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Science News Archive December 2016


Page 12 of 32

Specific ways in the body: New host for steroids

Researchers at KIT and Jacobs University Bremen have discovered a new class of host molecules, namely, barrel-shaped cucurbiturils, which can transport medical substances and hormones more efficiently. This breakthrough may lead to improved medicine formulations with reduced side effects.

The pill won't kill your sexual desire, researchers say

A new study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine finds that relationship length and age are more important than contraceptive type in predicting women's sexual desire. Contraceptives do not decrease desire, contrary to popular belief.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

Genetic variants are associated with susceptibility to mouth and throat cancer

A specific group of genetic variants in the human leukocyte antigen genomic region is linked to enhanced protection against HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer. The study found eight loci associated with susceptibility to oral cavity and pharyngeal cancer, including seven that had not been previously linked to mouth or throat cancer.

Tracking down therapy-resistant leukemia cells

A team of scientists from Helmholtz Zentrum München has isolated and characterized therapy-resistant leukemia cells, which are responsible for relapse in the disease. These cells can be eliminated using modern genetic engineering techniques, offering a new approach to prevent disease relapse.

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.

Macromolecules: Light to design precision polymers

Chemists at KIT have developed a method to control the setup of precision polymers by light-induced chemical reactions. This allows for precise arrangement of chain links, leading to defined properties and potential applications as storage systems or synthetic biomolecules. The new synthesis reaction is reported in Nature Communications.

New parent home visiting program reduces infants' need for medical care

Infants in participating families used significantly less medical services during the first year of life, with a one-third reduction in emergency room visits and fewer primary care doctor visits. The program also benefited low-risk families, suggesting its benefits extend beyond those at risk for problems.

Dental hygiene, caveman style

A study of 1.2-million-year-old tartar reveals that ancient humans used a kind of toothpick to clean their teeth, while consuming a balanced diet of meat and starchy foods. The analysis also suggests they ate grass seeds and had access to forests.

Beyond the Standard Model through 'mini spirals'

Researchers studied 36 mini-spiral galaxies and found a link between ordinary matter and dark matter. The structure of dark matter mimics visible matter in its own way, disagreeing with current hypotheses.

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.

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.

Manipulating brain activity to boost confidence

Researchers developed a method to read and amplify high confidence states using decoded neurofeedback, boosting participants' confidence without awareness. The effect was reversible, with confidence decreasing when the pattern was no longer detected.

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.

UT Southwestern scientists invent new way to see proteins in motion

Researchers have invented a new method called EF-X, which stimulates protein motions and visualizes them in real-time at atomic resolution. This approach enables the creation of video-like images of proteins in action, opening up new avenues for understanding protein function and potential applications in medicine.

Tumor gene test results can differ in same patients

A new study comparing two genetic sequencing tests found that results can differ significantly in the same patients, with only 22% of detected alterations matching between platforms. The findings have significant clinical implications, highlighting the need for more detailed comparisons of test results across larger patient populations.

More exact, ethical method to tell the sex of baby chickens

Researchers have developed a non-destructive imaging technique to accurately determine the sex of baby chickens within four days of hatching, promising to reduce animal welfare concerns. The technique uses optical spectroscopy to identify gender-specific biochemical differences in embryonic blood, with an accuracy rate of 93%.

New finding reveals battle behind gene expression

Stowers researchers discovered that DNA enhancers engage in an ongoing contest between activation and repression, resulting in a different epigenetic state of histone proteins. This finding clarifies the often misunderstood role of repression in DNA enhancers and its importance as an action.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Manchester set to get around £42 million boost for cancer research

Cancer Research UK is investing £39 million over five years into the Manchester Centre, focusing on translational research and training the next generation of cancer researchers. This funding will support innovative approaches to treating cancer, including radiotherapy and personalised medicine, with the aim of improving patient outcomes.

A good nose in service of science: When fish smells 'fishy'

A study by Mohamed Mahmoud reveals that fish farm aromas are caused by a complex mixture of substances, including geosmin and manure smell. The researchers identified ten other substances with musty-earthy smells, which run off from land into the water and affect the fish.

Impact of aging on brain connections mapped in major scan study

Brain connections critical for complex thinking skills deteriorate with age, while movement and hearing connections remain relatively well-preserved. Researchers analyzed brain scans from over 3,500 people aged 45-75 to understand aging's effects on the brain.

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 achieve meter-scale optical coherence tomography for first time

A team of researchers has achieved the first optical coherence tomography images of cubic meter volumes, offering opportunities for long-range measurements and imaging. The new technology could be used to monitor processes, take technical measurements and nondestructively evaluate materials in industrial settings.

This is your brain on (legal) cannabis: Researchers seek answers

A new study from Colorado State University found that using cannabis for depression or anxiety relief may not be the long-term answer. Researchers analyzed data from 178 college-aged users of recreational cannabis, who reported lower symptoms of one condition compared to another.

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.

Predicting throat cancer recurrence with a blood test

A study found that patients with oropharyngeal cancer who recur have higher levels of antibodies for proteins E6 and E7, which can detect recurrence before it's diagnosed. This biomarker could provide an early window for treatment.

Stem cell 'living bandage' for knee injuries trialed in humans

A stem cell-based treatment, known as the Cell Bandage, has been trialled in humans and shown to repair damaged meniscus tissue, restoring full knee function. The trial received positive results, with three out of five patients retaining an intact meniscus after 24 months.

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.

Study: Warming could slow upslope migration of trees

New research suggests that global warming could slow the upward migration of certain subalpine tree species, such as Engelmann spruce and limber pine. The study found that warming can harm young trees even in their first year, reducing seedling survival rates at all three elevations.

Bad people are disgusting, bad actions are angering

New study published in Psychological Science suggests that a person's character is more important than their actions in determining our sense of moral disgust. Researchers found that participants rated individuals with worse characters as more disgusting, regardless of the action taken.

Understanding X-chromosome silencing in humans

Scientists have discovered a new long RNA molecule, XACT, which accumulates with XIST on active X-chromosomes in human embryos. This finding explains why XIST is unable to trigger X-chromosome silencing until later stages of development. The research also reveals that XACT restrains XIST activity before chromosome silencing occurs.

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.

Does good-tasting food cause weight gain?

A study published in Physiology & Behavior found that desirable taste determines food choice but not consumption volume. Researchers fed mice tasty human foods and discovered they didn't gain excess weight despite strong preference for these diets.

Old age should not exclude organ donation after death

A study found that patient and kidney survival rates are comparable among donor age groups, including those over 80. Kidneys from octogenarian donors have a higher discard rate, but the difference is not significant. The results support using extended criteria donors, including older adults.

Getting to the bottom of deep sea volcanic activity

Two new studies provide a step-by-step account of an underwater volcano eruption, revealing that deformation patterns and tidal activity can be used to estimate future eruptions. Monitoring magma pools underneath the Axial Seamount has been shown to help predict undersea eruptions.

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.

NASA finds a lifetime of heavy rainfall from Tropical Cyclone Vardah

Tropical Cyclone Vardah produced heavy rainfall in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea, with estimated totals ranging from 300-500 mm. The Global Precipitation Measurement mission detected intense storms with rainfall rates exceeding 101 mm/h, indicating a lifetime of heavy precipitation.

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.