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Science News Archive August 2016 - Page 7


Page 7 of 38

Allergy research: Response to house dust mites is age-dependent

Researchers found that an extract from house dust mites triggers different responses depending on the age of the person, with leukotrienes playing a key role in adults. The study suggests that cortisone therapy may not be effective against this type of allergy and that targeted therapies could be more effective.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateAug 26, 2016

Bacteria in smokeless tobacco products may be a health concern

Research on smokeless tobacco products has identified several bacteria species associated with opportunistic infections, such as Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus pumilus. These bacteria can produce toxins that cause illness in large quantities and may also contribute to the formation of carcinogenic compounds.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateAug 26, 2016

Crystal unclear: Why might this uncanny crystal change laser design?

Researchers at NIST and Shandong University have found a way to grow large crystals that could revolutionize laser technology. The microcrystals outperform conventional crystals in some ways, but their performance challenges scientific theory.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 26, 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.

Businesses that show commitment to sustainability inspire greener customers

Research from Simon Fraser University's Beedie School of Business found that consumers conserve resources when they perceive a hotel to be environmentally friendly. The study revealed that visible efforts by firms can influence consumer behavior, with eco-friendly initiatives leading to greater resource conservation and cost savings.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateAug 26, 2016

Probing how CRISPR-Cas9 works

Scientists at UMass Chan Medical School discovered how CRISPR-Cas9 targets DNA in live cells, finding that guide RNA stability affects cleavage. The study's findings help predict off-target cuts and may improve gene editing tools.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateAug 26, 2016

Scientists experimentally realize optomechanically induced non-reciprocity

Researchers demonstrate optomechanically induced non-reciprocal transparency and amplification in a microresonator, enabling the creation of controllable isolators and circulators. A non-reciprocal phase shift of up to 40 degrees is achieved using two oppositely propagating driving fields.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Photonics·DateAug 26, 2016

Typhoon Lionrock threatening Japan

Typhoon Lionrock is a powerful storm with maximum sustained winds of 105 knots, forecast to make landfall near Tokyo on August 30th. Its intensity track remains uncertain, with some predicting it will weaken and others that it will remain strong.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 26, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA's GPM examines Tropical Storm Lester

Tropical Storm Lester, the 12th named storm of the 2016 eastern Pacific Ocean, was analyzed by NASA's GPM core satellite. The storm showed moderate intensity bands of rain curving around its eastern side, with rainfall rates reaching over 54 mm per hour.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 26, 2016

3-D-printed structures 'remember' their shapes

Researchers at MIT and SUTD used light to print 3D structures that can remember their original shapes after being stretched, twisted, and bent. The structures can be printed with micron-scale features and have potential applications in biomedical devices, soft robotics, and solar panel tracking.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 26, 2016

Novel schistosomiasis vaccine: New phase of clinical studies

A novel schistosomiasis vaccine called Sm14 Vaccine has reached phase II clinical studies, prioritized by the World Health Organization. The vaccine aims to prevent the parasite that causes the disease from installing in the patient's organism and causing damage.

SourceOswaldo Cruz Institute·DateAug 26, 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.

Selective protection of genetic information by epigenetic system

Researchers found that mismatch repair machinery preferentially protects genetic integrity in open chromatin regions, increasing mutation rates in heterochromatic areas. This study provides direct evidence for the role of epigenetic systems in maintaining genetic fidelity.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 26, 2016

Shifts in the microbiome impact tissue repair and regeneration

Researchers found that a dramatic shift in the microbial community of planaria robs it of regenerative abilities, similar to observed shifts in human inflammatory disorders. The study provides a valuable model for understanding the interplay between immunity and regeneration.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·DateAug 26, 2016

The first epigenetic test to diagnose tumors of unknown origin

A new epigenetic test can diagnose the primary tumor responsible for metastasis in patients with Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP), allowing for more specific treatments. This test, EPICUP, analyzes a patient's DNA to identify the type of cancer, resulting in improved survival rates.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateAug 26, 2016

From rigid to flexible

Researchers have found a mechanism that explains how cells transport cargo efficiently and selectively within their boundaries. The discovery reveals that flexibility in large tether proteins plays a crucial role in initiating the fusion process.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature·DateAug 26, 2016
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Penn study finds nasal spray effective and safe anesthesia for dental work

A recent Phase 3 clinical trial led by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that a new nasal spray anesthetic called Kovanaze is effective in preventing pain during dental procedures. The study showed that the compound was comparable to commonly used injectable numbing agents and had minimal side effects.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·DateAug 26, 2016

Researchers report new Zika complication

Researchers have reported a new neurological complication of Zika virus infection, specifically sensory polyneuropathy, in a Honduran patient. The study highlights the potential for Zika virus to cause acute infectious sensory polyneuropathy, which began during the acute infectious phase.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of the Neurological Sciences·DateAug 26, 2016

The sound of a healthy reef

A new study suggests that sound plays a limited role in attracting coral larvae to reef systems. By recording particle motion using accelerometers, researchers found that the signal drops rapidly below levels detectable by most marine species just a few meters away from the reef. This finding challenges previous studies and highlights ...

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 26, 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.

Breast milk sugar may protect babies against deadly infection

A study found that naturally-occurring sugars in breast milk, particularly lacto-n-difucohexaose I, may protect babies against Group B streptococcus infection. Women who produced this sugar were less likely to have the bacteria in their gut and their babies were also less likely to get it from birth.

SourceImperial College London·JournalClinical & Translational Immunology·DateAug 26, 2016

Moth takes advantage of defensive compounds in Physalis fruits

The moth species Heliothis subflexa has a specialized diet of Physalis fruits, which provides it with direct and indirect protection through the presence of withanolides. These compounds increase larval growth and immune system activity while also protecting against bacterial infections caused by Bacillus thuringiensis.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 26, 2016

A few extra pounds can't hurt you -- or can they?

A global study involving 10.6 million people contradicts a previous finding that being overweight increases longevity, stating that it is instead linked to a higher risk of premature death from coronary heart disease, stroke and respiratory disease. The study's findings have important clinical and public health implications.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 26, 2016

Spherical tokamaks could provide path to limitless fusion energy

Researchers propose spherical tokamaks as a design for future fusion devices, offering a compact and low-cost solution for harnessing fusion energy. The upgraded NSTX-U and MAST facilities will provide crucial data for developing commercial fusion plants.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalNuclear Fusion·DateAug 26, 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.

Two NASA satellites take a bead on Gaston's movements

NASA's AIRS and Suomi NPP satellites are monitoring Tropical Storm Gaston's weakening position in the Atlantic. The storms expected to strengthen over the next 48 hours, with forecasters warning of increased winds and potentially tighter storm structure.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 26, 2016

Force triggers gene expression by stretching chromatin

Researchers at University of Illinois discovered that mechanical force can directly trigger gene expression by stretching chromatin, a condensed DNA and protein mixture. The study found that the degree of stretching affects gene expression, with varying effects based on the direction of the force in relation to the cell's cytoskeleton.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 26, 2016

Annual production of gallium and germanium could be much higher

Max Frenzel estimates that the annual global production of gallium and germanium could be at least 7 times higher than it is currently. Gallium production could reach 2,900 tonnes per year, while current production is 440 tonnes, and germanium production could reach 1,200 tonnes.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalResources Policy·DateAug 26, 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.

Structural, regulatory and human error were factors in Washington highway bridge collapse

A new analysis by civil engineering faculty at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign outlines the factors that led to the 2013 Interstate 5 bridge collapse in Washington. The study highlights the importance of updating databases to reflect minimum heights and implementing automated reporting systems to prevent similar accidents.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Performance of Constructed Facilities·DateAug 26, 2016

CAS researchers and Nobel Laureate develop new monomer fluorescent protein for SR imaging

CAS researchers have developed a new monomer fluorescent protein, Skylan-NS, enabling substantial improvements in the speed, duration, and noninvasiveness of live-cell superresolution microscopy. The protein shows high photostability, cycle numbers and signal-to-noise ratio, making it suitable for live-cell SR imaging.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 26, 2016

FAA announces new Center of Excellence

The University of Oklahoma and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University have been selected to lead the FAA's new Air Transportation Center of Excellence. The center will focus on researching innovative training methods, including part-task training, modeling, and adaptive learning technologies.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateAug 26, 2016

Next steps in understanding brain function

Researchers are uniting to tackle the complex challenge of understanding brain function through large-scale computational modeling. This approach aims to improve our knowledge of brain function by creating realistic models based on biological data.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Neuroanatomy·DateAug 26, 2016

The refugee crisis in Europe: Challenges and possible solutions

The European refugee crisis poses significant challenges, including fierce border disputes and criticism from 90% of national residents. To address these issues, experts suggest reducing income support for refugees, accommodating unskilled immigration, and welcoming young foreigners to relieve labor market shortages.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 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.

Calorie-burning 'good' fat can be protected, says study

Researchers have discovered a new strategy to cultivate beneficial beige fat, which can help ward off obesity and diabetes. By preventing beige fat cells from digesting their own mitochondria, the intervention successfully protected against obesity and pre-diabetic symptoms in mice, raising hopes for future applications in human patients.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell Metabolism·DateAug 25, 2016

Study: Unconventional natural gas wells associated with migraine, fatigue

Researchers found that individuals living near active natural gas wells were nearly twice as likely to suffer from migraines, chronic rhinosinusitis, and severe fatigue. The study suggests a plausible link between fracking and these health conditions, highlighting the need for further research and protection.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateAug 25, 2016

New method creates endless supply of kidney precursor cells

Salk Institute scientists have discovered a method to create unlimited numbers of precursor kidney cells using a three-dimensional culture and new supporting molecules. These early-stage kidney cells could be used to grow replacement kidney tissue for studying and treating diseases.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateAug 25, 2016

President Obama honors outstanding mathematics and science teachers

The President's Educate to Innovate campaign has resulted in over $1 billion invested in improving K-12 STEM education. The award recognizes exceptional teachers who prepare students for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics skills crucial to the nation's innovation.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateAug 25, 2016

Psychosis associated with low levels of physical activity

A large international study found that people with psychosis have lower levels of physical activity, increasing cardiovascular disease risk. Barriers include mobility difficulties, pain, depression, and cognitive impairment.

SourceKing's College London·JournalSchizophrenia Bulletin·DateAug 25, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Oxygen can impair cancer immunotherapy in mice

Researchers found that oxygen inhibits the anticancer activity of T cells in mice, allowing cancer cells to escape immune attack and establish metastatic colonies. Inhibiting oxygen-sensing proteins in T cells improved the efficacy of immunotherapy, suggesting a new approach for treating cancer.

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalCell·DateAug 25, 2016

UNIST to engineer next-generation smart separator membranes

Researchers at UNIST have developed a novel separator membrane for batteries, featuring higher ion conductivity and enhanced performance. The new material is expected to enable significant advances in lithium-ion battery technology.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNano Letters·DateAug 25, 2016

Virtual peer pressure works just as well as the real thing

Researchers at NYU Tandon found that virtual peer pressure can influence behavior among citizen scientists, with groups performing better when competing against a virtual peer. The study used an experiment with Brooklyn Atlantis, a citizen science project where participants view and tag images of the Gowanus Canal.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalJournal of the Association for Information Science and Technology·DateAug 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.

New study questions timing in mitral valve repairs

A new study published in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery suggests that patients with isolated moderate to severe mitral valve regurgitation may benefit from surgical repair at an earlier stage than previously thought. The research, led by UAB/VA investigators, found severe underlying cardiac muscle damage in asymptom...

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·DateAug 25, 2016

Successful recycling: Protein quality control in the cell

Researchers have discovered how the Doa10 ligase complex forms a ubiquitin chain to mark faulty proteins for degradation. This process is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis and preventing diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The study sheds light on the importance of protein quality control in cells.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalMolecular Cell·DateAug 25, 2016

New technique takes guesswork out of IVF embryo selection

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have developed a new technique to choose the best embryo for implantation, boosting IVF pregnancy success rates. The method uses digital imaging and mathematical modeling to analyze differences in embryos not visible under a microscope, helping embryologists make more informed decisions.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalMolecular Reproduction and Development·DateAug 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.

An effective and low-cost solution for storing solar energy

Researchers at EPFL and CSEM have developed a robust and effective system to store solar energy by converting it into hydrogen through water electrolysis. The new system, which combines existing components, achieves a high level of stability and cost efficiency, enabling the generation and storage of enough hydrogen to power a fuel cel...

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalJournal of The Electrochemical Society·DateAug 25, 2016

Barrow researchers find roots of modern humane treatment

Researchers at Barrow Neurological Institute found the roots of modern humane medical practices in a pioneering French physician, Andre Feil's 1919 medical school thesis. The thesis challenged long-held opinions about people with deformities and emphasized treating patients with dignity and honor.

SourceSt. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateAug 25, 2016

Looking to saliva to gain insight on evolution

New research on slobber shows that adaptation isn't just about creating new tools for survival. The study found repeated instructions in the MUC7 gene helped primates enhance important traits like saliva's lubricity and ability to bind microbes, suggesting evolution favors expansion of tried-and-true genetic tools.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 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.

A mammoth undertaking

A new paper by UC Santa Barbara researchers recommends several ways to make ecological de-extinction more successful. They suggest resurrecting recently extinct species that fit seamlessly into their ecosystems, choosing animals with irreplaceable ecological jobs, and restoring species to functional abundance levels.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateAug 25, 2016

A reward makes rats more likely to replay memories in reverse

Researchers found that rats' memories of reaching a reward play forward and backward in their hippocampus. The number of reverse replays rose with the size of the reward, while forward replays remained constant, suggesting different roles for each form of fast-motion simulation.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateAug 25, 2016

A nanoscale wireless communication system via plasmonic antennas

Researchers at Boston College have developed a nanoscale wireless communication system that operates at visible wavelengths using surface plasmons with unprecedented control. The device achieves in-plane configuration and enables high-speed communication, potentially speeding up transmission by up to 60%.

SourceBoston College·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 25, 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.

Finally, the brain sensor that turns down the heat

Scientists have identified a specific group of neurons in the mouse hypothalamus that acts as the internal thermostat, regulating core body temperature. These neurons express the ion channel TRPM2 and limit excessive temperature rise in response to infection or trauma.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 25, 2016