Science news

• What Is the "Mother of All Bombs" That the U.S. Just Dropped on Afghanistan?

  13-04-2017 23:25 via rss.sciam.com
  
  The mushroom cloud from the 22,000-pound air-blast bomb was meant to send a clear message
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• New study finds mosquitoes don't just lay eggs in standing water

  13-04-2017 22:32 via cbc.ca
  
  A new study completely changes almost everything we know about mosquitoes. And this new knowledge has huge implications for how we manage the summer’s worst enemy.
  
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• New tech harvests drinking water from (relatively) dry air using only sunlight

  13-04-2017 20:00
  
  A prototype device harvests moisture from dry air and separates it into drinkable water using only sunlight.
  
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• Food on Enceladus, Old Faithful on Europa Strengthen Case for Finding Alien Life

  13-04-2017 20:00 via rss.sciam.com
  
  Scientists find molecular hydrogen and liquid-water geysers on ocean-bearing moons in the outer solar system
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• Food for microbes found on Enceladus

  13-04-2017 20:00
  
  The underground ocean of Saturn’s moon Enceladus harbors an abundance of molecular hydrogen, which could be an important source of food if microbial life exists there.
  
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• Saturn's moon Enceladus holds 'food source' for potential life

  13-04-2017 19:49 via cbc.ca
  
  The search for life in our solar system just become a bit more interesting. While scientists have not found life on Saturn's moon, they have found the next best thing: a food source that could sustain potential life.
  
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• Transition metal-catalyzed alkyl-alkyl bond formation: Another dimension in cross-coupling chemistry

  13-04-2017 19:26
  Because the backbone of most organic molecules is composed primarily of carbon-carbon bonds, the development of efficient methods for their construction is one of the central challenges of organic synthesis. Transition metal–catalyzed cross-coupling reactions between organic electrophiles and nucleophiles serve as particularly powerful tools for achieving carbon-carbon bond formation. Until recently, the vast majority of cross-coupling processes had used either aryl or alkenyl electrophile
  
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• The preprophase band of microtubules controls the robustness of division orientation in plants

  13-04-2017 19:26
  Controlling cell division plane orientation is essential for morphogenesis in multicellular organisms. In plant cells, the future cortical division plane is marked before mitotic entry by the preprophase band (PPB). Here, we characterized an Arabidopsis trm (TON1 Recruiting Motif) mutant that impairs PPB formation but does not affect interphase microtubules. Unexpectedly, PPB disruption neither abolished the capacity of root cells to define a cortical division zone nor induced aberrant cell divi
  
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• The impact of hunting on tropical mammal and bird populations

  13-04-2017 19:26
  Hunting is a major driver of biodiversity loss, but a systematic large-scale estimate of hunting-induced defaunation is lacking. We synthesized 176 studies to quantify hunting-induced declines of mammal and bird populations across the tropics. Bird and mammal abundances declined by 58% (25 to 76%) and by 83% (72 to 90%) in hunted compared with unhunted areas. Bird and mammal populations were depleted within 7 and 40 kilometers from hunters’ access points (roads and settlements). Additional
  
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• Synthesis of a carbon nanobelt

  13-04-2017 19:26
  The synthesis of a carbon nanobelt, comprising a closed loop of fully fused edge-sharing benzene rings, has been an elusive goal in organic chemistry for more than 60 years. Here we report the synthesis of one such compound through iterative Wittig reactions followed by a nickel-mediated aryl-aryl coupling reaction. The cylindrical shape of its belt structure was confirmed by x-ray crystallography, and its fundamental optoelectronic properties were elucidated by ultraviolet-visible absorption, f
  
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• Single-cell whole-genome analyses by Linear Amplification via Transposon Insertion (LIANTI)

  13-04-2017 19:26
  Single-cell genomics is important for biology and medicine. However, current whole-genome amplification (WGA) methods are limited by low accuracy of copy-number variation (CNV) detection and low amplification fidelity. Here we report an improved single-cell WGA method, Linear Amplification via Transposon Insertion (LIANTI), which outperforms existing methods, enabling micro-CNV detection with kilobase resolution. This allowed direct observation of stochastic firing of DNA replication origins, wh
  
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• Semantics derived automatically from language corpora contain human-like biases

  13-04-2017 19:26
  Machine learning is a means to derive artificial intelligence by discovering patterns in existing data. Here, we show that applying machine learning to ordinary human language results in human-like semantic biases. We replicated a spectrum of known biases, as measured by the Implicit Association Test, using a widely used, purely statistical machine-learning model trained on a standard corpus of text from the World Wide Web. Our results indicate that text corpora contain recoverable and accurate
  
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• Nanoscale-length control of the flagellar driveshaft requires hitting the tethered outer membrane

  13-04-2017 19:26
  The bacterial flagellum exemplifies a system where even small deviations from the highly regulated flagellar assembly process can abolish motility and cause negative physiological outcomes. Consequently, bacteria have evolved elegant and robust regulatory mechanisms to ensure that flagellar morphogenesis follows a defined path, with each component self-assembling to predetermined dimensions. The flagellar rod acts as a driveshaft to transmit torque from the cytoplasmic rotor to the external fila
  
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• Landscape of immunogenic tumor antigens in successful immunotherapy of virally induced epithelial cancer

  13-04-2017 19:26
  Immunotherapy has clinical activity in certain virally associated cancers. However, the tumor antigens targeted in successful treatments remain poorly defined. We used a personalized immunogenomic approach to elucidate the global landscape of antitumor T cell responses in complete regression of human papillomavirus–associated metastatic cervical cancer after tumor-infiltrating adoptive T cell therapy. Remarkably, immunodominant T cell reactivities were directed against mutated neoantigens
  
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• Imaging the distribution of transient viscosity after the 2016 Mw 7.1 Kumamoto earthquake

  13-04-2017 19:26
  The deformation of mantle and crustal rocks in response to stress plays a crucial role in the distribution of seismic and volcanic hazards, controlling tectonic processes ranging from continental drift to earthquake triggering. However, the spatial variation of these dynamic properties is poorly understood as they are difficult to measure. We exploited the large stress perturbation incurred by the 2016 earthquake sequence in Kumamoto, Japan, to directly image localized and distributed deformatio
  
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• High-performance light-emitting diodes based on carbene-metal-amides

  13-04-2017 19:26
  Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) promise highly efficient lighting and display technologies. We introduce a new class of linear donor-bridge-acceptor light-emitting molecules, which enable solution-processed OLEDs with near-100% internal quantum efficiency at high brightness. Key to this performance is their rapid and efficient utilization of triplet states. Using time-resolved spectroscopy, we establish that luminescence via triplets occurs within 350 nanoseconds at ambient temperature, af
  
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• Enhancement of Zika virus pathogenesis by preexisting antiflavivirus immunity

  13-04-2017 19:26
  Zika virus (ZIKV) is spreading rapidly into regions around the world where other flaviviruses, such as dengue virus (DENV) and West Nile virus (WNV), are endemic. Antibody-dependent enhancement has been implicated in more severe forms of flavivirus disease, but whether this also applies to ZIKV infection is unclear. Using convalescent plasma from DENV- and WNV-infected individuals, we found substantial enhancement of ZIKV infection in vitro that was mediated through immunoglobulin G engagement o
  
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• Crystal structure of the overlapping dinucleosome composed of hexasome and octasome

  13-04-2017 19:26
  Nucleosomes are dynamic entities that are repositioned along DNA by chromatin remodeling processes. A nucleosome repositioned by the switch-sucrose nonfermentable (SWI/SNF) remodeler collides with a neighbor and forms the intermediate "overlapping dinucleosome." Here, we report the crystal structure of the overlapping dinucleosome, in which two nucleosomes are associated, at 3.14-angstrom resolution. In the overlapping dinucleosome structure, the unusual "hexasome" nucleosome, composed of the hi
  
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• Complex multifault rupture during the 2016 Mw 7.8 Kaikoura earthquake, New Zealand

  13-04-2017 19:26
  On 14 November 2016, northeastern South Island of New Zealand was struck by a major moment magnitude (Mw) 7.8 earthquake. Field observations, in conjunction with interferometric synthetic aperture radar, Global Positioning System, and seismology data, reveal this to be one of the most complex earthquakes ever recorded. The rupture propagated northward for more than 170 kilometers along both mapped and unmapped faults before continuing offshore at the island’s northeastern extent. Geodetic
  
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• Colloidally prepared La-doped BaSnO3 electrodes for efficient, photostable perovskite solar cells

  13-04-2017 19:26
  Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) exceeding a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20% have mainly been demonstrated by using mesoporous titanium dioxide (mp-TiO2) as an electron-transporting layer. However, TiO2 can reduce the stability of PSCs under illumination (including ultraviolet light). Lanthanum (La)–doped BaSnO3 (LBSO) perovskite would be an ideal replacement given its electron mobility and electronic structure, but LBSO cannot be synthesized as well-dispersible fine particles or cry
  
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• Cassini finds molecular hydrogen in the Enceladus plume: Evidence for hydrothermal processes

  13-04-2017 19:26
  Saturn’s moon Enceladus has an ice-covered ocean; a plume of material erupts from cracks in the ice. The plume contains chemical signatures of water-rock interaction between the ocean and a rocky core. We used the Ion Neutral Mass Spectrometer onboard the Cassini spacecraft to detect molecular hydrogen in the plume. By using the instrument’s open-source mode, background processes of hydrogen production in the instrument were minimized and quantified, enabling the identification of a
  
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• Assembly of embryonic and extraembryonic stem cells to mimic embryogenesis in vitro

  13-04-2017 19:26
  Mammalian embryogenesis requires intricate interactions between embryonic and extraembryonic tissues to orchestrate and coordinate morphogenesis with changes in developmental potential. Here, we combined mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and extraembryonic trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) in a three-dimensional scaffold to generate structures whose morphogenesis is markedly similar to that of natural embryos. By using genetically modified stem cells and specific inhibitors, we show that embryogenes
  
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• Architecture of a transcribing-translating expressome

  13-04-2017 19:26
  DNA transcription is functionally coupled to messenger RNA (mRNA) translation in bacteria, but how this is achieved remains unclear. Here we show that RNA polymerase (RNAP) and the ribosome of Escherichia coli can form a defined transcribing and translating "expressome" complex. The cryo–electron microscopic structure of the expressome reveals continuous protection of ~30 nucleotides of mRNA extending from the RNAP active center to the ribosome decoding center. The RNAP-ribosome interface
  
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• How more than 1 million people came together and created Reddit's 'Place' masterpiece

  13-04-2017 18:48 via cbc.ca
  
  More than one million people collaborated and competed to create this work of internet art one pixel at a time.
  
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• Young eels use magnetic ‘sixth sense’ to navigate

  13-04-2017 18:06
  
  Migrating eels use Earth’s magnetic field.
  
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• Canadian researchers create first map of universe's dark matter

  13-04-2017 17:31 via cbc.ca
  
  Researchers at the University of Waterloo have created the first map showing how our universe's elusive dark matter interacts with galaxies.
  
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• New worm-snail is a super slimer

  13-04-2017 16:30
  
  New worm-snail species shoots snot to snag a snack.
  
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• Permafrost thawing faster than previously thought, new study says

  13-04-2017 14:00 via cbc.ca
  
  A new paper in the journal Nature Climate Change says four million square kilometres of permafrost are lost for every degree Celsius of warming.
  
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• New Simpler Parkinson's Tests Probe Walking, Talking, Typing

  13-04-2017 13:00 via rss.sciam.com
  
  The new tests show promise for detecting the neurodegenerative condition earlier
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• Ink-Drop Supernovae and Quantum Love Triangles [Video]

  13-04-2017 12:45 via rss.sciam.com
  
  Short films about exploding stars and subatomic particles top the list of prizewinners from the annual Quantum Shorts contest
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• When it comes to reading, kindergarten is the new first grade

  13-04-2017 06:00
  
  (Ohio State University) A new nationwide study has found that children entering first grade in 2013 had significantly better reading skills than similar students had just 12 years earlier.Researchers say this means that in general, children are better readers at a younger age, but the study also revealed where gaps remain -- especially in more advanced reading skills.
  
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• Visualizing future doesn't increase delayed gratification, Penn study shows

  13-04-2017 06:00
  
  (University of Pennsylvania) Joseph Kable and Trishala Parthasarathi of the University of Pennsylvania found that visualizing the future doesn't cause people to delay gratification but rather increases impulsivity.
  
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• Two early career researchers honored with Alan T. Waterman Award

  13-04-2017 06:00
  
  (National Science Foundation) The National Science Foundation (NSF) today recognized Baratunde 'Bara' A. Cola of the Georgia Institute of Technology and John V. Pardon of Princeton University with the nation's highest honor for early career scientists and engineers, the Alan T. Waterman Award. This marks only the second time in the award's 42-year history that NSF selected two recipients in the same year.
  
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• Trust in local community leads to better long-term decisions among the poor

  13-04-2017 06:00
  
  (Princeton University, Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs) Research led by Princeton University finds that low-income individuals who trust their communities make better long-term financial decisions. This is likely because citizens rely on friends and neighbors for financial support rather than quick fixes like payday loans, which further indebt them.
  
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• Think you can handle your alcohol? Study may urge some drinkers to think again

  13-04-2017 06:00
  
  (Veterans Affairs Research Communications) Heavy drinkers develop behavioral tolerance to alcohol over time on some fine motor tasks, but not on more complex tasks, suggests a study led by a Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System researcher.
  
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• The world's most spoken language is...'Terpene'

  13-04-2017 06:00
  
  (Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW)) If you're small, smells are a good way to stand out. A team of researchers led by the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) has demonstrated for the first time that two different types of micro-organisms -- bacteria and fungi -- use fragrances, known as terpenes, to hold conversations. And that's not all. 'We actually believe that terpenes are the most popular chemical medium on our planet to communicate through.'
  
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• The relationship between drug injection risk behaviors and immune activation

  13-04-2017 06:00
  
  (New York University) Investigators examined the relationship between injection drug use and immune activation in a sample of HIV infected and uninfected PWID.Findings suggest that efforts to encourage injection cessation or reduction in frequency can have positive health benefits through reducing immune activation.
  
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• The new method of analysis in record high speed DNA assay device

  13-04-2017 06:00
  
  (Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences) In medical diagnostics, the importance of genetic code assays is growing day by day and modern molecular biology could not do without it. Current DNA analysis techniques, however, are far from perfect. Working on a record high speed genetic research tool Curiosity Diagnostics, a spin-off company of IPC PASand part of the Scope Fluidics group, has developed a new method of DNA analysis, combining the key advantages of the two cur
  
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• The Black Panther Party -- its struggles and achievements

  13-04-2017 06:00
  
  (Springer) The Golden Jubilee of the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense, which took place in October 2016, is the topic of a new special issue in the Journal of African American Studies, published by Springer. This special issue consists of many academics who employed varying perspectives to tackle topics in several creative and original ways. In the end, the goal is to provide a more nuanced perspective on the diversity and complexity of this militant group.
  
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• Technique improves breast reduction outcomes

  13-04-2017 06:00
  
  (Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center) Research led by Frank Lau, M.D., Assistant Professor of Clinical Surgery at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine, has found that long-term breast reduction outcomes can be improved by using techniques that minimally disrupt the lower breast suspensory ligaments.
  
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• SwRI scientists discover evidence for a habitable region within Saturn's moon Enceladus

  13-04-2017 06:00
  
  (Southwest Research Institute) Scientists from Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) have discovered hydrogen gas in the plume of material spraying from Saturn's moon Enceladus. Analysis of data from NASA's Cassini spacecraft indicates that the hydrogen is best explained by chemical reactions between the moon's rocky core and warm water from its subsurface ocean. The SwRI-led team's discovery suggests that Enceladus' ocean floor could include features analogous to hydrothermal vents on Earth, whic
  
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• Study of US opioid users shows Venebio's overdose risk index to have 90% accuracy

  13-04-2017 06:00
  
  (The Hodges Partnership) A recent study published in Pain Medicine validates the strong performance of Venebio Group's risk index tool -- Venebio Opioid Advisor (VOA) -- at predicting the likelihood of a life-threatening overdose in patients taking a prescription opioid.
  
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• Study links brain structure, anxiety and negative bias in healthy adults

  13-04-2017 06:00
  
  (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) Healthy college students who have a relatively small inferior frontal cortex - a brain region behind the temples that helps regulate thoughts and emotions - are more likely than others to suffer from anxiety, a new study finds. They also tend to view neutral or even positive events in a negative light, researchers report.
  
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• Study examines impact of common risk factors on outcomes for home and birth center births

  13-04-2017 06:00
  
  (Oregon State University) Women with some characteristics commonly thought to increase pregnancy risks -- being over age 35; being overweight; and in some cases, having a vaginal birth after a cesarean section -- tend to have good outcomes when they give birth at home or in a birth center, a new assessment has found.
  
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• Study examines cognitive and psychosocial function of retired professional hockey players

  13-04-2017 06:00
  
  (Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care) Researchers at Baycrest Health Sciences' Rotman Research Institute have reported the most comprehensive neuropsychological study of retired professional ice hockey players to date. They found that the alumni involved in the study, most of whom played in the NHL, were free from significant brain impairment on objective testing. Yet the players reported a high level of emotional, behavioural and cognitive challenges on questionnaires rating subjective complaint
  
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• Specialized blood vessels enhance tumor-fighting immunotherapy

  13-04-2017 06:00
  
  (VIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)) Scientists from VIB and KU Leuven, together with colleagues from the University of California and the Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research have demonstrated that, anti-angiogenic therapy can improve immune boosting treatments. The successful combination of these two therapies results in the growth of specialized vessels that deliver cancer-fighting immune cells to the tumor, potentially leading to more effective treatments and longer s
  
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• Shedding light on the absorption of light by titanium dioxide

  13-04-2017 06:00
  
  (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) EPFL scientists have uncovered the hidden properties of titanium dioxide, one of the most promising materials for light-conversion technology.
  
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• Seismology on Mars and beyond at SSA Annual Meeting

  13-04-2017 06:00
  
  (Seismological Society of America) In May 2018, NASA Discovery's InSight mission will be the first lander to place an ultrasensitive broadband seismometer on the surface of Mars--making it the first planetary seismometer deployed since the Viking missions of the 1970s.
  
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• PolyU develops novel semiconductor nanofiber with superb charge conductivity

  13-04-2017 06:00
  
  (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University ) The Department of Mechanical Engineering of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has developed a novel technology of embedding highly conductive nanostructure into semi-conductor nanofiber. The novel composite so produced has superb charge conductivity, and can therefore be widely applied, especially in environmental arena.
  
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• Policymakers 'flying blind' into the future of work

  13-04-2017 06:00
  
  (Carnegie Mellon University) Will a robot take away my job? Many people ask that question, yet policymakers don't have the kind of information they need to answer it intelligently, say the authors of a new study from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM).
  
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