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Science News Archive February 2017 - Page 20


Page 20 of 37

Graphene from soybeans

Graphene, a carbon material one atom thick, has been made more commercially viable thanks to the humble soybean. The novel GraphAir technology eliminates the need for high-controlled environments and expensive equipment, reducing production time and cost.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 14, 2017

Scientists reveal how the brain maintains useful memories

Scientists have identified specific groups of neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex that develop codes to store relevant information from multiple experiences. Over time, these neurons lose less important details unique to each experience. The findings provide new insight into how the brain collects and stores useful knowledge.

SourceeLife·DateFeb 14, 2017

Beach bashing

Researchers assess seasonal beach behavior for 29 beaches along the Pacific coast, finding 76% above normal erosion during the 2015-16 El Niño winter. The study highlights the increasing vulnerability of California's coastline to coastal hazards as climate events intensify.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 14, 2017

Traditional Chinese medicine in HIV cure issue of AIDS Research & Human Retroviruses

A small study of nine AIDS patients treated with traditional Chinese herbal medicine for over a decade resulted in undetectable or low viral loads, sparking potential interest in TCM as a functional cure. The findings suggest that these observations warrant further exploration by the HIV research community.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalAIDS Research and Human Retroviruses·DateFeb 14, 2017

Researchers identify cells linked to the development of the heart's ventricular chambers

A study published in Nature Communications identifies a population of cells expressing Foxa2 that gives rise to cardiovascular cells of both left and right ventricular chambers. The research sheds light on the formation of heart chambers and may lead to new protocols for generating ventricular cardiomyocytes in cell culture.

Learning how to fine-tune nanofabrication

Researchers developed a computational method that allows for controlled fabrication of tiny electrical wires and other nanomaterials. By analyzing intermolecular interactions, the team was able to predict the outcome of molecular self-assembly with high accuracy, leading to potential breakthroughs in device manufacturing.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 14, 2017

High-res biomolecule imaging

Researchers at MIT developed a method to produce high-resolution images of individual biomolecules without requiring crystallization. The technique uses nitrogen vacancy centers in diamond crystals to detect tiny variations in magnetic fields, achieving resolutions up to 100 times higher than conventional methods.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 14, 2017

Limited evidence that styrene causes cancer

A registry study of over 72,000 styrene-exposed employees found no increased incidence of common cancers such as oesophagus or lung cancer. However, a possible increased risk of myeloid leukaemia and nasal cancer was detected, highlighting the need for further investigation.

SourceAarhus University·JournalEpidemiology·DateFeb 14, 2017

Sick and tired -- not just a figure of speech

A large-scale study found that genetics accounts for about eight percent of people's differences in self-reported tiredness/low energy. Most of these genetic contributions overlapped with mental and physical health conditions, as well as lifestyle factors like smoking and weight.

SourceSpringer·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateFeb 14, 2017

Graphene foam gets big and tough

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new material called rebar graphene, which can be shaped and has exceptional conductivity. The material supports over 3,000 times its own weight without deforming, making it suitable for various applications.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateFeb 14, 2017

'Tis better to give -- to your spouse

A study published in the journal Emotion found that husbands and wives who practiced compassionate acts reported higher emotional well-being, with benefits significantly stronger for the donors than recipients. The researchers discovered that recognition by the recipient is not necessary for the donor's benefit.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalEmotion·DateFeb 14, 2017

A better way to swallow

A Pittsburgh engineer has received a $549,139 NSF CAREER Award to create a new screening method for swallowing disorders. The technology uses high-resolution vibration and sound recordings to diagnose dysphagia, allowing doctors to identify silent aspirators more accurately.

Ancient jars found in Judea reveal earth's magnetic field is fluctuating, not diminishing

New study from Tel Aviv University and Hebrew University finds evidence of a fluctuating geomagnetic field in ancient Judean jar handles, with peak strength in the 8th century BCE. The research suggests that the Earth's magnetic field has undulated for thousands of years and is not weakening.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 14, 2017