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Science News Archive December 2016 - Page 12


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.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 15, 2016

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.

SourceElsevier·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateDec 15, 2016

'Cultural distinctiveness' can influence consumer preferences for certain products

A new study reveals that experiencing cultural distinctiveness can broaden an individual's definition of 'home' to include related cultural groups. This expansion allows consumers to fulfill the need to connect with their home culture by favoring brands associated with a related group.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 15, 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.

Waging a more effective war against viral outbreaks

Researchers propose new approaches to fight diseases using economic epidemiological modeling and Lagrangian approach, which consider unique factors of social and geographic patches

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 15, 2016

Dementia and Alzheimer's disease are concerns for older kidney transplant recipients

Rates of dementia and Alzheimer's disease are higher among older kidney transplant recipients than in the general population. Older patients with kidney failure who receive a kidney transplant are at increased risk of developing these conditions, which can threaten both their transplanted organ and survival.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 15, 2016

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.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNature Genetics·DateDec 15, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalCancer Cell·DateDec 15, 2016

New gene fusions and mutations linked to gastrointestinal stromal tumors

Researchers have identified new gene fusions and mutations associated with a subset of GIST patients, providing novel insights into the disease's biology. These findings could lead to personalized treatment approaches and improved outcomes for GIST patients.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Translational Medicine·DateDec 15, 2016

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.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 15, 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.

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.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateDec 15, 2016

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.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe Science of Nature·DateDec 15, 2016

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.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateDec 15, 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.

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.

SourceATR Brain Information Communication Research Laboratory Group·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 15, 2016

National Academy of Medicine launches 'action collaborative' to promote clinician well-being and combat burnout, depression, and suicide among health-care workers

The National Academy of Medicine has launched a wide-ranging initiative to promote clinician well-being and resilience. The collaboration aims to identify priorities and collective efforts to advance evidence-based solutions and promote multidisciplinary approaches to combat burnout, depression, and suicide among healthcare workers.

SourceNational Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine·DateDec 15, 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.

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.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature·DateDec 15, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateDec 15, 2016

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%.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnalytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·DateDec 15, 2016

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.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalGenome Research·DateDec 15, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·DateDec 15, 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.

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.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalFood Chemistry·DateDec 15, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 15, 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.

New findings about stem cells in the brain of patients with epilepsy

Scientists have discovered neural stem cells in epileptic brain tissue outside normal regions, suggesting greater plasticity in damaged brain areas. The study provides new knowledge about molecular characteristics of these cells and may lead to improved treatments for epilepsy.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateDec 15, 2016

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.

SourceColorado State University·JournalPeerJ·DateDec 15, 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.

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateDec 15, 2016

Potentially avoidable breast cancer surgeries cost patients and health-care system

A recent study by University of British Columbia researchers found that excessive reoperations in breast cancer surgeries result in significant costs to the Canadian healthcare system. The study concludes that with current reoperation rates being over double recommended targets, the additional cost is substantial.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalCurrent Oncology·DateDec 15, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·DateDec 15, 2016
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.

New report calls for forward-looking analysis and a review of restoration goals for the Everglades

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommend a re-examination of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan's original goals due to changing environmental conditions. The report emphasizes the need for forward-looking, systemwide analysis of Everglades restoration outcomes across various scenarios.

SourceNational Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine·DateDec 15, 2016

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.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateDec 15, 2016

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.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 15, 2016

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.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateDec 15, 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.

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.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalPhysiology & Behavior·DateDec 15, 2016

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.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 15, 2016

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.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 15, 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.

Patient prostate tissue used to create unique model of prostate cancer biology

Researchers have created a unique model of prostate cancer biology using patient tissue, allowing them to study the differences between normal and cancerous cells. The breakthrough uses conditional reprogramming, a laboratory technique that enables continuous growth of healthy and cancer cells indefinitely.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateDec 15, 2016

The secret to raising a smart shopper: Pick the right parenting style

Researchers analyzed data from 73 studies to find that children of authoritative parents exhibited better outcomes in interacting with the world, including healthier food choices and safer decision-making. They also provided valuable opinions on family consumption decisions.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateDec 15, 2016

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 15, 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.

Big diamonds have liquid metal roots, deep in the Earth

Researchers find metallic iron slivers in exceptionally large stones, indicating a liquid metal origin. The discovery provides insight into the geological formation of massive diamonds, such as the Cullinan Diamond.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 15, 2016

Groundbreaking discovery has potential to improve therapies for cancer and other diseases

A study by Lawson Research Institute has discovered that the Retinoblastoma protein works with EZH2 to silence repetitive DNA sequences, potentially leading to enhanced therapies for cancer and HIV. The research suggests that targeting these proteins could reveal viral hiding places in immune memory cells, allowing for new treatments.

SourceLawson Research Institute·JournalMolecular Cell·DateDec 15, 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.