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Science News for November 14, 2018


Epoxy compound gets a graphene bump

Rice University scientists have developed a new epoxy compound that combines graphene foam for improved conductivity and strength. The composite material is substantially tougher than pure epoxy and far more conductive, while retaining its low density.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 14, 2018

Ringling train chugs into digital world

The century-old Wisconsin train car has been digitally accessed through 3D models and printed spare parts created using digital photogrammetry and terrestrial laser scanning. The project, led by the University of South Florida, aims to preserve the fragile antique components while allowing for future restoration efforts.

Super-Earth orbiting Barnard's Star

Astronomers detect a super-Earth orbiting Barnard's Star, with the planet having a mass at least 3.2 times that of Earth, and orbits its host star in roughly 233 days. The exoplanet lies close to the snow line, making it inhospitable for life as we know it.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateNov 14, 2018

Next-gen batteries possible with new engineering approach

Researchers developed a three-dimensional polymer sponge that promotes ion transfer while inhibiting dendritic growth in lithium metal batteries, potentially increasing cycle life and safety. The technology could enable more powerful and stable metal battery technologies for everyday use.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Energy·DateNov 14, 2018

Defense against intestinal infection in organism is affected by prostaglandin E2

Experimental inhibition of prostaglandin E2 enhanced the ability of mice to combat infectious colitis, resulting in increased migration of defense cells and production of antimicrobial peptides. Inhibiting PGE2 also favored the expression of defensins, considered natural antibiotics, in the colon.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2018

Precision neuroengineering enables reproduction of complex brain-like functions in vitro

Researchers from Tohoku University and the University of Barcelona have developed an in vitro neural circuit model that reproduces complex brain-like functions. The study reveals the importance of modular organization for maximizing flexibility in neural circuits, as well as the potential of biophysical models to understand collective ...

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 14, 2018

Late Miocene ape maxilla (upper jaw) discovered in western India

A Late Miocene ape maxilla was discovered in the Kutch basin, western India, significantly extending the southern range of ancient apes in the Indian Peninsula. The specimen, dated to around 11-10 million years ago, belongs to the Sivapithecus genus and provides new insights into human evolution.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 14, 2018

Stress in early life has a lasting impact on male birds' song

A study found that male birds' song complexity and frequency are linked to their early life conditions, with healthier nestlings producing more intricate songs as adults. Researchers monitored 18 wild white-throated dippers and discovered that better nutrition during the nestling period led to improved singing skills.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 14, 2018

A world without brick-and-mortar stores? Even avid online shoppers say, 'no, thanks'

The study surveyed nearly 400 consumers about their shopping habits and perceptions, finding that most agreed that physical stores are part of the social fabric of society. Respondents preferred online shopping for convenience and accessibility but prioritized tactile experiences in-store, while favoring social interaction with family ...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Retailing and Consumer Services·DateNov 14, 2018

Earth's magnetic field measured using artificial stars at 90 kilometers altitude

Researchers have successfully measured the Earth's magnetic field in the sodium layer of the mesosphere using laser-generated artificial stars. This technique allows for ground-based observations of the mesosphere, previously difficult to access, and holds promise for monitoring space weather and measuring electrical currents.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 14, 2018

Photo recognition that keeps personal interests private

A new framework, EnfPire, is proposed to preserve users' privacy when using photo-based information services. The framework successfully abstracts location information and returns a set of candidates to the user, who compares them with the original feature using a simple recognizer.

SourceOsaka University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Information Forensics and Security·DateNov 14, 2018

Patient engagement as a new blockbuster drug, not quite yet, study finds

A new study published in BMJ Open found that healthcare professionals in accountable care organizations have a positive sentiment towards patient engagement and activation, but struggle with understanding and implementing these approaches. The researchers highlight the need for improved training and support to overcome barriers and ach...

Quantum science turns social

Researchers developed a remote gaming interface that allowed external experts and citizen scientists to optimize a quantum gas experiment in real-time. The team found that collective search behavior of humans balances innovative attempts and refines existing solutions, making human problem-solving unique.

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2018

Next step on the path towards an efficient biofuel cell

Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum developed a system combining gas diffusion electrode technology with the enzyme hydrogenase to achieve significantly higher current densities. The resulting biofuel cell achieved a power density of up to 3.6 milliwatts per square centimeter and an open circuit voltage of 1.13 volts.

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

Colder, darker climates increase alcohol consumption and liver disease

A new study found a clear negative correlation between climate factors and alcohol consumption, with colder regions and areas with less sunlight experiencing higher drinking rates. Climate is also tied to binge drinking and the prevalence of alcoholic liver disease, which claims many lives in patients with prolonged excessive alcohol use.

For arid, Mars-like desert, rain brings death

A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that heavy rainfall in the Atacama Desert wiped out most microbe species, contradicting expectations of floral blooms. The research has implications for our understanding of microbial life on Mars and suggests that sudden water exposure can be lethal to microorganisms.

SourceCornell University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 14, 2018

Investigational drug shows promising results in Phase II study of aggressive, often fatal blood disorder with no approved therapies

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center report high response rates of 90% among frontline-treated patients with blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN). The study, led by Naveen Pemmaraju, presents a novel targeted therapy targeting CD-123, a cell surface receptor expressed in BPDCN and other hematologic malignancies.

Survey reveals how we use music as a possible sleep aid

A survey reveals that music is a widely used sleep aid, with 62% of respondents employing it to enhance their sleep experiences. The study found multiple pathways through which music helps, including auditory masking and mental distraction, offering new insights into the complex motivations driving people to use music as a sleep aid.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 14, 2018

Victims of gun violence tell their stories: Everyday violence, 'feelings of hopelessness'

A narrative inquiry study found that victims of urban gun violence experience everyday violence as a common occurrence, leading to feelings of hopelessness and powerlessness. The study identified four themes: prevailing nature of everyday violence, feeling abandoned by societal institutions, living in a context of reactive violence, an...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Trauma Nursing·DateNov 14, 2018

Nanotubes built from protein crystals: Breakthrough in biomolecular engineering

Scientists have developed a method to construct protein nanotubes from engineered protein crystals, which could accelerate the development of artificial enzymes, nano-sized carriers and delivery systems. The new method, reported in Chemical Science, uses protein crystals as a scaffold for proteins to self-assemble into desired structures.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalChemical Science·DateNov 14, 2018