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Science News for October 6, 2017


Researchers help develop new antifungal drug

Scientists have developed a new class of antifungal drugs called 'orotomides' to treat life-threatening invasive fungal infections. The novel mechanism of action offers hope for patients with leukemia and bone marrow transplantation, who are often affected by these infections.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalmBio·DateOct 6, 2017

NASA analyzes Tropical Storm Nate

Tropical Storm Nate is forecasted to produce life-threatening flash floods and mudslides across a wide area of Central America. The storm's center is expected to move across the northwestern Caribbean Sea, reaching the eastern coast of Mexico before moving into the southern Gulf of Mexico.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 6, 2017

Plant cells survive but stop dividing upon DNA damage

Scientists at NAIST have discovered a molecular pathway that explains how plant cells cease cell division upon DNA damage. The study found that the transcription factor family MYB3R prevents progression to the M phase of the cell cycle, allowing plants to maintain genome integrity.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New electro-organic synthesis allows sustainable and green production of fine chemicals

The innovative method developed by JGU and Evonik Performance Materials GmbH allows for flexible reaction to available electricity supply, eliminating the need for customized electrolysis apparatuses. This breakthrough in electro-organic synthesis enables sustainable production of fine chemicals with minimal environmental impact.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 6, 2017

Androgen receptor targeted imaging of prostate cancer as future modality for diagnosis

Androgen receptor targeted imaging is emerging as a potential modality for early, rapid, and efficient diagnosis of prostate cancer. Current medical imaging reviews discuss traditional diagnostic approaches and summarize current imaging approaches using PSMA, BN, and AR targeted imaging.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Medical Imaging Formerly Current Medical Imaging Reviews·DateOct 6, 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.

'Lost chapel' of Westminster Palace revealed in new 3-D model

Architectural historians at the University of York have reconstructed the first dedicated House of Commons chamber using 3D visualization technology. The project has brought St Stephen's Chapel back to life, revealing parallels between 16th-century political debate and modern-day discussions.

SourceUniversity of York·DateOct 6, 2017

Economic recovery extends to 18 months for Americans with disabilities

According to the nTIDE September 2017 jobs report, Americans with disabilities have seen a significant increase in employment-to-population ratio, rising from 28.0% in September 2016 to 30.4% in September 2017. The labor force participation rate also increased for working-age people with disabilities.

SourceKessler Foundation·DateOct 6, 2017

Columbia engineers invent breakthrough millimeter-wave circulator IC

Researchers develop magnet-free non-reciprocal components on silicon chips for millimeter-wave frequencies, enabling full-duplex wireless communications, high-speed data transfer for self-driving cars and virtual reality, and transforming 5G networks.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 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.

New studies add to understanding of treatments for Barrett's esophagus

Two new studies evaluate the safety and effectiveness of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and liquid nitrogen spray cryotherapy (LNSCT) in treating Barrett's esophagus. ESD was found to have high en-bloc and curative resection rates, while LNSCT showed long-term efficacy in eliminating dysplasia and intestinal metaplasia.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateOct 6, 2017

Penn team shows how seemingly acute viral infections can persist

A study from the University of Pennsylvania reveals how defective viral genomes can help infected cells survive despite an immune system attack. The researchers discovered that signaling proteins encoded by these genomes protect infected cells from apoptosis, enabling them to persist in the face of an antiviral response.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2017

What can be discovered at the junction of physics and chemistry?

Scientists have discovered a new type of rare molecules whose properties can be controlled by changing an external magnetic field. These paramagnetic molecules, part of the porphyrin class, are closely related to photosynthesis and respiration in living organisms.

SourceNational Research Tomsk State University·JournalChemical Communications·DateOct 6, 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.

Electron behavior under extreme conditions described for the first time

Researchers have successfully modelled electrons under extreme temperatures and densities, providing new insights into fusion experiments and potentially leading to a clean source of energy. The study solves a decades-old problem in physics by accurately simulating the thermodynamic properties of interacting electrons.

SourceImperial College London·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 6, 2017

Gluten intolerance appears largely undiagnosed in Canada

A large-scale Canadian study found that nearly one percent of the population has elevated antibodies indicating celiac disease. Despite a strong genetic link to Caucasians, South Asian individuals were surprisingly affected by a specific genetic variant, suggesting other factors may play a role in who develops the disease.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalBMJ Open·DateOct 6, 2017

Fueling the future

Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution are developing tools and technology for mass production of seaweed for biofuels and chemicals. A breeding program and monitoring system will be created to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·DateOct 6, 2017
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Preeclampsia triggered by an overdose of gene activity

Researchers identify DLX5 gene as key player in preeclampsia, a complex disease affecting 4% of pregnancies. An in vitro model demonstrates the disorder's dysregulation and opens door to new treatments.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalCirculation·DateOct 6, 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.

Genetic body/brain connection identified in genomic region linked to autism

Researchers found a direct connection between deletions in two genes in the 16p11.2 region of human chromosome 16 and certain brain and body traits, including seizures, hyperactivity, and obesity. The study suggests that multiple genes interact to produce various characteristics.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateOct 6, 2017

Predicting insect feeding preferences after deforestation

Researchers developed a method to predict parasitism rates using interaction preferences, allowing for efficient prediction without extensive field data. The approach was tested in three countries and found consistent patterns, enabling the design of models that capture systematic shifts in interaction preferences.

SourceNational Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2017

Deer prefer native plants leaving lasting damage on forests

A new study found that white-tailed deer prefer native plants to invasive species like garlic mustard and Japanese stiltgrass. This leads to a decrease in native plant diversity and an increase in non-native species, altering forest ecosystems.

SourceCornell University·JournalAoB Plants·DateOct 6, 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.

Lifestyle changes can close regional obesity gap, study finds

A new study from the University of Edinburgh found that lifestyle factors such as diet and activity levels have a major impact on regional obesity rates in Scotland. By addressing these factors, public health initiatives can help narrow the health divide between regions.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2017

DNA damage caused by cancer treatment reversed by ZATT protein

Researchers found that a protein named ZATT can eliminate DPCs with the help of another protein TDP2. Understanding how TDP2 and ZATT work together may improve cancer patient health outcomes. The discovery could lead to development of new drugs targeting these defenses.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalScience·DateOct 6, 2017

A dash of gold improves microlasers

Researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering have developed a new type of microlaser that uses gold nanoparticles to improve frequency comb technology. This innovation enables the creation of smaller, more efficient systems for applications such as portable chemical spectroscopy and cybersecurity.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalACS Photonics·DateOct 6, 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.

Asymmetric sound absorption lets in the light

Researchers have developed an asymmetric sound absorber that can absorb sound energy while allowing light and air to pass through. The system uses a two-port design with a waveguide, enabling near-total absorption of sound energy from outside the room.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 6, 2017

New study analyzes volcanic fatalities in more detail than ever before

A recent study in the Journal of Applied Volcanology analyzed volcanic fatalities in unprecedented detail, identifying common causes and victims. The research found that nearly half of all fatal incidents occurred within 10 km of volcanoes, with tourists, media, and emergency response personnel being among the most at-risk groups.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of Applied Volcanology·DateOct 6, 2017

The world-record 53.3 Tb/s optical switching capacity for data-center networks

NICT achieved a world record for 53.3 Tb/s optical switching capacity in short-reach data-center networks using SDM and a high-speed spatial optical switch system. This breakthrough enables significant network efficiency improvements and reduced end-to-end energy consumption per bit compared to existing technologies.

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·DateOct 6, 2017
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.