Science news

• Galapagos finches caught in act of becoming new species

  23-11-2017 20:06 via bbc.co.uk
  A population of finches on the Galapagos is discovered in the process of becoming a new species.
  
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• Topological origin of equatorial waves

  23-11-2017 19:41
  Topology sheds new light on the emergence of unidirectional edge waves in a variety of physical systems, from condensed matter to artificial lattices. Waves observed in geophysical flows are also robust to perturbations, which suggests a role for topology. We show a topological origin for two well-known equatorially trapped waves, the Kelvin and Yanai modes, owing to the breaking of time-reversal symmetry by Earth’s rotation. The nontrivial structure of the bulk Poincaré wave modes
  
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• Three-dimensional mechanical metamaterials with a twist

  23-11-2017 19:41
  Rationally designed artificial materials enable mechanical properties that are inaccessible with ordinary materials. Pushing on an ordinary linearly elastic bar can cause it to be deformed in many ways. However, a twist, the counterpart of optical activity in the static case, is strictly zero. The unavailability of this degree of freedom hinders applications in terms of mode conversion and the realization of advanced mechanical designs using coordinate transformations. Here, we aim at realizing
  
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• The fundamental advantages of temporal networks

  23-11-2017 19:41
  Most networked systems of scientific interest are characterized by temporal links, meaning the network’s structure changes over time. Link temporality has been shown to hinder many dynamical processes, from information spreading to accessibility, by disrupting network paths. Considering the ubiquity of temporal networks in nature, we ask: Are there any advantages of the networks’ temporality? We use an analytical framework to show that temporal networks can, compared to their static
  
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• Ten-month-old infants infer the value of goals from the costs of actions

  23-11-2017 19:41
  Infants understand that people pursue goals, but how do they learn which goals people prefer? We tested whether infants solve this problem by inverting a mental model of action planning, trading off the costs of acting against the rewards actions bring. After seeing an agent attain two goals equally often at varying costs, infants expected the agent to prefer the goal it attained through costlier actions. These expectations held across three experiments that conveyed cost through different physi
  
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• Structure-property relationships from universal signatures of plasticity in disordered solids

  23-11-2017 19:41
  When deformed beyond their elastic limits, crystalline solids flow plastically via particle rearrangements localized around structural defects. Disordered solids also flow, but without obvious structural defects. We link structure to plasticity in disordered solids via a microscopic structural quantity, "softness," designed by machine learning to be maximally predictive of rearrangements. Experimental results and computations enabled us to measure the spatial correlations and strain response of
  
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• Structure of the TAPBPR-MHC I complex defines the mechanism of peptide loading and editing

  23-11-2017 19:41
  Adaptive immunity is shaped by a selection of peptides presented on major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) molecules. The chaperones Tapasin (Tsn) and TAP-binding protein–related (TAPBPR) facilitate MHC I peptide loading and high-affinity epitope selection. Despite the pivotal role of Tsn and TAPBPR in controlling the hierarchical immune response, their catalytic mechanism remains unknown. Here, we present the x-ray structure of the TAPBPR–MHC I complex, which delineates th
  
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• Structural insights into ion conduction by channelrhodopsin 2

  23-11-2017 19:41
  The light-gated ion channel channelrhodopsin 2 (ChR2) from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is a major optogenetic tool. Photon absorption starts a well-characterized photocycle, but the structural basis for the regulation of channel opening remains unclear. We present high-resolution structures of ChR2 and the C128T mutant, which has a markedly increased open-state lifetime. The structure reveals two cavities on the intracellular side and two cavities on the extracellular side. They are connected by e
  
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• RNA editing with CRISPR-Cas13

  23-11-2017 19:41
  Nucleic acid editing holds promise for treating genetic disease, particularly at the RNA level, where disease-relevant sequences can be rescued to yield functional protein products. Type VI CRISPR-Cas systems contain the programmable single-effector RNA-guided ribonuclease Cas13. We profiled type VI systems in order to engineer a Cas13 ortholog capable of robust knockdown and demonstrated RNA editing by using catalytically inactive Cas13 (dCas13) to direct adenosine-to-inosine deaminase activity
  
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• Response to Comment on "Water harvesting from air with metal-organic frameworks powered by natural sunlight"

  23-11-2017 19:41
  The Comment by Meunier states that the process we described in our report cannot deliver the claimed amount of liquid water in an arid climate. This statement is not valid because the parameters presented in our study were inappropriately combined to draw misguided conclusions.
  
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• Molecular and cellular reorganization of neural circuits in the human lineage

  23-11-2017 19:41
  To better understand the molecular and cellular differences in brain organization between human and nonhuman primates, we performed transcriptome sequencing of 16 regions of adult human, chimpanzee, and macaque brains. Integration with human single-cell transcriptomic data revealed global, regional, and cell-type–specific species expression differences in genes representing distinct functional categories. We validated and further characterized the human specificity of genes enriched in dis
  
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• Major role of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria in dark ocean carbon fixation

  23-11-2017 19:41
  Carbon fixation by chemoautotrophic microorganisms in the dark ocean has a major impact on global carbon cycling and ecological relationships in the ocean’s interior, but the relevant taxa and energy sources remain enigmatic. We show evidence that nitrite-oxidizing bacteria affiliated with the Nitrospinae phylum are important in dark ocean chemoautotrophy. Single-cell genomics and community metagenomics revealed that Nitrospinae are the most abundant and globally distributed nitrite-oxidiz
  
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• Double-trap measurement of the proton magnetic moment at 0.3 parts per billion precision

  23-11-2017 19:41
  Precise knowledge of the fundamental properties of the proton is essential for our understanding of atomic structure as well as for precise tests of fundamental symmetries. We report on a direct high-precision measurement of the magnetic moment μp of the proton in units of the nuclear magneton μN. The result, μp = 2.79284734462 (±0.00000000082) μN, has a fractional precision of 0.3 parts per billion, improves the previous best measurement by a factor of 11, and is consistent w
  
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• Current-induced strong diamagnetism in the Mott insulator Ca2RuO4

  23-11-2017 19:41
  Mott insulators can host a surprisingly diverse set of quantum phenomena when their frozen electrons are perturbed by various stimuli. Superconductivity, metal-insulator transition, and colossal magnetoresistance induced by element substitution, pressure, and magnetic field are prominent examples. Here we report strong diamagnetism in the Mott insulator calcium ruthenate (Ca2RuO4) induced by dc electric current. The application of a current density of merely 1 ampere per centimeter squared induc
  
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• Crystal structure of a TAPBPR-MHC I complex reveals the mechanism of peptide editing in antigen presentation

  23-11-2017 19:41
  Central to CD8+ T cell–mediated immunity is the recognition of peptide–major histocompatibility complex class I (p–MHC I) proteins displayed by antigen-presenting cells. Chaperone-mediated loading of high-affinity peptides onto MHC I is a key step in the MHC I antigen presentation pathway. However, the structure of MHC I with a chaperone that facilitates peptide loading has not been determined. We report the crystal structure of MHC I in complex with the peptide editor TAPBPR (
  
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• Creation of a Bose-condensed gas of 87Rb by laser cooling

  23-11-2017 19:41
  Protocols for attaining quantum degeneracy in atomic gases almost exclusively rely on evaporative cooling, a time-consuming final step associated with substantial atom loss. We demonstrate direct laser cooling of a gas of rubidium-87 (87Rb) atoms to quantum degeneracy. The method is fast and induces little atom loss. The atoms are trapped in a two-dimensional optical lattice that enables cycles of compression to increase the density, followed by Raman sideband cooling to decrease the temperature
  
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• Control of zeolite framework flexibility and pore topology for separation of ethane and ethylene

  23-11-2017 19:41
  The discovery of new materials for separating ethylene from ethane by adsorption, instead of using cryogenic distillation, is a key milestone for molecular separations because of the multiple and widely extended uses of these molecules in industry. This technique has the potential to provide tremendous energy savings when compared with the currently used cryogenic distillation process for ethylene produced through steam cracking. Here we describe the synthesis and structural determination of a f
  
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• Comment on "Water harvesting from air with metal-organic frameworks powered by natural sunlight"

  23-11-2017 19:41
  Kim et al. (Reports, 28 April 2017, p. 430) describe a method for harvesting water from air, using a metal-organic framework (MOF) as the adsorbent. The process as described in the paper is, however, inadequate, and the system cannot deliver the claimed amount of liquid water in an arid climate. A modification of the process design and the use of more suitable MOFs may be more likely to achieve the goals targeted by Kim et al.
  
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• Architecture of eukaryotic mRNA 3'-end processing machinery

  23-11-2017 19:41
  Newly transcribed eukaryotic precursor messenger RNAs (pre-mRNAs) are processed at their 3' ends by the ~1-megadalton multiprotein cleavage and polyadenylation factor (CPF). CPF cleaves pre-mRNAs, adds a polyadenylate tail, and triggers transcription termination, but it is unclear how its various enzymes are coordinated and assembled. Here, we show that the nuclease, polymerase, and phosphatase activities of yeast CPF are organized into three modules. Using electron cryomicroscopy, we determined
  
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• An interferon-independent lncRNA promotes viral replication by modulating cellular metabolism

  23-11-2017 19:41
  Viruses regulate host metabolic networks to improve their survival. The molecules that are responsive to viral infection and regulate such metabolic changes are hardly known, but are essential for understanding viral infection. Here we identify a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) that is induced by multiple viruses, but not by type I interferon (IFN-I), and facilitates viral replication in mouse and human cells. In vivo deficiency of lncRNA-ACOD1 (a lncRNA identified by its nearest coding gene Acod1,
  
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• Terry Fox 'precision oncology' program offers hope for children who are out of cancer treatment options

  23-11-2017 19:35 via cbc.ca
  Terry Fox "precision oncology" initiative brings scientists from across Canada together to use genetic sequencing in an effort to provide new treatment for children whose cancer has not responded to other interventions.
  
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• How repealing net neutrality in U.S. could hurt Canadian pocketbooks

  23-11-2017 19:20 via cbc.ca
  If the U.S. repeals net neutrality rules, it will affect how Americans access the internet. But it could also mean Canadians will see their costs to access favourite services like Netflix or YouTube rise as companies pay service providers to make sure their content remains available in the U.S.
  
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• New discovery to accelerate development of salt-tolerant grapevines

  23-11-2017 19:12
  A discovery is likely to improve the sustainability of the Australian wine sector and significantly accelerate the breeding of more robust salt-tolerant grapevines.
  
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• Imaging technique shows progress Alzheimer's disease

  23-11-2017 19:10
  Using ‘Raman’ optical technology, scientists can now produce images of brain tissue that is affected by Alzheimer’s disease. The images include the surrounding areas, already showing changes.
  
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• Hormone therapy in the menopause transition does not increase risk of stroke

  23-11-2017 19:10
  Postmenopausal hormone therapy is not associated with increased risk of stroke, provided that it is started early, according to a new report.
  
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• Tesla's massive battery in Australia is ready for testing

  23-11-2017 18:52 via cbc.ca
  The world’s biggest battery is ready for testing in South Australia, with hopes it can help solve the energy problems plaguing that state.
  
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• Uber hack latest example of why vigilance required to keep your wallet safe

  23-11-2017 17:28 via cbc.ca
  For the 8,000 Canadians who had personal data stolen by hackers in the massive Equifax data breach earlier this year, trust and peace of mind are now difficult to come by. For the rest of Canada, the incident should serve as a cautionary tale, as such breaches are expected to increase in size and scope.
  
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• YouTube steps up enforcement of content aimed at children

  23-11-2017 16:48 via cbc.ca
  YouTube stepped up enforcement of its guidelines for videos aimed at children, the unit of Alphabet Inc's Google said on Wednesday, responding to criticism that it has failed to protect children from adult content.
  
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• Dolly the sheep health fears 'unfounded'

  23-11-2017 16:17 via bbc.co.uk
  Concerns that Dolly the cloned sheep had early-onset arthritis were unfounded, scientists say.
  
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• Neurobiology: The chemistry of memory

  23-11-2017 15:54
  Learning requires the chemical adaptation of individual synapses. Researchers have now revealed the impact of an RNA-binding protein that is intimately involved in this process on learning and memory formation and learning processes.
  
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• 'Lost' 99% of ocean microplastics to be identified with dye?

  23-11-2017 15:54
  The smallest microplastics in oceans, which go largely undetected, can be identified more effectively with an innovative and cheap new method, report researchers. The new method can detect microplastics as small as the width of a human hair, using a fluorescent dye. Previous scientific field work surveys report that only 1% of the plastic waste in the oceans has been found. This new research could lead to discovering the missing 99%.
  
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• Climate change could increase volcano eruptions

  23-11-2017 15:54
  Shrinking glacier cover could lead to increased volcanic activity in Iceland, warn scientists in a new report.
  
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• Hunting for the finest droplet

  23-11-2017 15:53
  Modern passenger airplanes already consume less than three liters fuel per one hundred kilometers and passenger. Scientists are currently working on further improving this value. In addition, engineers plan to optimize the combustion process such that exhaust gas emission is reduced considerably. For this purpose, they use supercomputers and simulation methods that are usually applied for tsunami calculations or for water effects in computer games.
  
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• Highly charged molecules behave paradoxically

  23-11-2017 15:53
  Chemistry researchers have now discovered how certain small biomolecules attach to one another. The researchers’ study also overturns the standard picture – particles with the same electrical charge appear to be drawn together and not vice versa. The results may be important for the development of new drugs.
  
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• Flamingo feces and their way of walking stimulate organic matter filtering in saline wetlands

  23-11-2017 15:52
  The greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) facilitates microbial ‘filtering’ of organic matter in saline wetlands, thus improving water quality and reducing nitrogen loads by promoting denitrification, research concludes. This is a facilitating role these animals possess which was unknown until now.
  
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• Radiographs of Dolly's skeleton show no signs of abnormal osteoarthritis

  23-11-2017 15:51
  Original concerns that cloning caused early-onset osteoarthritis (OA) in Dolly the sheep are unfounded, report experts.
  
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• Ocean floor mud reveals secrets of past European climate

  23-11-2017 15:43
  Samples of sediment taken from the ocean floor of the North Atlantic Ocean have given researchers an unprecedented insight into the reasons why Europe's climate has changed over the past 3,000 years.
  
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• New batteries with better performance, improved safety

  23-11-2017 15:43
  Currently the most important technology for batteries is the lithium-ion battery technology, but the technology is expensive and contains a flammable liquid. To satisfy the growing demand from emerging markets, researchers have devised a new battery prototype: known as "all-solid-state," this battery has the potential to store more energy while maintaining high safety and reliability levels.
  
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• Meadows beat out shrubs when it comes to storing carbon

  23-11-2017 15:43
  While the world focuses on controlling global warming caused by carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels, less attention has been paid to the capacity of vegetation and soils to take up and store carbon. A remote field site in the Norwegian mountains is improving our understanding of carbon cycling in high-latitude alpine areas.
  
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• Key to regenerating blood vessels discovered

  23-11-2017 15:43
  A signaling pathway that is essential for angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels from pre-existing vessels, has been discovered by researchers. The findings may improve current strategies to improve blood flow in ischemic tissue, such as that found in atherosclerosis and peripheral vascular disease associated with diabetes.
  
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• China's reversing emission flows revealed by research

  23-11-2017 15:43
  The flow of China's carbon emissions has reversed, according to new research. The study estimates the carbon implications of recent changes in the country's economic development patterns and role in international trade since the global financial crisis.
  
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• Bones show Dolly’s arthritis was normal for a sheep her age

  23-11-2017 15:00
  
  Cloning didn’t cause the famous sheep to age prematurely.
  
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• Deep fat fryers may help form cooling clouds

  23-11-2017 14:41 via bbc.co.uk
  The fatty acids released in cooking may help form clouds that cool the climate, say scientists.
  
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• Scientists Genetically Engineer a Form of Gluten-Free Wheat

  23-11-2017 14:00 via rss.sciam.com
  Removing disease-causing proteins from the grain could make it safe for celiacs to consume
  -- Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
  
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• World's smallest tape recorder is built from microbes

  23-11-2017 06:00
  (Columbia University Medical Center) Through a few clever molecular hacks, researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have converted a natural bacterial immune system into a microscopic data recorder, laying the groundwork for a new class of technologies that use bacterial cells for everything from disease diagnosis to environmental monitoring.
  
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• When friends become objects

  23-11-2017 06:00
  (Ruhr-University Bochum) Why do people use social media? Striving to answer this question, social psychologists at Ruhr-Universität Bochum have conducted a survey with more than 500 Facebook users with regard to their personality structure and the way they use the platform. Based on the results, they have developed the first comprehensive theory of social media usage. According to that theory, self-regulation is the key: we use Facebook in a way that makes us feel good and hope to attain ou
  
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• Serious mortuary errors could be reduced by applying common patient safety protocols

  23-11-2017 06:00
  (SAGE) New research investigating serious incidents occurring in the management of patient remains after their death concludes that safe mortuary care may be improved by applying lessons learned from existing patient safety work.
  
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• Physicists develop faster way to make Bose-Einstein condensates

  23-11-2017 06:00
  (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) MIT physicists have invented a new technique to cool atoms into condensates, which is faster than the conventional method and conserves a large fraction of the original atoms. The team used a new process of laser cooling to cool a cloud of rubidium atoms all the way from room temperature to 1 microkelvin, or less than one-millionth of a degree above absolute zero.
  
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• NUST MISIS metallurgists were the first to develop a unique furnace for the recycling of waste

  23-11-2017 06:00
  (National University of Science and Technology MISIS) More than 95% of cast-iron in the world is still produced in blast furnaces. Modern blast furnaces are powerful units that produce tons of cast-iron daily, but they require prepared, high-quality raw materials like agglomerate cakes, steel pellets, and iron. Recycling industrial waste that contains iron (of which Russian enterprises alone produce more than 5 million tons of annually) is economically and technologically irresponsible and next-
  
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• New batteries with better performance and improved safety

  23-11-2017 06:00
  (Université de Genève) Currently the most important technology for batteries is the lithium-ion battery technology: but the technology is expensive and contains a flammable liquid. To satisfy the growing demand from emerging markets, researchers from Empa and UNIGE have devised a new battery prototype: known as "all-solid-state", this battery has the potential to store more energy while maintaining high safety and reliability levels. Furthermore, the battery is based on sodium, a c
  
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