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Science News for May 31, 2017


Random numbers: Hard times ahead for hackers

Researchers at the University of Geneva have created a self-testing quantum random number generator that ensures reliability and unpredictability. This device allows users to verify generated numbers in real-time, making it difficult for hackers to exploit bias or imperfections.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateMay 31, 2017

Advances in bayesian methods for big data

Researchers at Tsinghua University outline recent advances on nonparametric Bayesian methods, regularized Bayesian inference, scalable algorithms, and system implementation to tackle the challenges of Big Data. They also discuss connections with deep learning and highlight the need for human expertise in devising appropriate features a...

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMay 31, 2017

Take control to become a better parent

A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that a parent's outlook on life can have a profound influence on their child's behavior, eating, and sleeping patterns. Internally controlled parents tend to exhibit traits such as persistence, responsibility, and delayed gratification, which positively impact their children's deve...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMay 31, 2017

Sugar sponges sop up and release glucose as needed

Researchers have developed a potential new diabetes treatment that uses a 'sugar sponge' to regulate glucose levels. The system, which consists of a lectin-coated polymer vesicle, can absorb glucose when levels are high and release it when levels are low. In laboratory tests and mouse studies, the treatment showed antidiabetic effects.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 31, 2017

1976 drought revealed as worst on record for British butterflies and moths

Scientists at the University of York found that the 1976 drought was the most devastating event for butterflies and moths in 50 years. The study measured data against extreme weather events since 1968, revealing a significant impact on over 50 species. Researchers warn that global warming may exacerbate such events in the future.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateMay 31, 2017

'Harder, better, faster, stronger'-tethered soft exosuit reduces metabolic cost of running

Researchers developed a tethered soft exosuit that reduces the metabolic cost of running on a treadmill by 5.4% compared to not wearing the exosuit. The study tested two different assistance profiles, one based on human biology and another based on simulation, with the latter outperforming the former in reducing metabolic cost.

New in the Hastings Center Report May-June 2017

The Hastings Center Report explores the ethics of opioid treatment agreements, which critics say are ethically suspect. The authors conclude that the purpose of these agreements is to disclose their requirements to patients, promoting mutual decision-making on pain management programs. In contrast, some experts propose replacing agreem...

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateMay 31, 2017

When gold turns invisible

Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a gold compound that turns invisible when ground into a fine powder, emitting only infrared light. The substance's unique property has significant implications for bioimaging and the creation of invisible security inks.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 31, 2017

Oxytocin reduces cravings for methamphetamine

A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that oxytocin administration reduced drug-seeking behavior and relapse in methamphetamine-addicted rats. Oxytocin was shown to decrease motivation to acquire the drug and reduce relapse, with the effects strongest in animals with high motivation.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMay 31, 2017

Nathusius and Soprano bats are attracted to green light

A study published in PLOS ONE found that migratory Nathusius and Soprano bats are attracted to artificial green light, which could disrupt their flight paths. The researchers exposed bats to brief periods of green light at a wavelength of 520nm, recording increased calling activity near the light source.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 31, 2017

Visual recognition memory impaired after multiple exposures to anesthesia during infancy

A study found that repeated exposure to anesthesia during infancy results in impaired visual recognition memory, which emerges after the first year of life. The research used a rhesus monkey model and confirmed that multiple anesthesia exposures alone lead to memory impairment, with deficits not apparent until later developmental stages.

Russian scientists improved an X-ray fluorescence analysis algorithm

Researchers from Lomonosov Moscow State University develop new equations to conduct XRF analysis with higher accuracy, reducing the need for reference materials and enabling analysis of complex composition samples. The method uses internal standardization and computations to compensate experimental factors and operate in wider ranges.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalNuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms·DateMay 31, 2017

Prevention to precision, SWOG presents a raft of research at ASCO 2017

At ASCO 2017, SWOG investigators reported trials involving more than 10 cancer types and presented results on treatment-resistant metastatic colorectal cancer, breast cancer chemotherapies, high-risk prostate cancer, and the benefits of public funding for cancer research. The group's research has led to the approval of 14 cancer drugs,...

SourceSWOG·DateMay 31, 2017

Sharing voluntarily makes young kids happy

A new study shows that preschool kids who share their own accord are happier than those who are obliged to do so. When given stickers, children aged 3-5 years old exhibited greater happiness when sharing voluntarily rather than being forced to do so.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMay 31, 2017

Sizzling snails prioritize protein stability

The study reveals that Echinolittorina snails have a unique enzyme structure that enables them to maintain protein stability at high temperatures, allowing them to thrive in hot environments. The researchers found that subtle differences in amino acid sequences between the snail proteins enabled them to remain functional and stable at ...

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateMay 31, 2017

Study offers hard data on food allergies

A new study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that 3.6 percent of the population studied had a documented food allergy or intolerance. Shellfish was the most commonly reported food allergy, with the highest rates among females and Asians.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateMay 31, 2017

Giant ringed planet likely cause of mysterious eclipses

An international team of astronomers led by University of Warwick discovered a giant gas planet up to 50x Jupiter's mass with rings, causing regular eclipses of the young star PDS 110 in Orion constellation. The next eclipse is predicted for September, allowing amateur astronomers to witness and gather new data.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 31, 2017

Women 'damned either way' on maternity leave

New research reveals that women are 'damned' either way on maternity leave, with negative perceptions of competence in both work and family domains. The study suggests that policies allowing women to balance work and family life are crucial, but may have unintended consequences.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·DateMay 31, 2017

Mining for answers on abandoned mines

Researchers found that biochar application successfully reduced soil acidity and made heavy metals less bioavailable, converting them into less toxic forms. This locally sourced biochar can be used to prevent metal accumulation in soils near abandoned mines, potentially reviving degraded ecosystems.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateMay 31, 2017

From terrestrial and marine bioresources and wastes to value-added products

This review article showcases the potential of biomass and its derived wastes in producing sustainable bioproducts and fuels. The authors highlight various conversion processes, including bioethanol, biodiesel, and biomethane production, as well as activated carbon manufacturing from bioresources.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalRecent Innovations in Chemical Engineering (Formerly Recent Patents on Chemical Engineering)·DateMay 31, 2017

Spotting the invisible

Researchers at Umeå University have successfully mapped the structure and function of a transient enzyme state using X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy. The study reveals that the transient state is essential for enzyme function and provides clues on how enzymes speed up reactions with incredible specificity and efficacy.

SourceUmea University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 31, 2017

Linguistic style is key to crowdfunding success

Research at the University of Illinois Chicago found that linguistic styles making campaigns more understandable and relatable to the crowd significantly boosted social campaign success. Short stories with interactive styles are effective for social good campaigns, while commercial campaigns rely more on content.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of Business Venturing·DateMay 31, 2017

Take a look, and you'll see, into your imagination

A team of Kyoto University researchers has successfully used neural network-based artificial intelligence to decode and predict visual content in the human brain. The technology, known as Deep Neural Network (DNN), shows promise for improving brain-machine interfaces and potentially even understanding consciousness.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 31, 2017

Pay $8 for a Buddha-shaped pear foolish or fun? Your age may predict your answer

A study by the University of Illinois found that younger consumers, particularly those with lower incomes, are more inclined to purchase uniquely shaped fruits. The researchers suggest that marketers can target people who like adventure and seek new experiences by offering avant-garde fruit shapes. The novelty-shaped pears are grown in...

Handheld scanner reveals vascularization in psoriasis patients

A new handheld scanner allows for non-invasive imaging of skin layers and blood vessels in psoriasis patients, enabling the assessment of disease severity and potential treatment options. The technology has the potential to improve diagnosis and therapy of other diseases such as skin cancer and diabetes.

CNIO presents an online tool to extract drug toxicity information from text

The LimTox tool provides information on drug hepatotoxicity extracted from biomedical archives, enabling efficient associations to adverse reactions. It offers keyword searches and entity-specific queries for researchers and clinicians, promoting targeted search queries and biological knowledgebase construction.