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Science News Archive 2016 - Page 66


Page 66 of 423

Why bad genes aren't always bad news

A team of scientists discovered a comprehensive set of suppressive mutations in yeast cells, which could help explain how some people remain healthy despite carrying catastrophic mutations. The findings provide new insights into the complex relationship between genetic suppression and disease-causing mutations.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalScience·DateNov 3, 2016

Words matter when talking about Alzheimer's

Researchers suggest shifting from 'curing' Alzheimer's to building resilience, acknowledging the disease is intertwined with aging processes. They propose education, infrastructure support and proper care as key components of societal response.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe American Journal of Bioethics·DateNov 3, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tropical depression morphs into Meari in 1 day

Meari intensified from a tropical depression to a tropical storm in one day, now located 295 miles north of Yap and 500 miles west of Guam. Its maximum sustained winds are at 40 mph, and it is expected to turn west and northwest over the next few days.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 3, 2016

Scientists decode the genome of Chinese licorice

Researchers have decoded the genome of Chinese licorice, a plant crucial in traditional Chinese medicine and natural sweetener. The study reveals the plant's genetic blueprint, which may facilitate the creation of sustainably bred strains with high glycyrrhizin content.

SourceRIKEN·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateNov 3, 2016

Gene regulation: Shaping up to make the cut

Researchers have discovered that distinct conformations of a protein essential for spliceosome assembly on mRNA precursors significantly influence splicing efficiency. The findings suggest that different structural configurations adopted by the large subunit of U2AF regulate splicing operations, affecting protein synthesis rates and fi...

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2016

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: Scientists identify genetic markers of resistance to frontline malaria drug that could help control outbreaks

Researchers have identified genetic markers associated with resistance to the antimalarial drug piperaquine, which could help track and contain outbreaks in Southeast Asia. The findings suggest that amplification of plasmepsin genes is linked to piperaquine resistance and may be used to identify patients at risk of treatment failure.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateNov 3, 2016
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Illuminating lies with brain scan outshines polygraph test, Penn study finds

Researchers compared the effectiveness of fMRI and polygraph tests in detecting deception, finding that fMRI outperformed polygraph with up to 90% accuracy. The study suggests that fMRI may be a valuable tool in criminal proceedings, particularly when used in sequence with polygraph.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateNov 3, 2016

How your diet can influence your environmental impact

A study published in Frontiers in Nutrition found that adopting a plant-based diet can significantly decrease the environmental impact and phosphorus footprint, with a potential reduction of 72% in phosphorus fertilizer requirements. This change has a moderate effect on reducing phosphorus excreted by the environment.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·DateNov 3, 2016

'Worried well' may be boosting their risk of heart disease

Research published in BMJ Open found that people with health anxiety were twice as likely to develop heart disease as those without it. The study, based on 7,052 participants, suggests that health anxiety can be a significant risk factor for coronary artery disease.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateNov 3, 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.

New metabolomic screening method detects multiple inborn errors of metabolism in urine

Researchers have developed a new metabolomics-based screening approach that can identify multiple different inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) in a single urine sample. This method has the potential to detect numerous IEMs, which were previously detected in various bodily fluids such as blood and cerebrospinal fluid.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGenetic Testing and Molecular Biomarkers·DateNov 3, 2016

Mammo outcomes improve when docs compare prior screenings

A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that radiologists who compare prior mammograms with more than one image have better true-positive outcomes and fewer false-positives. This reduction in recall rates can lead to a decrease in anxiety, radiation exposure, biopsies, and healthcare costs for patients.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateNov 3, 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.

Why some songs get stuck in your head

A study published by Durham University found that earworms, or songs that get stuck in your head, tend to have faster tempos, common melodic contours, and unusual interval structures. The researchers also identified specific songs with these characteristics, including Bad Romance and Don't Stop Believing.

SourceDurham University·DateNov 3, 2016

Researchers identify receptor that may allow HIV to infect kidney cells

New research suggests a novel mechanism by which HIV-1 may infect kidney epithelial cells lacking the major CD4 receptor. Transmembrane TNF-alpha is identified as a key player in this process, potentially facilitating the transmission of HIV-1 from mother to fetus.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 3, 2016

Global hot spot maps link consumers with impacts

Researchers developed a way to map environmental footprints to specific locations, connecting economic activity and global supply chains with environmental impacts. This innovation allows governments, companies, and individuals to identify areas where they can participate in reducing emissions and air pollution.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 3, 2016
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

How the liver dances to a day/night rhythm

Scientists at EPFL and Nestéle Institute of Health Sciences identified 5000 proteins affected by the diurnal cycle in mouse liver cells. The study used cutting-edge proteomics to monitor protein accumulation over a 24-hour cycle, revealing key cellular functions such as DNA repair and ribosome biogenesis were also affected.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalCell Metabolism·DateNov 3, 2016

Predicting when the Arctic will have an ice-free summer

A new analysis reveals a direct correlation between carbon dioxide emissions and Arctic sea ice loss. The study suggests that reducing carbon emissions could slow the ongoing loss of summer ice and help achieve a 1.5°Celsius global warming target.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 3, 2016

A secret ingredient to help heal spinal cord injuries?

Scientists have found a key protein, connective tissue growth factor A (ctgfa), that facilitates spinal cord regeneration in zebrafish. The protein promotes the formation of bridges across damaged tissue, leading to improved healing outcomes.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 3, 2016

Kids continue to consume too much salt, putting them at risk

A new study by CDC researchers reveals that American children are consuming excessive sodium levels, exceeding the daily recommended limit. The average sodium intake for kids was found to be 3,256 milligrams per day, with nearly 90% of children surveyed exceeding the upper level of recommended sodium intake.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateNov 3, 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.

Smart microscope adapts to changes in live specimens

The new 'smart' light-sheet microscope analyzes a specimen continuously and adjusts its settings to optimize image quality. Researchers achieved improvements in spatial resolution and signal strength by a factor of 2 to 5, making it easier to produce high-quality images of larger specimens.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 3, 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.

Insulin resistance reversed by removal of protein

A team of researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine successfully reversed diabetic insulin resistance and glucose intolerance in mouse models by removing the protein galectin-3 (Gal3). This finding suggests that Gal3 inhibition could be an effective way to treat type 2 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell·DateNov 3, 2016

Non-native insects change more than native host plant survival

Research on non-native cycad herbivores reveals significant changes in leaf chemistry following herbivory, which can lead to faster litter decomposition and altered nutrient turnover rates. The study highlights the devastating consequences of invasive species on native ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Guam·JournalCommunicative & Integrative Biology·DateNov 3, 2016

Mutation types in diverse cancers associated with smoking

Researchers identified distinct mutational signatures associated with tobacco smoke, including Signature 4 and Signature 5. These signatures are linked to specific types of cancer, such as lung and larynx cancers, and may be driven by a cytidine deaminase enzyme or other unknown mechanisms.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 3, 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.

Pupil response to negative facial expressions predicts risk for depression relapse

Research from Binghamton University finds that pupil dilation in response to negative emotional faces predicts risk for depression relapse among women with a history of major depressive disorder. High or low reactivity to angry faces is associated with increased risk, while low reactivity to sad faces may be protective.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalPsychophysiology·DateNov 3, 2016

Study tests police training on rape, domestic violence victims

A new training initiative by the Houston Police Department is being tested for its effectiveness in reducing gender bias in police responses to sexual assault and domestic violence victims. The study, led by Sam Houston State University researchers, aims to improve the investigation and prosecution of these crimes.

SourceSam Houston State University·DateNov 3, 2016

Genetic marker found for resistance to malaria treatment in Cambodia

Scientists discovered genetic markers linked with piperaquine resistance in Plasmodium parasites, allowing health officials to monitor the spread of resistance and guide treatment decisions. The emergence of piperaquine resistance in Cambodia threatens global efforts to eliminate malaria.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateNov 3, 2016

Brain 'reads' sentences the same in English and Portuguese

A study published in NeuroImage found that brain activation patterns are the same when decoding sentences in English and Portuguese. The research team developed a machine-learning algorithm to recognize sentence meaning in Portuguese based on neural activation patterns learned from English, achieving 67% accuracy.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalNeuroImage·DateNov 3, 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.

WSU study reveals non-invasive prenatal genetic test is accurate five weeks into pregnancy

The WSU study reveals a non-invasive testing method, Trophoblast Retrieval and Isolation from the Cervix (TRIC), that offers accuracy similar to invasive tests like amniocentesis. TRIC can be performed five to 10 weeks earlier than current testing modalities and has the potential to identify pregnancies at risk for complications.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 3, 2016

Diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease: Llama antibodies detect cerebral lesions

Scientists developed two types of llama antibody that can specifically mark and show amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, the characteristic lesions of Alzheimer's disease. These antibodies have the rare ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, allowing for non-invasive detection.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateNov 3, 2016

Biodiversity needs citizen scientists

A recent study found that citizen science is a valuable source of data on species occurrence, particularly for birds in North America and Europe. However, less than 10% of this data is currently used in global biodiversity monitoring due to resource constraints and interoperability issues.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalBiological Conservation·DateNov 3, 2016

UTHealth research: Stem cell therapy appears to have TBI treatment effect

A recent study published in the journal Stem Cells found that autologous stem cell therapy after traumatic brain injury appears to reduce inflammation and preserve critical brain regions. Researchers used this approach on 25 patients, including those with severe TBI, showing promising results.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalStem Cells·DateNov 3, 2016
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Scientists set traps for atoms with single-particle precision

Researchers create reconfigurable array of traps for single atoms, enabling the manipulation of up to 50 individual atoms in separate traps deterministically. The technique uses lasers as optical tweezers to pick and hold individual atoms in place, paving the way for large-scale atom arrays in quantum computing.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateNov 3, 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.

Smoking a pack a day for a year causes 150 mutations in lung cells

Researchers found that smoking one packet of cigarettes a day accumulates an average of 150 extra mutations in every lung cell, leading to increased cancer risk. The study also identified molecular fingerprints of DNA damage in smokers' DNA, revealing the complex mechanisms behind tobacco-related cancers.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalScience·DateNov 3, 2016

A roadmap to life after the worst injuries, in times of war and peace

Military surgeons develop guidelines for treating devastating wounds, including massive blood transfusions and wound cleaning, to stabilize patients and prevent long-term complications. The review aims to improve trauma care in both military and civilian hospitals, reducing preventable deaths from injury.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateNov 3, 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.

Blood pressure may open door to personalized medicine for PTSD

A new study reports that soldiers with higher blood pressure before starting prazosin treatment experience better symptom reduction. The study identifies blood pressure as a biomarker that can predict individual response to the medication, potentially leading to personalized medicine approaches for PTSD treatment.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateNov 3, 2016

Mutational signatures mark cancer's smoking gun

A study identifies telltale genetic fingerprints associated with smoking tobacco, demonstrating that smoking increases cancer risk by causing somatic mutations. The research found over 20 mutational signatures linked to tobacco smoking, with some signatures elevated in cancers from smokers.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateNov 3, 2016

First multicolor electron microscopy images revealed

Scientists have developed multicolor electron microscopy, enabling up to three colors (green, red, yellow) to be used in an image. The new method has potential applications in biology, distinguishing cellular compartments and tracking proteins.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateNov 3, 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.

Controlling the properties of matter in two-dimensional crystals

Scientists discovered that fluctuations in sulfur availability create atomic chains of molybdenum or tungsten in a two-dimensional alloy, controlling properties like heat transport and electronic behavior. This mechanism can be applied to a wide range of alloys in 2D crystals across the Periodic Table.

SourcePenn State·JournalNano Letters·DateNov 3, 2016

USDA awards $4.3 million to ensure access to needed veterinary services

The US Department of Agriculture has awarded over $4.3 million to 48 veterinarians to repay their loans and provide critical services in areas lacking sufficient veterinary resources. The program aims to address shortages of food animal veterinarians, particularly in rural areas.

SourceNational Institute of Food and Agriculture·DateNov 3, 2016

Seven substances added to 14th Report on Carcinogens

The 14th Report on Carcinogens adds seven new substances to the list, including five viruses that have been linked to cancer in humans. Trichloroethylene, cobalt compounds, HIV-1, HTLV-1, EBV, KSHV, and MCV are among the newly listed substances, highlighting the importance of prevention strategies to reduce the world's cancer burden.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·DateNov 3, 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.

Innovating fine needle aspiration for diagnosing autoimmune pancreatitis

A new procedure using a 22-gauge needle improves the diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) through microscopic examination of tissue samples. Researchers successfully diagnosed AIP in 58% of patients using this method, offering a solution for distinguishing AIP from pancreatic cancer.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateNov 3, 2016

Tuberculosis bacteria find their ecological niche

A team of scientists analyzed TB bacterial strains and found they can be genetically subdivided into generalists with worldwide distribution and specialists with localized ecological niches. Generalists have a slightly increased diversity of antigens, allowing them to adapt more specifically to different human populations.

SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 3, 2016

Healthy recipes and effective social marketing campaign improve eating habits

The Food Hero program, launched by Oregon State University, uses a combination of clear messaging, kid-friendly recipes, and community engagement to encourage healthy eating among low-income families. The initiative has shown promising results, with over 36% of tested recipes receiving the 'kid-approved' rating.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNutrients·DateNov 3, 2016