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Science News for January 11, 2019


HKUST scientists develop novel method to monitor molecular aggregation

Researchers have developed a new method to monitor molecular aggregation in real-time, allowing for the analysis of conformational changes. The method uses the AACD effect and chiral molecules to track aggregation-annihilation circular dichroism, providing valuable insights into biological processes.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 11, 2019

Skull scans tell tale of how world's first dogs caught their prey

Analysis of prehistoric dog skulls and comparisons with modern animals have uncovered the hunting methods used by the world's first dogs, 40 million years ago. The study found that these early canines pounced on prey in a similar way to modern species like foxes and coyotes.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 11, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Reviewing advanced applications in drug delivery and medicine

Researchers have explored graphene family of materials for their potential use in targeted drug delivery and cellular imaging. These nano-biomaterials exhibit excellent physicochemical properties, making them suitable for various biomedical applications.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Drug Delivery·DateJan 11, 2019

Research to advance cancer therapy

A new study led by Dr. Suresh Alahari found that the protein Nischarin regulates cell attachment and alters exosome properties, reducing breast cancer cell motility and adhesion. The research team's findings suggest that Nischarin-expressing exosomes may serve as an effective treatment for cancer.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalCancer Research·DateJan 11, 2019

PNNL tech serves as fish body double

The Sensor Fish technology analyzes physical stressors experienced by fish passing through turbulent waters and turbines at hydroelectric facilities. Licensing to ATS enables dam operators and researchers to gather accurate measurements, improving sustainability.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateJan 11, 2019
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.

New study provides clinicians with better analysis of psychological flexibility

A new study from the University of Chichester has identified three distinct classes of psychological flexibility: high, moderate, and low. The research found that those with high levels of psychological flexibility reported lower levels of psychological distress, while those with low levels reported higher levels.

SourceUniversity of Chichester·JournalBehavior Modification·DateJan 11, 2019

3D printing 100 times faster with light

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new approach to 3D printing that lifts complex shapes from a vat of liquid, producing objects 100 times faster than conventional methods. The method uses two lights to control where resin hardens and harden, enabling the creation of sophisticated patterns and durable materials.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 11, 2019

A new mechanism helps explain differences between eukaryotic and bacterial proteomes

A new mechanism has been discovered that allows eukaryotic cells to synthesize proteins absent in prokaryotes, leading to the enrichment of genes coding for transfer RNAs involved in this process. This finding may lead to the development of strategies to inhibit protein production in diseases caused by their overabundance.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateJan 11, 2019
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

New leukemia drug is more effective and easier to use

A landmark study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has found that ibrutinib is significantly more effective than standard therapy in treating CLL, causing fewer side effects and requiring less frequent patient visits. Ibrutinib was shown to improve survival rates by 13% compared to standard treatment.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 11, 2019

Feds, states can help biochar live up to its soil-saving potential

A study by researchers at Rice University shows that well-designed policy can support the use of biochar to enhance agricultural productivity, sequester carbon, and preserve valuable soil. The federal government has existing programs that promote biochar adoption, but more investment is needed in large-scale production.

SourceRice University·DateJan 11, 2019

Longer siesta on bright days

Research by neurobiologists at the University of Würzburg reveals that high-intensity light extends sleep duration and delays evening activity in Drosophila. The study's findings suggest a molecular mechanism involving photo receptors and neuropeptides that regulate the circadian clock.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·DateJan 11, 2019

Calcium specks may help detect heart disease in South Asians

Researchers found that South Asian men had high rates of calcification change in artery walls, similar to white men, and higher risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes at a younger age. Early detection of coronary artery calcium through CT scans may help guide treatment options for this population.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJan 11, 2019
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.

Arbitrary quantum channel simulation for a superconducting qubit

A team of scientists successfully simulated an arbitrary quantum channel for a superconducting qubit, allowing for controlled evolution in various physical environments. This breakthrough demonstrates the potential for this technology in future applications, including quantum computation and simulation.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateJan 11, 2019

VISTA checkpoint implicated in pancreatic cancer immunotherapy resistance

Researchers identified VISTA on immune cells infiltrating pancreatic tumors, which resisted immune checkpoint blockade drugs. The study highlights the importance of stroma and found higher expression of VISTA in pancreatic tumors compared to melanoma.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 11, 2019

Gene therapy could eliminate drug side effect in Parkinson's patients

Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a gene therapy that could reduce and possibly eliminate dyskinesia, a frustrating side effect of levodopa treatment in Parkinson's patients. The study focuses on brain cells and has shown promising results in preventing the development of dyskinesia over extended periods.

SourceMichigan State University·DateJan 11, 2019
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.

Blueprint for plant immune response found

Washington State University researchers found the way plants respond to disease-causing organisms and how they protect themselves. The discovery provides a blueprint for breeding resistance to diseases or pests, enabling faster and more efficient development of crop protection strategies.

SourceWashington State University·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateJan 11, 2019

Integrated pathways for meeting climate targets and ensuring access to safe water

The study developed three water sector development scenarios to compare costs and impacts of achieving SDG6 goals and meeting climate targets. The analysis shows that combining clean water and climate policies can increase implementation costs, but these increases are relatively small compared to the cost for implementing each policy o...

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJan 11, 2019

Childhood body composition may help determine future lung health

A new study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that childhood body composition plays a crucial role in determining future lung health. Boys and girls with higher muscle mass in childhood have higher lung function, while those with more fat mass have lower lung function.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 11, 2019

Technique identifies electricity-producing bacteria

MIT engineers develop a microfluidic technique to quickly assess bacteria's electrochemical activity, finding a strong correlation between polarizability and electricity production. This breakthrough could lead to new applications in power generation and environmental cleanup.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 11, 2019
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.

Curricular changes show success by fourth year

A new science curriculum, Integrating Biology with Inquiry (IBIS), has been shown to increase student buy-in and satisfaction over time, while maintaining learning gains. The four-year study found that students recognized the connection between their teaching methods and their learning outcomes.

SourceSUNY Geneseo·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 11, 2019

New mathematical model can help save endangered species

A new mathematical model developed by University of Southern Denmark researcher Fernando Colchero can help predict the population growth of endangered species. The model takes into account age-specific survival and reproduction rates, as well as trade-offs between these factors, resulting in more accurate predictions.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalEcology Letters·DateJan 11, 2019
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.

The algae's third eye

Researchers have discovered a new light sensor in green algae that inhibits cGMP production, reducing its concentration. This finding is significant as it mirrors the human eye's response to light, and could lead to breakthroughs in optogenetics.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalBMC Biology·DateJan 11, 2019
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Binge eating and smoking linked to bullying and sexual abuse

A new study from the University of Adelaide found that people who suffered bullying or sexual abuse have a lower quality of life similar to those living with chronic conditions. Those who experienced these traumas are more likely to display harmful behaviors like smoking dependence and binge eating.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalBMC Public Health·DateJan 11, 2019

Gene-editing tool CRISPR repurposed to develop better antibiotics

Researchers developed a mobile CRISPRi system to study antibiotic function in various bacteria, including those that cause disease and promote health. The system allows scientists to screen for antibiotic targets thousands of genes at once, providing clues on how to improve existing antibiotics or develop new ones.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJan 11, 2019

Astronomers develop world's largest, most inclusive 'stellar library'

Astronomers have developed a massive library of star spectra, enabling them to reconstruct the composition and history of distant galaxies. By analyzing thousands of stars in our Milky Way galaxy, researchers can build up a "library" of stellar spectra, allowing them to understand the unique mix of stars that makes up each galaxy.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·DateJan 11, 2019

Making ammonia 'greener'

Researchers Julie Renner and Mohan Sankaran have developed an electrolytic process with a plasma to create ammonia from nitrogen and water at low temperature and pressure. This process could lead to smaller, more localized ammonia plants powered by alternative energy.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 11, 2019

Being HIV positive and staying on antiretroviral therapy in Africa: A systematic review

The systematic review identified nine themes impacting on adherence and treatment seeking, including external issues such as poverty and stigma. Long-term engagement requires adaptation and incorporation of ART into daily life, facilitated by factors like self-efficacy and emotional support. The review aims to inform service delivery a...

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 11, 2019
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.

Does opioid use in pets create higher risk for abuse in humans?

A study at the University of Pennsylvania found a significant increase in opioid prescriptions for small animals, driven by complex procedures and pain management needs. The results suggest that veterinary opioids could contribute to the human opioid epidemic if misused.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 11, 2019

VAT fat may cause pathogenic obesity

Visceral adipose tissue prioritizes over subcutaneous fat storage, leading to chronic inflammation and insulin resistance. Early life malnutrition and modern diets contribute to VAT accumulation.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 11, 2019
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Gamblers predicted Brexit before financial traders, study finds

A study shows that gamblers sensed the Leave vote coming an hour before currency experts in the city, creating a window of arbitrage. By trading early on either market, astute traders could have made up to nine US cents of profit per pound sterling.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalInternational Journal of Forecasting·DateJan 11, 2019

Menstrual hygiene needs unmet for low-income women

A study by Saint Louis University's College for Public Health and Social Justice found that nearly two-thirds of low-income women cannot afford menstrual hygiene supplies like pads or tampons, with 46% unable to buy both food and period-related products. The researchers advocate for broader education and policy shifts surrounding menst...

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateJan 11, 2019

Parasites from patients with cerebral malaria stick preferentially in their brains

Researchers found that infected red blood cells from cerebral malaria patients bind more strongly to brain-derived cells than those from uncomplicated malaria patients. This suggests that specific PfEMP1 proteins on the infected red blood cells allow for efficient binding to brain vessels, a key feature of cerebral malaria.

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateJan 11, 2019
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Scientists identify how plants sense temperature

Researchers have discovered a genetic mechanism used by all plants to sense temperature during the day, using the model plant Arabidopsis. The study reveals that phytochrome B plays a key role in this process, and identifies a transcription activator called HEMERA as the master control for temperature sensing.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 11, 2019

Racial disparities in asthma related to health care access, environmental factors

A recent study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology analyzed data from the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute's Severe Asthma Research Program. The research found that African American patients are more likely to experience emergency hospital visits for asthma and have poorer asthma outcomes due to socioecon...

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJan 11, 2019

New analytic model to better identify patients likely to develop PTSD

A new model predicts PTSD risk with high accuracy, identifying individuals at significant risk for early intervention. The model, developed from a large international study, analyzes trauma scores and estimates each individual's risk of chronic PTSD.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalWorld Psychiatry·DateJan 11, 2019
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

'Realistic' new model points the way to more efficient and profitable fracking

A new computational model accurately predicts fracture mechanics, allowing for optimized pumping rates and fracturing fluid properties. This could lead to a greater percentage of gas extraction from deep shale strata, increasing industry efficiency and profitability.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 11, 2019