Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for December 11, 2018


Silica paradox

Researchers have synthesized and described metastable phases of high-pressure silica, coesite-IV and coesite-V, with crystal structures drastically different from earlier models. These new materials exist at extreme pressures and challenge Pauling's rules on bonding in inorganic materials.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 11, 2018

Smelling the forest -- not the trees

A new study by the University of Konstanz and the University of Sussex found that animals can detect complex odor mixtures more quickly and reliably than individual pure compounds. This suggests that our olfactory systems may be better suited to handle mixed smells, which are a common aspect of our environment.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateDec 11, 2018

New guidance outlines recommendations for infection control in anesthesiology

The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America has issued a new expert guidance on how hospitals can reduce infections associated with anesthesiology procedures and equipment. The guidance recommends steps to improve infection prevention through increased hand hygiene, environmental disinfection, and continuous improvement plans.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateDec 11, 2018

Whole-body PET/MRI provides one-stop shop for staging high-risk prostate cancer patients

PSMA-targeted PET/MRI performs equally well as clinical nomograms to determine risk for advanced disease in high-risk prostate cancer patients, providing valuable information for treatment planning. The study results show whole-body imaging with 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/MRI offers a one-stop shop for staging and guiding treatment options.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateDec 11, 2018

Citations show academic and non-academic researchers 'win' when they collaborate

A new analysis by University of Maryland professor Ben Shneiderman reveals that research papers with multiple coauthors receive significantly more citations. The study found that university-corporate collaborations produce breakthrough research with substantial impact. Researchers and universities recognize the power and benefits of pa...

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2018

Stop sterilizing your dust

A Northwestern University study reveals that triclosan in dust can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant infections. The researchers found higher abundances of genetic markers indicating resistance in dust with higher concentrations of triclosan, suggesting a link between the chemical and antibiotic resistance.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalmSystems·DateDec 11, 2018

Pregnant women, young children most likely to use bed nets to prevent malaria

A new study by Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs finds that pregnant women and young children in sub-Saharan Africa are the most likely family members to sleep under bed nets to prevent malaria. The study suggests that providing enough bed nets can reduce age and gender disparities in net use, but highlights concerns abou...

Pollen dispersal in traditional processing of buckwheat

Researchers examined pollen dispersal in traditional buckwheat processing, finding that pollen content reached over 70% during threshing and sieving stages. This study provides a scientific basis for identifying crop processing remains in archaeological sites and assessing human agricultural activities.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateDec 11, 2018

Study links frequent red meat consumption to high levels of chemical associated with heart disease

Researchers found that people who eat a diet rich in red meat have triple the TMAO levels of those who eat a diet rich in either white meat or mostly plant-based proteins. However, discontinuation of red meat eventually lowers these TMAO levels, suggesting a promising new strategy for individualizing diets and preventing heart disease.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateDec 11, 2018

Custom-made artificial mother-of-pearl

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a method to produce artificial mother-of-pearl with tailored properties, similar to natural mussels. The material's structure is composed of tiny plates stacked on top of each other and interconnected with mineral bridges, which can be adjusted to achieve desired physical properties.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2018

New understanding of mysterious 'hereditary swelling'

Researchers at Aarhus University have made a breakthrough in understanding hereditary angioedema by identifying cellular defects leading to the rare disease. The study reveals that genetic mutations cause intracellular retention of C1-inhibitor, resulting in patients producing only 10-20% of normal levels.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 11, 2018

Tenacious and flexible goal pursuit gets older people on the move

A recent study at the University of Jyväskylä found that older people who persistently strive for their goals but can adjust them to current circumstances tend to move more and participate in outdoor activities. This suggests that tenacity and flexibility are essential resources for maintaining autonomy and quality of life in old age.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalAging Clinical and Experimental Research·DateDec 11, 2018

Superhero science: Ant-Man and the Wasp

Researchers Max Mikel-Stites and Anne Staples investigated Ant-Man's microscale respiration, finding that superhero suits contain a combination of air pumps, compressors, and molecular filters to breathe while insect-sized. Their study could lead to new microfluidic technologies with potential consumer benefits.

Lithuanian scientists' approach to perovskite solar cells -- cheaper production and high efficiency

Researchers from Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) and Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin (HZB) developed a novel approach to form selective contact layers in perovskite solar cells using self-assembling monolayers. This method achieves extremely low material consumption and high efficiency, outperforming traditional methods.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateDec 11, 2018

The source of stem cells points to two proteins

Researchers at Michigan State University have identified YAP1 and WWTR1 as crucial proteins in regulating the balance between pluripotent cells and placenta formation. This discovery sheds light on the natural process of creating embryonic stem cells, which could lead to advances in regenerative medicine and organoid technologies.