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Science News for September 8, 2017


Bariatric surgery associated with semen abnormalities and reduced fertility in men

A meta-analysis of studies found frequent sperm aberrations and lower fertility rates among men after undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedures. Researchers identified elevated estrogen hormone levels and deficient vitamin D as potential factors contributing to semen abnormalities and reduced fertility.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBariatric Nursing and Surgical Patient Care·DateSep 8, 2017

How to draw electricity from the bloodstream

A lightweight power generator based on carbon nanotube fibers can convert the energy of flowing blood into electricity with high efficiency. The device, called a fiber-shaped fluidic nanogenerator (FFNG), was developed by Chinese scientists from Fudan University.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 8, 2017

Internal mechanism found to be responsible for the limitless growth potential of epithelial tumors

Epithelial tumours can grow independently of their microenvironment, driven by a feedback amplification loop that activates the JNK stress signalling pathway. This internal mechanism triggers proliferation in non-proliferating cells, leading to chromosomal instability and loss of epithelial polarity.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 8, 2017

Endobronchial valve treatment appears to improve lung function in patients with severe emphysema

A multicenter trial found that endobronchial valve treatment improves lung function, reduces shortness of breath and exercise intolerance, and increases quality of life in patients with severe heterogeneous emphysema. The treatment has been shown to be safe and effective for appropriately selected patients.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 8, 2017

High-speed quantum memory for photons

Physicists from University of Basel create a simple and fast quantum memory that stores photons, enabling ultra-fast data transfer and potentially leading to unconditionally secure communication and super-fast quantum computers. The technology has low noise levels and can be implemented in compact setups.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 8, 2017

Team led by graduate student at PPPL produces unique simulation of magnetic reconnection

A team led by a Princeton University graduate student has developed a unique simulation of magnetic reconnection in space plasmas, which could lead to improved forecasts of space weather events. The new model approximates kinetic effects using fluid equations and agrees better with kinetic models than traditional simulations.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateSep 8, 2017

Blocking sweet taste receptors can help body fight off sinus infections

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have identified amino acids that activate sweet taste receptors, which can block the release of antimicrobial peptides and kill bacteria. This new understanding could lead to new treatments for chronic sinus infections, affecting nearly 35 million Americans annually.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience Signaling·DateSep 8, 2017

A sweeter way to make green products

University of Delaware researchers develop a one-step technology to extract sugars from wood chips and other organic waste, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals and high processing costs. The innovative method results in a 95% theoretical yield of sugars and enables the economical production of feed streams for bioproducts.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalChemSusChem·DateSep 8, 2017