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Science News Archive 2016 - Page 103


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Snake venom composition could be related to hormones and diet

A recent study published in ACS' Journal of Proteome Research found that snake venom protein profiles vary depending on age, gender, and diet. The researchers discovered significant differences in venom gland proteins between infant and adult snakes, as well as between males and females.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateOct 7, 2016

Metaphors bias perceptions of scientific discovery

Researchers found that discovery metaphors shape people's perceptions of good ideas and creators' abilities. The 'light bulb metaphor implies sudden inspiration', while the 'seed metaphor suggests nurtured effort'. This bias affects how people perceive female inventors, with seed metaphors increasing perceptions of genius.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateOct 7, 2016

Pitt scientists identify how repair protein finds DNA damage

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine identified a unique 'constrained motion' pattern in which Rad4, a repair protein, scans DNA for structural faults. This discovery could lead to therapies that enhance existing treatments and counter drug-resistance, particularly in cancer.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalMolecular Cell·DateOct 6, 2016

NASA sees Hurricane Matthew regain Category 4 status

Hurricane Matthew regained Category 4 status with sustained winds near 140 mph and a minimum central pressure of 940 millibars. The storm is expected to cross the northwestern Bahamas today and approach the Florida coast, potentially strengthening further before landfall.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 6, 2016
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Nuclear protein causes neuroblastoma to become more aggressive

Researchers discovered a nuclear protein, EYA1, that contributes to neuroblastoma's aggression. The protein migrates to the nucleus in more aggressive forms of the disease, and its structure can be altered by inhibiting an enzyme called PRMT1.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateOct 6, 2016

Delinquent youths with PTSD need individualized treatment, studies suggest

A study found that juvenile offenders with PTSD are at a 67% greater risk of entering substance abuse treatment within seven years. The research suggests that clinicians can expect most young offenders who need treatment to have experienced serious emotional or physical trauma.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Substance Abuse Treatment·DateOct 6, 2016

Warwick to conduct breakthrough research on oral cancers in Pakistan

The University of Warwick is conducting a breakthrough research project to improve the diagnosis and treatment of oral cancers in Pakistan, using digital pathology. The project will generate a repository of information about different types of cancer cells found in oral cancers, enabling pathologists to analyze samples more accurately.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·DateOct 6, 2016

Groundbreaking immune approach targets humans instead of bacteria

Researchers at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem show for the first time how bacterial superantigen toxins work and how short peptides can block them. A novel host-oriented therapeutic approach prevents lethal immune responses, remaining effective against antibiotic-resistant strains.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 6, 2016
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Research finds that birds behave like human musicians

Researchers find that birds with more complex songs perform better in rhythm and interact more skillfully with others. The study suggests that musical ability in birds may be a precursor to human music evolution.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateOct 6, 2016

Peer victimization in schools: 2 studies explore types and repercussions

Two studies investigate peer victimization in schools, revealing the importance of early intervention for addressing both overt and relational forms of victimization. Overt victimization is associated with higher levels of aggression and externalizing behavior, while relational victimization links to internalizing problems and a lack o...

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateOct 6, 2016

Research gives hope to those with head and facial deformities

A new study from the University of California, Berkeley, reveals that calcium plays a major role in regulating bone growth and development. By understanding the signaling mechanisms involved, researchers hope to develop regenerative therapies for conditions such as Treacher Collins Syndrome, which can lead to dozens of surgeries during...

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalCell·DateOct 6, 2016
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Using oxygen as a tracer of galactic evolution

A new study reveals that young, hot stars ionize oxygen in the early universe, affecting galaxy evolution. The strength of doubly ionized oxygen increases with time, while singly ionized oxygen decreases after 11 billion years.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 6, 2016

First quantum photonic circuit with an electrically driven light source

Researchers have successfully integrated a complete quantum optical structure on a chip using carbon nanotubes as single-photon sources. This achievement fulfills one condition for the use of photonic circuits in optical quantum computers and opens up new possibilities for ultrafast calculation and secure data encryption.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 6, 2016

Working night shifts unlikely to increase breast cancer risk

A large study of over 1.4 million women found no increased risk of breast cancer associated with night shift work, including long-term shifts. The research combined data from multiple studies and provided new insights into the topic.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 6, 2016

Hubble detects giant 'cannonballs' shooting from star

Astronomers have detected superhot blobs of gas being ejected near the dying star V Hydrae, with each blob twice as massive as Mars and traveling at half-million miles per hour. The plasma balls are thought to be launched by an unseen companion star in an elliptical orbit, shedding new light on planetary nebulae.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateOct 6, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

A niche for metastases

Scientists from TUM discovered that pancreatic cancer cells create a 'niche' in the liver to grow and spread at an exceptionally early stage. This is facilitated by the protein TIMP1, which interacts with hepatic stellate cells to activate them and initiate metastasis.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateOct 6, 2016
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Improving participation in cancer screening should be a priority

Studies suggest that population commitment, physician implication, and reassurance in screening can improve participation rates. A patient-centred approach in Australia improved screening participation by offering a combined cancer screening service. Additionally, nurse-led clinics can provide effective early diagnosis and prevention o...

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateOct 6, 2016

Researchers activate repair program for nerve fibers

Scientists discovered a molecular brake that prevents nerve fibers from regenerating, and found a drug that can trigger neuronal growth. Pregabalin treatment caused new connections to form between damaged neurons in mice with spinal cord injuries.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalNeuron·DateOct 6, 2016

Yeast gene rapidly evolves to attack viruses, researchers find

Researchers have discovered that a yeast gene called XRN1 rapidly evolves to recognize and destroy attacking viruses. This finding suggests that non-immunity proteins can play a role in viral defense. The study's results provide new insights into the genetic arms race between hosts and viruses.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateOct 6, 2016

Mental illness genetically linked to drug use and misuse

A new study published in Frontiers in Genetics finds a significant link between mental illness and genetic risk for substance involvement. The research suggests that individuals with a genetic predisposition to mental illness are also more likely to develop problematic usage patterns of licit and illicit substances.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Genetics·DateOct 6, 2016
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Enjoying your workout is the best motivation

Researchers found that four factors - perceived competence, social interaction, novel experiences, and physical exertion - trigger positive emotions in exercise. Enjoyment is a key factor among regular exercisers, leading to increased motivation and adherence.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateOct 6, 2016

30-day hospital readmission is a poor measure of quality

Researchers recommend using shorter post-discharge timeframes to accurately measure factors within a hospital's control. A five- to seven-day period is ideal, isolating the impact of hospital care from other drivers of readmissions.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateOct 6, 2016

New insight into course and transmission of Zika infection

A study published in Nature Medicine found that the Zika virus can rapidly infect brain and nervous tissues, and is shed in bodily fluids such as semen and urine. The research highlights the need for enhanced clinical vigilance and the rapid development of vaccines and therapies against the virus.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 6, 2016

Why tumors evade immunotherapy

Researchers found that when tumor cells lack sufficient neo-epitopes, they are no longer recognized by T-cells. Epitopes require enzymatic processing for correct trimming and presentation on the cell surface.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateOct 6, 2016
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Multisensory education enhances patient understanding of orthopaedic conditions

A new study by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that incorporating multiple senses in physician-patient conversations improves patient comprehension of orthopaedic conditions. The study showed significant differences in understanding between groups using verbal, video, and model-based discussions.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateOct 6, 2016

What Twitter behavior accompanies mental health crises?

A new study found two types of heightened Twitter discussions related to mental health, including expected increases before planned events and unexpected spikes following unanticipated events. Social media could be a valuable avenue for public health information on mental health.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateOct 6, 2016

Climate change to have 'little effect' on common landslides

A new study from Cardiff University found that climate change is unlikely to increase landslide frequency in storm-affected areas, despite projected increases in rainstorms. The research challenges current theories and highlights the importance of soil accumulation on steep hillslopes in triggering landslides.

SourceCardiff University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 6, 2016
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

The mathematics of music history

A study by Aarhus University researchers analyzed musical themes from French, Italian, and Austro-German composers. The findings support historical musicology assumptions about national influences on European music culture, showing that North-Italian music dominated Europe during the Baroque Era.

SourceAarhus University·JournalMusic Perception An Interdisciplinary Journal·DateOct 6, 2016

How gecko feet got sticky

A UC Riverside-led study found that a dwarf gecko's microscopic hairs allow it to cling to smooth surfaces, revealing the origins of gecko adhesion. The research suggests that small modifications can lead to complex adaptations, with implications for nanotechnology and biomimicry.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalBiological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateOct 6, 2016

NASA sees Nicole dwarfed by Hurricane Matthew

Tropical Storm Nicole is significantly smaller than powerful Hurricane Matthew, which is moving through the Bahamas. The storm's cloud pattern has changed little since its formation, and it holds steady just below hurricane strength as it crawls toward Bermuda.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 6, 2016

African-American organ transplant recipients at risk for skin cancer

A new study from Drexel University College of Medicine found that all organ transplant recipients, regardless of race, should receive routine total-body screenings for skin cancer. Nonwhite transplant recipients were more likely to have aggressive and deadly skin cancers due to anti-rejection medications.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateOct 6, 2016
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Apes understand that some things are all in your head

A study on chimpanzees, bonobos and orangutans shows they can anticipate when someone else has a false belief. The apes' ability to grasp the concept of false beliefs is seen as a key milestone in human cognitive development.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·DateOct 6, 2016

Study finds new approach to block binge eating

A new therapeutic target has been identified for the treatment of compulsive binge eating, targeting the brain receptor TAAR1. Activation of this receptor shows promise in reducing maladaptive feeding behaviors and blocking addiction-like behavior to junk food.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateOct 6, 2016

Modest training may improve unlicensed health care, globally

A study in rural India shows that informal healthcare providers can improve their skills with modest levels of medical training, leading to better case management and reduced errors. The training program, which consisted of 150 hours over nine months, increased the providers' ability to develop checklists and make accurate diagnoses.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateOct 6, 2016
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Night shift work and breast cancer risk

Despite previous concerns, a new review of evidence suggests that night shift work is unlikely to increase breast cancer incidence. A meta-analysis of three large UK studies and seven previously published studies found no significant association between night shift work and breast cancer risk.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 6, 2016

Beer eases final moments for euthanized invertebrates, study finds

A scientist at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry has discovered that a dip in beer can sedate and immobilize tiny snails before a terminal dunk in ethyl alcohol, reducing physical distress. This humane method is similar to those used with domestic animals.

SourceSUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry·JournalJournal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science·DateOct 6, 2016

Cancer cells have Alzheimer's disease, too

Researchers discovered that certain proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease are stored in dormant cancer cells as amyloid bodies. Disaggregation of these bodies can reactivate the cancer cells. The study identified ribosomal intergenic noncoding RNA as a target for drug discovery to prevent amyloid body disaggregation.

SourceUniversity of Miami Miller School of Medicine·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateOct 6, 2016

The life cycle of proteins

Researchers discovered that around one-tenth of proteins remain stable and live longer than expected as they age. This finding could explain why additional gene copies don't automatically result in more protein production.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalCell·DateOct 6, 2016
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Coffee-infused foam removes lead from contaminated water

Researchers developed a coffee-infused foam filter that can remove up to 99% of lead and mercury ions from water. The innovative system uses spent coffee grounds in a bioelastomeric foam, making it easy to handle and discard after use.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateOct 6, 2016

Protein-like structures from the primordial soup

Researchers at ETH Zurich successfully assembled protein-like structures from four simple amino acids, suggesting that these molecules may have been the precursors of life. The findings support the 'amyloid hypothesis,' which proposes that ancient RNA molecules were not capable of self-replication.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateOct 6, 2016

Researchers probe HPV's manipulation of immune system

Researchers have discovered that HPV16's E7 protein can suppress the body's immune response to the virus. This knowledge could lead to new therapies and ways to block cancer suppression of the immune response.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 6, 2016

Measuring forces with oscillations

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new principle to measure external forces using parametric oscillation. The discovery has advantages for small sensors, enabling the creation of extremely precise force meters.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalPhysical Review E·DateOct 6, 2016

New method provides a tool to develop nematode-resistant soybean varieties

Researchers discovered a repeat of four genes controlling resistance to soybean cyst nematode and developed an assay to quantify gene repeats. This new method improves breeding programs by selecting for more copies of the gene sequence, potentially leading to stronger resistance.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalTheoretical and Applied Genetics·DateOct 6, 2016
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Climate change intensifies night-time storms over Lake Victoria

An international study led by KU Leuven found that climate change is increasing the frequency of hazardous thunderstorms over Lake Victoria at night. The lake's unique atmospheric circulation, fueled by warm land breezes and evaporative cooling, creates a hotspot for storm activity.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2016

Genes that control cellular senescence identified

Researchers identified genes that control cellular senescence, a process that permanently arrests cell growth. These findings have potential applications for creating new anticancer drugs and developing anti-aging products.

SourceKobe University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 6, 2016
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Type 2 diabetes and obesity -- what do we really know?

A review of the current knowledge on the causes of type 2 diabetes and obesity reveals a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors. The study highlights the importance of epigenomic changes, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, in modulating gene expression and disease risk.

SourceLund University·JournalScience·DateOct 6, 2016

Using satellite images to better target vaccination

Researchers used satellite imagery and vaccination records to estimate population size and optimize vaccination coverage. The study showed that timing vaccination campaigns with predictable population peaks can improve coverage, especially in areas with limited access to health services.

SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 6, 2016

Efficient organic solar cells with very low driving force

Efficient organic solar cells have been created using a non-fullerene material, achieving high energy efficiency rates of up to 9.5%. This breakthrough indicates that the intrinsic limitations of organic solar cells are comparable to other photovoltaic technologies, paving the way for commercialization.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Energy·DateOct 6, 2016
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.