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Science News for April 17, 2017


City of Hope researchers successfully prevent graft-versus-host disease

Researchers have identified a way to prevent graft-versus-host disease after stem cell transplants while preserving anti-cancer effects on fighting leukemia and lymphoma. By depleting specific donor T cells, the regimen may stop GVHD without subduing cancer-killing immune cells.

SourceCity of Hope·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 17, 2017

Updated AATS guidelines help cardiovascular surgeons navigate the challenges of managing ischemic mitral regurgitation

The updated AATS guidelines offer guidance on managing ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR), a condition associated with increased long-term mortality. For patients with severe IMR, replacement or repair of the mitral valve is considered based on specific criteria.

SourceAmerican Association for Thoracic Surgery·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·DateApr 17, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New many-toothed clingfish discovered with help of digital scans

Researchers at University of Washington and Texas A&M University discovered a new genus and species of clingfish using digital scans. The duckbilled clingfish has an impressive number of tiny, conical teeth, estimated to be 10 times what all other known clingfish have.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalCopeia·DateApr 17, 2017

New study shows that antipsychotic medications can be reduced in dementia patients

A new study led by Jennifer Tjia found that training nursing home staff to recognize unmet needs of cognitively impaired residents significantly reduced antipsychotic medication use. The OASIS program shifted care planning from focusing on limitations to meeting resident needs, resulting in a 7% drop in antipsychotic prescriptions.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateApr 17, 2017

Teaching happiness to men with HIV boosts their health

A new Northwestern University study finds that teaching positive emotion skills to men with HIV reduces their viral load and improves mental health. The intervention, which consisted of eight weekly sessions, also led to increased happiness and a stronger immune system.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateApr 17, 2017
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.

Virtual microscopy: New online resource for educators & researchers

A new database, Virtual Microscopy Database, launches to provide high-quality images of human body structures, making it easier for educators and researchers to access and use digital microscopic images. This resource is expected to benefit schools in the developing world by reducing the need to purchase microscopes and glass slides.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateApr 17, 2017

'Twist and shine': Development of a new photoluminescent sensor material

Researchers developed a new photoluminescent sensor material that retains properties over time and under repeated mechanical stress. The material incorporates a stress-sensing molecule into a common polymer, allowing for efficient triggering of light emission with increasing force.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 17, 2017

Low cervical cancer screening rates found among mentally ill

A study of California Medicaid recipients with severe mental illness found low cervical cancer screening rates, with only 20.2% screened compared to 42.3% in the general population. Younger women and those from minority groups had higher screening rates, but there was still a significant disparity in cervical cancer development risk.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalPsychiatric Services·DateApr 17, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Reading the genetic code depends on context

Biologists found that sets of three triplets, rather than individual codons, may be crucial for correct protein synthesis in ribosomes. This discovery could reframe cancer genetics and human genetic diseases research.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2017

Why don't fish freeze to death in icy water?

Researchers from Hokkaido University conducted microgravity experiments on the International Space Station to measure ice crystal growth rates. They found that glycoproteins in fish blood facilitate growth, but also lead to a slowing effect when flat faces are truncated by slower-growing faces.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 17, 2017

Sympathetic nervous system is critical in regulating energy expenditure and thermogenesis

A new study from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai suggests that the sympathetic nervous system, not macrophages, is the main driver of thermogenesis. The research team found that catecholamines released by the sympathetic nervous system can convert white fat tissue into a tissue resembling brown fat.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateApr 17, 2017

New battery coating could improve smart phones and electric vehicles

Researchers at UC Riverside have discovered a new battery coating that stabilizes performance, eliminates dendrite growth, and increases the lifetime of lithium-metal anodes. The coating, made with methyl viologen, can enhance battery performance by three times compared to current standards.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateApr 17, 2017
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.

Harnessing heat to power computers

Nebraska engineers have created a nano-thermal-mechanical device that allows computing at temperatures up to 630 degrees Fahrenheit. This technology has the potential to revolutionize industries such as space exploration, oil drilling, and geology by harnessing heat instead of combating it.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·DateApr 17, 2017

Aha! Study examines people as they are struck by sudden insight

The study found that about 42% of players experienced an epiphany, committing to playing zero after realizing it was the best choice. Participants who had epiphanies showed signs of learning, such as increased pupil dilation and attention to low numbers, before making the commit decision.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2017

Dietary supplement may enhance dairy cattle health and reproductive capacity

Researchers found that methionine supplementation can increase embryo survival in dairy cows and affect gene expression in ovarian follicles. Cows fed methionine had higher estrogen production and lower inflammation levels, potentially leading to faster heat cycles and improved fertility.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalTheriogenology·DateApr 17, 2017

More multiple sclerosis-causing mutations found in Canadian families

Scientists have identified two genetic mutations that significantly increase the risk of developing multiple sclerosis. The double gene mutation was found in a large Canadian family with five members diagnosed with MS, revealing new insights into the disease's origins and potential targets for treatment.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalHuman Mutation·DateApr 17, 2017
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.

Think brain games make you smarter? Think again, FSU researchers say

A new study from Florida State University researchers finds no significant impact of brain games on overall cognitive abilities. The team tested whether improving working memory would translate to better performance in other tasks, but found no far transfer effect.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·DateApr 17, 2017

Washington State University physicists create 'negative mass'

Physicists at Washington State University have created a fluid with negative mass, defying Newton's Second Law of Motion. By cooling rubidium atoms to absolute zero, they were able to create a state where the particles behave like waves and synchronize in unison, resulting in negative mass.

SourceWashington State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 17, 2017
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.

High-resolution imaging with conventional microscopes

MIT researchers have developed a way to make extremely high-resolution images of tissue samples, allowing scientists to see complex patterns in brain synapses and potentially map neural circuits. The new technique uses a tissue-expansion technique to boost resolution to about 25 nanometers.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Methods·DateApr 17, 2017

Success in recognizing digits and monosyllables with high accuracy from brain activity measurement

A research group at Toyohashi University of Technology has developed a technology that can recognize Japanese digits and monosyllables with 90% and 60% accuracy, respectively, using brain waves. This achievement paves the way for an EEG-activated typewriter and potentially empowers handicapped individuals to regain voice communication.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·DateApr 17, 2017

Protein Science Best Paper awards annoucement

Charlotte Miton and Zach Schaefer have won the Protein Society's Year 2016 Best Paper award for their research on mutational epistasis and protein structure. Their study reveals that epistasis plays a major role in constraining evolutionary trajectories, with half of fixed mutations becoming positive at later rounds of evolution.

SourceThe Protein Society·DateApr 17, 2017
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.

NASA team explores using LISA Pathfinder as 'comet crumb' detector

A team of NASA scientists is using LISA Pathfinder's advanced technology to map the distribution of tiny dust particles in space. By analyzing the spacecraft's response to microscopic dust impacts, they aim to refine models used in various studies, including planet formation and impact risks for spacecraft.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 17, 2017

Do BAT receptors hold the key to treating obesity and diabetes?

Researchers found that TRPM8 and TRPP3 receptors can create more 'good' fat (brown adipose tissue) than 'bad' fat (white adipose tissue), potentially converting bad fat to good. This discovery has implications for treating obesity, diabetes, and related metabolic disorders.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateApr 17, 2017
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.

Getting things done while you wait for WiFi

Researchers from MIT CSAIL create an app called WaitSuite that tests users on vocabulary words during wait times, such as WiFi connectivity and email updates. The system, called "wait-learning," helps users make the most of small moments, enabling them to focus on primary tasks and learn new words simultaneously.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, CSAIL·DateApr 17, 2017

Glacier shape influences susceptibility to thinning

Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin identified four glaciers in West Greenland most susceptible to thinning due to their unique shapes. These glaciers, including Jakobshavn Isbræ and Rink Isbræ, are at risk of significant ice mass loss and contribute to future sea-level rise.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Geoscience·DateApr 17, 2017

Study paints somber picture of US mental health status and access to care

A study by NYU Langone Health found that 3.4% of US adults suffer from serious psychological distress, with 9.5% lacking health insurance and 10.5% experiencing delays in getting professional help. The research suggests a worsening mental health crisis despite increased access to care since the ACA.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalPsychiatric Services·DateApr 17, 2017
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Money a barrier to independence for young adults with autism

Researchers found that young adults with autism struggle with financial management, leading to anxiety and frustration in adulthood. Implementing early financial management programs can empower them with essential skills.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Child and Family Studies·DateApr 17, 2017

Glacier shape influences susceptibility to melting

A NASA-funded study has identified four glaciers in West Greenland that are most susceptible to thinning due to their shape. These glaciers, including Rink Isbrae and Jakobshavn Isbrae, have already been losing mass and are expected to contribute significantly to future sea level rise.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature Geoscience·DateApr 17, 2017
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.

Creating time crystals

Researchers at Harvard University created a time crystal, a periodic arrangement of atoms across time, using nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond. The discovery offers insights into non-equilibrium quantum systems and may lead to new applications in precision measurement.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateApr 17, 2017

Scientists engineer human-germ hybrid molecules to attack drug-resistant bacteria

Researchers at Rockefeller University have created lysibodies, human-germ hybrid molecules that target specific carbohydrate molecules on bacterial cell surfaces, helping the immune system fight off microbial pathogens. The approach shows promise for treating life-threatening infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria like MRSA.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2017

Retreating Yukon glacier caused a river to disappear

A glacier in northern Canada has retreated, triggering a geologic event that captured one river's flow and redirected it towards another. The study documents the first known case of 'river piracy' in modern times, highlighting the impact of climate change on glaciers.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Geoscience·DateApr 17, 2017
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.

Cells in the retina light the way to treating jet lag

New cells in retina found to directly affect biological clock by sending signals to brain region regulating daily rhythms. Disruption of circadian rhythms linked to health issues like gastrointestinal and cardiovascular disorders, depression, and cancer.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateApr 17, 2017

Researchers working toward indoor location detection

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new indoor location detection system that uses existing mobile device sensors to improve accuracy and energy efficiency. By leveraging machine learning algorithms and incorporating information from standard human movements, the system can estimate accurate locations even with noisy sensors.

SourceRice University·DateApr 17, 2017

New era of western wildfire demands new ways of protecting people, ecosystems

The western US has seen a 2-degrees-Celsius rise in annual average temperature and lengthening of the fire season, resulting in bigger, hotter fires. Authors advocate for adaptation measures like allowing more fires to burn unimpeded and intentionally setting controlled burns to reduce natural fuels.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2017

Lessons from Parkfield help predict continued fault movements after earthquakes

A new study reveals that faults like the San Andreas Fault can experience prolonged 'afterslip' for six to twelve years after an earthquake, unlike a similar quake in Napa, California, which showed less afterslip. This variation makes it harder to predict post-earthquake damage and infrastructure repair needs.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateApr 17, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

The impossibility of immorality

A new study by Harvard University researchers suggests that people tend to view immoral actions as impossible, leading them to make more moral decisions. When given time for reflection, participants rate one-quarter of immoral actions as impossible, but with less time, they call half of them impossible.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2017

Landslides on Ceres reflect hidden ice

A new study led by Georgia Tech reveals that massive landslides on Ceres are indicative of hidden ice, suggesting up to 50% of the upper layers may be composed of ice. The research uses data from NASA's Dawn spacecraft to identify three types of landslides, offering insights into Ceres' composition and structure.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Geoscience·DateApr 17, 2017

Older victims of fraud have poorer cognitive skills and are less conscientious, honest

Researchers found that older victims of fraud have poorer cognitive abilities in everyday activities and are less conscientious and honest. Cognitive factors, such as simple calculations and remembering events, play a crucial role in identifying and avoiding scams. The study's findings can help prevent fraud victimization in older people.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateApr 17, 2017

Thousands of people with autism join new online genetic study

A new online genetic study called SPARK is enrolling thousands of people with autism and their families to identify the hundreds of autism genes at play. The study seeks to connect these individuals and families to research opportunities that advance the understanding of autism.

SourceChildren's Hospital Colorado·DateApr 17, 2017

UNC researchers identify a new HIV reservoir

Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have found that HIV persists in macrophage cells, a type of white blood cell, which has significant implications for HIV cure research. This discovery demonstrates that two types of cells may be targets for therapeutic intervention to eradicate the virus.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Medicine·DateApr 17, 2017
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.

Nanoparticles reprogram immune cells to fight cancer

Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center developed biodegradable nanoparticles that can genetically program immune cells to recognize and destroy cancer cells. The study showed that nanoparticle-programmed immune cells, known as T cells, can rapidly clear or slow the progression of leukemia in a mouse model.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateApr 17, 2017

Repeating non-verbs as well as verbs can boost the syntactic priming effect

Researchers at National Research University Higher School of Economics found that repetition of nouns and verbs can enhance the syntactic priming effect. The study shows that repetition of any content word in a sentence boosts syntactic priming, with more repeated words resulting in stronger effects.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalJournal of Memory and Language·DateApr 17, 2017
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.

Study offers hope, sheds light on how vets respond to trauma

A new study found that military veterans with related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are more likely to experience post-traumatic growth, including increased appreciation of life and enhanced inner strength. Researchers discovered four groups with varying levels of post-traumatic growth, which shared common characteristics.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalMilitary Psychology·DateApr 17, 2017

Wearable sweat sensor can diagnose cystic fibrosis, Stanford-led study finds

A Stanford-led study has developed a wearable sweat sensor that can diagnose cystic fibrosis and monitor diabetes, offering a non-invasive and real-time solution. The device collects sweat, measures its molecular constituents, and transmits the results electronically for analysis and diagnostics.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2017

Mechanism behind the electric charges generated by photosynthesis

Researchers at Kobe University have clarified part of the photosynthetic reaction center mechanism, unlocking a crucial step towards artificial photosynthesis. The findings reveal the initial electric charge separation structure and its stabilization through electrostatic interaction between charges.

SourceKobe University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateApr 17, 2017

Medical mystery solved in record time

A team of researchers solved a medical mystery in just one day, identifying the genetic cause of intellectual disability in four male patients. They used advanced technology to search genomic databases and connect with other researchers, ultimately finding three more patients with the same condition.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 17, 2017
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.

Lyme disease imposes large cost on the northeast United States

A new Yale study finds that Lyme disease causes people in the Northeast to forego 1 billion fewer trips per year, costing them about 9 hours of outdoor time annually. The total cost is estimated to be between $2.8 and $5 billion due to the large number of affected individuals.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalEnvironmental and Resource Economics·DateApr 17, 2017

Electroacupuncture may improve regulation of blood sugar in overweight and obese women

New research suggests that electroacupuncture can activate adipose tissue metabolism and stimulate muscle contraction, leading to improved blood sugar regulation. The study found benefits for both overweight and obese women with and without polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), offering a new possibility for managing prediabetes.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateApr 17, 2017

Powered stretchers could reduce injuries, keep paramedics on the job

Paramedics using powered stretchers experience a significant reduction in musculoskeletal injuries, with injury rates dropping from 20 to 4.3 per 100 workers. The study suggests that the added cost of powered stretchers can be recovered within seven years due to reduced injury-related costs.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalApplied Ergonomics·DateApr 17, 2017
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.

Guideline sets standard of care for treatment of oropharynx cancer with radiation therapy

The new ASTRO clinical practice guideline provides recommendations for the management of oropharyngeal cancer, including optimal radiation dose and fractionation schedules, chemotherapy integration, and post-operative treatment. The guideline aims to improve treatment outcomes while minimizing long-term side effects.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalPractical Radiation Oncology·DateApr 17, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Monitoring troubles of the heart

A mobile sensing system developed by researchers at USC can detect conflict in relationships and send alerts or meditation prompts to reduce stress. The algorithm achieved an accuracy of up to 86% in detecting conflict episodes, using data from wearables, phones, and bio-signals.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateApr 17, 2017

Houston's gourmet food trucks cooperate, compete to elevate group's prestige

Researchers at Rice University found that gourmet food trucks in Houston cooperate to meet central tendencies, such as good ingredients and cleanliness, while competing to strive for ideal prototypes like the best food. This cooperation leads to new firms entering the market and improves the group's excellence.

SourceRice University·JournalAdministrative Science Quarterly·DateApr 17, 2017

Cover crops may be used to mitigate and adapt to climate change

A recent study found that cover crops can mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing soil carbon sequestration. The research suggests that cover cropping can be an effective adaptive management tool to maintain yields and minimize nitrogen losses as the climate warms.

SourcePenn State·JournalAgronomy for Sustainable Development·DateApr 17, 2017
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.

Eat, prey, move

Researchers found that competition among grazers, such as herbivorous fishes and algae, structures the space use patterns and feeding behaviors of bulletheads. The study suggests that predation risk has a limited impact on prey foraging behaviors in areas with high levels of competition.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalOecologia·DateApr 17, 2017

LifeCourse meets Triple Aim for late life care

The LifeCourse model fulfills the Triple Aim by addressing patients' medical and non-medical needs during late-stage care. Analysis of 900 intervention and usual care patients shows significant improvements in cost reduction and quality of life.

SourceAllina Health·DateApr 17, 2017

NASA spots short-lived Tropical Cyclone Maarutha

Tropical Cyclone Maarutha formed quickly and strengthened into a tropical storm in the Northern Indian Ocean. The storm made landfall in Burma (Myanmar) on April 16, dropping high rainfall totals in south central Myanmar. Remnants of the cyclone were dissipating over land by April 17.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 17, 2017

Atomic structure reveals how cells translate environmental signals

The study provides detailed insights into the function of IP3R, a molecular train station controlling cell functions. The new crystal structure reveals how IP3 signals trigger the opening of the Ca2+ channel, shedding light on long-range communication mechanisms.

SourceRIKEN·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2017
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

'Detergent' molecules may be driving fluctuations in atmospheric methane concentrations

A new study suggests that hydroxyl radicals, a key component of the atmosphere, are behind unexplained recent increases in methane levels. Fluctuations in hydroxyl concentrations correlate strongly with fluctuations in methane, and changes in hydroxyl availability govern the amount of methane in the atmosphere.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2017

Electronics to control plant growth

Scientists from Linköping University successfully applied an ion pump device to a small flowering plant, Arabidopsis thaliana, allowing them to control root growth and auxin response. This breakthrough enables localized application of hormones to study their impact on plant growth and development at tissue and cellular resolution.

SourceLinköping University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2017

NASA spots Tropical Cyclone 02W's remnants in South China Sea

NASA's Terra satellite captured a visible image of Tropical Cyclone 02W's remnants in the South China Sea on April 17, revealing an elongated area of clouds. The remnant low pressure area weakened after passing over Eastern Visayas and the Philippines, with wind shear preventing re-intensification.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 17, 2017

Banned industrial solvent sheds new light on methane mystery

A new paper investigates an alternative possibility: a rise and fall in the concentration of the hydroxyl radical, which destroys methane in the atmosphere. The team's findings suggest that emissions may have risen more gradually over the last couple of decades.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2017
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.

Columbia engineers invent method to control light propagation in waveguides

Researchers developed a technique to efficiently control light in waveguides by decorating them with nano-antennas, achieving record-small footprints and broad wavelength ranges. This innovation has the potential to transform optical communications and signal processing, enabling faster and more powerful optical chips.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateApr 17, 2017

Termite gut holds a secret to breaking down plant biomass

A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that termite gut efficiently breaks down lignin, a hard-to-degrade polymer. The termites' symbiotic system with fungus breaks down biomass in just 3.5 hours, holding a key to improving biofuel and paper production.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2017

Pinning down abuse on Google maps

Researchers identified a new form of blackhat search engine optimization targeting local listing services like Google Maps. Scammers exploit location-based search to make fake businesses appear in users' searches.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateApr 17, 2017

Pancreatic cancer project scores in research 'lightning round'

Researchers Melissa Skala and Matthew Vander Heiden won a $250,000 award to study the interaction between tumor cells and healthy supporting cells in pancreatic cancer. The project aims to create molecular changes that shut down the tumor's ability to scavenge nutrients, potentially leading to a new type of metabolic cancer therapy.

SourceMorgridge Institute for Research·DateApr 17, 2017
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.

Mission Control for the body's salt and water supplies

Researchers found that consuming more salt led to reduced water intake and conserved body water by triggering a mechanism in the kidneys. The study suggests that urea plays a crucial role in maintaining proper water balance and challenges previous assumptions about its function.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 17, 2017

Synthetic carbohydrates against autoimmune diseases

Researchers at the University of Basel have created a treatment approach using customized synthetic glycopolymers that act as molecular sponges to neutralize disease-causing antibodies. This innovative method has potential applications for treating other antibody-mediated autoimmune diseases.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2017