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Science News Archive December 2016 - Page 4


Page 4 of 32

Scientists discover concussion biomarker

Researchers at Northwestern University's Auditory Neuroscience Laboratory have discovered a biological marker in the auditory system that can reliably diagnose concussions. The study found that children who suffered concussions had a distinct pattern in their brain activity when exposed to sound, which could be used to identify them.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 22, 2016

Protein that activates immune response harms body's ability to fight HIV

Researchers found that temporarily blocking type I interferon can restore immune function and speed up viral suppression in HIV-infected mice. This approach may help eradicate HIV throughout the body when combined with antiretroviral therapy.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 22, 2016

A smarter, safer way to reduce corrosion

A team of researchers from Swansea University has made a breakthrough in reducing corrosion by developing a new method that outperforms existing products. The new coating lasts up to 12 times as long and is 20 times faster than current methods.

SourceSwansea University·DateDec 22, 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.

New tag revolutionizes whale research -- and makes them partners in science

A new type of 'tag' on whales allows researchers to record data every second for hours, days, and weeks at a time, providing insights into whale ecology, behavior, and interactions with prey. The technology has turned whales into scientific partners to help understand ocean conditions and climate change.

SourceOregon State University·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateDec 22, 2016

Sensor sensation

Researchers at OIST have created a novel sensor that detects biomolecules more accurately than ever before, using the additional function of measuring mass. This allows for more confident encapsulation of disease-detecting biomolecules within microfluidic platforms.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNanoscale·DateDec 22, 2016

Electron-photon small-talk could have big impact on quantum computing

Scientists have successfully built a device that allows a single electron to communicate with a photon, paving the way for more efficient quantum computing. This breakthrough enables quantum information to be transferred between electrons and photons, reducing noise and increasing performance.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalScience·DateDec 22, 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.

Oregon researchers publish reference genome of gulf pipefish

The study provides a detailed genome sequence of the gulf pipefish, which can be used as a reference for other labs to follow. The genome reveals genetic changes responsible for the evolution of unique features in the species, including its ability to gestate embryos.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalGenome Biology·DateDec 22, 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.

FH and other findings from Geisinger-Regeneron genomics studies

A Geisinger-Regeneron genomics study found that Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) is more common than thought, with 1 in every 256 people carrying a disease-causing mutation. The study identified 35 mutations causing FH and found many patients were undertreated due to lack of genetic confirmation.

SourceGeisinger Health System·JournalScience·DateDec 22, 2016

Interleukin-1α causes people to choke on air

Scientists have identified interleukin-1α as the key event triggering allergic reactions to air pollution. The release of IL-1α leads to inflammation in the lungs and intensifies the immune response, suggesting a promising therapeutic target for respiratory illnesses associated with air pollution.

SourceOsaka University·JournalImmunity·DateDec 22, 2016

NIH-supported scientists accelerate immune response to tuberculosis in mice

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis accelerate immune response to tuberculosis in mice by activating dendritic cells, leading to near-sterilizing immunity levels. The study could lead to improved TB vaccines for humans, addressing the variable protection provided by current BCG vaccine.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 22, 2016

Deadly sleeping sickness set to be eliminated in 6 years

Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a two-pronged approach combining active screening and vector control, which could eliminate Gambian sleeping sickness in key regions of DRC within four years. Without this combined strategy, elimination might not occur until the 22nd century.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateDec 22, 2016

NASA spots Tropical Storm Nock-ten intensify

Tropical Storm Nock-ten strengthened from a tropical depression, with maximum sustained winds near 52 mph. The storm is forecast to intensify into a typhoon by Dec 24 and track through the Philippines on Dec 25-26.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 22, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Prior kidney damage may pose risks for pregnant women and their babies

A study found that women with a history of recovered acute kidney injury had an increased rate of preeclampsia and delivered infants earlier than those with normal kidney function. Infants born to these women were also at higher risk for small-for-gestational-age births.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 22, 2016

Weight loss reduces psoriasis symptoms

A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that weight loss reduced psoriasis severity and improved quality of life among obese test subjects. The results, which showed a lasting effect, underscore the importance of weight loss as part of a broader treatment regimen for overweight patients with psoriasis.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateDec 22, 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.

Abortion care in the UK is 'heading towards a crisis,' warns expert

The UK's abortion care system is facing a crisis due to an outdated law and inadequate access, according to an expert. Women seeking abortions face challenges including inequitable access, lack of trained staff, stigmatization, and exceptionalism.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care·DateDec 22, 2016

Heart-related deaths spike at Christmas

Researchers found a 4.2% increase in heart-related deaths during the Christmas period, with average age of cardiac death being 76.2 years. The study suggests that patients may hold back seeking medical care due to travel, geographic isolation, and emotional stress associated with holidays.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateDec 22, 2016

Mass insect migrations in UK skies

Scientists have measured mass insect migrations in UK skies, with up to 3.5 trillion insects migrating annually over southern England. The movements are comparable to significant oceanic migrations and provide essential ecological services, including pollination and predation of crop pests.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScience·DateDec 22, 2016

History of kidney injury increases risk of pregnancy complications

A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that women with a history of acute kidney injury have a higher risk of adverse outcomes during pregnancy, including preeclampsia and preterm delivery. Despite normal kidney function before pregnancy, these women were more likely to develop complications.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 22, 2016

Controlling the body clock

Researchers at RIKEN create genetic knock-out rescue mice to study circadian timekeeping and identify key sites in the CRY1 gene that affect the duration of the circadian period. They find that specific mutations near the p-loop region influence phosphorylation levels, leading to longer or shorter circadian periods.

SourceRIKEN·JournalMolecular Cell·DateDec 22, 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.

Wayne State University leads groundbreaking research on preterm birth

Researchers at Wayne State University have made a groundbreaking discovery about B lymphocytes and their role in preventing preterm birth. The study found that these cells produce molecules to suppress uterine inflammation and premature birth, potentially leading to new therapeutic approaches.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalNature Medicine·DateDec 22, 2016

Results of major myeloma treatment trial published in The Lancet

A major clinical trial has found that adding bortezomib to a standard two-drug regimen significantly prolongs the time before multiple myeloma cancer returns, giving patients about another year of remission. The study also shows that patients who receive this combination therapy live an average of six years after initial treatment.

SourceSWOG·JournalThe Lancet·DateDec 22, 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.

Oddly shaped immune cells cause fibrosis

Researchers at Osaka University discovered a new subgroup of monocytes called SatM, which may contribute to fibrosis. These cells showed characteristics that suggested they were hybrids of different immune cells and can be regulated by C/EBPβ.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature·DateDec 22, 2016

Nanoscale 'conversations' create complex, multi-layered structures

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory developed a way to efficiently create complex nanoscale structures by leveraging self-assembly and guided layering. The technique enables the creation of intricate 3D structures with internal channels or pockets, advancing nanotechnology for medicine, energy generation, and other applications.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 22, 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.

These dinosaurs lost their teeth as they grew up

Researchers have found that ceratosaurian theropod dinosaurs had teeth as young juveniles that were gradually lost as they grew up. The discovery reveals a unique developmental process where the toothed jaws of juvenile individuals transition to a completely toothless beaked jaw in more mature individuals.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 22, 2016

Artificial intelligence to generate new cancer drugs on demand

Scientists at InSilico Medicine developed a proof-of-concept AI model using Generative Adversarial Autoencoders (AAEs) to generate molecular fingerprints of cancer-killing molecules. The study demonstrates the potential for AI to accelerate pharmaceutical R&D and improve clinical trial success rates.

SourceInSilico Medicine·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateDec 22, 2016

NASA finds heavy rainfall area increasing in Tropical Cyclone Yvette

Tropical Cyclone Yvette's center of circulation has seen an increase in continuous rainfall area, with convective storms dropping rain at rates over 60 mm per hour. The storm's maximum sustained winds have reached up to 52 mph, with forecast predictions indicating landfall on Christmas Day.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 22, 2016
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

A stem cell strategy for boosting testosterone levels tested in rodents

Researchers developed a method for generating Leydig cells by directly converting adult skin cells into functional testosterone-producing cells. The approach successfully restored normal testosterone levels in male rodents with hypogonadism, offering a promising alternative to existing therapies.

SourceCell Press·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateDec 22, 2016

Proteins at the movies

Researchers have successfully filmed protein folding in three dimensions for the first time, enabling them to observe minute changes in protein structures during transformation. The technique, developed using Japan's XFEL facility, has significant implications for drug development and studying membrane transport proteins.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience·DateDec 22, 2016

Researchers capture video of false killer whale's encounter with longline

A team of researchers observed Hawaiian false killer whales removing fish from longline fishing gear for the first time, gaining insight into a behavior that has led to unsustainable entanglements. The study provides new information on the animals' behavior and may lead to the development of 'smart hooks' to reduce bycatch.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateDec 22, 2016

Smoking while pregnant may compromise children's kidney function

Children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy are more likely to show signs of kidney damage. Maternal smoking is linked to an increased risk of childhood proteinuria, a sign of reduced kidney function that can lead to chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease in adulthood.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 22, 2016
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Study IDs key indicators linking violence and mental illness

Researchers analyzed data from 3,473 adults with mental illnesses to identify key indicators of subsequent risk of becoming victims or perpetrators of violence. The study found that affective symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, were closely associated with both committing and being a victim of violence.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateDec 22, 2016

Moffitt researchers use mathematics to explain treatment resistance

A team of researchers used mathematical models to study the emergence of treatment-resistant populations in bacteria and cancer cells. They found that biological redundancy can lead to bet-hedging, a mechanism that allows cells to survive even when faced with catastrophic environmental changes. The study suggests that traditional strat...

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalGenetics·DateDec 22, 2016

TSRI study: Protein monitors lung volume and regulates breathing

A TSRI study found that the Piezo2 protein plays a critical role in sensing lung expansion and regulating breathing. Researchers discovered that newborn mice lacking Piezo2 channel show severe respiratory distress, while adult mice with deleted channels inhale more air than normal.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature·DateDec 22, 2016

Fractional disturbance observers could help machines stay on track

Researchers created tools called disturbance observers using fractional calculus, which estimate and eliminate disturbances in systems. The new approach outperformed existing methods, particularly when combined to handle highly fluctuating disturbance signals.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateDec 22, 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.

Paris Agreement target critical for preserving fisheries

A new study highlights the urgent need for global action to limit temperature increases to 1.5°C due to its critical role in preserving marine ecosystems and limiting species turnover for the fishing industry. The results show that exceeding this target could lead to a three-fold decline in marine biomass.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 22, 2016

A library for food security

A genetic library of cowpea varieties is being developed to improve crop resilience and yield. The library, which contains 6,000 samples, will help crop scientists make informed decisions using genetic information.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·DateDec 21, 2016

New drug target for inflammatory disease is all the RAGE

Researchers have discovered that the RAGE receptor plays a key role in regulating inflammation through its binding to the leukotriene B4 receptor 1. This interaction modifies LTB4-BLT1 signaling, which modulates the inflammatory response.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalDNA and Cell Biology·DateDec 21, 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.

Newly discovered mechanism in cells can regulate the immune system

Scientists from the Niels Bohr Institute have identified a new way to control the production of important proteins that regulate the immune system. The discovery could provide a new opportunity to fight diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's, and diabetes by controlling the cell's genetic response.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute·JournalCell Systems·DateDec 21, 2016

New appropriate use criteria for coronary revascularization released

The American College of Cardiology released updated appropriate use criteria for performing coronary revascularization in patients with acute coronary syndromes. The criteria provide a framework for clinicians to evaluate therapies and improve patient outcomes by facilitating shared decision making between patients and providers.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateDec 21, 2016

Blood test for prion disease could make blood supply safer

A reliable blood test can identify prion disease before symptoms appear, allowing for non-invasive diagnosis and potentially preventing transmission through blood transfusions. Researchers successfully detected abnormal proteins in the blood of presymptomatic donors with 100% accuracy.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 21, 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.

New ultrasound technique is first to image inside live cells

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have developed a nanoscale ultrasound technique that can see inside individual living cells without damaging them. This breakthrough method could rival optical super-resolution techniques, which won the 2014 Nobel Prize for Chemistry, by using shorter-than-optical wavelengths of sound.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 21, 2016

Vitamin D improves gut flora and metabolic syndrome

Researchers discovered that vitamin D deficiency contributes to metabolic syndrome progression in mice by disrupting gut bacteria balance. Vitamin D supplementation improves metabolic syndrome outcomes by recovering gut bacteria balance and reducing blood sugar levels.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateDec 21, 2016