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Science News Archive 2016 - Page 243


Page 243 of 423

Progranulin and dementia -- a blood sample does not tell the full story!

Researchers found progranulin levels in cerebrospinal fluid differ from those in blood, challenging its use as a biomarker for neurodegenerative diseases. This discovery sheds new light on the biological processes underlying Alzheimer's and other common neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Alzheimer Research·DateMay 25, 2016

Clouds provide clue to better climate predictions

Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University have discovered a new process behind the formation and evolution of small atmospheric particles free from pollution, key to creating accurate models for global climate change. The findings suggest that up to half of the warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions may be masked by aerosol cooling.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalNature·DateMay 25, 2016

The taste or smell of foods can affect aging, say scientists

POSTECH researchers found sensory neurons modulate aging hormone activity through food smells and tastes, shortening lifespan. Insulin-6 produced by sensory neurons alters FOXO protein action, leading to reduced aging effects.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalGenes & Development·DateMay 25, 2016

Speech-language pathologists can help kids who struggle to read

Researchers at University of the Pacific found strategies to improve young readers' comprehension of expository writing, such as RAP and graphical organization. These techniques can increase reading comprehension by up to 36 percentage points among struggling students.

SourceUniversity of the Pacific·JournalTopics in Language Disorders·DateMay 25, 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.

Revealed mechanism for inhibiting bacterial invasion of colonic epithelia

Research at Osaka University reveals Lypd8's role in preventing intestinal bacteria invasion, shedding new light on ulcerative colitis pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets. The study found that Lypd8 decreases in patients with ulcerative colitis, leading to increased susceptibility to inflammation.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature·DateMay 25, 2016

40-year math mystery and 4 generations of figuring

Mathematicians at Georgia Institute of Technology have finally solved the 40-year-old Kelmans-Seymour Conjecture in Graph Theory, a field used to model complex networks and optimize connections. The proof required collaboration from six mathematicians over four decades.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateMay 25, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Following tricky triclosan

A study found triclosan in nearly 58% of freshwater streams, contaminating crops and potentially harming humans. Triclosan degrades quickly but breaks down into more harmful compounds, affecting soil microbial communities and plant growth.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateMay 25, 2016

Charismatic speaking strategies of presidential candidates

Scientists at UCLA's Voice Center for Medicine and the Arts studied Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, Donald Trump, and Carly Fiorina's speech patterns across various settings. They discovered that despite differing messages, the politicians employed similar voice modulation strategies to convey charisma.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateMay 25, 2016
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Why fruit fly sperm are giant

Researchers found that larger males with more sperm are favored by females, driving the evolution of longer sperm. This study provides the first explanation for the development of giant sperm in fruit flies.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature·DateMay 25, 2016

What are the timing and risk factors for suicide attempts in the army?

A new US Army study found that soldiers who never deployed were at greatest risk for suicide attempts, with the highest risk occurring in the second month of service. The study also identified other factors contributing to increased risk, including deployment status, gender, and mental health diagnoses.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMay 25, 2016

Parents favor boys over girls for free heart treatment in Northern India

Research reveals significant gender disparity in referrals to a cardiac center in Northern India, with boys outnumbering girls by more than two-to-one. The study suggests that societal attitudes towards the value of girls contribute to this disparity, prompting calls for medical professionals and policymakers to address these issues.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalHeart Asia·DateMay 25, 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.

Researchers make a key discovery in how malaria evades the immune system

A recent study by Penn State researchers has revealed how the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum exploits the human immune response to infect red blood cells. The parasite uses the complement system, a key part of the immune response, to evade detection and invasion, making it more challenging to develop an effective vaccine.

SourcePenn State·JournalEBioMedicine·DateMay 25, 2016

Close encounters of a tidal kind could lead to cracks on icy moons

Researchers developed a new model that suggests strong tidal encounters could be responsible for cracks on icy moons. The model, which uses computer graphics code to simulate the behavior of icy moons, indicates that such encounters could lead to cracks in the surface.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalIcarus·DateMay 25, 2016

Lung cancer survival rate increases by 73 percent if caught early

A recent UK lung cancer screening trial found that patients with high-risk disease can be identified and have a 73% chance of surviving five years or more. The trial's results provide crucial evidence for implementing a national screening programme in the UK.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalHealth Technology Assessment·DateMay 25, 2016

Number of habitable planets could be limited by stifling atmospheres

Recent studies suggest that many planets orbiting M dwarf stars, which are similar in size to Earth, may retain thick atmospheres due to their strong gravity, making them inhospitable to life. However, smaller planets comparable to Venus or Mars could potentially lose these atmospheres through evaporation.

SourceImperial College London·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 25, 2016
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Closer to the source of the itch

Researchers found that IL-17A stimulates skin cells to express genes maintaining an inflammatory microenvironment, leading to psoriasis. The study identified NFKBIZ gene as playing a significant role in the IL-17A pathway.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalInternational Immunology·DateMay 25, 2016

Scientists capture the elusive structure of essential digestive enzyme

Researchers at Princeton University have revealed new insights into the mechanism of phenylalanine hydroxylase, a critical liver enzyme for human health. By applying unique approaches combining small-angle x-ray scattering and chromatography, they provided evidence for a model of the active structure of the enzyme.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 25, 2016

NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission will have a map for that

The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft will study asteroid Bennu in detail, collecting a sample to be analyzed on Earth. Four top-level maps will guide the sample collection process, assessing safety, navigation, surface material, and scientific value.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 25, 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.

Can Alzheimer's disease-associated peptide fight bacterial infection?

A study suggests that amyloid-ß peptide can ensnare invading microbes, halting infection in mouse and worm models of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers also found that mice with overexpressed amyloid-ß showed greater resistance to bacterial infection.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 25, 2016

Multiple personality disorder may be rooted in traumatic experiences

A new King's College London study challenges the fantasy model of multiple personality disorder, suggesting that traumatic experiences such as neglect or abuse in childhood are a major contributing factor. Researchers found a continuum of trauma-related symptom severity across groups, with patients with DID exhibiting the highest scores.

SourceKing's College London·JournalActa Psychiatrica Scandinavica·DateMay 25, 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.

Is aging inevitable? Not necessarily for sea urchins

Researchers found that sea urchins with shorter life expectancies do not experience a decline in regenerative capacity with age, contradicting the prevailing theory on evolution of aging. The study suggests that aging may not be inevitable and could be influenced by other factors.

SourceMDI Biological Laboratory·JournalAging Cell·DateMay 25, 2016

Making some of the world's most durable materials corrosion-resistant

Drexel materials scientists have created a boride material that resists oxidation at extremely high temperatures, thanks to its nanolaminated structure and protective aluminum oxide coating. The material's unique behavior has potential applications in harsh environments, such as combustion engines and cutting tools.

SourceDrexel University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 25, 2016

DNA sequencing enables treatment for some types of intellectual disability

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that genome-wide sequencing can diagnose genetic conditions leading to intellectual disability, enabling targeted treatments. Researchers discovered new disease genes and described physical traits associated with known diseases, offering hope for personalized medicine.

SourceChild & Family Research Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 25, 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.

Strength and ductility for alloys

Researchers have developed a new type of metallic material that is both extremely strong and ductile. This breakthrough solves the long-standing problem of choosing between these two properties in steels.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateMay 25, 2016

Dialing up chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer with ultrasound

Researchers in Norway used ultrasound to enhance absorption of chemotherapeutic compounds Gemcitabine into pancreatic cells, increasing treatment cycles and median survival time from 7 months to 18 months. The technique, called sonoporation, showed promising results without increased toxicity or side effects.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 25, 2016

Women cooking with biomass fuels more likely to have cataracts

A population-based study of nearly 6,000 people aged 60 and over found that Indian women who cook with biomass fuels were nearly 50% more likely to have visually impairing nuclear cataracts compared to those using clean fuels. The association was stronger for women cooking with longer duration of biomass fuels.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMay 25, 2016

New veterinary research helps distinguish accidents from abuse

Researchers at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine found different injury patterns in abused animals and those hit by cars, with abused animals showing more head injuries and rib fractures. The study aims to help uncover animal abuse and provide a tool for forensic veterinarians.

SourceTufts University·JournalJournal of Forensic Sciences·DateMay 25, 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.

Wayne State aims to improve imaging and chemical sensing of disease biomarkers

A Wayne State University researcher aims to improve upconversion nanocrystals' composition and atomic structure to expand the library of bright and multicolor emitters. The project is expected to lead to better diagnosing and treatment plans for numerous health issues by enhancing imaging and chemical sensing of disease biomarkers.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateMay 25, 2016

Cleveland researchers developing GPS for rectal cancer surgery

Researchers aim to reduce unnecessary surgeries and pelvic sepsis by analyzing magnetic resonance images and pathological specimens. They will develop a risk-assessment scoring system to determine which patients need surgery after chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateMay 25, 2016

Investigating how 'chemo brain' develops in cancer patients

Research on carboplatin therapy in rats suggests that chemotherapy can affect dopamine and serotonin levels, leading to cognitive issues. The study provides new insights into the development of chemo brain, a condition affecting up to one-third of chemotherapy patients.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Chemical Neuroscience·DateMay 25, 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.

No dessert for you! When it comes to diabetes, 'nagging is caring'

A national study led by Michigan State University sociologist Hui Liu found that for men, an unhappy marriage may actually slow the development of diabetes and promote successful treatment once they do get the disease. Women with good-quality marriages were more likely to have a lower risk of developing diabetes five years later.

SourceMichigan State University·DateMay 25, 2016

Richard Benton and Ben Lehner awarded EMBO Gold Medal 2016

Researchers Richard Benton and Ben Lehner received the 2016 EMBO Gold Medal for their groundbreaking work on insect olfaction and developmental biology. They discovered novel genes in odorant receptors, shedding light on the evolution of scent perception, and revealed stochastic variances in gene expression driving phenotypic diversity.

SourceEMBO·DateMay 25, 2016
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Obese young adults unaware of kidney disease risk, study finds

A nationwide study found that obese young adults are at risk for chronic kidney disease due to undetected albuminuria, with Mexican Americans and blacks showing higher rates. The study suggests that healthcare providers should test for kidney damage in obese young adults, emphasizing the importance of prevention through lifestyle changes.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 25, 2016

NYU WIRELESS study predicts trouble and solution for 5G cellular

A new study by NYU WIRELESS suggests that the current channel model used in 5G cellular systems may under-predict signal coverage at close distances and over-predict it at far distances. A simpler alternative model using a single parameter, the path loss exponent, is proposed to improve predictive accuracy.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·DateMay 25, 2016

PET imaging with special tracer can detect and diagnose early Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have developed a new method for detecting and diagnosing preclinical Alzheimer's disease using PET imaging with PiB, which binds to amyloid plaques in the brain. The study found that PiB retention was prominent in cortical areas of the brain, consistent with post-mortem studies of Aβ plaques.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalJournal of Technology and Innovation·DateMay 24, 2016
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

NSF grant will help decipher cells' electric properties

Researchers will focus on ion channels and their role in producing electrical pulses, with potential applications in understanding heritable diseases of the nervous system. The study aims to identify genetic changes that enable fast or slow channel operation.

SourceMichigan State University·DateMay 24, 2016

Targeted treatment for liver cancer under way

Researchers at University of Eastern Finland found that inhibiting Aurora kinase A protein can inhibit liver cancer cell growth, offering potential new treatment option. The study's findings can be used to develop treatments for patients with p53-altered liver cancer.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 24, 2016

MD Anderson study uncovers early genetic changes in premalignant colorectal tissue

Researchers identified 2,314 genetic changes in polyps and adjacent mucosa, revealing potential drug targets for colorectal cancer prevention. The study also found similarities between premalignant and cancerous tissue, suggesting that polyps with more genetic changes may be more likely to develop into CRC.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateMay 24, 2016

Harnessing nature's vast array of venoms for drug discovery

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute develop a method to rapidly identify and optimize venoms for therapeutic use, finding potential treatments for multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. They create a library of venom genes and use a cell-based selection system to find potent molecules that block key targets.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMay 24, 2016
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.