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Science News Archive December 2016 - Page 32


Page 32 of 32

URI scientist: Rare childhood disease linked to major cancer gene

A team of researchers has established a molecular link between Fanconi anemia and the PTEN gene, strongly associated with uterine, prostate, and brain cancer. The discovery improves understanding of Fanconi anemia and could lead to improved treatment outcomes for some cancer patients.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 1, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Frequency of tornado clusters in US is increasing

A new study found that US tornado clusters are becoming more frequent and intense over the past 50 years, with an estimated doubling of extreme outbreaks from 1965 to 2015. The data suggests that climate change is not a primary driver of this trend, and other factors such as low-frequency climate variability may be at play.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 1, 2016

Vietnam war veteran develops rare cancer after exposure to Agent Orange

A 69-year-old Vietnam war veteran was diagnosed with pleomorphic liposarcoma, a rare type of cancer, after exposure to Agent Orange during his service. The patient's cancer has a high rate of local recurrence and ability to spread to other parts of the body, making early detection crucial.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Case Reports·DateDec 1, 2016

Unique strains of Brazilian leishmaniasis set apart by genetics

A recent study by Guimarães et al. found that patients with atypical cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) in northeast Brazil have distinct genetic variations and higher levels of inflammatory cytokines. ACL is characterized by longer disease duration, more lesions above the waist, and reduced effectiveness of antimony treatment.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateDec 1, 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.

Embryonic cluster galaxy immersed in giant cloud of cold gas

Astronomers detected carbon monoxide gas indicating large quantity of molecular hydrogen, suggesting formation of a single, gigantic galaxy. The cloud of cold gas is estimated to be three times the size of the Milky Way Galaxy.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalScience·DateDec 1, 2016

How Zika infects the growing brain

Researchers at Harvard University and Novartis have discovered that Zika virus can infect neural progenitor cells by grabbing onto a specific protein called AXL on the cell surface. This finding contradicts previous studies suggesting that targeting the AXL protein alone could defend against the virus.

SourceHarvard University·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateDec 1, 2016

Increasing tornado outbreaks -- is climate change responsible?

A recent study has found that the frequency of US tornado outbreaks is increasing, but the trend does not resemble those expected under global warming. Instead, researchers attribute the rise to trends in storm relative helicity, a factor not previously linked to climate change.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience·DateDec 1, 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.

Psychological well-being and physical activity in older adults

A study published by Chapman University researchers found that higher psychological well-being is associated with greater levels of physical activity in older adults. The study, which followed 9,986 English adults over 11 years, suggests that boosting mental health may encourage physical activity and improve overall well-being.

SourceChapman University·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateDec 1, 2016

How it takes just 6 seconds to hack a credit card

Researchers at Newcastle University found that hackers can hack a credit card account in as little as 6 seconds by guessing the card number, expiry date, and CVV. The 'Distributed Guessing Attack' method allows hackers to circumvent security features and validate card details across multiple websites.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalIEEE Security & Privacy·DateDec 1, 2016

New police training draws from science of deadly force

A new portable use-of-force simulator, CBTsim, is being rolled out by Washington State University to launch a science-driven era in police training. The device projects realistic video scenarios where officers must make rapid decisions in tense situations, tracking every movement and action.

SourceWashington State University·DateDec 1, 2016

Computer learns to recognize sounds by watching video

Researchers at MIT's CSAIL develop a sound-recognition system that outperforms predecessors without requiring expensive hand-annotated data. The system is trained on video and achieves high accuracy rates, with applications in improving mobile device context sensitivity and situational awareness of autonomous robots.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateDec 1, 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.

Predation on pollinating insects shaped the evolution of the orchid mantis

Research challenges traditional views in insect evolution, finding that female orchid mantises increase in size and color to gain advantage over large pollinators. This study suggests female predation strategy led to the differing male and female ecologies in the orchid mantises.

SourceCleveland Museum of Natural History·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 1, 2016

In cancer immunotherapy, one PD-L1 test to rule them all?

A study comparing four tests for PD-L1 expression has found that three tests cluster together, but the results vary with different scales. The goal of the ongoing study is to determine which test predicts treatment response most accurately.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateDec 1, 2016

New chemistry of life

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt discovered a new ubiquitination mechanism in Legionella bacteria that affects cellular processes and causes cell death. This mechanism reveals a broader role of ubiquitin in regulating life processes and may lead to new strategies for developing antibacterial agents.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalCell·DateDec 1, 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.

Perovskite solar cells hit new world efficiency record

Researchers at the University of New South Wales achieved a 12.1% efficiency rating for a 16 cm2 perovskite solar cell, making it the largest single certified with the highest energy conversion efficiency. The team has also demonstrated an 18% efficiency rating on smaller cells and plans to extend durability.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·DateDec 1, 2016

New findings boost promise of molybdenum sulfide for hydrogen catalysis

Researchers found that molybdenum sulfide (MoS2) holds more promise as a catalyst for producing hydrogen than previously thought. By engineering sulfur vacancies across the material's surface, they achieved catalytic efficiency comparable to previous MoS2 technologies.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 1, 2016

Narcissistic individuals use social media to self-promote

A study of 62 studies with over 13,000 individuals found that narcissism correlates with a range of social media behaviors, including the number of friends and selfies posted. Grandiose narcissism positively relates to time spent on social media, while vulnerable narcissism does not show a relationship.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPsychology of Popular Media Culture·DateDec 1, 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.

A friend of a friend is ... a dense network

A new theoretical model shows that dense networks evolve differently depending on the rate of second-neighbor connections. Networks with high copying probabilities exhibit densifying behavior, growing faster than themselves, and an unlimited number of growth transitions related to copying are discovered.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 1, 2016

Climate cycles may explain how running water carved Mars' surface features

A team of planetary scientists suggests that dramatic climate cycles on early Mars could have created the planet's deep canyons and extensive valley networks. The researchers propose a glacier-covered Mars with long warm periods lasting up to 10 million years, producing enough water to form these features.

SourcePenn State·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateDec 1, 2016

How do children hear anger?

A team of researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and acoustic analysis to study how children's brains respond to emotional speech cues. They found that lower frequency characteristics in voice spectra may play a significant role in understanding brain activity and differentiating emotional processing.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateDec 1, 2016

CRISPR editing in pancreatic cells reduced cell death and increased insulin secretion

Researchers used CRISPR/Cas9 to remove an enzyme that regulates the diabetes-associated TXNIP gene, leading to reduced cell death and increased insulin production in genetically modified pancreatic beta cells. The study also found that histone acetyltransferases play a crucial role in regulating the TXNIP gene.

SourceLund University·JournalThe International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology·DateDec 1, 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.

Natural alternatives to protect plants inspired by pharmaceutical research

French researchers have discovered that Streptomyces bacteria can be used as an environmentally friendly alternative to pesticides. The bacteria promotes plant growth and controls pests in the soil. This study could lead to sustainable agricultural practices and reduce harm to human health and the environment.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Plant Science·DateDec 1, 2016

Feathered fathers and mothers have diverse parenting arrangements

A study published in Nature found that mated pairs of wild shorebirds have diverse schedules for parental care of the nest. The researchers used geolocators to track the birds' movements and timing, revealing a range of incubation bouts from every other hour to two days.

SourceKansas State University·JournalNature·DateDec 1, 2016

UA receives $1.5 million to study cancer in firefighters

Researchers at the University of Arizona will lead a collaborative project to develop the framework for a larger long-term study of cancer in firefighters, focusing on measuring exposures and determining mechanisms. The goal is to reduce cancer risk in firefighters through improved occupational health and safety practices.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·DateDec 1, 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.

Research team discovers a pathogen's motility triggers immune response

A research team at the University of Georgia has discovered that a pathogen's ability to move through the body triggers an immune response. The study found that bacterial motility induces the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps, which are web-like structures of DNA associated with antimicrobial molecules.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateDec 1, 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.

Study reveals new role for Hippo pathway in suppressing cancer immunity

A new study by University of California San Diego School of Medicine scientists discovered the Hippo pathway's unexpected function in subduing cancer immunity. Deleting LATS1/2 from mouse cancer cells enhanced anti-tumor immune responses, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach to improve immunotherapy efficiency.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell·DateDec 1, 2016

A&A special issue: GREGOR first results

The GREGOR solar telescope has demonstrated its potential with high precision measurements of magnetic fields and material motion. High spatial resolution imaging data have also provided unprecedented details of the Sun's photosphere, revealing features smaller than 100 km in sunspot light bridges.

SourceAstronomy & Astrophysics·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateDec 1, 2016

New evidence on the formation of the solar system

A new study published in Nature Communications presents evidence suggesting that a low-mass supernova played a crucial role in the formation of our solar system. The research team analyzed short-lived radioactive nuclei found in meteorites and discovered unique 'fingerprints' that point to a low-mass supernova as the trigger.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 1, 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.

China's pristine parks get more merit

A large-scale study found China's smaller parks in warmer regions were more heavily modified, while larger parks in colder areas remained pristinely untouched. The research provides valuable insights into the conservation value of protected areas and will aid in achieving international recognition for China's conservation efforts.

SourceGriffith University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateDec 1, 2016

Scientists report that bismuth is superconducting

Scientists discover Bismuth is superconducting at extremely low temperatures, defying expectations due to its low carrier density. The finding opens new avenues for research into the fundamental laws of superconductivity.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 1, 2016

'Bickering' flies make evolutionary point

Rice University biologist Julia Saltz found that fruit flies' genotypes and behaviors affect their social environments. In experiments, she observed that males in preferred groups were more aggressive than those in nonpreferred groups, while losing an encounter made them less aggressive.

SourceRice University·JournalHeredity·DateDec 1, 2016

Concerns over bodybuilders injecting natural oils

A young bodybuilder's use of non-prescribed injections, including coconut oil and insulin, led to severe complications, including a ruptured triceps and multiple cysts. The case highlights the risks of self-administered natural oils and steroids used to achieve a desired body image.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Case Reports·DateDec 1, 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.

IUPUI chemists develop new technique that could speed drug development

IUPUI chemists have developed a new molecular binding technique that can shorten or abridge the human and animal drug discovery and development process. The new method, which uses site-selective C-H arylation of primary aliphatic amines, has potential benefits for both the pharmaceutical industry and patients.

SourceIndiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Science·JournalNature Chemistry·DateDec 1, 2016

Modifying a live virus in a vaccine to be just strong enough

Researchers successfully developed a vaccine against influenza using genetically modified live virus that activates the immune system but cannot replicate in healthy cells. The new vaccine proved effective in mice, guinea pigs, and ferrets, offering an antibody response comparable to existing vaccines.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 1, 2016

IPM's ring study results published in New England Journal of Medicine

A Phase III study published in NEJM shows the dapivirine ring safely reduced HIV infection by 31 percent overall among all women in the trial. The risk of HIV infection was reduced by at least 56 percent among women who used the ring consistently, with subgroup analyses suggesting a 75 percent or more reduction with near-perfect use.

SourceInternational Partnership for Microbicides (IPM)·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 1, 2016

Use your words: Written prisoner interactions predict whether they'll clean up their acts

Research at Ohio State University found that prisoners' written communication changes are linked to reduced reoffending rates in substance-abuse programs. The study analyzed tens of thousands of messages exchanged between participants and found that those who showed greater language change were less likely to return to prison.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Substance Abuse Treatment·DateDec 1, 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.

UTSA receives $5.29 million grant for brain health research

UTSA has received a prestigious $5.29 million grant to advance its brain health research, focusing on the basal ganglia region and potential treatments for Parkinson's disease. The funding will support local cell signaling research to develop a model of basal ganglia function.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateDec 1, 2016