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Science News for July 28, 2017


Scientists discover new magnet with nearly massless charge carriers

Researchers at Louisiana State University and Tulane University have observed topological behavior in a magnet, Sr1-yMn1-zSb2, which displays nearly massless electronic charge carriers. This discovery holds promise for novel device concepts with reduced power consumption and heat production.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 28, 2017

To pick a great gift, it's better to give AND receive

Research shows that gift recipients are happier with a present when the giver also received the same present. This phenomenon is called companionizing, where the act of sharing the gift creates togetherness and increases liking for the gift.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateJul 28, 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.

Sleep or sex? How the fruit fly decides

Researchers found that fruit fly males prioritize courtship over sleep when aroused, while females can't afford to pass up an eligible suitor even if they're tired. The study revealed underlying connections between neural centers mediating sex and sleep in both males and females.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 28, 2017

Estrogen regulates pathological changes of bones via bone lining cells

Researchers at Vetmeduni Vienna have identified bone lining cells as the primary target of oestrogen in regulating bone density and preventing pathological changes. The study found that oestrogen binding to these cells controls the expression of RANKL, a key factor in bone turnover.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 28, 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.

Engineering on a blue streak

University of Delaware researchers have developed a novel method for creating interpenetrating polymeric networks using blue light, offering a more efficient and sustainable approach. This one-step process enables the formation of complex shapes without solvents or additives, resulting in enhanced toughness and reduced brittleness.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalPolymer Chemistry·DateJul 28, 2017

Computer models provide new understanding of sickle cell disease

Researchers developed computer models that simulate the assembly of polymer fibers in sickle red blood cells, revealing new details about how different fiber structures produce abnormal cell shapes. The models can also be used to test new approaches to stopping the disease.

SourceBrown University·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJul 28, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Broadband light sources with liquid core

Researchers from Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology in Jena generate broadband light spectrum with solitons in the near-infrared range, exhibiting unique nonlinear optical effects and high transmission. The use of liquid core fibers enables a more stable alternative to traditional broadband light sources.

SourceLeibniz-Institute of Photonic Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 28, 2017

On-chip pumps achieve high-speed sorting of large cells

Researchers at Nagoya University have created a high-speed cell sorting method that can sort large cells with high viability, purity and success rates. The technique uses microfluidic chip-based dual on-chip pumps to control flow, enabling rapid sorting of both small and large cells.

SourceNagoya University·JournalLab on a Chip·DateJul 28, 2017

'Missing lead' in Flint water pipes confirms cause of crisis

Researchers at the University of Michigan found a Swiss cheese pattern in Flint's damaged drinking water pipes, revealing a significant amount of missing lead. The team estimated that each lead service line released 18 grams of lead during the 17 months the city received Flint River water.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateJul 28, 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.

Hunger-controlling brain cells may offer path for new obesity drugs

Researchers at Rockefeller University have discovered two brain cell populations that regulate appetite and may offer a new path to treating obesity. The study found that activating specific neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus can suppress hunger and promote weight loss, opening up new avenues for developing effective obesity drugs.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalCell·DateJul 28, 2017

NASA's Aqua satellite finds a Tropical Cyclone sandwich

Tropical Depression 12W forms near Philippines as Typhoon Noru moves north; storm to make landfall in southeastern China on July 30. NASA's Aqua satellite captures visible image of powerful thunderstorms surrounding the center of circulation.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 28, 2017

Are the world's highest paid football players overpaid? Big data says yes

A computational model analyzing 6,082 European football players' salaries showed that Lionel Messi is the world's most overpaid player, followed by Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Suarez. The study found a strong link between skills and salaries, but noted exceptions like the Ekstraklasa league.

SourceLawrence Technological University·JournalInternational Journal of Computer Science in Sport·DateJul 28, 2017

Researchers uncover how to boost learning efficiency in neurofeedback paradigm

Researchers from HSE Centre for Cognition & Decision Making found that training participants using real-time feedback on alpha wave activity significantly increased their ability to control brain state. This new insight may lead to non-pharmacological methods for treating epilepsy, ADHD, and depression.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 28, 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.

Making animated characters jump just got easier

A new tool from Disney Research enables novices and experts alike to create high-quality motion cycles in a matter of minutes, enhancing the creative process and expanding artist contributions. The tool uses an algorithm to extract the motion cycle from a performance, allowing for editing and customization.

SourceDisney Research·DateJul 28, 2017

Faster-acting antidepressants may finally be within reach

A team of Rockefeller scientists has identified a specific type of nerve cell, called cholecystokinin (CCK)-expressing neurons, as the site where selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) initiate their action. This discovery may pave the way for new antidepressants that act more quickly and produce fewer side effects.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNeuron·DateJul 28, 2017

A molecule for proper neural wiring in the cerebellum

Researchers at Hokkaido University found that the GLAST molecule facilitates functional wiring of brain cells involved in motor coordination. Glutamate transporters, like GLAST, enable high-fidelity signal transmission between nerve cells.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 28, 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.

New light-activated catalyst grabs CO2 to make ingredients for fuel

Scientists have developed a light-activated material that can chemically convert carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide without generating unwanted byproducts. The material, a nickel organic crystalline structure, showed near 100% selectivity for CO production and no detection of competing gas products.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 28, 2017

Researchers discover how human cells maintain the correct number of chromosomes

A team of researchers at Queen Mary University of London has identified two proteins that enable the correct attachment between chromosomes and microtubules, which are crucial for maintaining a normal number of chromosomes in human cells. This discovery could help in treating diseases such as cancer and fertility problems.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 28, 2017

Cancer cells put the brakes on immune system

Cancer cells use exosomes and semiochemicals to suppress the immune response, allowing them to multiply unopposed. Researchers have identified multiple new therapy approaches, including inhibiting PD-L1 receptors and blocking the recognition of Y RNA messages.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalScience Immunology·DateJul 28, 2017

NASA finds moon of Saturn has chemical that could form 'membranes'

NASA scientists have definitively detected acrylonitrile, a chemical thought to form stable structures similar to cell membranes, in Titan's atmosphere. This finding suggests the possibility of membrane-like structures forming on Titan, which could be an important step towards life discovery.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 28, 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.

Design method helps animated characters gain physical form

Disney Research's method enables artists to design articulated, physical versions of animated characters with desired motions and poses. The team demonstrated their approach by designing a 2D puppet-like character and a gripper that can pick up light objects.

SourceDisney Research·DateJul 28, 2017

Stampede2 storms out of the corral in support of US scientists

The Texas Advanced Computing Center has launched Stampede2, the largest supercomputer at any US university, supporting thousands of nation's scientists and engineers. The system will enable researchers to tackle complex challenges with high-performance computing power.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateJul 28, 2017

ALMA confirms complex chemistry in Titan's atmosphere

Scientists confirm the presence of vinyl cyanide on Saturn's moon Titan, suggesting chemical processes analogous to those important for life on Earth. The findings provide insights into Titan's unique environment and potential prebiotic chemistry.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 28, 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.

NASA sees Hilary weaken to Tropical Storm status

Tropical Storm Hilary weakened to 70mph after passing over cooler waters, according to NASA's infrared imagery from the Aqua satellite. The storm's deep convection and thunderstorms decreased late on July 27, indicating dry air has wrapped into its circulation.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 28, 2017

Tropical Storm Irwin's eastern side builds on satellite imagery

Tropical Storm Irwin's eastern half has a larger concentration of thunderstorms than the rest of the storm, according to NOAA's GOES-West satellite imagery. The National Hurricane Center forecasts little change in intensity before Irwin merges with Tropical Storm Hilary.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 28, 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.

Understanding the impact of childhood cancer rates across sub-Saharan Africa

A new study published in ecancermedicalscience brings together data from 16 localised registers to present a critical new insight into the impact of paediatric cancer across sub-Saharan Africa. The study highlights important trends, such as high incidence rates of rare blood cancers like Burkitt's Lymphoma in cities like Blantyre, Malawi.

Sourceecancermedicalscience·Journalecancermedicalscience·DateJul 28, 2017

Dulled taste may prompt more calories on path to obesity

Research at Cornell University found that people with dulled taste buds prefer sweeter, high-calorie foods. Participants who had their taste receptors temporarily blocked consumed more sugar than those with unaltered taste response.

SourceCornell University·JournalAppetite·DateJul 28, 2017

LSUHealthNO research finds walnuts may promote health by changing gut bacteria

Research led by Dr. Lauri Byerley found that walnuts increase beneficial bacteria in the gut, promoting a diverse microbiota. This shift in gut bacteria has been associated with better health outcomes, including reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and inflammatory bowel disease.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalThe Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry·DateJul 28, 2017

Rice U. scientists reel in structure of salmon virus

The Rice lab has produced the first full-length structure of a salmon virus protein, shedding light on its role in viral assembly and potentially informing strategies to treat human influenza viruses. The discovery could lead to new antiviral treatments by targeting the protein's interaction with other viral components.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 28, 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.

New surgical strategy offers hope for repairing spinal injuries

Researchers have developed a new surgical technique to reconnect sensory neurons to the spinal cord, offering hope for treating traumatic spinal injuries. The technique involves implanting neural offshoots into the dorsal horn of the spinal cord to form a functional neural circuit.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Neurology·DateJul 28, 2017

Artificial light from digital devices lessens sleep quality

A new study by University of Houston College of Optometry researchers found that wearing blue-light blocking glasses before bed increased nighttime melatonin levels by 58% compared to non-blocking glasses. Participants reported improved sleep quality, faster falls asleep, and longer sleep durations.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalOphthalmic and Physiological Optics·DateJul 28, 2017

Using science to combat illegal wildlife trade

Leading scientists from around the world gathered to discuss leveraging science to combat illegal wildlife trade. They identified opportunities to bring scientific knowledge to bear on the problem, including using data, collaborating on problem-solving, and assessing interventions.

SourceMichigan State University·DateJul 28, 2017

Dementia: New substance improves brain function

A new BACE inhibitor has shown promise in improving brain function and memory performance in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The study found that the treatment reduced amyloid beta production, restored normal nerve cell function, and improved memory abilities.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 28, 2017