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Science News for April 9, 2017


Crystallization made crystal clear

Researchers at Weizmann Institute of Science directly observed crystallization process on molecular level, validating recent theories and showing that knowing how crystal grows can predict end structure. The study found that dense phases lead to lower energy barrier and more stable crystals.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature·DateApr 9, 2017

Keeping up the pressure

Researchers discovered a separate mechanism in the brain that deals only with chronic stress, involving a small group of nerve cells in the paraventricular nucleus. The CRFR1 system is thought to play a role in regulating cortisol levels and may be involved in depression, with patients having more of this receptor than average.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature·DateApr 9, 2017

How to mix the perfect cocktail

Researchers have developed a method to predict interactions among multiple drugs in combination, bypassing the need for astronomical measurements. The new mathematical model enables scientists to identify optimal blends for chemotherapy cocktails and potentially aid personalized medicine.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 9, 2017

A rusty green early ocean?

Researchers suggest ancient ocean had green rusty mineral, green rust, which could have delivered substantial proportion of iron to early ocean sediments. Green rust forms under low oxygen conditions and can transform into iron oxides over time.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature·DateApr 9, 2017

In search of the wild fava bean

Researchers have identified ancient fava beans in Northern Israel, dating back 14,000 years, to understand the evolution of the crop and improve its biodiversity. The findings provide crucial clues about the time and place where wild faba plants grew naturally.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 9, 2017

Controlling electron spin for efficient water splitting

By controlling electron spin, scientists have almost fully suppressed hydrogen peroxide formation during water splitting, paving the way for efficient solar-based hydrogen production. This breakthrough could lead to more stable and efficient photoelectrochemical cells, increasing the feasibility of using solar energy to split water.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 9, 2017