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Science News for May 4, 2018


Molecular movies of RNA guide drug discovery

Researchers at Duke University have developed a technique to capture RNA molecules in precise images, revealing new opportunities for drug discovery. The method identifies potential anti-HIV compounds from millions of possibilities, showcasing its accuracy and potential to treat various ailments.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMay 4, 2018

Design for magnetoelectric device may improve your memory

Researchers have designed a magnetoelectric device that uses chromia to store information without requiring an externally applied magnetic field. This could lead to more energy-efficient and compact memory devices.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 4, 2018

Racing can be fatal to horses, new U of G study reveals

A new University of Guelph study found that intense exercise is a major cause of death in racehorses, with thoroughbreds facing the highest risk. The study analyzed data from over 1,700 cases and found that musculoskeletal injuries were the leading cause of mortality.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalEquine Veterinary Journal·DateMay 4, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

First robotic system plays tic tac toe to improve task performance

Researchers developed a robotic system that plays Tic Tac Toe with rehabilitation patients to improve their real-life task performance. The study found that patients preferred interacting with the robot over computer-controlled LED lights, and the robot's movement influenced human movement, indicating its potential in rehabilitation.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalRestorative Neurology and Neuroscience·DateMay 4, 2018

Researchers clarify the identity of brain stem cells

Researchers at the University of Calgary have shed new light on the identity of brain stem cells that exhibit neural stem cell function. The study found that ependymal cells do not become neural stem cells when activated by injury, but rather regulate their function.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalCell·DateMay 4, 2018

Engineered polymer membranes could be new option for water treatment

Self-assembled block polymer membranes offer customizable pore sizes and can selectively remove contaminants from various water sources. The technology has the potential to advance water treatment technologies, enabling decentralized reuse of wastewater and reducing chemical demands for membrane cleaning.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·Journalnpj Clean Water·DateMay 4, 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.

This is not a game: NIST virtual reality aims to win for public safety

Researchers at NIST are creating a virtual reality test bed to develop user-friendly interfaces for firefighters, law enforcement officers, and other emergency responders. The goal is to enable faster development, testing, and deployment of these interfaces, reducing risk exposure in real emergencies.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateMay 4, 2018

Keck School of Medicine of USC receives $4 million for arthritis research

The Keck School of Medicine of USC has received $4 million in grants from the National Institutes of Health and US Department of Defense to support basic and pre-clinical research on osteoarthritis. Researchers hope to translate foundational knowledge into clinical therapies that can improve millions of lives.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·DateMay 4, 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.

Insight into potential new strategy to target skin diseases like psorias

A research team at UT Southwestern Medical Center has found that inhibiting glucose transport may be a safe and effective treatment for skin diseases like psoriasis. By targeting the metabolic requirements of hyperproliferative skin diseases, researchers were able to reduce disease-associated skin overgrowth and inflammation in mice.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 4, 2018

New AI to develop self-learning robots for nuclear sites

Researchers at University of Lincoln develop machine learning algorithms for self-learning robots in hazardous nuclear sites, increasing capabilities in waste handling and site monitoring. The project aims to build systems that can adapt to unique radiation conditions using vision-guided robot grasping, manipulation, and cutting.

SourceUniversity of Lincoln·DateMay 4, 2018

Ediacara Biota flourished in bacterially rich marine habitats

Researchers found that the Ediacara Biota, soft-bodied ocean dwellers, lived off bacterial primary production and organic matter. This suggests they inhabited oligotrophic regions with sufficient nutrients for feeding.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 4, 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.

Can this invasive exotic pest make better materials for industry and medicine?

Researchers at NIST have combined wood pulp and dried-up pieces of an invasive exotic pest to form a new composite material that is flexible, sustainable, nontoxic, and UV light-reflective. The material could be used in various applications, including food packaging, biomedical devices, and building construction.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMay 4, 2018

Targeted 'click-to-release' chemotherapy gives good results in mice

A targeted 'click-to-release' chemotherapy approach has shown promising results in mice, demonstrating effective anticancer effects against ovarian and colon cancers. The innovative method, developed by Tagworks Pharmaceuticals, releases a large quantity of chemotherapy drug quickly, attacking the tumor cells.

SourceRadboud University Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 4, 2018

Cancer cells thrive in stiff tissue, according to new study

A recent study published in Biomaterials found that stiffer breast tissue creates an environment more prone to cancer. Cancer cells can manipulate surrounding healthy cells to their own benefit, favoring tumor growth in stiff tissues.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalBiomaterials·DateMay 4, 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.

NIAID-sponsored trial of a universal influenza vaccine begins

A Phase 2 clinical trial has started in the US to test an experimental universal influenza vaccine, M-001, for its safety and ability to produce broad protective immune responses. The trial aims to provide durable protection against multiple influenza strains, including those that might cause a pandemic.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateMay 4, 2018

Non-white scholars are underrepresented in scholarly articles in communications

A study by NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development found non-white scholars are significantly underrepresented in publication rates, citation rates, and editorial positions in communications. Research highlights biased citation practices that undervalue work from non-white scholars.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Communication·DateMay 4, 2018

Study shows minorities widely underrepresented in autism diagnoses

Research from the University of Kansas found that minority students with autism are widely underrepresented in special education, with dramatic disparities seen across states. The study showed that African-American and Hispanic students were underidentified at high rates, while Pacific Islander and Asian students were not identified at...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalExceptional Children·DateMay 4, 2018
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Laser-driven electron recollision remembers molecular orbital structure

Scientists at the Max Born Institute refined our understanding of strong-field processes like high harmonic generation and laser-induced electron diffraction. The study shows that returning electrons retain structural information on their initial molecular orbital, contradicting a commonly held assumption.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 4, 2018

NASA's IMERG shows devastating rainfall over East Africa

Heavy seasonal rainfall caused by NASA's Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) revealed severe flooding in Kenya, displacing over 244,000 people. The estimated death toll from flooding and mudslides has been increased to about 100 people.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 4, 2018

To treat pain, you need to treat the patient

Researchers created PainTracker, a pain assessment adaptable to primary care clinics, addressing patient treatment history, goals and expectations, pain intensity and quality-of-life issues. The tool has dramatically transformed doctors' ability to assess and manage chronic pain, with 40-60% of patients having inadequate pain management.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMay 4, 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.

Automatically periodical

Researchers found that random packings of disks always form a periodic structure, achieving higher densities than random arrangements. The probability of a channel not being periodic decreases exponentially with increasing fill level, regardless of container width.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 4, 2018

Urine of kidney disease patients contains diverse mix of bacteria

A study by Loyola Medicine researchers found a diverse mix of bacteria in the urine of kidney disease patients, including Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. This diversity is higher in patients experiencing urinary urgency and may lead to new approaches for treating lower urinary tract problems.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalInternational Urology and Nephrology·DateMay 4, 2018

Making new layered superconductors using high entropy alloys

Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have created new superconductors made of layers of bismuth sulfide and a high entropy rare earth alloy oxyfluoride. The new material retains superconducting properties over a wider range of lattice parameters than materials without high-entropy-alloy states.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalApplied Physics Express·DateMay 4, 2018
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Line-1 modes of nuclear entrance and retrotransposition

LINE-1 retrotransposons play a pivotal role in genome evolution and are involved in processes such as aging, brain activity, cancer immunology and cancer development. The study highlights the importance of cell cycle regulation and the DNA replication complex in LINE-1 cellular localization and activity.

SourceSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)·JournalSLAS DISCOVERY·DateMay 4, 2018

A molecular dance of phospholipid synthesis

A team of researchers used computational simulations to gain insights into how an enzyme activates and shuts off phospholipid production. The study's results could help understand why small changes in the enzyme lead to conditions like blindness and dwarfism.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 4, 2018

Study confirms curable state between single and widespread cancers

A study confirms a curable state between single and widespread cancers by identifying molecular patterns that predict patient outcomes. Researchers found that patients with limited spread of disease could achieve prolonged survival with surgery or targeted radiation therapy.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 4, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Sensor stickers transform the human body into a multi-touch surface

Researchers at Saarland University have developed a new type of sensor called Multi-Touch Skin, which can capture touches on the body with precision, even from multiple fingers. The sensors are printed using a household inkjet printer and can be designed to fit any shape, enabling new applications for interaction designers.

SourceSaarland University·DateMay 4, 2018

New approach for treating neuropathic pain

Researchers have found a novel therapeutic that interrupts signaling cascades in the body required for multiple forms of neuropathic pain. The treatment targets the nNOS-NOS1AP protein-protein interactions, reducing neuropathic pain in rodents and disrupting nociceptive signaling.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalPain·DateMay 4, 2018

A gut bacterium's guide to building a microbiome

A new study from Caltech sheds light on how a specific species of beneficial bacteria harnesses the body's immune response to settle in the gut. The researchers found that the bacteria are encased in a thick capsule made of carbohydrates, which is necessary for colonization and helps anchor them to epithelial cells.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateMay 4, 2018
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Less is more when it comes to developing bigger brains

Researchers used mathematical models to re-enact brain development in humans, monkeys, and mice, finding that the human brain requires fewer initial cells to grow. The study suggests that humans may have adopted a different developmental program to produce neurons efficiently within a longer gestational period.

SourceCardiff University·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateMay 4, 2018

Investigating mechanisms of nanoplasticity

Researchers, including Prof. Dr. Satyam Suwas and Prof. Dr. Werner Skrotzki, investigate nanoplasticity to balance material strength and ductility. Their collaboration aims to understand fundamental nature of nanocrystalline materials and their applications in various industries.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·DateMay 4, 2018

UHealth ENT department receives NIH research training grant

The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine's Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery has received a National Institutes of Health (NIH) research training grant, providing funding for interdisciplinary research training in otolaryngology. The five-year grant will support individual awardees with research training in ba...

SourceUniversity of Miami Miller School of Medicine·DateMay 4, 2018

Scientists hark back to Pleistocene to trace prioritary areas for conservation

A Brazilian study identifies areas with high genetic diversity and climatic stability for conservation. The researchers used ecological niche modeling to simulate the distribution of forests in past eras, revealing priority areas for action that have suffered least from climate change.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalActa Oecologica·DateMay 4, 2018
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Computerized test may help improve ADHD diagnoses

A new clinical trial published in Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry shows that a computerised test of attention and activity (QbTest) can reduce the time needed to make a diagnostic decision on ADHD, increase the likelihood of excluding ADHD when it is not present, and improve clinicians' confidence in their decision-making. T...

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateMay 4, 2018

Greenhouse gas 'feedback loop' discovered in freshwater lakes

A new study discovered a 'feedback loop' in freshwater lakes where organic matter from plants suppresses methane production, while debris from trees and aquatic plants promotes its release. The findings suggest that changes in vegetation could lead to a doubling of lake emissions and exacerbate climate change.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 4, 2018

UCI simulation technique models material-aging process

Researchers at UCI have developed a numerical method to simulate the molecular aging process in amorphous materials like concrete and glass. This technique could help researchers understand how materials weaken with age and develop materials that maintain their strength indefinitely.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 4, 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.