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Science News for April 2, 2018


Easing uncertainty

Christa Fluehmann and colleagues demonstrate a way to measure position and momentum with minimal disturbance, enabling precise measurements in a limited range. This relaxation of the uncertainty principle has fundamental implications for quantum mechanics and opens up possibilities for practical applications like quantum computing.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalPhysical Review X·DateApr 2, 2018

Evolution of human locomotion

A study examined human ancestors' walking and climbing capabilities, revealing that humans' straight-legged gait provides improved walking economy but also allows for enhanced hip extension. This enabled early hominins like Ardipithecus ramidus to develop a balance between improved walking economy and climbing ability.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 2018

Predicting water storage beyond 2-5 years over global semiarid regions

Researchers at the Institute of Atmospheric Physics successfully predicted terrestrial water storage beyond 2-5 years in semiarid regions using a set of global land model ensemble simulations. The study improves near-term climate change projection and water resource management by incorporating low-frequency climate information.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 2, 2018

Study examines energy and nutrient digestibility in wheat co-products fed to growing pigs

Research from the University of Illinois found that wheat middlings and red dog, two co-product feed ingredients for livestock, have different nutrient compositions. Red dog showed higher energy and nutrient digestibility compared to wheat middlings due to its particle size and starch content.

Unraveling the immunopathogenesis of Johne's disease

A study by Hokkaido University researchers has identified prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) as a key player in impairing the immune response of cattle affected by Johne's disease. The discovery offers hope for developing a method to control this chronic enteritis caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalInfection and Immunity·DateApr 2, 2018

Proper data analysis might be among Hurricane Maria's casualties

A Penn State demographer warns that Hurricane Maria's destruction may have crippled Puerto Rico's ability to gather and analyze accurate data, hindering the island's recovery and response to future emergencies. The lack of proper data collection services and analysis may lead to inadequate allocation of resources, including money and aid.

SourcePenn State·JournalHealth Affairs·DateApr 2, 2018

Flood risk denial in US coastal communities

A study by David Casagrande explores the attitudes and perception of flood risk in US coastal communities. Residents employ rationalizations such as scapegoating and social comparison to avoid making difficult decisions, rather than taking steps to mitigate damage. This research highlights the importance of addressing individual belief...

Biological ballet: Imaging technique reveals complex protein movements in cell membrane

Researchers have developed an imaging method for live cells that suppresses photobleaching, allowing observation of individual molecules for up to 400 seconds. This enables study of protein movements and interactions in the cell membrane, shedding light on cellular behavior and potential targets for cancer treatment.

Infant death study reveals dangerous sleep practices among babysitters, relatives, others

A study of over 10,000 infant deaths found that many were caused by unsafe sleep positions or environments. Licensed childcare providers were more likely to follow safe sleep guidelines than babysitters, relatives, and friends. The researchers urge parents to educate anyone caring for their children on safe sleep practices.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateApr 2, 2018

Payment reform fix?

Two studies found no reductions in hospital use or spending linked to the global budget program, despite expected improvements in care. The program may still have saved money due to changes in hospital prices.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalHealth Affairs·DateApr 2, 2018

Do men outnumber women in academic neurology programs?

A recent study found that men outnumber women in top-ranked academic neurology programs, consistent with previous research on neurology and other specialties. The study analyzed data from 1,712 academic neurologists across 29 programs, highlighting the underrepresentation of women in academic careers.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateApr 2, 2018

New study shows vegetation controls the future of the water cycle

A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows that vegetation plays a dominant role in Earth's water cycle, regulating future dryness and water resources. Plants' physiological responses to increasing CO2 levels have a major impact on evapotranspiration, long-term runoff, and soil moisture.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 2018

Antarctica retreating across the sea floor

Researchers from the University of Leeds have created the first complete map of how Antarctica's grounding line is shifting. The study found that eight of the ice sheet's largest glaciers are retreating at an extreme rate, with some losing over 25 meters per year.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Geoscience·DateApr 2, 2018

Researchers develop injectable bandage

A team of researchers from Texas A&M University has developed an injectable bandage using a gelling agent commonly used in pastries, which can stop bleeding and promote wound healing. The injectable hydrogels are made with kappa-carrageenan and nanosilicates to form a controlled release of therapeutics.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateApr 2, 2018

Spear points prove early inhabitants liked to travel

Researchers at Texas A&M University found that early settlers in interior western Canada used the Pacific coastal route to reach temperate North America, contradicting traditional theories of migration. The fluted spear points provide evidence supporting new genetic models explaining how humans colonized the New World.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 2018

Earth's stable temperature past suggests other planets could also sustain life

A new study from the University of Washington found that early Earth's temperature was moderate, not extremely hot or cold, allowing for a stable climate that enabled life to emerge. This discovery is significant for the search for life on other planets, as it suggests that habitable zones may retain stable climates.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 2018

Is the Milky Way getting bigger?

A team of astronomers has found that galaxies like the Milky Way are slowly increasing in size due to star formation on their outskirts. The study, led by Cristina Martínez-Lombilla, reveals a growth rate of around 500 meters per second, which is fast enough to cover the distance from Liverpool to London in about twelve minutes.

First age-map of the heart of the Milky Way

A new age-map of the Milky Way's center shows that a period of star formation lasting around 4 billion years created the complex structure. The map, produced by an international team, combines data from millions of stars and spectroscopic surveys, revealing that the bar-shaped structure was formed about 7 billion years ago.

UMD researcher uncovers protein used to outsmart the human immune system

A University of Maryland researcher has discovered a protein produced by the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, allowing it to evade the body's first immune response. This breakthrough understanding has significant implications for treating tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease, which is increasingly chronic and prevalent.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 2018