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Science News for October 24, 2018


New technology to allow 100-times-faster internet

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a new nanophotonic device that can encode and process data using twisted light beams, increasing bandwidth by up to 100 times. This technology has the potential to revolutionize optical communications and quantum computing research.

SourceRMIT University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 24, 2018

New study uncovers the interaction of calcium channels

A research team led by Professor Byung-Chang Suh has observed the dynamic combination of alpha 1 and beta subunits in calcium channels, revealing competitive replacement and stability. This breakthrough enables precise control of calcium ion inflow inside cells and opens a new horizon for treating high blood pressure and brain diseases.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 24, 2018

Researchers develop new devices to test retinal cells

Researchers developed two new devices to mechanically stress human retinal cells, mimicking slow and continuous stress levels as well as high levels of stress. The study found that mechanical stress results in the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, a protein linked to disease initiation and progression.

SourceUtah State University·JournalLab on a Chip·DateOct 24, 2018

New air-filled fiber bundle could make endoscopes smaller

Researchers have created a new air-filled optical fiber bundle that can improve endoscopes used in medical procedures like minimally invasive surgeries. The technology allows for higher resolution images at double the wavelength range, enabling diagnostic procedures not possible with current endoscope technology.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateOct 24, 2018

Peptide engineered by NTU Singapore successfully exploits Achilles' heel of Zika virus

Scientists at NTU Singapore have engineered an antiviral peptide that exploits the Zika virus' viral membrane, reducing disease symptoms and deaths in infected mice. The peptide can cross the blood-brain barrier to tackle viral infection in mouse brains, a critical feature since Zika targets the brain and central nervous system.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 24, 2018

'Cellular dust' provides new hope for regenerative medicine

Extracellular vesicles, or 'cellular dust', have shown therapeutic properties similar to stem cells without their disadvantages. These gel-like vesicles can be produced by a single donor for several patients and have demonstrated potential in repairing heart, liver, and kidney lesions.

SourceCNRS·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 24, 2018

Plump songbirds more likely to survive migration over Gulf of Mexico

A new study provides the first survival estimates for small migratory birds crossing the Gulf of Mexico, revealing that fatter birds and stronger tailwinds significantly increase their chances of survival. By understanding these factors, conservation efforts can be implemented to improve birds' ability to cross the Gulf.

Drug improves survival in metastatic breast cancer

A phase III clinical trial found that palbociclib improves overall survival in women with hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer. The drug, used in combination with standard treatment, led to a clinically meaningful improvement in median overall survival, even in patients who showed sensitivity to prior hormone therapy.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 24, 2018

Ice-age climate clues unearthed

A new computational model, PRYSM, has been developed to interpret climate data from lake sediments, revealing that lake temperature proxies underestimated air temperature changes. The model is designed to compare paleoclimate data with climate model simulations, aiming to improve interpretations of past climate changes.

SourceRice University·JournalPaleoceanography and Paleoclimatology·DateOct 24, 2018

Moving 'clean meat' from lab to table

The clean meat industry is struggling to scale up production and gain consumer acceptance, with challenges including product naming and labeling. Despite these hurdles, start-ups aim to capture a small percentage of the $1-trillion-per-year combined meat market.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateOct 24, 2018

Flu virus could evolve resistance to pandemic drug

A recent study by Imperial College London suggests that the flu virus can develop resistance to favipiravir, a potential pandemic drug, if it undergoes two specific genetic mutations. This finding highlights the need for close monitoring and surveillance to prevent the emergence of resistant strains.

SourceImperial College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 24, 2018

Cannabis pain relief without the 'high'

A team of scientists at McGill University Health Centre has identified the effective dose of cannabidiol (CBD) for safe pain relief without the risk of addiction or euphoria. The study found that low doses of CBD alleviate both pain and anxiety in animal models of chronic pain, offering a potential alternative to THC and opioids.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalPAIN Reports·DateOct 24, 2018

Data does the heavy lifting: Encouraging new public health approaches to promote the health benefits of muscle-strengthening exercise (MSE)

A new study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reports that most US adults do not engage in muscle-strengthening exercise (MSE), with nearly 60% doing no MSE at all. The investigation found that low-to-moderate frequency of MSE is linked to fewer reported health conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and cancer.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateOct 24, 2018

New nurses with bachelor's degrees feel better prepared than nurses with associate degrees

A new study by NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing found that nurses with bachelor's degrees report being better prepared in quality and safety measures, but the gap in preparedness between associate and bachelor's degree nurse graduates has doubled since 2007. This highlights the need for increased educational attainment among new nurs...

SourceNew York University·JournalThe Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety·DateOct 24, 2018

New projectile point style could suggest two separate migrations into North America

Researchers discovered a new projectile point style at the Debra L. Friedkin site in Texas, dated between 13,500 and 15,500 years ago, earlier than typical Clovis-style technologies. The finding may indicate two separate human migrations into North America, challenging current understanding of peopling history.

More rules for the intelligent household

A study investigated ideal access control rules for smart home devices in networked households, analyzing user preferences and derived suggestions for access management. The researchers found that contextual factors such as age, location, and usage history affect access rights, suggesting a need for customizable settings.

Mucus, cough and chronic lung disease: New discoveries

Researchers have uncovered the importance of mucus clearance in maintaining healthy airways. In chronic lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and COPD, immobile mucus layers can accumulate bacteria, damaging lungs. The studies suggest using inhalation sprays to keep mucus bundles moving may impede formation of these harmful layers.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJCI Insight·DateOct 24, 2018

Some planetary systems just aren't into heavy metal

Researchers at Yale and the Flatiron Institute found that compact, multiple-planet systems are more likely to form around stars with lower amounts of heavy elements. This discovery suggests new insights into the formation of smaller planets and their potential for supporting life.

SourceYale University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateOct 24, 2018

Choice architecture for architecture choices

A new tool, Multicriteria Decision Aiding methodology, helps decision makers structure and aggregate complex information for social housing initiatives. The method, based on Analytical Hierarchy Process and Non-Additive Robust Ordinal Regression, provides a transparent and explainable outcome.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalLand Use Policy·DateOct 24, 2018

Small flying robots haul heavy loads

Researchers at Stanford University have developed small flying robots called FlyCroTugs that can pull objects up to 40 times their weight using advanced gripping technologies. The robots' ability to anchor themselves to various surfaces using gecko-inspired adhesives and microspines enables them to navigate through snug spaces and inte...

SourceStanford University·JournalScience Robotics·DateOct 24, 2018

Persistence of glass sponge in face of climatic variability

A study published in PLOS ONE found that the glass sponge Vazella pourtalesi has persisted on the Scotian Shelf, which experiences strong multi-decadal variability in temperature and salinity. The sponge's ability to adapt to these changes suggests its potential response to future climate change.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 24, 2018

New Caledonian crows can create compound tools

Researchers found that New Caledonian crows can combine short parts to create novel functional tools, similar to early human tool manufacture. The birds' ability to anticipate object properties and solve complex problems is remarkable and sheds light on cognitive processes necessary for physical problem-solving.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 24, 2018

More goals in quantum soccer

Researchers at the University of Bonn have successfully applied the Purcell effect to improve the transmission of quantum information. By forcing photons onto a specific path using the Purcell effect, they achieved a significant increase in efficiency, enabling faster communication between quantum dots and transmitters.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 24, 2018

Climate change: US desert areas to become even drier

A recent study reveals that the US desert areas will experience a significant increase in dryness due to climate change. The research, conducted at Devils Hole cave, suggests that the water table has fluctuated by as much as 10 meters over the past 350,000 years, with shifts in Pacific storm track influencing rainfall patterns.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 24, 2018

Antibiotic explorers

Researchers at Harvard University have discovered that tetracycline antibiotics target human cytosolic ribosomes, leading to potential breakthroughs in treating cancer and pathological inflammation. The study provides a crucial foundation for further drug discovery and treatment development.

SourceHarvard University·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateOct 24, 2018

At least 57 negative impacts from cyber-attacks

Researchers identified five key themes of cyber-harm, including physical/digital, economic, psychological, reputational, and social/societal impacts. High-profile attacks like Sony and Ashley Madison demonstrate the devastating consequences of cyber-attacks on individuals and businesses.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalJournal of Cyber Security·DateOct 24, 2018

Fighting mutant influenza

Researchers have identified two compounds with better antiviral properties than oseltamivir, effective against both drug-resistant and sensitive strains of influenza A. These compounds target the AM2 protein with the S31N mutation, a key site of resistance in most influenza A viruses.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters·DateOct 24, 2018

Cluster of factors could help predict C. diff

Researchers identified a cluster of five risk factors associated with unhealthy gut microbial communities, which can increase the risk of C. diff infection. The study suggests potential preventive interventions, including dietary changes and fecal transplantation from healthy donors.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 24, 2018