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Science News for April 20, 2018


The good, the bad and their fortuitous differences

Scientists have discovered key features that explain how two very similar fungi, one causing crop failure and the other producing mycoprotein for consumption, differ in lifestyle. The study highlights potential targets for disease control.

SourceRothamsted Research·JournalBMC Genomics·DateApr 20, 2018

HKU medical chemists discover peptic ulcer treatment metallodrug effective in 'taming' superbugs

Researchers have discovered an alternative strategy to combat antimicrobial resistance by repositioning colloidal bismuth subcitrate, which effectively paralyzes multi-resistant superbugs and suppresses the development of antibiotic resistance. The findings offer a promising new approach to treat deadly infections caused by CRE and CRKP.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 20, 2018

One step closer to reality

A new open-access software called PyFRAP has been developed to accurately analyze molecular diffusion in living cells. The program takes into account three-dimensional structures and provides reliable results, especially under complicated conditions.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 20, 2018
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

When there's an audience, people's performance improves

A new study published in Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience found that having an audience improves performance at skilled tasks. When people know they are being observed, their brain activity increases in areas associated with social awareness and reward, leading to better motor skills.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateApr 20, 2018

New theory shows how strain makes for better catalysts

Researchers have developed a new theory to explain why stretching or compressing metal catalysts can make them perform better. The theory suggests that applying a strain to a catalyst's atomic lattice can tune its reactivity, enabling fine-tuning of catalyst performance throughout different reaction steps.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Catalysis·DateApr 20, 2018

Compound improves stroke outcome by reducing lingering inflammation

An experimental compound appears to improve stroke outcomes by reducing lingering inflammation, leading to better memory and movement in its aftermath. The compound, known as compound 21, stimulates the angiotensin type 2 receptor, which aids blood vessel dilation, minimizes cell death, and reduces inflammation.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism·DateApr 20, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Wood formation model to fuel progress in bioenergy, paper, new applications

The researchers created a systems biology model that mimics the process of wood formation, allowing them to predict the effects of modifying multiple genes involved in lignin biosynthesis. This model will speed up the engineering of trees for specific needs in timber, biofuel, pulp, and paper applications.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 20, 2018

SLU students learn Italian playing Assassin's Creed

Saint Louis University professor Simone Bregni uses video games like Assassin's Creed II to teach Italian, reinforcing vocabulary and grammar while introducing cultural data. His students made significant progress, exceeding traditional Italian courses by 3-5 points in a single semester.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalProfession·DateApr 20, 2018

Studying Midwest soil erosion from space

A UMass Amherst geologist is using satellite photos and high-resolution images to estimate topsoil loss in the Midwest, a challenge that has uncertainties about its extent. The research aims to identify areas where farm practices can be changed to reverse soil loss, with potential economic benefits for farmers.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateApr 20, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

On the shape of the 'petal' for the dissipation curve

Researchers at Lobachevsky University have made significant progress in understanding the shape of the energy dissipation curve of edge states in topological insulators. The study reveals specific and measurable regularities that affect the physical properties of electron gases, including new peaks in absorption spectra and changes in ...

SourceLobachevsky University·JournalJournal of Experimental and Theoretical Physics·DateApr 20, 2018

Fight, flight, or freeze

Researchers found that coordinated brain activity between the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and olfactory system is linked to freeze behavior in mice. The study suggests that rhythmic breathing can help regulate emotional states and provides potential avenues for anxiety-reducing therapies.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 20, 2018

Improving citizen science and big data analysis

Daniel Sheldon's NSF grant aims to develop efficient algorithms for complex models, enabling scientists to make predictions and test hypotheses from large datasets. He plans to address challenges in modeling animal populations, causal reasoning about citizen scientist data, and optimizing decision-making with multiple objectives.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateApr 20, 2018
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.

Immune diversity among the KhoeSan population

A study of the KhoeSan population found high levels of immune cell diversity and divergence in two distinct groups. Researchers identified unique genetic variants that impact natural killer cell function and combat disease specific to this geographic area.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateApr 20, 2018

New DNA screening reveals whose blood the vampire bat is drinking

A new DNA method efficiently screens vampire bat blood meal and faecal samples to determine which domestic animals they feed on, while also assessing population structure. This technique may aid in preventing rabies exposure by identifying animal hosts at risk.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalMolecular Ecology Resources·DateApr 20, 2018

A CNIC-coordinated project is set to receive €1 million in funding over the next 3 years

A CNIC-coordinated project will investigate the oxidative phosphorylation system (OXPHOS) and its structural heterogeneity, with potential implications for metabolic plasticity. Researchers from various countries and specialties will collaborate to develop new methods and gain a deeper understanding of this fundamental biological process.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·DateApr 20, 2018
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

For heavy lifting, use exoskeletons with caution

A study found that wearing an exoskeleton increases stress on the back by up to 53% and stresses different muscles in the torso by anywhere from 56-120%. Despite relieving arm stress, users reported discomfort due to stiff metal rods in the harness.

SourceOhio State University·JournalApplied Ergonomics·DateApr 20, 2018

Spit and polish: The beauty of saliva for epigenetic studies

Researchers found epigenetic changes in saliva linked to childhood trauma and autism spectrum disorder, suggesting saliva as a potential biomarker. The study aimed to identify early markers of abuse-related deaths and ASD diagnosis, providing insights into the impact of early life experiences on health outcomes.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Genomics·DateApr 20, 2018

How social networking sites may discriminate against women

A study by Columbia University researchers found that social networking site Instagram's recommendation algorithms amplify homophily, making women less visible and reducing their popularity. The algorithms, which turn loose on a network with homophily, effectively make women less visible.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateApr 20, 2018

Biomarkers for irritable bowel syndrome

An international team has identified potential biomarkers for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a disease affecting one in six people. The study found that IBS-specific proteins and proteases play a key role in triggering nerve activation, providing new evidence for organic causes of the disease.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 20, 2018

Tampons can cause toxic shock syndrome

Research reveals tampons, particularly those made from cotton and rayon, can foster Staphylococcus aureus growth and production of toxic shock toxin. Menstrual cups may harbor bacteria more effectively, increasing risk.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateApr 20, 2018
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Research debunks 'myth' that strenuous exercise suppresses the immune system

Research from the University of Bath found that exercise can increase immune cells and improve response to flu jabs, contradicting a long-held myth. The study suggests that low numbers of immune cells after exercise are not a sign of suppression, but rather a signal that cells are working in other parts of the body.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateApr 20, 2018

Brachytherapy for cervical cancer does not increase the risk of ureteral stricture

New research from two large international trials confirms that intracavitary and interstitial brachytherapy is safe and does not increase the risk of ureteral stricture in cervical cancer patients. The treatment is associated with better survival rates and fewer adverse side effects compared to other radiation therapies.

SourceEuropean Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO)·DateApr 20, 2018

A fat belly is bad for your heart

A study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that central obesity, even in patients with normal BMI, significantly increases the risk of heart problems. Measuring central obesity can provide a more accurate picture of cardiovascular health than relying solely on BMI.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateApr 20, 2018
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.

A study links soil metals with cancer mortality

Researchers have found associations between esophageal cancer and lead-rich soils, lung cancer and copper-rich terrains, brain tumors and arsenic-rich areas. The study's findings suggest that the geochemical composition of soil could influence cancer distribution patterns in Spain.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalEnvironmental Geochemistry and Health·DateApr 20, 2018

Researchers illuminate the path to a new era of microelectronics

Researchers from Boston University, MIT, UC Berkeley, and CU Boulder develop a method to fabricate silicon chips that can communicate with light, speeding up data transfer and reducing energy consumption. The technology is compatible with current chip manufacturing processes and could revolutionize computing and mobile devices.

SourceBoston University College of Engineering·JournalNature·DateApr 20, 2018

Trees are not as sound asleep as you may think

Researchers detected periodic movement in tree branches and leaves, revealing a previously unknown water transport mechanism. This discovery suggests that trees are pumping water and may have shorter or longer sleep periods than previously thought.

SourceAarhus University·DateApr 20, 2018
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Lupus treatment generates positive results in Phase III clinical trial

A new Phase III clinical trial found that belimumab, a monoclonal antibody therapy, significantly reduces SLE disease activity and incidence of severe flares. The treatment's subcutaneous formulation offers an alternative to intravenous administration, making it more accessible to patients.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateApr 20, 2018

Graphene sets a new record on squeezing light to one atom

Researchers at ICFO have achieved the ultimate level of light confinement using graphene, creating ultra-small optical switches and sensors. By sending infra-red light through devices, they observed how plasmons propagated in between metal and graphene, demonstrating control of light guided in channels smaller than one nanometer.

SourceGraphene Flagship·JournalScience·DateApr 20, 2018

Large Candida auris outbreak linked to multi-use thermometers in UK ICU

A large Candida auris outbreak in a UK ICU was linked to multi-use thermometers, which were found to harbor the fungus on their surfaces. Researchers controlled for other factors and found that use of these thermometers remained a strong risk factor for infection.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·DateApr 20, 2018

New microscope reveals biological life as you've never seen it before

A team of scientists, led by Nobel laureate Eric Betzig, have developed a new microscope that captures real-time, incredibly detailed images and 3D videos of biology. The microscope uses adaptive optics and lattice light-sheet to study cellular and sub-cellular life on whole living organisms.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalScience·DateApr 20, 2018
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.

A new collaboration to maximize the benefits of radiation oncology

The European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) and ESTRO join forces to launch E2-RADIatE, a pan-European infrastructure for efficient collaboration in radiation oncology. The initiative aims to generate robust data on cancer treatment and develop new therapeutic strategies.

SourceEuropean Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO)·DateApr 20, 2018

Fat cells seem to remember unhealthy diet

Researchers found that fat cells from obese patients with type 2 diabetes were epigenetically reprogrammed after exposure to palmitate and TNF-alpha. Healthy precursor fat cells also exhibited reprogramming after 24 hours of exposure, suggesting a potential link between diet and metabolic health.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateApr 20, 2018
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.

Treatment of cancer could become possible with adenovirus

Researchers at Umeå University have discovered that adenovirus binds to polysialic acid, a carbohydrate receptor overexpressed on certain types of cancer cells. This finding opens new possibilities for using adenovirus as a treatment for corresponding types of cancer.

SourceUmea University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 20, 2018

Faster walking heart patients are hospitalized less

A three-year study of 1,078 hypertensive patients with heart disease found that faster walkers had a significantly lower risk of hospitalization. The study also showed that fast walkers spent shorter lengths of time in the hospital compared to slow walkers.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateApr 20, 2018

Measles serious threat for babies, toddlers, unvaccinated youths, ECDC says

Research presented at ECCMID found that unvaccinated patients accounted for most measles cases, with children under two years old being at higher risk of dying from the disease. The study also highlighted the impact of measles on young populations, with one in 1,000 cases resulting in death.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·DateApr 20, 2018
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Smarter fiber data transmission doubles capacity to the home

Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology have developed methods to increase fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) capacity by doubling or tripling it, making more efficient use of existing infrastructure. These techniques improve signal quality based on user distance from the central data station.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·DateApr 20, 2018

Business in Key Biodiversity Areas: Minimizing the risk to nature

The Guidelines on Business and KBAs provide steps for businesses to actively safeguard biodiversity and avoid contributing to its loss. Businesses are recommended to adopt 15 guidelines to better manage their impacts on places deemed critical for species and ecosystems worldwide.

SourceInternational Union for Conservation of Nature·DateApr 20, 2018
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Primary pancreatic organoid tumor models for high-throughput phenotypic drug screening

Researchers have developed primary pancreatic organoid tumor models using magnetic nanoparticle assembly, enabling high-throughput phenotypic drug screening. These 3D structures allow for the testing of drug-like molecules against patient-derived cancer cells, providing insights into potential patient outcomes.

SourceSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)·JournalSLAS DISCOVERY·DateApr 20, 2018

Meditation could help anxiety and cardiovascular health

A recent study by Michigan Technological University researchers found that even a single session of meditation can reduce anxiety levels and lower heart rate variability in adults with mild to moderate anxiety. The study, led by John Durocher, used mindfulness meditation and found significant benefits in cardiovascular health.

SourceMichigan Technological University·DateApr 20, 2018

How do people die in Switzerland today?

A study by the universities of Zurich and Geneva found significant differences in end-of-life decisions across Switzerland's three linguistic regions. In all regions, deaths were preceded by one or more end-of-life decisions, with a common legislative framework governing life-sustaining treatment and assisted suicide. The involvement o...

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalBMC Medicine·DateApr 20, 2018
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.