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Science News for September 3, 2018


Natural 'breakdown' of chemicals predicts lung damage in 9/11 firefighters

A new study found that abnormal levels of over two dozen metabolites can predict which Sept. 11 firefighters developed lung disease and which did not. The research provides a promising approach to early detection and possible treatment of lung damage in disaster victims exposed to fine particles.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalBMJ Open Respiratory Research·DateSep 3, 2018

Blue-green algae promises to help boost food crop yields

Scientists at Australian National University have engineered tiny carbon-capturing engines from blue-green algae into plants, promising a 60% increase in plant growth and yield. This breakthrough improves the way crops convert carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight into energy through enhanced photosynthesis.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 3, 2018

Superradiance: Quantum effect detected in tiny diamonds

Researchers at TU Wien have measured the phenomenon of superradiance in tiny diamond defects, where one atom causes other atoms to emit energy as light. This creates an intense flash of quantum light that happens within 100 nanoseconds.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 3, 2018

Brain scans could distinguish bipolar from depression

Researchers found that brain activity in the amygdala responds differently to facial expressions in individuals with bipolar disorder versus those with depression. The study demonstrated 80% accuracy in distinguishing between the two conditions. This finding holds promise for improving diagnosis and treatment of these disorders.

SourceWestmead Institute for Medical Research·DateSep 3, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Evolutionary origins of animal biodiversity

Research team analyzed thousands of features across all living animal groups to create a 'shape space' for animal body plans. The results show that fundamental evolutionary change occurred in fits and starts, with animal designs continuing to evolve to the present day.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 3, 2018

Boosting gravitational wave detectors with quantum tricks

A group of scientists from the Niels Bohr Institute aim to improve gravitational wave detectors by incorporating a 'filter' made of cesium atoms, which can neutralize Quantum Back Action and increase accuracy. The development is expected to show proof of concept within three years.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 3, 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.

Evolution of animal designs

The study reveals that animal biodiversity has expanded episodically to the present day, contrary to theories of a single Cambrian explosion. The development of life until the Cambrian period included a wide range of designs, with regulatory genes playing a key role in increasing diversity.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 3, 2018

Amplification of extreme precipitation events

A modeling study demonstrated that latent heating can amplify moisture-driven increases in extreme precipitation by up to a factor of two. The analysis focused on a 2015 extreme precipitation event in Texas.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 3, 2018

Children born through IVF may have higher risk of hypertension

A Swiss study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that children born through IVF may have a higher risk of developing arterial hypertension by age 16. The study measured ambulatory blood pressure and found that ART adolescents had a higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure than control participants.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 3, 2018

Falling stars hold clue for understanding dying stars

Researchers have proposed a new method to investigate supernovae explosions, utilizing meteorites and electron anti-neutrinos. By measuring the amount of Ruthenium isotope 98Ru, scientists can estimate the characteristics of electron anti-neutrinos in supernovae, shedding light on their role in the explosion mechanism.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 3, 2018

Light exchange

Scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science have successfully demonstrated a logic gate that enables the exchange of information between photons and atoms, a breakthrough necessary for scaling up quantum computers. This achievement paves the way for the development of more powerful quantum computing systems.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 3, 2018
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Can sustainable development co-exist with current economic growth?

New research suggests that high- and low-income countries will struggle to achieve environmental sustainability if current economic growth patterns continue. The study argues that restructuring the economic system is key to making development compatible with ecological sustainability.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 3, 2018

Pathology and social interactions: Safety in numbers

Researchers found that social isolation accelerates tumor growth in sick flies, while healthy flies avoid sick individuals with advanced tumors. This study suggests that social interactions play a substantial role in cancer development and progression.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 3, 2018

New research shows how children want their food served

A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that children have different food serving preferences based on their age and gender. Younger girls prefer separate servings, while boys of the same age do not care about presentation style. The research also shows that older children prefer mixed or combined ingredients in their meals.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalJournal of Sensory Studies·DateSep 3, 2018
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Mud from the deep sea reveals clues about ancient monsoon

Researchers reconstructed history of monsoon activity in northern Mexico using leaf wax compounds from deep sea sediments, settling a long-standing debate over its impact on ice age climates. The study helps predict regional climate responses to future conditions by understanding past variability.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Geoscience·DateSep 3, 2018

Body temperature regulation: how fever comes

A study by Takeo Nakanishi at Kanazawa University found that fever is regulated by prostaglandin E2 and OATP2A1 transporters, suggesting these as potential therapeutic targets for treating fever-related conditions.

SourceKanazawa University·DateSep 3, 2018

Neutrophil nanosponges soak up proteins that promote rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed nanosponges that can safely absorb and neutralize a variety of proteins involved in rheumatoid arthritis progression. These nanosponges effectively treated severe rheumatoid arthritis in two mouse models, reducing swelling and minimizing cartilage damage.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 3, 2018
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Telescope maps cosmic rays in large and small magellanic clouds

Researchers used the Murchison Widefield Array to observe radiation from cosmic rays in two neighboring galaxies, detecting areas of star formation and remnants from past supernovae. The study provides insights into the rate of star formation in these galaxies, shedding light on their unique features.

SourceInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateSep 3, 2018

How sickled red blood cells stick to blood vessels

Researchers found that immature reticulocytes are more prone to stick to blood vessel walls, leading to vaso-occlusive pain crises. A new microfluidic system mimicked post-capillary vessels, revealing how low oxygen levels cause sickle red cells to form stiff fibers that increase adhesion.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 3, 2018

Infants can distinguish between leaders and bullies, study finds

A new study found that 21-month-old infants can recognize power differences between characters and expect those differences to endure over time. Infants understand that with leaders, they must obey even when the leader is not present, but with bullies, they only obey when the bully is around.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 3, 2018

Enhancers are easier to predict in the adult stage than those in the fetal stage

A study published in Current Bioinformatics found that predicting enhancers in adult tissues is more accurate than in fetal stages. The researchers used support vector machines to analyze DNA sequences and histone modifications, achieving good performance on most cell lines and tissues, especially for heart and lung tissues.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Bioinformatics·DateSep 3, 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.

Scientists pioneer a new way to turn sunlight into fuel

Researchers at St John's College, University of Cambridge, successfully split water into hydrogen and oxygen using semi-artificial photosynthesis, producing more solar energy than natural photosynthesis. This innovation could revolutionize renewable energy production with a green and unlimited source of energy.

SourceSt. John's College, University of Cambridge·JournalNature Energy·DateSep 3, 2018

Severely traumatized refugees may not necessarily develop PTSD -- study

A new study published in Scientific Reports suggests that severe trauma from war, torture, and natural disasters may not necessarily lead to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in refugees. However, those who struggle to control their memories are more likely to exhibit symptoms of PTSD.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 3, 2018

Powerful tools from VTT to solve challenges in bio- and circular economy

The SES (Synthetic Expression System) toolbox enables efficient expression of genes in yeasts and fungi with better control. It provides solutions for bio- and circular economy challenges by developing novel microbial production processes for waste material valorization.

SourceVTT Technical Research Centre of Finland·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateSep 3, 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.

Terahertz spectroscopy enters the single-molecule regime

Researchers at The University of Tokyo's Institute of Industrial Science developed a method to detect the motion of individual molecules using terahertz radiation. This breakthrough allows for the study of molecular vibrations and electron tunneling with unprecedented sensitivity.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalNature Photonics·DateSep 3, 2018

Can social media networks reduce political polarization on climate change?

A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that exposure to anonymous, bipartisan social networks can lead liberals and conservatives to improve their forecasting of global-climate trends. In the study, 88% of Republicans and 86% of Democrats correctly analyzed climate data after interacting in social media networks.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 3, 2018

Like a zipper -- how cells form new blood vessels

Researchers at the University of Basel have found that endothelial cells can migrate within vessel sprouts while remaining firmly attached to each other. This process allows for the formation of a complex network of blood vessels that pass through the body from head to toe.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 3, 2018

Breaking osteoporosis: New mechanism activates bone-building cells

A recent study published in Nature Communications has identified SIRT7 as a key enzyme in regulating bone formation. The researchers found that SIRT7 deacylates the 368th lysine residue of SP7/Osterix, leading to increased osteoblast differentiation and bone density.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 3, 2018
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Satellites more at risk from fast solar wind than a major space storm

A new UK-US study found that electron radiation levels within the Van Allen radiation belts can remain exceptionally high for 5 days or more after a solar wind event. This increases the risk of damage to satellites' electronic components, potentially leading to malfunctions and service outages.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalSpace Weather·DateSep 3, 2018

Nalbuphine may help manage opioid-induced urine retention

Researchers found that nalbuphine effectively treated opioid-induced urine retention in a patient, suggesting it as a potential solution for those unable to use catheters. WHO guidelines also recently made recommendations on treatment intensification for type 2 diabetes and insulin use for type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 3, 2018
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Assay identifies antibiotic in bear saliva

Researchers used a microfluidic platform to screen the oral microbiome of Siberian brown bears and identified an antibiotic-producing strain of Bacillus pumilus that kills Staphylococcus aureus. The study also uncovered a mechanism by which Bacillus resists this antibiotic, suggesting its potential for discovering novel antibiotics.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 3, 2018

Intergenerational trends in status mobility

A US study reveals strong intergenerational persistence in socioeconomic status, with parents' higher status linked to offspring's median status. This decline in overall mobility over two decades is attributed to changing economic conditions and accentuates inequalities of opportunity.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 3, 2018

Social networks and interpretation of climate data

A study of 2,400 participants found that exposure to opposing political views in social networks can improve accuracy and eliminate partisan bias in climate data interpretation. However, displaying political symbols hindered this learning process.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 3, 2018

Veiled supernovae provide clue to stellar evolution

Researchers found that circumstellar matter surrounding red supergiant stars can hide shock breakout light, causing supernovae to brighten faster than expected. The discovery changes our understanding of stellar evolution and offers insights into the origin of diversity in supernovae.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature Astronomy·DateSep 3, 2018
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Lack of social mobility more of an 'occupational hazard' than previously known

A new study by NYU's Michael Hout finds that Americans' occupational status is strongly linked to their parents' occupation, with high-status parents' children having greater advantages in the labor force. The study uses median-based data and reveals stark distinctions between top and bottom tiers of occupation status.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 3, 2018

Infants' expectations for leaders and bullies

Infants as young as 21 months old can distinguish between respectful leadership and bullying behavior. They expect protagonists to obey orders given by a leader, even when the leader is no longer present, but not when ordered by a bully.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 3, 2018
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Chaos-inducing genetic approach stymies antibiotic-resistant superbugs

Researchers at University of Colorado Boulder develop Controlled Hindrance of Adaptation of OrganismS (CHAOS) approach to disrupt gene expressions in bacteria, effectively stunting their ability to evolve defenses. The method offers a sustainable long-term solution to combat antibiotic-resistant superbugs that infect nearly 2 million p...

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalCommunications Biology·DateSep 3, 2018