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Science News for October 26, 2018


I will drink to that

Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology identify PP2A B55δ as a major regulator of alcohol fermentation by yeast. Understanding this molecular pathway could lead to ways to chemically enhance production of fermented beverages like sake.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateOct 26, 2018

Getting the most out of atmospheric data analysis

A team of researchers has developed a mutual information approach to interpreting atmospheric data collected over an 18-year period, finding strong correlations between new-particle formation and water content, sulfuric acid concentration, temperature, and relative humidity.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateOct 26, 2018

When it comes to respiratory effects of wood smoke, sex matters

A recent study found that wood smoke exposure results in higher inflammatory markers for male subjects and lower inflammatory markers for female subjects. The researchers suggest that sex-specific effects may be missed when lumping data together, emphasizing the need to consider sex-specific responses when studying environmental pollut...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateOct 26, 2018

Humans help robots learn tasks

Researchers at Stanford University have created two frameworks, RoboTurk and SURREAL, that enable humans to teach robots basic skills more efficiently. The systems allow people to direct robot arms to perform tasks like picking up objects in real-time using a smartphone and browser.

Earth's dust cloud satellites confirmed

Researchers have confirmed the existence of two elusive clouds of dust in semi-stable orbits around the Earth, known as Kordylewski clouds. The observations were made using a linearly polarising filter system attached to a camera lens at Judit Slíz-Balogh's private observatory in Hungary.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 26, 2018

Five out of five? Study reveals psychological influences in online reviews

A study by University of East Anglia researchers found that the length of time between product consumption and posting affects review quality, with early reviews being more negative and later ones more positive. The study also discovered that geographical and cultural distances influence how reviewers rate experiences.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalInternational Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management·DateOct 26, 2018

Baby's tears and mom's libido

Researchers at the University of Tokyo found that a substance in young mice's tears makes female mice more likely to reject male sexual advances. The study aims to develop a natural mouse birth control method by adding a specific pheromone molecule to drinking water, which could reduce mouse populations and alleviate pest control issues.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 26, 2018

Shielded quantum bits

A team of physicists at the University of Konstanz has developed a theoretical concept to shield electric and magnetic noise, extending the coherence time of spin qubits. This enables thousands of computer operations to be carried out in fractions of a second, paving the way for more efficient quantum computing.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 26, 2018

Cappuccino made with jackfruit seed flour has chocolate aroma

A study conducted in Brazil found that roasted jackfruit seeds can replace between 50% and 75% of cocoa powder in milk and coffee used to make cappuccino without impairing flavor or aroma. The researchers developed an instant powder containing coffee with milk and chocolate, which can be a potential substitute for traditional cappuccino.

Two-pronged approach -- Novel combined therapy tackles excess fatty tissue

Researchers develop a novel combined therapy using icilin, a cold-mimicking molecule, and DMPP, a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor activator, to reduce excess adipose tissue and improve glucose metabolism. The combination is more effective than individual treatments alone.

Novel insights into the heart health benefits of cocoa flavanols and procyanidins

A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that cocoa flavanols, especially (−)-epicatechin, improve blood vessel function and lower blood pressure. Flavanol-only groups experienced all benefits, while procyanidin-enriched extracts showed reduced cholesterol without improvements in vascular effects.

SourceCNC Communications·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateOct 26, 2018

Turning cells against pancreatic cancer

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have identified molecular signals that can convert tumor-promoting fibroblasts into beneficial ones in pancreatic tumors. By manipulating these signals, they aim to recruit tumor-restricting cells into the anticancer fight and develop a combination therapy approach.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCancer Discovery·DateOct 26, 2018

Large cells for tiny leaves

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research have discovered a protein called LMI1 that regulates leaf growth and shape. The study found that LMI1 limits cell division, preventing cells from developing into other types and reducing the size of organs.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 26, 2018

SibFU scientists simulated the intracellular environment of a luminescent bacteria cell

The study investigated the effect of viscosity on enzymatic reactions in a simulated intracellular environment. Scientists found that sucrose limited enzyme mobility more efficiently than glycerol, affecting reaction rates and mechanisms. The approach to constructing metabolic chains inside luminescent bacteria cells was proposed.

SourceSiberian Federal University·JournalMolecular Catalysis·DateOct 26, 2018