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Science News for July 11, 2019


A crystal clear step closer to commercial solar cells

Researchers at KAUST have developed a synthetic approach to generate homogeneous and defect-free crystals that could fast-track the commercialization of perovskite solar cells. The new single-crystal films exhibit lower defect density and higher charge-carrier diffusion lengths, leading to high-quality solar cells with a maximum power-...

House mouse shapes Toxoplasma gondii distribution

Research in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases reveals that house mice have dramatically shaped Toxoplasma gondii populations globally. The study found four main lineages of the parasite, one newly described, which differ between inland and coastal regions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJul 11, 2019

Mosquito surveillance uncovers new information about malaria transmission in Madagascar

A recent study published in PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases reveals that female Anopheles mosquitoes bite more often and have varied diets than previously assumed. The study also found that certain species of Anopheles mosquitoes, typically considered less important for malaria transmission, are infected with the Plasmodium parasite.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJul 11, 2019

NIST's compact atomic gyroscope displays new twists

The NIST team has upgraded their compact atomic gyroscope to enable simultaneous measurement of rotation, rotation angle and acceleration with a single source of atoms. The instrument's sensitivities for the magnitude and direction of the rotation measurements are approaching those achieved by other research groups using larger atom in...

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateJul 11, 2019

How procrastinators and doers differ genetically

A study found that women tend to procrastinate due to a genetic predisposition towards high dopamine levels, which affects brain regions involved in decision-making and impulse control. This trait is not observed in men, who show no correlation between the tyrosine hydroxylase gene and action control.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateJul 11, 2019

Alternating currents cause Jupiter's aurora

Researchers measured Jupiter's electric current system and found that alternating currents play a crucial role in generating the aurora. The study used data from NASA's Juno spacecraft to derive electric currents and found a total of approximately 50 million amperes, significantly lower than expected values.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJul 11, 2019

Mathematical model explores daily rhythms in pain sensitivity

A computational model simulates how pain is transmitted from a nerve to the spinal cord's dorsal horn, reproducing experimental results on pain sensitivity. The model suggests a potential mechanism for neuropathic pain's flipped sensitivity rhythm: a change from inhibition to excitation in synaptic connections between nerve cells.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJul 11, 2019

Hubble uncovers black hole that shouldn't exist

Researchers observed a supermassive black hole in galaxy NGC 3147 with an unusual thin disk of gas swirling around it, contrary to predictions. The team used Hubble Space Telescope's STIS instrument to study the disk, revealing unique features that can only be explained by Einstein's theories of relativity.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 11, 2019

Yield-boosting stay-green gene identified from 118-year-old experiment in corn

A corn gene identified from a 118-year-old experiment at the University of Illinois can boost yields by an average of 4.6 bushels per acre, requiring no additional fertilizer inputs. The gene, NAC7, controls senescence and stays green longer, allowing plants to continue photosynthesizing and producing grain.

New in the Hastings Center Report

A multistakeholder study proposes six policy options for governing heritable genome editing, including proactive regulation and broad public engagement. Meanwhile, gynecological surgery reform is urged due to declining OB-GYN skills and lack of transparency, putting patient safety at risk.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateJul 11, 2019

Successful T cell engineering with gene scissors

A team at Technical University of Munich has developed modified T cells using CRISPR-Cas9, which can recognize specific antigens without mixed receptors. These near-natural cells have the same structure but are capable of being genetically modified, making them suitable for cancer therapy and potential solutions to immunotherapy problems.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJul 11, 2019

Facial plastic surgery in men enhances perception of attractiveness, trustworthiness

A study by Georgetown University Medical Center found that facial cosmetic surgery in men increases perceptions of attractiveness, likeability, social skills, and trustworthiness. The researchers also discovered that chin augmentation was the only procedure without a significant impact on perceived masculinity or attractiveness.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Facial Plastic Surgery·DateJul 11, 2019

An 'EpiPen' for spinal cord injuries

The approach demonstrated in mice enhances healing by reprogramming aggressive immune cells to work for the body, reducing inflammation and promoting regeneration. This technology could lead to new therapeutic strategies for patients with spinal cord injury and inflammatory diseases.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 11, 2019

Bird with unusually long toes found fossilized in amber

Researchers have discovered a bird foot from 99 million years ago preserved in amber that had a hyper-elongated third toe, measuring 9.8 millimeters, which is 41 percent longer than its second toe and 20 percent longer than its lower leg bone. The bird, named Elektorornis chenguangi, likely used its toes to hook food out of tree trunks.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 11, 2019

Researchers survey immune molecules found inside mycetoma lesions

A recent study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases investigated the expression levels of two immune proteins, interleukin-17 and matrix metalloprotein-9, in mycetoma grains. The researchers found that these molecules are present in specific zones of the grains and correspond with disease duration and lesion size.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJul 11, 2019

Training trials

A study published in BMJ found that reduced training hours for medical residents did not compromise the quality of care delivered by new physicians. The analysis of 485,685 hospitalizations showed no significant differences in patient outcomes, including mortality and readmissions.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalThe BMJ·DateJul 11, 2019