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Quantifying how the brain smells

Researchers found that molecular properties of odors do not hold predictive power when new odor pairs or shuffled properties are tested, highlighting the complexity of smell perception. The study suggests that the brain extracts different features from smells and that olfactory experience is highly subjective and context-dependent.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 22, 2019

Researchers from IKBFU study nanoparticles synthesized by method of electric explosion

Researchers from IKBFU have developed high-quality α-Fe magnetic nanoparticles using an alternative method of electric explosion, which exhibit a high value of magnetization saturation. The obtained nanoparticles show increased chemical stability and biocompatibility, making them suitable for applications in sensing and biomedicine.

SourceImmanuel Kant Baltic Federal University·JournalJournal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials·DateJun 17, 2019

Hopping bacteria

Bacteria use a hopping motion to move through tight spaces in the human intestine, improving medical and environmental technologies. Researchers at Princeton University developed a new model with improved accuracy, leveraging complex geometry simulations.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 6, 2019

Self-powered wearable tech

Michigan State University researchers have created a potential solution for emerging wearable tech by developing highly stretchable supercapacitors powered by crumpled carbon nanotube forests. The new design has demonstrated solid performance and stability, even under extreme stretching and relaxing cycles.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateMay 2, 2019

Can flipping coins replace animal experiments?

Researchers Sophie Piper and colleagues used a coin toss to confirm whether a drug protects the brain against stroke, questioning the need for repeated experiments in mice. The study reveals high rates of false positive results and highlights the 'replication crisis' in scientific research.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 9, 2019

No US commercial laboratories fully meet guidance for noninvasive prenatal screening

A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that none of the US commercial laboratories offering noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS) fully meet the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics recommendations for genetic disorder detection and reporting. The report highlights inconsistencies and inadequacies in NIPS test res...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateApr 2, 2019

Better water testing, safer produce

Researchers compared two water testing methods to ensure safe irrigation water for leafy greens, finding excellent results when samples were clean. However, discrepancies arose when environmental factors like sediments and salts were introduced, highlighting the need for a user-friendly guide to ensure consistent accuracy.

New cell subtypes classified in mouse brain

Scientists from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have developed a novel platform to classify neurons in a mouse brain based on shape, connectivity, and location. This comprehensive approach enables precise identification of neuronal subtypes, such as axo-axonic cells, and sheds light on their unique characteristics.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 13, 2019

Genetic 'usual suspects' identified in researchers' new list

Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have created a ranked list of genes that are likely to be involved in any disease, allowing researchers to distinguish between these 'usual suspects' and those unique to specific conditions. The study's findings provide valuable context for interpreting gene activity in disease onset.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 5, 2019

Bungee jumping for science

For the first time, researchers from Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin have measured the 'Bereitschaftspotential' (readiness potential) outside a laboratory and under extreme conditions. This finding will help advance brain-computer interface development, enabling quadriplegics to control neuroprosthetics and regain hand function.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 28, 2019

Medical marketing increased over past 2 decades

The amount of money spent on medical marketing in the US has significantly increased over the past two decades, reaching $29.9 billion in 2016. Most of this spending was on marketing to professionals, with direct-to-consumer advertising also growing substantially.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJan 8, 2019