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Science News Archive May 2016 - Page 7


Page 7 of 38

Closer to the source of the itch

Researchers found that IL-17A stimulates skin cells to express genes maintaining an inflammatory microenvironment, leading to psoriasis. The study identified NFKBIZ gene as playing a significant role in the IL-17A pathway.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalInternational Immunology·DateMay 25, 2016

Scientists capture the elusive structure of essential digestive enzyme

Researchers at Princeton University have revealed new insights into the mechanism of phenylalanine hydroxylase, a critical liver enzyme for human health. By applying unique approaches combining small-angle x-ray scattering and chromatography, they provided evidence for a model of the active structure of the enzyme.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 25, 2016

NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission will have a map for that

The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft will study asteroid Bennu in detail, collecting a sample to be analyzed on Earth. Four top-level maps will guide the sample collection process, assessing safety, navigation, surface material, and scientific value.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 25, 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.

Can Alzheimer's disease-associated peptide fight bacterial infection?

A study suggests that amyloid-ß peptide can ensnare invading microbes, halting infection in mouse and worm models of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers also found that mice with overexpressed amyloid-ß showed greater resistance to bacterial infection.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 25, 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.

Multiple personality disorder may be rooted in traumatic experiences

A new King's College London study challenges the fantasy model of multiple personality disorder, suggesting that traumatic experiences such as neglect or abuse in childhood are a major contributing factor. Researchers found a continuum of trauma-related symptom severity across groups, with patients with DID exhibiting the highest scores.

SourceKing's College London·JournalActa Psychiatrica Scandinavica·DateMay 25, 2016

Is aging inevitable? Not necessarily for sea urchins

Researchers found that sea urchins with shorter life expectancies do not experience a decline in regenerative capacity with age, contradicting the prevailing theory on evolution of aging. The study suggests that aging may not be inevitable and could be influenced by other factors.

SourceMDI Biological Laboratory·JournalAging Cell·DateMay 25, 2016

Making some of the world's most durable materials corrosion-resistant

Drexel materials scientists have created a boride material that resists oxidation at extremely high temperatures, thanks to its nanolaminated structure and protective aluminum oxide coating. The material's unique behavior has potential applications in harsh environments, such as combustion engines and cutting tools.

SourceDrexel University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 25, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

DNA sequencing enables treatment for some types of intellectual disability

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that genome-wide sequencing can diagnose genetic conditions leading to intellectual disability, enabling targeted treatments. Researchers discovered new disease genes and described physical traits associated with known diseases, offering hope for personalized medicine.

SourceChild & Family Research Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 25, 2016

Strength and ductility for alloys

Researchers have developed a new type of metallic material that is both extremely strong and ductile. This breakthrough solves the long-standing problem of choosing between these two properties in steels.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateMay 25, 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.

Dialing up chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer with ultrasound

Researchers in Norway used ultrasound to enhance absorption of chemotherapeutic compounds Gemcitabine into pancreatic cells, increasing treatment cycles and median survival time from 7 months to 18 months. The technique, called sonoporation, showed promising results without increased toxicity or side effects.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 25, 2016

Women cooking with biomass fuels more likely to have cataracts

A population-based study of nearly 6,000 people aged 60 and over found that Indian women who cook with biomass fuels were nearly 50% more likely to have visually impairing nuclear cataracts compared to those using clean fuels. The association was stronger for women cooking with longer duration of biomass fuels.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMay 25, 2016

New veterinary research helps distinguish accidents from abuse

Researchers at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine found different injury patterns in abused animals and those hit by cars, with abused animals showing more head injuries and rib fractures. The study aims to help uncover animal abuse and provide a tool for forensic veterinarians.

SourceTufts University·JournalJournal of Forensic Sciences·DateMay 25, 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.

Wayne State aims to improve imaging and chemical sensing of disease biomarkers

A Wayne State University researcher aims to improve upconversion nanocrystals' composition and atomic structure to expand the library of bright and multicolor emitters. The project is expected to lead to better diagnosing and treatment plans for numerous health issues by enhancing imaging and chemical sensing of disease biomarkers.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateMay 25, 2016

Cleveland researchers developing GPS for rectal cancer surgery

Researchers aim to reduce unnecessary surgeries and pelvic sepsis by analyzing magnetic resonance images and pathological specimens. They will develop a risk-assessment scoring system to determine which patients need surgery after chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateMay 25, 2016

Investigating how 'chemo brain' develops in cancer patients

Research on carboplatin therapy in rats suggests that chemotherapy can affect dopamine and serotonin levels, leading to cognitive issues. The study provides new insights into the development of chemo brain, a condition affecting up to one-third of chemotherapy patients.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Chemical Neuroscience·DateMay 25, 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.

No dessert for you! When it comes to diabetes, 'nagging is caring'

A national study led by Michigan State University sociologist Hui Liu found that for men, an unhappy marriage may actually slow the development of diabetes and promote successful treatment once they do get the disease. Women with good-quality marriages were more likely to have a lower risk of developing diabetes five years later.

SourceMichigan State University·DateMay 25, 2016

Richard Benton and Ben Lehner awarded EMBO Gold Medal 2016

Researchers Richard Benton and Ben Lehner received the 2016 EMBO Gold Medal for their groundbreaking work on insect olfaction and developmental biology. They discovered novel genes in odorant receptors, shedding light on the evolution of scent perception, and revealed stochastic variances in gene expression driving phenotypic diversity.

SourceEMBO·DateMay 25, 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.

Obese young adults unaware of kidney disease risk, study finds

A nationwide study found that obese young adults are at risk for chronic kidney disease due to undetected albuminuria, with Mexican Americans and blacks showing higher rates. The study suggests that healthcare providers should test for kidney damage in obese young adults, emphasizing the importance of prevention through lifestyle changes.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 25, 2016

NYU WIRELESS study predicts trouble and solution for 5G cellular

A new study by NYU WIRELESS suggests that the current channel model used in 5G cellular systems may under-predict signal coverage at close distances and over-predict it at far distances. A simpler alternative model using a single parameter, the path loss exponent, is proposed to improve predictive accuracy.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·DateMay 25, 2016

PET imaging with special tracer can detect and diagnose early Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have developed a new method for detecting and diagnosing preclinical Alzheimer's disease using PET imaging with PiB, which binds to amyloid plaques in the brain. The study found that PiB retention was prominent in cortical areas of the brain, consistent with post-mortem studies of Aβ plaques.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalJournal of Technology and Innovation·DateMay 24, 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.

NSF grant will help decipher cells' electric properties

Researchers will focus on ion channels and their role in producing electrical pulses, with potential applications in understanding heritable diseases of the nervous system. The study aims to identify genetic changes that enable fast or slow channel operation.

SourceMichigan State University·DateMay 24, 2016

Targeted treatment for liver cancer under way

Researchers at University of Eastern Finland found that inhibiting Aurora kinase A protein can inhibit liver cancer cell growth, offering potential new treatment option. The study's findings can be used to develop treatments for patients with p53-altered liver cancer.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 24, 2016

MD Anderson study uncovers early genetic changes in premalignant colorectal tissue

Researchers identified 2,314 genetic changes in polyps and adjacent mucosa, revealing potential drug targets for colorectal cancer prevention. The study also found similarities between premalignant and cancerous tissue, suggesting that polyps with more genetic changes may be more likely to develop into CRC.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateMay 24, 2016

Harnessing nature's vast array of venoms for drug discovery

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute develop a method to rapidly identify and optimize venoms for therapeutic use, finding potential treatments for multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. They create a library of venom genes and use a cell-based selection system to find potent molecules that block key targets.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMay 24, 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.

Researchers find higher than expected carbon emissions from inland waterways

A new study published in Environmental Research Letters found that greenhouse-gas emissions from lakes and inland waterways may be up to 45% greater than previously thought. The researchers used a yearlong series of continuous measurements to gather data, revealing higher nighttime emissions and storms creating spikes.

SourceWashington State University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMay 24, 2016

Great apes communicate cooperatively

Research on great ape communication reveals cooperative turn-taking sequences in both bonobos and chimpanzees, differing in their styles of gaze-based and signal-pause response based interactions. These findings suggest that cooperative communication may have arisen to coordinate collaborative activities more efficiently.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 24, 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.

Money really does matter in relationships

Researchers found that wealthy men prioritize physical attractiveness and engage in short-term mating, while committed women may adopt more consistent strategies due to reproductive costs. The study suggests evolutionary psychology principles influence mate selection across cultures.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMay 24, 2016

Light can 'heal' defects in new solar cell materials

Researchers at MIT have discovered a process to remove defects in new solar cell materials using intense light, improving their efficiency and consistency. The technique, called photo-induced cleaning, uses illumination to migrate ions that sweep away most of the defects in the material.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 24, 2016

Gigantic ultrafast spin currents

Researchers from TU Wien have proposed a new method to create gigantic spin currents in a very small period of time using ultra short laser pulses. The spin current is injected into silicon without creating a charge current due to a spin-selective effect, leading to extremely strong spin-polarization.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 24, 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.

More than a myth: Drink spiking happens

A study by the American Psychological Association found that 7.8% of college students reported being drugged, with women more likely to be victims and experience negative consequences. The research highlights the need for interventions targeting those who engage in drink spiking, focusing on consent and the dangers of overdosing.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychology of Violence·DateMay 24, 2016

Exercise, future anticancer therapy?

A groundbreaking Phase 3 clinical trial aims to demonstrate that intense physical exercise can extend the life of patients with metastatic prostate cancer, potentially reducing mortality by at least 22% and offering a new anticancer therapy.

SourceUniversity of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM)·DateMay 24, 2016

Money back guarantees for non-reproducible results?

An editorial published by The BMJ argues that money back guarantees are not the answer to improving data reproducibility in research. Instead, it advocates for open science and open data as key solutions. This approach would involve making all protocols, hypotheses, raw data, methods, and analyses publicly available.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMay 24, 2016

High-speed camera captures amazing lightning flash

Scientists capture lightning flash using high-speed camera at 7,000 frames per second as part of research on thunderstorm dynamics. The camera will be used to study upward electrical discharges from starters, jets and gigantic jets.

SourceFlorida Institute of Technology·DateMay 24, 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.

Urine tests not reliable for dehydration in older adults

A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that urine tests are not reliable for detecting dehydration in older adults. The researchers tested 383 participants over 65 and found that urine tests were too low to be useful, missing some dehydrated individuals and incorrectly identifying others.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMay 24, 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.

Study shows how air pollution fosters heart disease

A decade-long study of thousands of Americans found that exposure to fine particulate matter and traffic-related pollutants accelerates the progression of coronary artery calcium scores. This acceleration is associated with a 20% faster rate of calcium deposits in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 24, 2016

Cell Labelling via Photobleaching: A precious ally for scientific research

Researchers introduce a novel method for labelling individual cells using photobleaching, enabling precise targeting of unique cells in vast populations. This technology has the potential to transform our understanding of diseases by allowing researchers to study specific cells responsible for disease progression.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 24, 2016

We need the full picture to plan for climate change impacts

A new study highlights the importance of an integrated, cross-sectoral approach to climate change assessment to provide a more complete picture of impacts. Single sector studies often misrepresent the spatial pattern and magnitude of impacts due to omitted interdependencies within human and environmental systems.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMay 24, 2016

New tools to manipulate biology

Researchers at Université de Genève have developed new tools to manipulate biology, including a novel co-factor that enables proteins to perform tasks previously thought impossible. Meanwhile, another team has created a method to visualize mRNA in live animals, providing real-time insights into cellular processes.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalACS Central Science·DateMay 24, 2016
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.