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Science News Archive December 2016


Page 11 of 32

This GI test could help patients avoid a hospital stay

A new study published in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy found that capsule endoscopy can effectively rule out active upper GI bleeding or high-risk lesions in patients presenting with symptoms of possible UGIB. This reduces unnecessary hospital admissions and improves patient outcomes.

Turning therapeutic antibodies inside-out to fight cancer

Researchers at UCR developed therapeutic monoclonal antibodies that selectively block the action of faulty matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), targeting cancer cell spread. Inspired by camelid antibodies, these human antibodies have convex binding sites ideal for interactions with concave MMP sites.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Simulation method helps combat climate change, boost energy supply

Researchers at Kyushu University have developed a new simulation method to predict the behavior of oil, carbon dioxide, and water in underground reservoirs. The approach can help identify optimal sites for carbon sequestration, which could significantly increase energy supply and combat climate change.

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.

Rice, Baylor team sets new mark for 'deep learning'

A new 'deep rendering mixture model' enables computers to learn about the visual world largely on their own, using a semisupervised learning method. The algorithm achieved higher accuracy than previous methods in distinguishing handwritten digits, even with limited training examples.

Certain high blood pressure drugs block cancer invasion

Researchers have identified a new way of blocking cancer cell invasion using calcium channel blockers, which can stop breast and pancreatic cancer from spreading. The team discovered that these drugs target the sticky finger-like structures on cancer cells, rendering them inactive.

A cure for social anxiety disorders

A recent study published in Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics shows that cognitive therapy on its own has a much better effect over the long term than just drugs or a combination of the two. Nearly 85% of patients improved or became healthy using only cognitive therapy.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Carbon dots dash toward 'green' recycling role

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a simple way to recycle waste carbon dioxide into valuable fuel using nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots. The dots proved nearly as efficient as copper in converting CO2 into small batches of ethylene and ethanol, with the ability to keep their catalytic activity for a long time.

Guards of the human immune system unraveled

Researchers characterized dendritic cells across different human organs, revealing constant surface profiles and tissue-specific signals. The study sheds light on the development of new immune therapies and cancer treatments.

Bacteria control levels of dangerous pollutant in seabirds

Bacteria play a crucial role in determining the health of birds at the top of the food web. Seabirds feeding in areas rich in sulfate-reducing bacteria have high levels of mercury. This study suggests that bacteria provide a buffer to variation in mercury within the environment.

Graffiti for science

Researchers from GFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam developed a new method called 'erosion painting' to visualize erosion rates. By applying paint patterns on rock surfaces and monitoring their removal over time, scientists can analyze the spatial distribution and intensity of erosive processes.

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.

Biodegradable polymer coating for implants

For the first time, a biodegradable polymer coating has been synthesized using chemical vapor deposition, addressing a long-standing gap in degradable implant coatings. The coating's degradation rate can be controlled by adjusting the ratio of monomer types and side groups.

Cellular reprogramming slows aging in mice

Researchers used partial cellular reprogramming to reduce signs of aging and extend lifespan in mice with premature aging mutations. The approach altered epigenetic changes, suggesting that aging is a plastic process.

USDA awards $3.4 million for research to increase wheat yields

The USDA has awarded $3.4 million to seven research projects aimed at developing new wheat varieties with improved yield and adaptability to different regions. These grants will support international collaboration on wheat research and help meet growing demand for wheat worldwide.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Gene editing takes on new roles

Researchers have combined CRISPR gene editing with single-cell genomic profiling to understand nuanced cellular processes. The new technology enables precise manipulation of genes in individual cells, revealing previously unknown functions and advancing the field of genetic engineering.

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.

Breast cancer study predicts better response to chemotherapy

A new study from Lund University found that women with a high expression of the ER-beta estrogen receptor in their tumours had better outcomes after undergoing chemotherapy. The research could lead to more frequent check-ups and additional treatment for high-risk patients.

Hormonal contraception is safer than expected for women with diabetes

A new study published in Diabetes Care shows that IUDs and subdermal implants are the safest hormonal contraceptives for women with diabetes, with low rates of thromboembolic events. The findings expand pregnancy planning options for this population, encouraging physicians to offer these effective and safe birth control methods.

Using brands to vent relationship frustration

A study by researchers found that people in low relationship power situations vent their frustrations through buying opposite-brand products, such as switching from Diet Coke to Pepsi. This behavior is more effective than doing nothing or expressing frustration openly.

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 Mekong River initiative will highlight values of biodiversity, ecosystems

The University of Nevada, Reno's Global Water Center is launching a new 5-year initiative to preserve the Mekong River's biodiversity and ecosystem. The project aims to study the river's climate, hydrology, and biodiversity, build partnerships for sustainable development, and educate communities about the importance of a healthy Mekong.

First experimental evidence of 3-D aromaticity in stacked antiaromatic compounds

Researchers at Nagoya University have synthesized stable antiaromatic nickel norcorroles and investigated their interactions, revealing face-to-face interactions that form a triple-decker structure with aromatic characteristics. The resulting materials exhibit nonlinear optical properties and potential applications in optoelectronics.

Attractive drug candidate identified to target glioma brain tumors

A new biomarker enzyme ALDH1A3 has been identified in mesenchymal glioma stem-like cells, which are responsible for the tumorigenicity of glioblastoma multiforme tumors. The researchers have developed a small molecule inhibitor GA11 that targets this enzyme and has shown potent efficacy in preclinical testing.

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.

Neurons anticipate body's response to food and water

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center discovered that a subset of neurons anticipates the effects of drinking by preparing the body for an influx of water seconds before consumption. This 'top-down' control helps regulate intake and prevent negative consequences.

STEM enrichment activities have no impact on results

Research by Dr Pallavi Amitava Banerjee found that STEM enrichment schemes had no direct impact on math GCSE results. Despite this, the activities aimed to improve student understanding of science and maths, as well as break stereotypes about STEM subjects being only for 'the brainy'.

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.

Fast track control accelerates switching of quantum bits

Researchers developed a new framework for faster control of a quantum bit, accelerating switching with unprecedented speed. The technique enables less prone to errors in high-speed operation, paving the way for quantum applications like secure communications and simulation of complex systems.

Seizing environmental opportunities under a Trump presidency

Researchers urge environmental movement to proactively seize opportunities under a Trump presidency, citing China and other countries' plans to implement the Paris climate treaty regardless of US involvement. The next four years will be challenging, but proactive action can strengthen the movement beyond the Trump presidency.

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.

Research at Stanford locates absence epilepsy seizure 'choke point' in brain

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine used optogenetics to show that inducing synchronized activity in a specific nerve tract within the thalamus is sufficient to cause seizures, while disrupting it can terminate them. This finding may lead to improved ways of reducing or preventing absence seizures in susceptible child...

Lung-in-the-lab reveals no DNA damage on exposure to e-cig vapor

E-cigarette vapour exposure has been shown to be genotoxic and cytotoxic in human lung cells at high doses. In contrast, Vype e-cigarette vapour produced no DNA damage even at 28 times the equivalent smoke dose. The findings suggest that e-cigarettes are safer than smoking cigarettes.

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.

Repurposed drugs may offer improved treatments for fatal genetic disorders

Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have identified a potential new treatment approach for lysosomal storage disorders, which cause disruptions in cellular functioning. The study found that repurposed drugs can overcome toxic build-up in affected cells, improving survival rates and quality of life.

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.

Taking stock of the world's lakes

The new database provides a comprehensive overview of the world's lakes, with estimates of over 180,000 cubic kilometres of water stored in more than 1.4 million lakes. The study also reveals that lakes in hilly or mountainous regions tend to be deeper than those in flat landscapes.

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.

Blocking hormone activity in mosquitoes could help reduce malaria spread

Researchers have discovered a potential new approach to combat malaria by disrupting mosquito hormone signaling, reducing transmission and lifespan, and blocking parasite development. The findings suggest that applying DBH to bed nets or spraying it indoors could be an effective alternative to insecticides.

When horses are in trouble they ask humans for help

Research at Kobe University found that horses send signals to humans both visually and physically when faced with unsolvable problems, adapting their behavior based on humans' knowledge. This high social cognitive ability may have been acquired during domestication, enabling horses to form close bonds with humans.

Neural circuits underlying fly larval locomotion

This review article discusses the neural control mechanisms behind fly larval locomotion, a complex motor behavior shared by both vertebrate and invertebrate species. Key findings from Drosophila models reveal the crucial role of genes in regulating locomotor rhythm and pattern generation.