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Science News Archive January 2017 - Page 2


Page 2 of 35

The world's first heat-driven transistor

Researchers at Linköping University developed the world's first heat-driven transistor, opening up new possibilities for temperature detection and medical applications. The transistor converts a 100 times greater temperature gradient to electric voltage than traditional thermoelectric materials.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 31, 2017

The making of Antarctica

Researchers at McGill University suggest that a link between global climate change and dramatic changes in ocean circulation can explain the formation of Antarctica's ice sheets. This new theory highlights the complexity of climate change and the impact of ocean circulation patterns on global temperatures.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 31, 2017

Yeast mutants unlock the secrets of aging

Researchers have identified genetic mechanisms that limit yeast lifespan, which can be manipulated by natural molecules to delay aging and improve health. The study confirms programmed aging theories and provides evidence for the existence of active mechanisms limiting longevity.

SourceConcordia University·JournalFrontiers in Genetics·DateJan 31, 2017

Making the switch to polarization diversity

Researchers develop integrated optical switch using polarization diversity, reducing size and cost of traditional switches. The new device features a single 8x8 grid with unique port assignments, allowing simultaneous management of both polarizations of light.

SourceOptica·DateJan 31, 2017

The role of the tunnel

A team of scientists has identified a crucial step in the protein-sorting process, revealing that the signal recognition particle (SRP) recognizes membrane proteins before they are fully synthesized. This discovery highlights the importance of ribosomal tunnels in coordinating protein transport and sorting.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJan 31, 2017

Re-assessing 'at risk' cutoffs for birth weight

Researchers found that using the 25th and 85th centile ranges instead of the traditional 10th and 90th percentiles could prevent one fatal event by offering delivery to women outside these ranges. This expansion may require an additional 1143 deliveries to be made.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 31, 2017

Plant regulatory proteins 'tagged' with sugar

A new study from Carnegie Institution reveals that plant proteins undergo extensive modification by sugars, similar to animals, but also unique to plants. This process impacts various cellular functions and developmental tasks, such as flower development and responses to specific plant hormones.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 30, 2017

Radio devices to save rare species from poachers

A joint project between conservationists and electronics experts has developed miniature radio devices using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags to protect endangered cycad plants from poachers. The technology can detect missing plants up to 10 meters away, providing immediate alerts to ranger stations.

New study shows how plants fight off disease

A University of Queensland-led study has highlighted the minute details of how plant immune systems lead to resistance against diseases. Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the interactions between immune receptors and their signals, which are crucial for plant resistance.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 30, 2017

Researchers identify drug that alleviates opioid withdrawal

Researchers have identified a potential therapeutic target for managing opioid withdrawal by discovering that an existing anti-gout medication can alleviate withdrawal symptoms in opioid-dependent rodents. The study's findings suggest that this treatment could provide relief for individuals struggling with opioid addiction, and the res...

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 30, 2017

Understanding breakups

Researchers developed a new theory describing the deformation and breakup of nanosized droplets when they strike a surface, enabling improved nanoscale printing and spraying. The model is ready for use in applications but has limitations, such as only applying to nanoscale droplets and Newtonian fluids.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateJan 30, 2017

Origami of the cell

Blocking IRE1 with a small molecule prevents progression of atherosclerosis in mice, according to UC Santa Barbara cell biologist Diego Acosta-Alvear. Sustained UPR activation has been implicated in various diseases, and this research aims to understand how diseased cells adapt stress response networks to survive.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 30, 2017

Action is needed to make stagnant CO2 emissions fall

Global carbon dioxide emissions have remained steady for three years, but a new study urges accelerated deployment of carbon capture technologies and increased renewables to meet the Paris Agreement's goals. The researchers predict that the rollout of carbon capture and storage will be crucial in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Genomic tools for species discovery inflate estimates of species numbers, U-Michigan biologists contend

A new study from University of Michigan biologists found that genomic tools can lead to inflated diversity estimates by misidentifying normal genetic variation as species boundaries. The multispecies coalescent model, widely used for quick species determination, overestimates species numbers five to 13 times higher than true numbers.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 30, 2017