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Science News for November 15, 2017


Desert solar to fuel centuries of air travel

Researchers have demonstrated the full process of making kerosene, the jet fuel used by commercial airlines, using a high-temperature thermal solar reactor to create syngas. The feedstock is essentially unlimited, providing a potentially game-changing alternative to fossil fuels.

SourceSolarPACES·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateNov 15, 2017

Storing mine waste -- safety is no accident UN finds

The United Nations report emphasizes the need for mining companies to prioritize safety over economic considerations in managing mine waste. The report's recommendations include improving tailings dam government regulation and exploring alternative solutions to building massive dams that can cause devastating environmental damage.

Nanomaterials

Researchers at LMU München precisely tune carbon dot's properties by introducing nitrogen atoms, enabling diverse applications. The study reveals that the physicochemical characteristics can be simply and precisely controlled, opening up new possibilities for energy conversion and bio-imaging.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 15, 2017

Children's exposure to secondhand smoke may be vastly underestimated by parents

A new study suggests that parents who smoke mistakenly rely on their own physical senses to gauge the presence of tobacco smoke in the air, leading to misconceptions about when and where children are exposed. This lack of awareness can result in inadequate measures being taken to protect children from secondhand smoke.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateNov 15, 2017

Counterfeits and product piracy can be prevented by security features, such as printed 3-D microstructures

Researchers at KIT have developed innovative fluorescent 3D structures to improve counterfeit protection in products like bank notes, pharmaceuticals, and car spare parts. These new security features can be easily integrated into various applications to prevent product piracy and counterfeiting.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateNov 15, 2017

Ionic 'solar cell' could provide on-demand water desalination

Researchers have developed an 'ionic analog to the electronic pn-junction solar cell' that harnesses light to generate ionic electricity, with potential applications in desalination and brain-machine interfaces. The technology shows promise for producing electricity to turn brackish water drinkable upon exposure to sunlight.

SourceCell Press·JournalJoule·DateNov 15, 2017

Pulling iron out of waste printer toner

A team of researchers has created a process to transform residual toner powder from discarded printer cartridges into iron, offering an environmentally friendly way to reuse electronic waste. The method involves heating the toner powder to 1550 °C, resulting in a product with 98% pure iron.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateNov 15, 2017

Heavy drinking and smoking linked to visible signs of aging

Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health found that heavy drinking and smoking are associated with visible signs of physical ageing. Light to moderate drinking was not linked to biological ageing or slowing down the visible ageing process.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateNov 15, 2017

Improving clinical trials with machine learning

A new study from University College London suggests that machine learning can improve clinical trials by analyzing complex brain anatomy and detecting subtle changes in drug effects. The research used large-scale data from patients with stroke to test the concept of machine learning capable of modeling the human brain in its full compl...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalBrain·DateNov 15, 2017

A polymer 'love hormone' sensor for the early detection of autism

A Polish Academy of Sciences team has developed a polymer 'love hormone' sensor that can detect micromolar concentrations of oxytocin, a biomarker associated with autism. The sensor's sensitivity is expected to increase to nanomolar levels, allowing for early diagnosis and potentially dramatic treatment efficacy improvements.

Parent-supplied photos allow pediatric dermatology diagnoses with no office visit in most cases

A study published in JAMA Dermatology found that high-quality photographs taken by parents with their smartphones can accurately diagnose pediatric skin conditions without an office visit. The results showed a 83% agreement between photograph-based and in-person diagnoses, paving the way for improved access to care through telemedicine.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateNov 15, 2017

Floating droplets

MIT scientists have explained why a droplet of liquid can 'levitate' on a bath's surface under certain conditions. By maintaining a temperature difference, the air cushion between the droplet and the bath is strengthened, preventing it from sinking and allowing it to levitate.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Fluid Mechanics·DateNov 15, 2017

Cell-based therapy for type 1 diabetes?

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have successfully reversed type 1 diabetes in a mouse model by infusing pre-treated blood stem cells. The treated cells curbed the autoimmune reaction and reversed hyperglycemia in diabetic mice, with almost all mice cured of diabetes in the short term and one third maintaining normal blood sug...

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 15, 2017

Genome of wheat ancestor sequenced

The genome of a wild ancestor of bread wheat, Aegilops tauschii, has been sequenced by an international team of scientists. The findings will enable researchers to discover new genes improving wheat quality and resistance to diseases. This breakthrough technology can be applied to other plant genomes.

A delicate crossing: Controller developed to open the blood-brain barrier with precision

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a system to temporarily loosen the blood-brain barrier using microbubbles, allowing for real-time monitoring and controlled delivery of drugs to the brain. The approach offers improved safety and efficacy control for human clinical trials underway in Canada.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 15, 2017

New guidelines issued for diagnosis and care of LAM, a rare lung disease

The American Thoracic Society and Japanese Respiratory Society have published new clinical practice guidelines for lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), a rare lung disease affecting women of child-bearing age. The guidelines recommend a diagnostic approach that includes transbronchial lung biopsy before surgical lung biopsy, as well as earl...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 15, 2017

Has the Mental Health Act had its day?

Experts argue that a non-discriminatory legal framework governing involuntary treatment could replace unjust discrimination against people with mental ill health. Critics, however, worry that changing the law without proper resourced services could lead to reduced rates of compulsion and decreased care for vulnerable individuals.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 15, 2017

Study urges global-change researchers to embrace variability

A new review article argues that incorporating natural variability into experiments can provide more accurate insights into the effects of climate change on corals and other reef organisms. Studies found that varying factors such as temperature and pH can affect the physiology and response to future changes, warranting further research.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalCurrent Climate Change Reports·DateNov 15, 2017

'Left-handed' fish and asymmetrical brains

Biologists have found that cichlid fish with a distinct preference for one side of their bodies exhibit corresponding asymmetry in brain structure and gene expression. The study reveals a functional relationship between brain shape and behavioral laterality, suggesting an evolutionary link to handedness in humans.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateNov 15, 2017

Intentional teaching makes the biggest impact on early childhood outcomes

Research suggests that high-quality preschool teaching practices, particularly those focused on intentional teaching and scaffolding, have the largest effect on young children's academic and social skills. Effective curricula, teacher-child ratio, and professional development also play a significant role in shaping outcomes.

SourceFrank Porter Graham Child Development Institute·JournalChild Development Perspectives·DateNov 15, 2017

Stopping the dengue threat

A QUT study has identified social factors such as overseas arrivals, rainwater tanks, and economic status as potential dengue risk factors. The study suggests increasing surveillance and monitoring of travellers arriving in Australia to control the importation and transmission of dengue virus.

How to keep cows happy

A Brazilian study reveals that minor changes to corrals, such as removing splash colors and water puddles, can significantly reduce the stress levels of cattle. The implementation of good handling practices, including calm handlers and reduced noise levels, also led to improved behavior and cortisol release.

SourceSpringer·JournalTropical Animal Health and Production·DateNov 15, 2017

Spinning cylinders to recreate nature's patterns

Researchers at Institute for Basic Science developed a method to create dynamic tubular structures by exploiting centripetal force of rotating fluids, enabling self-assembly of particles under non-equilibrium conditions. This breakthrough could lead to creation of various shapes of microcomposites useful in photonics applications.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 15, 2017

The rhetorical signature of Donald J. Trump

Kathleen Hall Jamieson and Doron Taussig analyze Trump's rhetoric, finding it both disrupted political norms and created challenges for governing. Trump's signature traits include spontaneity, accountability dodging, and demonization, which have led to concerns about his mental acuity and speculation about invoking the 25th Amendment.

Filling intercropping info gap

Researchers developed mathematical equations to calculate crop yields and optimize fertilizer use for sorghum-peanut intercropping. The study aims to improve profits and food production in West Africa, where millions of farmers face food security challenges.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateNov 15, 2017

Targeting cancer without destroying healthy T-cells

Researchers have discovered a method to target cancerous T-cells while sparing healthy ones, which are essential to the immune system. This breakthrough could lead to new therapeutic approaches for rare and aggressive T-cell lymphoma, which has been difficult to treat without damaging healthy T-cells.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 15, 2017

Aging tests yield varying results

Researchers compared 11 measures of aging, including blood and chromosome tests, and found that none consistently predicted physical or cognitive changes. Telomere length and epigenetic clocks showed some promise but were less clearly linked to physiological outcomes.

SourceDuke University·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateNov 15, 2017

Wine 'legs' and minibot motors (video)

Researchers Lidong Zhang and colleagues developed a new method for propelling tiny motors using the Marangoni effect, eliminating expensive catalysts. The droplets rotate rapidly on water, propelled hundreds of centimeters without pollution, with added electromagnetic generator converting kinetic energy to electrical energy.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalLangmuir·DateNov 15, 2017

Teenage depression linked to father's depression

A new study by University College London researchers found a significant association between fathers' depressive symptoms and their teenage children's symptoms of depression. The study, which analyzed data from two large longitudinal studies, suggests that family-focused interventions should also target fathers to prevent depression.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateNov 15, 2017

Study finds asthma and food allergies predictable at age 1

A study finds that children with eczema or atopic dermatitis and sensitization to an allergen at age 1 are significantly more likely to develop asthma and a food allergy by age three. The CHILD Study also found that early introduction of common allergenic foods may reduce the risk of allergic sensitization and food allergy.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateNov 15, 2017

Manganese-based MRI contrast agent may be safer alternative to gadolinium-based agents

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a potential alternative to gadolinium-based contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The new manganese-based agent Mn-PyC3A produced comparable image enhancement to the standard of care with rapid clearance and less likelihood of toxicity. The study used a baboon...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalRadiology·DateNov 15, 2017

NUS researchers identify potential mediator for social memory formation

A study by NUS researchers has identified the potential role of a neuropeptide named Substance P as a mediator of social memory in area CA2 of the hippocampus. This finding suggests that Substance P may play a key role in forming social memories, including distinguishing between familiar and novel faces or objects.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 15, 2017

Model sheds new light on pathogen cooperation

A new model reveals that cooperative contagion processes can lead to more severe spread of infectious diseases, generating abrupt outbreak transitions and multi-stability. This discovery highlights the need for new containment strategies to combat epidemics in realistic systems.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateNov 15, 2017