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Science News for July 7, 2017


Researchers report chemical reaction with potential to speed drug development

UT Southwestern researchers have developed a method for direct conversion of double bond-containing hydrocarbons into multifunctional compounds with high purity. The new reaction utilizes a specially designed chiral catalyst to selectively create desirable molecules, accelerating pharmaceutical production.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature·DateJul 7, 2017

Hubble's hidden galaxy

Located close to the Milky Way, IC 342 is a sweeping spiral galaxy with an active core. The Hubble Space Telescope image reveals a mixture of hot star-forming regions, cooler gas, and dark dust lanes around the bright core, indicating the presence of ionized hydrogen.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 7, 2017

Computer vision techniques shed light on urban change

A computer vision system analyzed street-level photos to gauge neighborhood safety and predict urban change. The study found that the density of highly educated residents, rather than income or ethnic composition, predicts revitalization in five American cities.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 7, 2017

Meniscus-assisted technique produces high efficiency perovskite PV films

Researchers developed a meniscus-assisted solution printing (MASP) technique to fabricate high-efficiency perovskite solar cells with large crystals. The process boosts power conversion efficiencies by controlling crystal size and orientation, resulting in stable and efficient solar cells.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 7, 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.

Baits may be bolstering bear populations

Baits have become a significant portion of black bears' diets, potentially bolstering population density. The widespread consumption of calorically rich foods may be driven by the goals and consequences of baiting policies needing re-evaluation.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateJul 7, 2017
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Zero gravity: Graphene for space applications

Researchers are testing graphene's potential in space applications through two experiments. GrapheneX, a student-led team, will use microgravity conditions to test graphene for light sails, while another experiment investigates how graphene improves efficiency in loop heat pipes, crucial for satellite cooling systems.

SourceGraphene Flagship·DateJul 7, 2017

The Ii Hamina cemetery reveals adaptation to the environment

The study found that despite a colder climate, residents in Ii Hamina survived for centuries by having similar diets from childhood to adulthood. However, one individual displayed variation in isotope composition potentially attributable to poor nutrition.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalRadiocarbon·DateJul 7, 2017

ASHG honors Dian Donnai with 2017 Education Award

Dian Donnai, a clinical geneticist and educator, received the ASHG's 2017 Education Award for her efforts in human genetics education. Her research focused on understanding developmental disorders in children, and she founded several international conferences and workshops to promote collaboration.

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics·DateJul 7, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Recruiting manganese to upgrade carbon dioxide

Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology researchers created efficient catalysts based on inexpensive and abundant manganese to convert carbon dioxide into formic acid and formamide, widely used in industry. The new catalyst can perform over 6,000 turnovers and is stable in air, opening possibilities for other CO2 conversions.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalACS Catalysis·DateJul 7, 2017

Giant enhancement of electromagnetic waves revealed within small dielectric particles

Researchers from Lomonosov Moscow State University directly measured giant resonant fields in subwavelength dielectric particles, overcoming measurement difficulties by using radio waves. The study provides theoretical explanation and has potential applications in medicine, biology, telecommunications, and optical computing.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 7, 2017

Diatoms have sex after all, and ammonium puts them in the mood

Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered that diatoms, previously thought to be asexual, reproduce sexually using ammonium as an inducer. The findings may aid in the evolution of sexual behavior and offer promising biotechnological applications.

SourceOregon State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 7, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Childhood obesity major link to hip diseases

Research from the University of Liverpool reveals a strong association between childhood obesity and hip diseases, particularly Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE). Obese children are at highest risk of developing SCFE, which can cause significant pain and lead to hip replacement in adolescence or early adulthood.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateJul 7, 2017

'Educating' patients' immune cells may help combat diabetes

New research suggests that educating patients' immune cells with cord blood stem cells may help combat type 1 and 2 diabetes. The therapy is safe and effective in improving islet beta cell function, making it a potential treatment for other autoimmune diseases.

SourceWiley·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·DateJul 7, 2017

Family-based treatments may help address obesity in children

A family-based treatment approach for childhood obesity was found to be effective in reducing body mass index standard deviation scores. Young age and high BMI-SDS at baseline, as well as good motivation for treatment and adherence to the protocol, were key factors associated with successful weight loss.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Paediatrica·DateJul 7, 2017
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Obstructing the 'inner eye'

Scientists have discovered that hypnotic states significantly impair deep processing operations while allowing simple perception to occur. This suggests that hypnosis affects specific regions of the brain when receiving visual stimuli.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 7, 2017

Powerful new photodetector can enable optoelectronics advances

A team of engineers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University at Buffalo has developed a powerful new photodetector that combines unique fabrication methods and light-trapping structures. The device increases light absorption in thin materials, enabling smaller optoelectronic devices with improved performance.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 7, 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.

Well-being in later life: The mind plays an important role

A recent study found that psychosocial factors such as depression and anxiety disorders have a stronger negative impact on subjective well-being in older adults. The researchers analyzed data from over 3,600 participants aged 73 and found that women living alone were more likely to experience low well-being.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalBMC Geriatrics·DateJul 7, 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.

Simple test predicts return of bladder cancer

A simple test for bladder cancer has been developed that can predict its return in over 80% of patients, identifying the faulty protein TERT. This new method detects bladder cancers earlier than existing tests and distinguishes them from urinary tract infections, potentially helping doctors start treatment sooner.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateJul 7, 2017

Marker may improve lung cancer screening and detection

A new circular RNA marker has been identified in blood and lung tissue, associated with increased cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. High expression of this marker may improve lung cancer screening and detection at late stages.

SourceWiley·JournalFEBS Journal·DateJul 7, 2017

Drinking alcohol while pregnant could have transgenerational effects

A new study by UCR psychology professor Kelly Huffman found that prenatal ethanol exposure causes abnormalities in the brain and behavior that may be passed on for many generations. The research shows that drinking alcohol during pregnancy can lead to adverse outcomes in future grand- and even great-grandchildren, including reduced bod...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateJul 7, 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.

Teaching old drugs new tricks in the fight against infectious diseases

Currently available drugs may be used alone or in combination to treat infectious diseases, addressing a pressing need due to slow development of new therapies. Non-profit entities and private industry collaboration is crucial for discovering novel interventions to combat drug-resistant pathogens.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateJul 7, 2017

NASA sees weakening of Tropical Depression 4

NASA satellite imagery revealed Tropical Depression 4 is losing its punch, moving into a relatively dry environment. The National Hurricane Center expects the storm to degenerate into a remnant low pressure area tonight.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 7, 2017

Some patients with dementia may experience delayed-onset PTSD

Researchers review three cases of delayed-onset PTSD in patients with dementia, highlighting the importance of recognizing early life trauma. Clinicians can differentiate between PTSD and BPSD by considering a patient's unique narrative and history of previous trauma.

SourceWiley·JournalProgress in Neurology and Psychiatry·DateJul 7, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Strange silk: Why rappelling spiders don't spin out of control

Researchers have discovered that dragline silk from golden orb weaver spiders dissipates energy when twisted, preventing it from spinning uncontrollably. This property makes it an attractive material for biomimetic fibers with potential uses in violin strings, helicopter rescue ladders and parachute cords.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 7, 2017

Sucking up spilt oil

Scientists from India develop a simple strategy to recover spilt oil by tightly binding it to a porous matrix, allowing for easy scooping and recycling. The cellulose-based system effectively absorbs oil without sucking in water, making it an environmentally friendly solution.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 7, 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.

New class of insulating crystals hosts quantized electric multipole moments

Researchers have theoretically predicted a new class of insulating phases, pinpointing potential locations in nature. These insulators generate quantized electric quadrupole or octupole moments, offering a significant theoretical breakthrough in condensed matter research.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalScience·DateJul 7, 2017

How universities are fostering innovation and entrepreneurship

Universities are employing innovative programs, makerspaces, and business accelerators to nurture future innovators. Researchers highlight the benefits of platform strategies in tech transfer, accelerating research and IP commercialization.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalJournal of Technology and Innovation·DateJul 7, 2017

Fasting blood sugar and fasting insulin identified as new biomarkers for weight loss

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen found that fasting blood sugar and/or fasting insulin can be used to select optimal diets and predict weight loss, particularly for those with prediabetes. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and wholegrains may improve diabetes markers for most people with prediabetes.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJul 7, 2017

Litter bugs may protect chocolate supply

A recent study found that exposing baby cacao plants to healthy adult plant microbes reduces the risk of disease. Microbes from mother trees strengthen the immune system of baby trees, making them less susceptible to pathogens. This discovery has significant implications for the global chocolate industry.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·DateJul 7, 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.

Iron secrets behind superconductors unlocked

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen and Cornell University have discovered why certain iron-based materials exhibit fine superconducting properties. The findings suggest that individual modes of operation facilitate superconductivity in these materials.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalScience·DateJul 7, 2017

Extreme low-oxygen eddies in the Atlantic produce greenhouse gases

International research team discovers extremely low-oxygen regions in Atlantic Ocean, producing high levels of nitrous oxide. The phenomenon was previously unknown and had escaped research due to the small size and mobility of these eddies.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 7, 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.

Nanoparticles coated with antibiotic eliminate drug-resistant bacteria

Researchers developed silver-silica nanoparticles with an ampicillin coating that target antibiotic-resistant bacteria while being inert to human cells. The nanoantibiotic showed efficacy against both resistant and non-resistant strains of E. coli, offering a promising strategy for combating drug-resistant infections.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 7, 2017