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Science News for September 13, 2017


Toward unbreakable encrypted messages

Chinese researchers have successfully sent encrypted messages using quantum-entangled photons over a distance of over 700 miles, breaking the previous record. The achievement is significant as it paves the way for practical quantum communication systems.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateSep 13, 2017

Study shows electronic health information exchanges could cut billions in Medicare spending

A new study from the University of Notre Dame suggests that health information exchanges (HIEs) can lead to significant cost savings in healthcare, with an average annual reduction of $139 per Medicare beneficiary. The research found that HIEs are more effective in markets where providers have financial incentives to use them, and that...

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalInformation Systems Research·DateSep 13, 2017

Scientists reveal distinct substrate-binding mode in o-succinylbenzoyl-CoA synthetase

Researchers from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology discovered a unique substrate-binding mode for OSB-CoA synthetase, a crucial enzyme in bacterial vitamin K biosynthesis. The study revealed distinct amino acid residues contributing to thioesterification half-reaction without affecting adenylation.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 13, 2017

Folding biomolecule model shows how form dictates function

Researchers developed a theoretical method to calculate biomolecule conformations and demonstrate consistency with experimental results. The model sheds light on the role of amino acid structures in protein functions, revealing potential for extrapolating properties to larger systems.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateSep 13, 2017

Don't blame your genes for your toothache, twin study shows

Researchers used twin study to investigate role of genes and oral microbiome in cavity formation, finding that dietary and hygiene habits play a significant role. The study also revealed a link between specific bacteria and sugar consumption, with certain species associated with more cavities.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateSep 13, 2017

Should Google offer an online screening test for depression?

Experts debate the value of an online screening test for depression, with some arguing it could prompt informed conversations with clinical professionals and provide potentially helpful resources. However, others express concerns about inadequate treatment resources and misuse of data, warning that unregulated screening may cause harm.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateSep 13, 2017

New hope for 'bubble baby disease'

Researchers have developed a new testing regime to diagnose severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) syndrome faster, enabling more infants to receive life-saving treatment within a critical timeframe. The regime uses a checklist of potential SCID markers, including family history, candidiasis, and low absolute lymphocyte counts.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateSep 13, 2017

A popular bottle-breaking trick is giving insight to brain injuries

Researchers used high-speed photography to study the formation of small bubbles in liquids, which can cause destructive shockwaves and potentially lead to brain trauma. The team developed an alternative formula to predict when cavitation will occur, with potential applications for athletic safety devices and military blast protection.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 13, 2017

Delayed weaning reduces behavioral problems in cats

A new study by the University of Helsinki found that delaying weaning in cats until 14 weeks of age can significantly reduce behavioral problems. The research discovered that early weaning is linked to increased aggression and stereotypic behavior, suggesting a link between neurotransmitter changes and these behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature·DateSep 13, 2017

Improved model of energy highway along protein strands

A new mathematical model describes how polarons can be displaced in a directed way with minimum energy loss in linear peptide chains, accounting for the energy transport mechanism in proteins. The model predicts that a constant electric field can initiate and sustain polaron motion along polypeptide chains.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateSep 13, 2017

Differences in aggression among people with dementia

Researchers found that individuals with frontotemporal dementia were physically aggressive earlier and exhibited more severe behavior towards strangers compared to those with Alzheimer's disease. The study of 281 deceased patients revealed a significant difference in the manifestation of aggression between the two groups.

SourceLund University·JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateSep 13, 2017

Inferno world with titanium skies

A team of astronomers has detected titanium oxide in the atmosphere of WASP-19b, an exoplanet with a temperature of 2000 degrees Celsius. The discovery was made using ESO's VLT and allows for more accurate modeling of exoplanet atmospheres.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateSep 13, 2017

Study shows influence of surgeons on likelihood of removal of healthy breast after breast cancer dia

A study published in JAMA Surgery found that attending surgeons can significantly influence patients' decisions to undergo contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) after a breast cancer diagnosis. The researchers surveyed over 7,800 women with stages 0-2 breast cancer and their attending surgeons, finding that surgeons' attitudes to...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateSep 13, 2017

Wondering if that mole is cancerous? Look at illustrations, not photos

A recent study published in the Journal of Health Communication found that illustrations are more effective than photos in helping people spot problematic moles during skin self-examinations. The research uses eye-tracking technology to show that participants fixate on atypical moles longer with illustrated visuals, leading to increase...

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Health Communication·DateSep 13, 2017

New supernova analysis reframes dark energy debate

A new study finds a model universe with no dark energy provides a slightly better fit to Type Ia supernovae data than the standard dark energy model. The 'timescape cosmology' challenges current understanding of the Universe's expansion, highlighting the need for more data and better supernova precision.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateSep 13, 2017

Asthma drug from the garden center

Researchers at the University of Bonn have developed a new compound extracted from coralberry leaves that effectively relieves bronchial spasms and may be more effective than common asthma medication salbutamol. The study was conducted in mice, but further human trials are needed before its application.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 13, 2017

Experts issue recommendations for gender-affirmation treatment for transgender individuals

The Endocrine Society provides guidelines for treating gender-dysphoric individuals, emphasizing the importance of multidisciplinary teams and informed consent. The recommended treatment includes hormone therapy to suppress sex hormone secretion and maintain normal levels for the person's affirmed gender.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateSep 13, 2017

Artificial 'skin' gives robotic hand a sense of touch

Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a new form of stretchable electronics that can serve as an artificial skin, allowing a robotic hand to sense temperature differences. The breakthrough enables the creation of biomedical devices such as health monitors and medical implants with improved functionality.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 13, 2017

Wax on, melt off

Drexel University researchers develop a method to create roads that can deice themselves during winter storms by adding phase change materials like paraffin wax to the concrete mix. The technology has shown promise in melting snow and ice, reducing the need for chemicals and salt.

SourceDrexel University·JournalCement and Concrete Composites·DateSep 13, 2017

How well electron transport works in furfural biogas

Researchers studied electron beam interactions with furfural gas to establish benchmark evaluation of low-energy electron scattering cross-sections and energy loss estimates. The analysis provided valuable insights into the energy characteristics of furfural biogas, a promising candidate for alternative biofuels.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateSep 13, 2017

Imaging how magnetism goes surfing

Scientists have developed a method to control magnetic properties of materials using surface acoustic waves, which can induce rapid changes in strain and magnetization. This technique has the potential to enable low-power magnetic devices, which is key to developing memory, computing, and communication devices at the nanoscale.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 13, 2017

Researchers create first global map of water in moon's soil

Scientists from Brown University have created a quantitative map of water and its chemical building blocks trapped in the uppermost portion of the Moon's soil. The study found that the signature of water is present nearly everywhere on the lunar surface, with concentrations reaching up to 500-750 parts per million at higher latitudes.

SourceBrown University·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 13, 2017

A new method provides better insights into real-world network evolution

Chinese scientists develop a new algorithm that leverages network structure characteristics to improve link prediction accuracy and robustness. Their experimental testing in various real-world networks yields better results than existing methods, leading to the creation of a novel method for predicting missing links.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateSep 13, 2017

Magnetic fields to alleviate anxiety

Researchers at University of Würzburg found that transcranial magnetic stimulation can improve anxiety treatment outcomes, particularly for fear of heights. The study used virtual reality to induce fear and showed that stimulated brain regions lead to accelerated therapy responses.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalBrain Stimulation·DateSep 13, 2017

New method for identifying carbon compounds derived from fossil fuels

Scientists at NIST have developed a laboratory instrument that can measure the source of carbon in materials, enabling new applications in biofuels and bioplastics industries. The instrument uses cavity ringdown spectroscopy to detect subtle differences in CO2 wavelengths, allowing for accurate measurement of heavy CO2 concentrations.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateSep 13, 2017

A hair-trigger for cells fighting infection

A new study reveals how the immune system avoids becoming cancerous by using a hair-trigger protein called Tia1. This protein controls the production of proteins needed to fix damaged DNA, allowing B cells to produce effective antibodies while preventing lasting harm.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 13, 2017