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Science News for October 23, 2018


Honey, I shrunk the cell culture

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a near-infrared laser that can change the size and shape of a block of gel-like material while human or bacterial cells grow on it. This tool holds promise for biomedical researchers seeking to shed light on how to grow replacement tissues and organs.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 23, 2018

Houston Methodist scientists create device to deliver immunotherapy without side effects

Researchers developed a nanofluidic seed that can deliver sustained-release doses of immunotherapy directly to tumors, reducing the need for multiple IV treatments and eliminating side effects. The device has shown promising results in mice models, with equal effectiveness compared to systemic immunotherapy while minimizing toxicities.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateOct 23, 2018

Does putting the brakes on outrage bottle up social change?

A team of psychologists found that moral outrage can lead to collective action and inspire people to take part in long-term social change. The study, published in Trends in Cognitive Sciences, combined findings from moral psychology and intergroup psychology to investigate the dynamics of outrage.

SourcePenn State·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateOct 23, 2018

The role of the Atg2 protein in tethering pre-autophagosomal membranes to the endoplasmic reticulum

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology discovered the role of Atg2 in tethering pre-autophagosomal membranes to the endoplasmic reticulum. The study found that Atg2's N- and C-terminal regions have membrane-binding capabilities, allowing it to initiate autophagosome formation and expand membranes. Understanding this mechanism is ...

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 23, 2018

Neurons reliably respond to straight lines

A study published in Scientific Reports found that 80% of tracked neurons were reliably activated by the same oriented lines throughout a two-week period. The researchers used two-photon microscopy to visualize hundreds of neurons and tested an extensive range of stimuli, including varying line thickness.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 23, 2018

High-dose influenza vaccine linked with lower hospitalization rates in dialysis patients

A new study suggests that high-dose influenza vaccine is associated with lower risk for hospitalizations in kidney failure patients on dialysis. The findings indicate a significant reduction in hospitalizations among dialysis patients who received the high-dose vaccine, while standard dose vaccine showed no difference.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 23, 2018

Rewilding landscapes can help to solve more than one problem

Researchers have found that rewilding can mitigate the impact of rising temperatures in the Arctic, reduce greenhouse gas emissions from livestock farming, and enhance wetland plant diversity. The approach involves reintroducing native carnivores to suppress invasive herbivores and restore ecosystem balance.

SourceNetherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW)·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateOct 23, 2018

Yes, your pet can tell time

A new study found 'timing cells' in the brain that turn on when an animal waits, allowing it to measure a time interval. The research could lead to early-detection tests for Alzheimer's disease by asking people to judge how much time has elapsed.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateOct 23, 2018

Measuring immigrant integration

Researchers developed a pragmatic survey tool to measure immigrant integration across six dimensions: psychological, economic, political, social, linguistic, and navigational. The tool's validity was tested with empirical tests, showing it can differentiate between levels of integration and track with commonly used predictors.

SourceStanford University - Immigration Policy Lab·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 23, 2018

Biodiversity for the birds

A recent study by University of Delaware researchers found that residential yards dominated by non-native plants have fewer arthropods, leading to a decline in bird populations. The research suggests that prioritizing native plant species can support biodiversity and sustain wildlife.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 23, 2018

Zambezi Valley may soon be too hot for tsetse flies

A study based on 27 years of data from Mana Pools National Park suggests that temperature increases have caused significant declines in local tsetse fly populations. This could lead to reduced transmission of trypanosome pathogens causing sleeping sickness, but may also make other areas more suitable for the flies.

SourceStellenbosch University·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 23, 2018

CU researchers: Home care for knee replacement patients aids in recovery

A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that home care with physical therapy significantly improves recovery rates for knee replacement surgery patients. The study analyzed Medicare claims data and found that patients receiving six to nine home-care visits by a physical therapist had better outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateOct 23, 2018

Invasive species in an ecosystem harm native organisms but aid other invasive species

New research from Binghamton University found that invasive plant leaf litter and sodium chloride accelerate developmental time and reduce mass of native leopard frogs, while aiding invasive African clawed frogs. The study highlights the importance of considering interactions between multiple stressors in preserving native biodiversity.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalBiological Invasions·DateOct 23, 2018

The smell of lavender is relaxing, science confirms

A new study published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience confirms the potent relaxing effects of lavender and its active compound linalool. The research suggests that the scent of linalool must be smelled, not absorbed, to exert its calming effects.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateOct 23, 2018

Memory-steel -- A new material for the strengthening of buildings

Researchers from Empa and re-fer AG have developed a new building material called memory-steel, which uses shape-memory alloys to permanently prestress concrete structures. The material eliminates the need for hydraulic prestressing, reducing space requirements and making it suitable for confined spaces.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalConstruction and Building Materials·DateOct 23, 2018

Bad boss? You may be making things better -- or worse!

A recent study reveals that employee anxiety, self-esteem, and leadership behavior perception can impact a leader's influence on organizational functioning. Followers and leaders can buffer against undesirable effects of dark-side traits like dishonesty, disagreeableness, and carelessness.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateOct 23, 2018

Mussel-inspired defect engineering enhances the mechanical strength of graphene fibers

Researchers applied polydopamine as an infiltrate binder to achieve high mechanical and electrical properties in graphene-based liquid crystalline fibers. The bio-inspired defect engineering overcomes the limitations of conventional graphene fibers, making it suitable for flexible electronics, textiles, and wearable sensors.

Computers use social media data to predict crime

A study published in EPJ Data Science found that algorithms predicting crimes more accurately than existing models, with significant improvements in predictions for assaults and drug offences. The system used location and activity data from Foursquare users to make predictions.

SourceRMIT University·JournalEPJ Data Science·DateOct 23, 2018

New laser advances

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed a 'transistor' laser that can be manipulated at the nanoscale using an external voltage. This technology could lead to more accurate medical procedures and re-routing of fiber optic communication lines.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 23, 2018