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Science News for December 19, 2018


Powder could help cut CO2 emissions

Scientists at the University of Waterloo have created a powder that can capture CO2 from factories and power plants, offering a promising solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The powder is twice as efficient as conventional methods and has potential applications in water filtration and energy storage.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalCarbon·DateDec 19, 2018

How to spot every solar panel in the United States

A new tool, DeepSolar, scans high-resolution images of the US for solar panels, registering their locations and sizes. Researchers found 1.47 million individual installations nationwide, correlating them with factors like income, education, and incoming solar radiation.

SourceCell Press·JournalJoule·DateDec 19, 2018

Sac with spiral surface patterns facilitate substance delivery

Researchers have found that spiral surface patterns on liquid crystal sacs facilitate the delivery of molecules to specific locations within the body. The unique structure of these sacs, with its faceted tetrahedron shape and defects at four vertices, allows for controlled release of substances, enabling potential biomedical applications.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateDec 19, 2018

Drugs of abuse: Identifying the addiction circuit

Researchers at UNIGE have pinpointed the brain circuit responsible for addictive behavior in rodents. The study found that a stronger connection between decision-making and reward systems led to compulsive behavior, which could be regulated by artificially increasing or decreasing the activity of this circuit.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature·DateDec 19, 2018

Computer hardware designed for 3D games could hold the key to replicating human brain

A team of researchers at the University of Sussex has developed a fast and energy-efficient simulation of part of a rat brain using off-the-shelf computer hardware. By leveraging Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), they achieved processing speeds up to 10% faster than current supercomputers, while reducing energy consumption by 10 times.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateDec 19, 2018

Mind-body exercises may improve cognitive function as adults age

A meta-analysis of 32 randomized controlled trials found that mind-body exercises enhance cognitive flexibility, working memory, and verbal fluency in older adults. The study suggests that these exercises can improve learning and overall mental health, offering a promising approach to supporting cognitive function as we age.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateDec 19, 2018

How does your garden grow in space?

Astronauts may have access to fresh salads in space, but the microgravity environment affects plant growth. Researchers compared two transcriptomic approaches to understand how plants adapt, finding that RNA-Seq and microarray chips have relative advantages.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateDec 19, 2018

Process makes stem-cell-derived heart cells light up

Researchers have developed a new method to analyze cardiac muscle cells derived from human pluripotent stem cells, using a non-invasive fluorescence technique that enables faster and more accurate analysis. This breakthrough method uses CRISPR-Cas9 to generate a calcium-indicating reporter stem cell line, which allows for the examinati...

SourcePenn State·JournaliScience·DateDec 19, 2018

Returning indigenous remains to their ancestral lands, thanks to ancient DNA

A new study uses ancient nuclear genomes to determine the geographic origins of Aboriginal Australian remains, enabling their return to ancestral lands. The analysis shows that for most all of the ancient nuclear genomes, the most closely related contemporary genome was from people living today in the same geographic region.

Cover crops may increase winter temperatures in North America

A new study suggests that cover crops grown in fields during winter can increase temperatures in the northern US and southern Canada by up to 3 degrees Celsius. This occurs due to reduced snow reflectivity, allowing crop stems and leaves to absorb solar heat and warm the surrounding atmosphere.

First steps

Researchers are conducting a comprehensive study of the walking cavefish to better understand the 'fin-to-limb' transition that enabled the first vertebrates to walk on land. The project aims to identify the genomic, morphological and mechanical qualities that enable fish to walk on land.

Nightlights for stream dwellers? No, thanks

A new study from Ohio State University finds that artificial light at night is detrimental to ecosystems, affecting species composition and food chain length. The research explores the impact of existing artificial light on streams and wetlands, revealing changes in energy flow and nutrient cycles.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEcological Applications·DateDec 19, 2018

Loss of forest intactness increases extinction risk in birds

A new study reveals a strong positive relationship between global extinction risk and the loss of forest intactness in bird distributions. Most global hotspots of restricted ranges now fall in degraded forests, highlighting the importance of restoring intactness to reduce extinction risk.

SourceWiley·JournalAnimal Conservation·DateDec 19, 2018

Cost to walk away from Facebook for a year? More than $1,000, new study finds

Researchers conducted real-life auctions where people were paid to close their Facebook accounts for varying durations. The results showed that the average value of Facebook access exceeds $1,000 for a year, with students placing higher values than community members. The study contrasts the company's market capitalization with the valu...

Using sound to independently levitate a range of objects is achieved for the first time

Scientists develop acoustic tweezers capable of independently levitating a range of small-sized objects using sound waves. This technology offers several advantages over optical tweezers, including the ability to penetrate biological tissue safely and non-invasively, making it ideal for cell manipulation applications.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 19, 2018

Dancing may help older women maintain the ability to perform daily tasks

A new study found that dancing alone was associated with a significantly lower likelihood of developing activities of daily living (ADL) disability in older Japanese women. Dancing requires various elements such as balance, strength, and cognitive ability, which may contribute to its superior benefits in maintaining ADL capacity.

SourceWiley·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateDec 19, 2018

Study links nutrients in blood to better brain connectivity, cognition in older adults

A new study found a robust link between higher levels of several nutrient biomarkers in the blood and enhanced performance on specific cognitive tests. The analysis revealed that omega-3 fatty acids, carotenoids, lycopene, and vitamins B and D worked synergistically to improve brain health and cognition in older adults.

3D-printed robot hand plays the piano

Researchers at the University of Cambridge developed a 3D-printed robotic hand that can play simple musical phrases on the piano using passive movement. The robot's wrist actuation allows it to mimic different playing styles, demonstrating the potential for smart mechanical design in achieving complex movement.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience Robotics·DateDec 19, 2018

Food insecurity linked with binge-eating disorder and obesity

A recent study found that food insecurity is associated with an increased likelihood of binge-eating disorder and obesity in US adults. Individuals with binge-eating disorder and obesity reported cutting meal sizes and skipping meals more frequently than those with a healthy weight.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateDec 19, 2018

Bacterial protein could help find materials for your next smartphone

A newly discovered protein from the bacterium Methylobacterium extorquens has been found to be 100 million times better at binding to lanthanides than to other metals. The protein's unique structure may explain its remarkable selectivity, which could provide insights into detecting and targeting rare-earth metals for industrial purposes.

SourcePenn State·JournalBiochemistry·DateDec 19, 2018

Robots with sticky feet can climb up, down, and all around

Researchers at Harvard University developed a micro-robot called HAMR-E that can climb on vertical and upside-down surfaces, allowing for non-invasive inspection of hard-to-reach areas of large machines. The robot uses electroadhesive foot pads and origami ankle joints to navigate complex environments, saving companies time and money.

The chemistry year in review

The American Chemical Society (ACS) reviewed 2018's top research stories, including machine learning and new solutions for plastic waste. Experts predict key advances in 2019, such as automated chemical synthesis and analysis, and solid-state battery technologies.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateDec 19, 2018

Mortality rates rising for Gens X and Y too

A new study found elevated mortality patterns among late-Gen X (38-45 year-olds) and early-Gen Y (27-37 year-olds), with non-Hispanic whites being disproportionately affected. The study suggests that economic difficulties during the Great Recession may have contributed to increased health impacts on these age groups.

SourceDuke University·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateDec 19, 2018

Hardware-software co-design approach could make neural networks less power hungry

A team of researchers developed a neuroinspired hardware-software co-design approach that can make neural network training more energy-efficient and faster. The approach uses a type of energy-efficient neural network called spiking neural networks, combined with the soft-pruning algorithm to minimize computing power and time.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 19, 2018

X chromosome: how genetics becomes egalitarian

Researchers from UNIGE analyzed skin and blood cells from five women, identifying 55 genes that escape inactivation of the second X chromosome. The team found that XIST gene expression is key to inactivation, but also discovered five other genes playing a crucial role in the mechanism.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 19, 2018

Climate change affects breeding birds

Research by Heather Watts found that house finch breeding seasons are shifting approximately four-and-a-half days earlier with every degree Celsius increase in temperature. This shift may be beneficial for the birds if they can time breeding with seed availability, but could become problematic as climate change continues.

Helping make brain surgery safer

A biopsy needle with a tiny fiber-optic camera has been tested in humans to help surgeons identify and avoid blood vessels in the brain during surgery. The device detected blood vessels with high accuracy (91.2% sensitivity and 97.7% specificity), reducing the risk of brain bleeds.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 19, 2018

New insights on animal movement in fire-prone landscapes

A new review article explores how fire histories affect animal movement patterns and the distribution of species. It highlights the consequences of altered fire regimes and habitat fragmentation on animal populations, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary research to better understand these complex interactions.

SourceWiley·JournalBiological Reviews·DateDec 19, 2018

Delivery method associated with pelvic floor disorders after childbirth

A decade-long study found that vaginal childbirth substantially increases the probability of developing pelvic floor disorders, such as urinary incontinence and uterine prolapse, later in life. The study also identified delivery modes associated with higher risk, including spontaneous vaginal delivery and operative vaginal delivery.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateDec 19, 2018

How US children and teens die: Study reveals the widespread and persistent role of firearms

A new study reveals that firearm-related deaths are the second leading cause of death among US children and teens, accounting for over 60% of preventable deaths. The rate of firearm-related death remains persistent, with over eight children dying daily, and disproportionately affects urban adolescents and African-American youth.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 19, 2018

Why is sea level rising faster in some places along the US East Coast than others?

A new study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution reveals that sea levels are rising faster in some U.S. East Coast regions compared to others, primarily due to post-glacial rebound. The research team found that when post-glacial rebound was stripped away, sea level trends increased steadily from Maine to Florida, indicating the impa...

Intellectual curiosity and confidence help children take on math and reading

A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that openness-related traits like curiosity and confidence are linked to better performance in math and reading. Executive functioning was also strongly associated with academic skills, influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateDec 19, 2018

Edging closer to personalized medicine for patients with irregular heartbeat

A team of researchers at Washington University in St. Louis has made a significant step towards precision medicine for patients with Long QT Syndrome Type 3, a life-threatening form of irregular heartbeat. By analyzing genetic variation and the nanoscale interaction of a commonly used drug treatment, they determined which patients woul...

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalCirculation Research·DateDec 19, 2018

Plastic waste disintegrates into nanoparticles, study finds

A new study from Lund University investigates the degradation of plastic waste, finding that it can break down into nanoplastics under mechanical stress. The researchers warn that this could lead to adverse consequences for animals and humans, as nanoplastic particles are extremely small and can be ingested by living organisms.

SourceLund University·JournalNanoscale Advances·DateDec 19, 2018

Lung transplant patients face elevated lung cancer risk

A large registry-linkage study found a 13-fold increased risk of lung cancer in single lung transplant recipients' native lungs compared to the general population. Longtime since transplantation and prior smoking are associated with higher lung cancer risk.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateDec 19, 2018