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Science News for March 5, 2018


Massive astrophysical objects governed by subatomic equation

A Caltech researcher has found that the Schrödinger Equation governs the evolution of massive astrophysical disks. The equation, typically used for subatomic systems, describes how warps and distortions emerge in these disks over millions of years. This surprising discovery could provide new insights into complex astronomical phenomena.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 5, 2018

Modified, 3-D printable alloy shows promise for flexible electronics, soft robots

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a 3D printable alloy that enables the rapid manufacture of flexible computer screens, bendable displays, and soft robots. The new alloy, created by adding nickel nanoparticles to galinstan, can be layered into tall structures with good conductivity and self-healing properties.

SourceOregon State University·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateMar 5, 2018

Stem cell 'twins' to study disease

Researchers at Kyoto University developed a gene editing method called MhAX, which creates genetically matched stem cell 'twins' for studying disease-related mutations. The technique guides the cell's own repair mechanisms and allows for precise removal of reporter genes, leaving only the modified SNP behind.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 5, 2018

Technique to see objects hidden around corners

The Stanford team has developed an efficient algorithm to process final images from non-line-of-sight imaging, overcoming a significant challenge in capturing 3-D structure of hidden objects. The system can produce images of out-of-view objects in under a second and is computationally efficient enough to run on regular laptops.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature·DateMar 5, 2018

Capturing brain signals with soft electronics

Researchers have developed high-density stretchable electrode grids for long-term stable neural recording, overcoming challenges in biocompatibility and mechanical properties. The breakthrough enables crucial applications in biomedical engineering, including diagnosing and treating neurological disorders such as epilepsy.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 5, 2018

Biochemists zero in on key molecules that enable cells to crawl

Biochemists have made a discovery that sheds light on the molecular machinery that allows some cells to wiggle their way through tissues. The researchers identified two locations on Arp2/3 where an activator protein touches, promoting cell motility and potentially leading to new opportunities for cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 5, 2018

Novel PET imaging agent targets copper in tumors, detects prostate cancer recurrence early

A novel nuclear medicine imaging agent targeting copper accumulation in tumors detects prostate cancer recurrence early in patients with biochemical relapse. The new imaging agent, copper-64 chloride (64CuCl2), has a higher detection rate than fluorine-18-choline-PET/CT in patients with low levels of PSA (<1 ng/ml).

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateMar 5, 2018

Submerged aquatic vegetation return is sentinel of Chesapeake Bay ecosystem recovery

A new study analyzing the impact of long-term nutrient reductions reveals a four-fold increase in Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) abundance in the Chesapeake Bay. This unprecedented event suggests that conservation efforts, including EPA's Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), are supporting ecosystem recovery.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 5, 2018

Controlled coupling of light and matter

Researchers have successfully harnessed the power of quantum mechanics by controlling the interaction between light and matter at room temperature. By using plasmonic nanoresonators to concentrate electromagnetic energy, they enabled the re-absorption of photons by quantum emitters with high probability.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 5, 2018

Researchers use health data to predict who will use opioids after hospitalization

Researchers developed a statistical model to predict hospitalized patients at risk of progressing to chronic opioid therapy. The model correctly identified high-risk patients in 79% of cases and was found to be highly associated with variables such as substance use disorder, benzodiazepine receipt, and surgical procedures during hospit...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMar 5, 2018

U CO2 sensor network shows effects of metro growth

The U CO2 sensor network, the only multisite urban CO2 network worldwide with over a decade of continuous measurements, shows that suburban sprawl significantly impacts metro area CO2 emissions. The network reveals that suburban expansion increases CO2 emissions more than similar population growth in urban areas.

New tool for the crystallization of proteins

A new method has been developed to crystallize membrane proteins of any type or size, allowing researchers to elucidate their structure. The technique uses lipid-water mixtures to create self-assembled channels that enable large proteins to be crystallized.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 5, 2018

Sexual behavior of university students

The study found that university students lack knowledge of responsible sexuality and family planning methods. Girls tend to have healthier attitudes and more knowledge about sexual health, but both sexes show little awareness of sexually transmitted infections. The researchers highlight the importance of sex education in universities.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalReproductive Health·DateMar 5, 2018

Researchers find algorithm for large-scale brain simulations

A new algorithm enables larger parts of the human brain to be represented using the same amount of computer memory, significantly reducing the memory required for simulations. This breakthrough allows researchers to simulate neuronal networks on the scale of the human brain for the first time, enabling studies of complex brain functions.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Neuroinformatics·DateMar 5, 2018

Polygenic risk score may identify alzheimer's risk in younger populations

Researchers have developed a polygenic risk score to identify adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in their 50s, who are at higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The score correctly identified individuals with MCI and showed that those with cognitive deficits other than memory problems were more likely to have diabetes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMar 5, 2018

'Fighting my cancer as much as possible': Why many patients join phase 1 clinical trials

Research at the TAT International Congress 2018 found that patients participate in phase 1 clinical trials for access to innovative cancer treatments, including targeted therapies and immunotherapy. The studies suggest that this increased participation is driven by a growing awareness of treatment options beyond traditional chemotherapy.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateMar 5, 2018

How does resolving cannabis problems differ from problems with alcohol or other drugs?

A study published in the International Journal of Drug Policy found that individuals resolving cannabis problems do so at younger ages compared to those resolving problems with alcohol or other drugs. They also reported starting regular use at a younger age and were less likely to seek formal treatment, but more likely to participate i...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalInternational Journal of Drug Policy·DateMar 5, 2018

JILA team invents new way to 'see' the quantum world

JILA scientists invent a novel imaging technique that combines spectroscopy and high-resolution microscopy to create rapid, precise measurements of quantum behavior. The technique produces detailed spatial maps of energy shifts among atoms in a three-dimensional lattice, providing information about each atom's location and energy level.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 5, 2018

Culturing cheaper stem cells

Kyoto University scientists have created a more cost-effective culture system for human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), which can support their long-term renewal without expensive growth factors. The new 'AKIT' culture, using three chemical compounds, is five to ten times cheaper than existing methods.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateMar 5, 2018

Why US policies for dyslexia should be scrapped

Leading expert Julian Elliott argues that current US Federal and State dyslexia laws ignore scientific evidence and prioritize expensive diagnoses over early intervention. He advocates for a focus on identifying reading difficulties in children and providing targeted support, rather than pursuing a dubious diagnosis of dyslexia.

How the brain represents sound elevation

Researchers found that the brain's auditory cortex does not solely represent acoustic environments but also incorporates perception. Custom ear molds disrupted participants' elevation perception, revealing different responses to sounds between sessions, indicating a dynamic relationship between sensory encoding and perception.