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Science News for March 14, 2018


Nanostructures created at UCLA could make gene therapies safer, faster & more affordable

Researchers at UCLA have created a new method for targeted gene delivery using 'nanospears,' which can enable safer, faster and more cost-effective gene therapies. The nanostructures are biodegradable and can be mass-produced inexpensively, delivering genetic information with minimal impact on cell viability and metabolism.

A brewer's tale of proteins and beer

Scientists used mass spectrometry to analyze proteins in beer at three stages of production, revealing over 200 unique proteins from barley and yeast. The study aims to understand how these proteins control beer's properties and potentially improve brewing techniques.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateMar 14, 2018

Large numbers of students skipping breakfast

A study from the University of Waterloo found that 39% of students in Alberta and Ontario eat breakfast fewer than three days a week, with 48.5% skipping breakfast nationwide. The study highlights the need for improved social awareness and economic support for breakfast programs to reach their full potential.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of School Health·DateMar 14, 2018

Researchers tap problematic e-waste surplus to recover high-quality polymers

A new study has developed a method to recover high-quality polymers from mixed-plastic electronics waste, providing an environmentally friendly solution for recycling. The process uses a solvent called NMP, which releases vapors only when heated above 180 degrees Celsius, and can be reused multiple times.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateMar 14, 2018

Study reveals vision's role in vowel perception

Researchers found that people closely watch lip movement and shape when perceiving speech, with subtle distinctions between vowel sounds suffering without these cues. The study's findings have implications for designing more intelligible avatars and improving communication devices for the hearing impaired.

Removing heavy metals from water

Researchers have developed a new method for removing heavy metals like lead and mercury from water using metal organic frameworks (MOFs). The MOF composite can quickly and selectively remove high amounts of toxic materials from real-world water samples, down to levels deemed drinkable by health organizations.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalACS Central Science·DateMar 14, 2018

Is your smile male or female?

Researchers at the University of Bradford have developed an AI system that can automatically assign gender based on a smile. The system uses dynamic movement analysis to distinguish between men and women, finding that women's smiles are more expansive than men's.

SourceUniversity of Bradford·JournalThe Visual Computer·DateMar 14, 2018

The element of surprise

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have found that protactinium shares chemical similarities with both actinides and transition metals, revealing a unique intersection of their properties. This discovery could lead to novel applications for these elements and a deeper understanding of the periodic table.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 14, 2018

Making new memories is a balancing act

Salk Institute scientists discover brain's memory storage is dynamic, with some synapses growing larger and others shrinking as a result of learning. This balance allows for increased overall storage capacity, enabling the brain to store more information.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2018

Zika: An accurate estimation of the neurological risks in unborn children

A recent study found that pregnant women infected with Zika virus experienced a significantly lower rate of congenital neurological abnormalities than initially thought. The study, which monitored over 2,000 women, revealed a 12.7% risk of complications when infected during the first trimester.

Fast-tracking endocrine assays

The EPA has shifted focus to high-throughput computational models to quickly identify chemicals that require more scrutiny, following a slow start in its previous approach. Researchers have made significant progress, including the development of estrogen and androgen receptor models.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMar 14, 2018

Global warming increases the risk of avalanches

UNIGE researchers analyzed tree rings to link global warming to increasing frequency and intensity of avalanches in the Himalayas. The study found that rising temperatures have led to bigger avalanches traveling greater distances, threatening infrastructure development and socio-economic stability in regions like Himachal Pradesh.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2018

Preeclampsia screening method found superior to current tests

Researchers have developed a more accurate way to screen for preeclampsia, a condition affecting 2-3% of pregnancies, which can lead to serious health effects for both mother and child. The new screening method uses biomarkers to identify high-risk women, resulting in increased detection rates for preterm-PE by up to 82%.

SourceWiley·JournalUltrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateMar 14, 2018

Canada remains 7th in World Happiness Report rankings

The report ranks Canada as the seventh happiest country in the world, with immigrants reporting higher life evaluations compared to locals. The countries with the happiest immigrants have balanced social and institutional supports, such as Canada which ranked fourth most accepting for migrants.

SourceCIFAR·DateMar 14, 2018

Removing heavy metals from water with MOFs

Researchers developed a water-stable MOF/polymer composite that can remove over 1.6 times its own weight of mercury and 40% of its weight in lead from contaminated water samples. The material was tested in solutions with lead levels similar to those found in Flint, Michigan, and reduced lead concentrations to 2 parts per billion.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateMar 14, 2018

Saving lives

A team of climatologists at UC Santa Barbara's Climate Hazards Group has developed skillful predictions for droughts and famines, helping to mitigate their effects on severe food insecurity. Their work, in collaboration with various organizations, aims to make the world more food secure by anticipating climate extremes.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalQuarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society·DateMar 14, 2018

Crabs in your computer

A new study provides three-dimensional visual data from hermit crabs using 3D microCT scanning technology, making it easier to examine and compare specimens for taxonomic research. The dataset is now available for download and includes interactive web-based viewers and 3D printable file formats.

SourceGigaScience·JournalGigaScience·DateMar 14, 2018

A catalyst with self-defense against oxygen

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have developed a new catalyst with a self-defense mechanism against oxygen damage, using DuBois-type complexes based on abundant metals. The protection system involves an immobilization matrix that electrically disconnects the catalyst from the electrode surface.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 14, 2018

While a candidate's voice pitch sways voters, it doesn't result in better leaders

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University and the University of Miami conducted an observational study and experimental study to test whether a candidate's voice pitch is related to their leadership ability. They found no correlation between the two, suggesting that voters are not making informed choices based on candidates' voices.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalEvolution and Human Behavior·DateMar 14, 2018

Exploration of a new chemical synthesis process -- synergy of two catalysts in one flask

Researchers at Kanazawa University have successfully synthesized a ketone from an aldehyde using the synergistic action of an organocatalyst and a palladium catalyst in one flask. This novel protocol enables simple and mild synthesis under conditions that previously required complex chemical reaction steps or metal reagents.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 14, 2018