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Science News Archive July 2016 - Page 20


Page 20 of 36

'Smart' nanoparticle called PEARLs a promising gem to target, treat tumours

Researchers have discovered a 'smart' organic nanoparticle called PEARLs that uses heat and light to target and ablate tumours with greater precision. This innovation addresses two bottlenecks in photo-thermal therapy, enabling more effective treatment of cancer with minimal damage.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 14, 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.

OVC cancer breakthrough leads to human clinical trials

Researchers from OVC at the University of Guelph discovered a new way to boost immune responses against cancer by injecting oncolytic viruses into the spleen, bypassing traditional vaccine limitations. This breakthrough could lead to safer and more targeted cancer treatments for various types of cancer.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateJul 14, 2016

Ancient Brazilian pit house occupied continuously for centuries

A study published in PLOS ONE found that a proto-Jê pit house in southern Brazil was continually occupied and extended over two centuries. The researchers used radiocarbon dating and Bayesian modeling to analyze the site, which revealed twelve well-preserved floors with different types of ceramics and renovation techniques.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 14, 2016

New opioid use in older adults with COPD associated with increased risk of death

Researchers found that new opioid use among older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with a significantly increased risk of respiratory-related complications and death. The study, published in the European Respiratory Journal, suggests that even lower-dose opioids may pose risks for this population.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateJul 14, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Record-breaking volcanic kettle on Iceland explored

The Bardarbunga caldera is the largest caldera formation ever observed, with an area of 110 square kilometers. The team used satellite images, seismological and geochemical data, GPS data, and modeling to study the event.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalScience·DateJul 14, 2016

Novel compound has promise for treatment of Huntington's disease

A novel compound has been identified as a potential treatment for Huntington's disease, exhibiting two separate neuroprotective activities by inhibiting SIRT2 and activating the NRF2 transcription factor. The study demonstrates promising results in cellular and animal models of HD.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateJul 14, 2016

Climate experts help communities cope with impact of the Indian Monsoon

Researchers at the University of Exeter have developed a system to predict excess monsoon rainfall or drought in central India, which can impact the national and global economy. This prediction tool has the potential to improve decision-making for policymakers and communities, ultimately mitigating the effects of extreme weather events.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalInternational Journal of Climatology·DateJul 14, 2016
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.

NASA finds wind shear affecting Tropical Storm Celia

Tropical Storm Celia weakened in the Eastern Pacific Ocean with NASA data showing strongest winds and storms shifted north of the center. The Global Precipitation Measurement satellite found rain falling at over 164 mm per hour within a feeder band, indicating significant convective activity.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 14, 2016

Protein pairs make cells remember

Researchers discovered that protein pairs form feedback loops to store information in a cell's memory. The formation of these pairs is crucial for the cell's sensitivity to environmental stimuli and its ability to differentiate into specialized cells.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 14, 2016

Breakthrough in scaling up life-changing stem cell production

Researchers have discovered a breakthrough in scaling up life-changing stem cell production by using a protein derived from human blood, Inter-alpha inhibitor. This method enables faster and cheaper large-scale industrial production of human pluripotent stem cells without the need for costly biological substrates.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 14, 2016

Dads play key role in child development

Research from Michigan State University found that fathers' parenting-related stress has a direct impact on children's cognitive and language development, even after controlling for mothers' influences. Fathers' mental health also affects their children's behavior problems and social skills, particularly in later childhood.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEarly Childhood Research Quarterly·DateJul 14, 2016
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

'Rivet graphene' proves its mettle

Researchers at Rice University have developed 'rivet graphene', a two-dimensional carbon material with enhanced strength and conductivity. The new material uses nanotubes to reinforce its structure, making it suitable for flexible and transparent electronics.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 14, 2016

GAGA may be the secret of the sexes -- at least in insects

A new study reveals that a simple GAGA DNA sequence is essential for dosage compensation in insects, allowing males to achieve double gene expression on their X chromosome. This process likely evolved independently among different species and may be applicable to other animals, including mammals.

SourceBrown University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJul 14, 2016

New molecules kill multidrug-resistant cancer cells

Researchers have identified a new class of molecules called selenocompounds that can kill multidrug-resistant cancer cells by blocking their defenses against chemotherapy drugs. The most active molecule worked almost four times better than the reference compound and induced cell suicide in cancer cells with similar potency.

SourceElsevier·JournalBioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters·DateJul 14, 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.

Is the Zika epidemic in Latin America at its peak?

A recent model-based study suggests that the current Zika epidemic in Latin America will likely peak within three years, with subsequent herd immunity preventing future outbreaks. The authors also emphasize the importance of targeted mosquito control measures, which may actually hinder herd immunity.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 14, 2016

Soot may have killed off the dinosaurs and ammonites

A new hypothesis proposes that soot ejected by the Chicxulub asteroid impact caused global cooling, drought, and limited photosynthesis in oceans. This rapid climate change is believed to have led to the mass extinction of dinosaurs and ammonites.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 14, 2016

Zika epidemic likely to end within 3 years

A new study from Imperial College London predicts that the current Zika epidemic in Latin America will burn itself out within two to three years due to herd immunity. The team's analysis also concludes that large-scale transmission is unlikely to restart for at least another ten years.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScience·DateJul 14, 2016

On 58 percent of Earth's land surface, biodiversity has dropped below suggested 'safe' threshold

A new study reports that species integrity has dropped below the safe limit on 58% of Earth's land surface, threatening ecosystem services like crop pollination and waste decomposition. The Biodiversity Intactness Index reveals a global biodiversity loss of 84.6%, with nine terrestrial biomes surpassing the suggested threshold.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 14, 2016
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.

The tortoise and the hare and deep geologic time

Researchers directly measure real-time rock cracking and model sun-driven thermal stresses. They conclude that slow cracking by daily solar forces represents the majority of rock breakdown over deep geologic time. Rare events like freezing contribute to rapid crack growth, but only briefly surpassing the 'tortoise' effect.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalACM SIGSAM Bulletin·DateJul 14, 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.

Early preschool bedtimes cut risk of obesity later on

A new study from The Ohio State University College of Public Health found that preschoolers who are regularly tucked into bed by 8 p.m. are far less likely to become obese teenagers than young children who go to sleep later in the evening. Bedtimes after 9 p.m. appeared to double the likelihood of obesity later in life.

SourceMediaSource·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJul 14, 2016

Self-rated health worth doctors' attention

A new study from Rice University found that patients' self-rated health is a strong predictor of morbidity and mortality, even stronger than blood tests and measurements. The researchers linked low self-rated health to high levels of herpesvirus activity and inflammation, which are associated with poor cellular immunity and disease.

SourceRice University·JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology·DateJul 14, 2016

PrEP can reduce new HIV cases by a third among MSM over next 10 years

A daily PrEP pill can reduce new HIV cases among men who have sex with men (MSM) by a third in the US over 10 years if guidelines are followed, according to a modeling study. The medication is highly effective in preventing HIV infection when used consistently.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateJul 14, 2016

Gauging stem cells for regenerative medicine

Scientists developed guidelines to evaluate laboratory-generated stem cells, finding that no current methods produce truly naïve embryonic cells. The new criteria may aid researchers in achieving this goal, which could benefit both basic research and medical applications of stem cells.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 14, 2016

A 'matryoshka' in the interstellar medium

Researchers have found a unique triple-bubble structure in the interstellar medium of galaxy M33, consisting of three concentric supernova shells. This discovery provides insights into the complex feedback processes that govern star formation and the dissemination of metals produced in massive stars.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 14, 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.

In corneal transplantation, men and women don't see eye to eye

A recent study published in the American Journal of Transplantation found that gender matching is crucial for successful corneal transplants. Women who receive male donor corneas are more likely to experience rejection and failure, with a higher proportion of mismatched grafts failing or rejecting compared to female-to-female transplan...

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateJul 14, 2016

Bonding to bones strongly

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a new kind of hydrogel that bonds spontaneously and strongly to defected bones. The gel overcomes the problem of bonding with other surfaces by adding hydroxyapatite to its surface.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 14, 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.

Computer simulation renders transient chemical structures visible

Researchers have used molecular dynamics simulations to study the spatial and temporal behavior of myoglobin, a protein involved in oxygen transport. The simulations provide insights into the underlying chemical structure and dynamics of metastable intermediates, shedding light on the protein's function.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJul 14, 2016

Prisoners worldwide bear higher burdens of HIV and other infections

Research suggests that prisoners are released without access to medications that control their illnesses, leading to a spike in viral loads and increased risk of transmission. Decreasing incarceration rates for people who inject drugs could reduce the burden of HIV among prisoners.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 14, 2016

Early preschool bedtimes cut risk of obesity later on

Preschoolers who go to bed by 8 p.m. are half as likely to become obese teenagers as those who turn in late, according to a study from The Ohio State University College of Public Health. Establishing an early bedtime routine can also have positive benefits on behavior and cognitive development.

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJul 14, 2016

NUS scientists discover that modifications to protein RUNX3 may promote cancer growth

Scientists at NUS Cancer Science Institute discovered that phosphorylation of the tumour suppressor gene RUNX3 promotes cancer progression by allowing cell division. The study's findings suggest a potential way to increase the effectiveness of cancer therapy by targeting Aurora Kinase, an enzyme involved in the modification.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 14, 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.

Artificial intelligence reveals undiscovered bat carriers of Ebola and other filoviruses

A team of scientists has developed a model that can predict which bat species are most likely to transmit Ebola and other filoviruses. The study highlights new potential hosts and geographic hotspots worthy of surveillance, with the AI algorithm identifying potential carriers in Southeast Asia and Central and South America.

SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJul 14, 2016

Public health benefits of e-cigarette use tend to outweigh the harms

A modeling study suggests that e-cigarettes are likely to provide public health benefits for adults, particularly adolescents and young adults, who use them instead of smoking. The study found a 21% reduction in smoking-attributable deaths and 20% decrease in life years lost due to e-cigarette use.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateJul 14, 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.

Weight loss can lower levels of some proteins associated with cancer

A study found that weight loss through diet and exercise lowers angiogenesis-related protein levels in postmenopausal women. After 12 months, women in the diet arm and diet+exercise arm had significantly lower levels of these proteins compared to those in the control arm, suggesting a potential link between weight loss and reduced canc...

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateJul 14, 2016

Black bear links real objects to computer images

A study found that American black bears can recognize visual features of objects they know in real life when presented with photographs. This ability has important implications for the use of photographs in computerized studies involving bears and their welfare.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnimal Cognition·DateJul 14, 2016

Ocean warming primary cause of Antarctic Peninsula glacier retreat

A new study has found that ocean warming is the primary cause of glacier retreat on the western Antarctic Peninsula, with 90% of glaciers retreating since records began. This finding will improve predictions of ice loss and sea-level rise, as the Peninsula contributes significantly to global sea levels.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalScience·DateJul 14, 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.

Rhode Island childcare centers using federal nutrition subsidy served healthier food

A new Brown University study found that childcare centers in Rhode Island serving low-income children under the federal nutrition subsidy program serve healthier food than those outside the program. The study's lead author suggests that implementing nutritional guidelines and regulations can improve the quality of food served, particul...

SourceBrown University·JournalBMC Nutrition·DateJul 14, 2016

UD researchers look at programs to incentivize cover crop adoption

Researchers aim to understand farmers' preferences for cover crop contracts, which could lead to higher adoption rates. Cover crops offer benefits like soil health improvement and nitrogen scavenging, but farmers often face constraints such as conflicting planting dates with cash crops.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateJul 14, 2016

Defining what it means to be a naive stem cell

Researchers developed a method to revert and maintain human ESCs in a naive state, closely resembling that of mouse ESCs. The team assembled a checklist of characteristics human ESCs must have to be considered naive, including gene expression, DNA methylation, and X chromosome inactivation.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 14, 2016

Cell death: How a protein drives immune cells to suicide

Researchers at the University of Basel have identified a protein called gasdermin D that drives immune cells to pyroptosis, a form of programmed cell death. This process allows macrophages to burst open and expose pathogens, which can then be targeted by the immune system.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateJul 14, 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.

Measuring arsenic in Bangladesh's rice crops

Researchers at UMass Amherst have partnered with Chemists Without Borders to create a low-cost test kit for measuring arsenic in rice crops. The team hopes the kit will provide consumers with information on exposure and encourage protective measures, such as rinsing or choosing different varieties.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateJul 14, 2016

City birds again prove to be angrier than rural birds

Researchers found city birds exhibit higher levels of territorial aggression than rural counterparts, possibly due to limited space but better resources to defend. The study, published in Biology Letters, measured bird responses to simulated intrusions at urban and rural sites.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalBiology Letters·DateJul 14, 2016