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Electronic depositary of living systems created

The Lomonosov Moscow State University has created an electronic depositary of living systems, featuring a unique information system with data on biological samples from various origins. The system allows for managing and sharing information about biomaterial, including descriptions of organisms and techniques for operating with them.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalMolecular Phylogenetics and Evolution·DateFeb 7, 2017

How 1000 new genetic variants were discovered in blood groups

A recent study by Lund University researcher Mattias Möller has identified 1000 new genetic variants in blood group genes, which could have negative effects during blood transfusions. The discovery was made possible by developing a new computer program to process the genomes of 2504 people, providing insights into human genetic variation.

SourceLund University·JournalBlood Advances·DateJan 26, 2017

New design strategy for longer lasting batteries

A new computational design strategy identifies promising cathode coatings to protect lithium-ion batteries from degradation, extending device lifespan. Northwestern University researchers developed the approach using a massive materials database, ranking top candidates and accelerating experimental testing.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 20, 2017

Open-source plant database confirms top US bioenergy crop

Researchers have created an open-source database to facilitate bioenergy research, confirming Miscanthus as the top US bioenergy crop. The database, BETYdb, contains over 40,000 records of yield data for various biomass crops, revealing that Miscanthus is 2.4 times more productive than switchgrass under different environmental conditions.

Taking stock of the world's lakes

The new database provides a comprehensive overview of the world's lakes, with estimates of over 180,000 cubic kilometres of water stored in more than 1.4 million lakes. The study also reveals that lakes in hilly or mountainous regions tend to be deeper than those in flat landscapes.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 15, 2016

Wise plant analysis

A new method of plant analysis has identified more than twenty metabolites in tomatoes that had never been reported before, including certain antioxidants in the skin. The Weizmann team's tools, WeizMass and MatchWeiz, can help study plant metabolism and identify useful biological activity

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 5, 2016

What molecules you leave on your phone reveal about your lifestyle

Researchers used mass spectrometry to detect molecules on phones and skin, creating personalized lifestyle profiles with diet, medication, beauty product usage, health status, and location information. The study has potential applications in crime scene investigations, airport screening, and environmental exposure studies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2016

Giving credit where credit is due

Academic publishers are moving towards requiring data publication with citations, but current systems struggle to accommodate dynamic data structures. A new paper proposes an automated citation system that would generate standardized citations for extracted data, providing a solution for improving reproducibility and credibility.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalCommunications of the ACM·DateOct 14, 2016

Trauma patient deaths peak at 2 weeks

Researchers found that patients with lower severity trauma have peaks in mortality probability around 14 and 21 days after admission. The study used the largest trauma database in Europe to analyze 165,559 trauma cases, including 19,289 with unknown outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalComputers in Biology and Medicine·DateSep 2, 2016

Steroid treatment in very low birth weight infants may contribute to vision problems

A new study published in the Journal of AAPOS found a modest but significantly increased risk of retinopathy in very premature infants who received steroid treatment. The study analyzed data from 1,472 neonates and found that steroid-treated infants had a higher incidence of ROP than untreated infants.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus·DateAug 16, 2016

The BMJ reports on disclosure UK

The BMJ has released a series of infographics revealing UK doctors' payments from pharmaceutical companies, showing that those with the highest earnings are less likely to disclose payments. The database is seen as a step towards greater transparency and public accountability, but critics argue it is insufficient.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJul 7, 2016

Centuries-old database reveals clues on human reproductive habits, trends

A centuries-old database was used to study reproductive patterns and parental investment, revealing that parents and offspring do not have similar lifespans or reproductive success. Siblings who share the same mother and father exhibit similar lifespans and reproductive success, suggesting a balance between investment and reproduction.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJun 8, 2016

RNA in stop-motion

Researchers from SISSA have developed a novel technique to visualize RNA dynamics using stop-motion animation, based on a huge international database of crystallographic images. This approach allows for the creation of coherent sequences of conformations, providing valuable insights into molecular transitions and dynamics.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateApr 18, 2016