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Science News for December 26, 2017


A new strategy for efficient hydrogen production

A new Hybrid-SOEC system with mixed-ion conducting electrolyte allows for water electrolysis to occur at both electrodes, increasing hydrogen production efficiency. The system demands less electricity and exhibits outstanding performance with stability.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNano Energy·DateDec 26, 2017

New strategy for isotope separation with flexible porous material

A team of researchers has successfully developed a novel method for separating isotopes using a flexible porous material. By exploiting the dynamic change in pore dimensions, they can selectively adsorb and desorb desired gas components, leading to improved separation efficiency and selectivity.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 26, 2017

Toward designing/controlling flexibility of MOFs

Scientists at Sun Yat-Sen University present advances in controlling the flexibility of MOFs for improved performance. They summarize strategies for designing/synthesizing flexible MOFs with specified structural response and dynamic behavior towards external stimuli.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateDec 26, 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.

Neuroscientists shed light on causes of postpartum depression using new research model

Researchers at Tufts University have developed a novel preclinical model of postpartum depression, showing the involvement of the HPA axis and specific protein KCC2 in inducing disorder. The study provides empirical evidence that dysregulation of the HPA axis and KCC2 can lead to behaviors mimicking postpartum depression.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology·DateDec 26, 2017

Lobachevsky Medal and prize awarded to Richard Schoen

Richard Schoen was awarded the Lobachevsky Medal for his work on positive energy in general relativity and a complete solution to the Yamabe problem. The prize is part of Kazan Federal University's efforts to revive a tradition from 1895, with an award amount of $75,000 and recognition as a biennial honor.

SourceKazan Federal University·DateDec 26, 2017

Scientists should be super modelers

A Michigan State University student examines the impact of grain size and niche breadth on species distribution modeling, finding that relying solely on expert opinions can lead to inaccurate predictions. The research aims to promote more extensive testing and data-driven approaches in conservation.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEcography·DateDec 26, 2017

Understanding the molecular mechanisms of ALS

Researchers at Hokkaido University have shed light on the molecular mechanisms behind ALS by studying the depletion of protein TDP-43. The study found that TDP-43 binds to U6 snRNA, stabilizing it, which leads to its degradation and eventual cell death. This discovery may lead to ways to slow or stop neuronal cell death in ALS patients.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 26, 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.

UNIST startup receives KRW 1 billion investment from KIBO

RecensMedical Inc., a UNIST startup, has received 1 billion KRW investment and 2 billion KRW financial guarantees from KIBO to develop rapid cooling anesthesia for various medical applications. The funding supports the company's growth as the first venture startup in Ulsan.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·DateDec 26, 2017

Are childhood blood lead levels associated with criminal behavior?

A recent study from New Zealand found no consistent association between childhood lead exposure and adult criminal behavior, challenging previous research on the topic. Despite well-documented effects of lead on brain development, researchers did not detect a dose-response relationship between higher childhood blood levels and increase...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateDec 26, 2017

Satellite keeps an eye on US holiday travel weather

Satellite imaging from NOAA's GOES-16 satellite reveals holiday travelers facing wet and snowy weather on both coasts. A large area of clouds associated with a frontal system is forecast to bring rain and snow across the US, with heavy rainfall and flooding predicted in the lower Mississippi and Tennessee Valleys.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 26, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Befriending oneself has benefits, but backup plan recommended

Research on the mangrove killifish found a remarkable amount of genetic diversity across different lineages, contradicting expectations. The fish's ability to fertilize itself and its eggs suggests a complex behavior that allows it to adapt to changing environments.

SourceWashington State University·JournalGenome·DateDec 26, 2017

Pulmonary fibrosis caused by single transcription factor

Researchers at Max Planck Institute found reduced FoxO3 activity reprograms connective tissue cells, leading to pulmonary fibrosis. Boosting FoxO3 activity halted disease progression in mice, offering a potential treatment pathway.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateDec 26, 2017

Traditional secrets to keeping cool: Investigating Okinawan textiles

Researchers analyzed Okinawan textile Basho-fu using Scanning Electron Microscopes and X-ray diffraction to compare traditional and laboratory production processes. They found that traditional degumming is milder than laboratory methods, retaining more air voids and breathability.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalJournal of Fiber Science and Technology·DateDec 26, 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.

UNIST professor receives 2017 Korea Scientists Awards

Distinguished Professor Sang Il Seok at UNIST received the 2017 Korea Scientists Award for his outstanding contributions to energy sector through manufacturing high-efficient halide perovskite solar cells. His research has been recognized worldwide and cited over 5,000 times in prestigious scientific journals.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·DateDec 26, 2017

Technique to allow AI to learn words in the flow of dialogue developed

Researchers at Osaka University developed a technique called lexical acquisition through implicit confirmation to enable AI to learn words in the flow of dialogue. This method allows computers to acquire knowledge about unknown words during conversations with humans, making them smarter and more responsive.

SourceOsaka University·DateDec 26, 2017

Development of a nanowire device to detect cancer with a urine test

Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a novel medical device that can efficiently capture extracellular vesicles in urine, potentially leading to early diagnosis of cancer. The device surpasses existing methods and shows promise for non-invasive testing, including a simple urine test.

SourceNagoya University·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 26, 2017
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Thermoelectric power generation at room temperature: Coming soon?

Researchers at Osaka University have created a new thermoelectric material (ytterbium silicide) with an improved power factor at room temperature. The material's unique layered structure suppresses heat conduction, preserving the temperature gradient and enabling efficient power generation.

SourceOsaka University·Journalphysica status solidi (RRL) - Rapid Research Letters·DateDec 26, 2017

The scientists from MSU developed a basis for highly sensitive gas sensors

Researchers from MSU have created a basis for highly sensitive gas sensors that can detect toxic and non-toxic gases in air at room temperature. The sensors use porous silicon nanowire arrays, which exhibit reversible charging and discharging of Pb-centers, making them reusable and suitable for environmental monitoring and control.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·DateDec 26, 2017

UNIST professor receives award from the Minister of SMEs and Startups

A UNIST professor has been awarded for his work on a patch that can regenerate damaged spinal cords, with the aim of preventing further progression of damages and optimizing neurogeneration. The patch is currently in Phase III clinical trials and contains FDA-approved materials, showing promising therapeutic effectiveness.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·DateDec 26, 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.

A powerful guiding principle for topological quantum synthesis

Researchers have developed a simple and efficient criterion to identify potential topological insulators, leveraging atomic number and Pauling electronegativity. This approach enables ready screening of candidate materials, reducing the need for detailed electronic structure calculations.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateDec 26, 2017

Mass spectrometric imaging technique makes diagnosis easier and smarter

Researchers developed a high-resolution mass spectrometry imaging system capable of analyzing live biological samples at a resolution of several micrometers. The system uses femtosecond lasers and plasma jets to ionize biomolecules, allowing for accurate analysis without chemical pretreatment.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 26, 2017

Social interactions override genetics when birds learn new songs

Researchers found that young male songbirds can overcome their genetic predisposition to sing like their fathers with enriched early experience. The study used Bengalese finches and found that exposure to a computerized tutor or live adult males reduced the genetic contribution to complex behaviors like birdsong.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 26, 2017
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.

Alaskan microgrids offer energy resilience and independence

Microgrids in Alaska provide electricity for over 200 communities, generating more than 2 million hours of operating experience annually. Renewable energy sources reduce energy costs and improve resilience in the face of grid failures or sabotage.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateDec 26, 2017