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Science News for March 29, 2019


Odd reaction creates a stir in the lab

Researchers at Rice University discovered that PTFE stir bars react with chemicals in an unexpected way, affecting the modification of nanotubes. This discovery highlights the importance of choosing inert materials in laboratory settings.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Omega·DateMar 29, 2019

Quantum optical cooling of nanoparticles

Physicians at the University of Vienna have developed a novel method to cool nanoparticles using quantum optics, enabling unprecedented control over particle motion in ultra-high vacuum. The approach, inspired by atomic physics, harnesses scattered light from an optical tweezer to effectively cool particles' kinetic energy.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 29, 2019

Engineering for high-speed devices

A team at the University of Delaware has engineered a silicon-graphene device that can transmit radiofrequency waves in less than a picosecond, enabling faster communications. The device combines the benefits of silicon and graphene, with improved carrier mobility and electrical properties.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalACS Applied Electronic Materials·DateMar 29, 2019

Hollow structures in 3D

Scientists at University of Freiburg create three-dimensional hollow structures in quartz glass using Glassomer process. This breakthrough enables the production of optical waveguides and microfluidic channels, previously difficult to manufacture due to glass's chemical resistance.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 29, 2019

New methodology enable solid state lighting to measure and self-adjust based on conditions

Researchers have developed a new methodology that allows solid state lighting to measure and self-adjust its spectral power distribution based on environmental conditions. This enables the system to maintain consistency and stability over time, making it suitable for applications requiring precise light spectra.

Quantum physics and origami for the ultimate get-well card

Researchers use metal nanoparticles to detect single target molecules in paper-based tests, overcoming limitations of conventional dyes. The results enable ultra-sensitive diagnostics with limitless applications in medicine, forensics, and environmental safety.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·DateMar 29, 2019

Scientists develop way to perform supercomputer simulations of the heart on cellphones

Researchers from Rochester Institute of Technology and Georgia Tech developed a new approach to simulate the heart's electrophysiology in real-time, allowing doctors to better discuss life-threatening heart conditions with patients. This method uses WebGL code to repurpose graphics cards for faster scientific computing applications.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 29, 2019

Major step towards individual cancer immunotherapy

Scientists create vaccine that strengthens immune defences by multiplying cancer-repelling T cells, promising treatment for individualized cancer immunotherapy and potential application in autoimmune diseases. Laboratory tests conducted on tumours in mice show effectiveness of approach.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Immunology·DateMar 29, 2019

People can survive organ failure, a review explores how

A review explores how two cell populations respond to organ failure, with one type relying on endoreplication and the other on cell regeneration. This cooperative response allows organs to recover from failure, but also presents tradeoffs that can impact long-term health.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Molecular Medicine·DateMar 29, 2019

When cash is your enemy

A study by Rod Duclos and Mansur Khamitov found that individuals who receive cash are more likely to opt for immediate gratification, leading to lower savings rates. Activating a mindset focused on long-term goals can increase patience and tolerance for parting with cash.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateMar 29, 2019

Cancer researchers highlight clinical potential of liquid biopsy using droplet digital PCR technology at the 2019 AACR Annual Meeting

Researchers presented studies on the clinical utility of liquid biopsy powered by ddPCR technology to measure blood-based tumor biomarkers in a reproducible way. Studies demonstrated correlations between ctDNA mutations and response to abemaciclib in breast cancer patients and found potential as a predictor for surgery success in malig...

Doctors more likely to prescribe preventive therapy if prompted by EMR

A new study found that using an electronic dashboard linked to patients' medical records increased the prescription of preventive therapy by 18% among cardiac patients. The study suggests that education alone is not enough and that technology-assisted nudge approaches can be effective in improving prescribing rates.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalThe Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety·DateMar 29, 2019

Illinois professor contributes to improved care for NICU babies

Researchers developed a wireless, battery-free sheath that can be laid on the skin and gently peeled off when needed. The patch gathers medical data and processes it locally to reduce information sent wirelessly. Since deployment at two hospitals, 90 babies have used the patches, validating them as a feasible alternative to current tec...

Omega-3 fatty acids tied to fewer childhood asthma symptoms

A six-month study of children with asthma found that higher omega-3 fatty acid intake was associated with lower odds of daytime asthma symptoms in response to indoor air pollution. Conversely, higher omega-6 intake was linked to more severe asthma and increased inflammation. The study suggests that dietary recommendations can help prot...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 29, 2019

Just add heat to open this tiny box

Scientists have created nanocubes that can form stable cubes at specific temperatures, then scramble back into individual components when heated or cooled. This self-assembly ability mimics life's chemical processes, enabling the creation of complex systems.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 29, 2019

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may play opposite roles in childhood asthma

Research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids can modify asthma severity and response to indoor air pollution in children, while higher levels of omega-6 may exacerbate the condition. The study found a correlation between increased neutrophils in response to particulate pollution and higher levels of omega-6 in the diet.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 29, 2019

UTA biologist shows new insights into chromosome evolution, venom regulation in snakes

Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding snake genomes, including the evolution of venom genes, dosage compensation mechanisms, and sex determination systems. The study provides a comprehensive genomic context for these complex biological processes, offering new insights into the unique adaptations of snakes.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalGenome Research·DateMar 29, 2019

Chronic kidney disease of undetermined causes, described originally in Central America and Sri Lanka

A new study reveals that chronic kidney disease of undetermined causes (CKDu) is present in rural India, particularly in Southern areas, and shares similar risk factors as in Central America and Sri Lanka. The disease affects mainly working-age populations and has a faster clinical evolution compared to traditional CKD.

Origin of Scandinavian wolves clarified

A new study from Uppsala University reveals that Scandinavian wolves originated from the Nordic region or adjacent parts of Northern Europe, rather than from hybridization with dogs. Genetic analysis shows that patrilines in Scandinavian wolves are unique and not found in dogs.

SourceUppsala University·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateMar 29, 2019

Smoking and mortality in Asia

A study of over 1 million participants from China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, and India found that smoking was associated with 144,366 deaths during a 12-year follow-up period. Tobacco use accounted for 56.6% of lung cancer deaths and 21.1% of total deaths among men born in the 1920s.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 29, 2019