by traumatic brain injury and central nervous system infection.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPediatric Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 13, 2017

With magnetic map, young eels catch a 'free ride' to Europe

Researchers discovered that young European eels detect subtle differences in the earth's magnetic field, helping them swim towards the Gulf Stream, a conveyor belt transporting them to Europe. The findings reveal that juvenile eels use their magnetic map sense to increase their chances of catching a free ride to their destination.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 13, 2017