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Science News Archive November 2016


Page 7 of 38

Imaging study examines brains of current, former NFL players

Researchers found higher distribution volume in 8 brain regions among NFL players compared to nonplayers, suggesting localized brain injury may be associated with football play. Limited white matter changes were observed in the brains of NFL players.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Researchers find biggest exposed fault on Earth

Geologists have identified the Banda Detachment fault in eastern Indonesia, revealing a 7 km-deep abyss formed by 120 km of extension along a low-angle crack. This discovery helps assess dangers of future tsunamis and earthquakes in the region.

First new HIV vaccine efficacy study in 7 years has begun

The HVTN 702 study is the largest and most advanced HIV vaccine clinical trial in South Africa, testing a new experimental vaccine regimen. The study aims to enroll 5,400 men and women and provide greater protection against HIV infection than previous vaccines.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Glycocluster design could lead to targeted drug delivery

Researchers developed glycocluster-based diagnostic tools with better selectivity and precision than current tracers. Heterogeneous glycoclusters exhibited special properties, such as rapid transport to the intestine for excretion or selective accumulation in the liver.

New drug limits and then repairs brain damage in stroke

Researchers at the University of Manchester have discovered a potential new drug that reduces brain cell death and promotes neurogenesis after a stroke. The drug, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), is already licensed for use in humans for other conditions and has shown promise in early clinical trials.

Three rings stop cell division in plants

Researchers at Nagoya University developed a triarylmethane compound that selectively inhibits cell division in plant cells. This reversible compound may be effective in controlling plant growth by targeting cell division.

Adding clay to saline nanofluids creates useful materials

Research led by Norwegian University of Science and Technology scientist Jon Otto Fossum created micrometer-thick gel structures in clay-based nanofluids that exhibit mechanical strength to prevent oil droplets from merging. These structures could improve oil recovery from reservoirs and potentially enhance food product shelf life.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Hyperuricemia is associated with musculoskeletal pain

Research suggests elevated urate levels may be associated with musculoskeletal pain in asymptomatic individuals. Cross-sectional study found ultrasound evidence of monosodium urate crystal tissue deposition in intra- and extra-articular structures.

New method developed for analyzing photonic crystal structure

Researchers have developed a new method for analyzing photonic crystal structure, which provides a direct view of the inner details. The technique uses scattered light patterns to reveal the iso-frequency contours, offering a beautiful and straightforward way to observe the material's properties.

CNIC scientists discover a key signal in intercellular communication

A team of CNIC scientists has characterized a cell signal called ISGylation that impairs the secretion of exosomes, which are crucial for intercellular communication. The discovery sheds light on how this signal affects exosome formation and could lead to new biomedical applications.

The fusion reactor that employs a liquid metal shower

Researchers have developed a novel liquid metal shower divertor system that can withstand extremely high heat loads and efficiently evacuate plasma as neutral gases. The new design features a fine jet stream of liquid metal, which forms a strong wall to block plasma and facilitate effective evacuation.

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.

Theory that challenges Einstein's physics could soon be put to the test

Researchers have predicted a testable figure for the spectral index, which could confirm their theory that the speed of light was variable in the early universe. The team's model suggests a value of 0.96478, close to current estimates, and could lead to modifications of Einstein's theory of gravity.

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.

Enough is enough -- stem cell factor Nanog knows when to slow down

Researchers found that more Nanog protein in cells leads to less reproduction, contradicting previous assumptions. The study uses an algorithm called STILT to analyze time-resolved protein expression data, revealing a negative feedback loop that regulates Nanog's activity.

Physicists spell 'AV' by manipulating Abrikosov vortices

Researchers use laser tweezers to control and arrange Abrikosov vortices in a superconductor, creating an AV-pattern. This technique has potential applications in quantum computation and optically controlled rapid single flux quantum logic elements.

Scientists step closer to halting spread of lung cancer

Researchers at the University of York and Texas have identified a protein, PAQR11, in the Golgi apparatus that receives a signal from Zeb1, triggering the transport of membrane sacks and altering the cancer cell's perimeter. This process allows cancer cells to detach from their fixed position and travel to other parts of the body.

MNI researchers receive funding to study ARSACS

ARSACS affects brain movement coordination due to gene alterations, leading to uncoordinated movements and muscle stiffness. Researchers will generate stem cells from skin biopsies to create neurons for new insights into cellular defects underlying the disease.

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.

Why air pollutants make some people vulnerable to atopic dermatitis

A study by Tohoku University found that air pollutants cause hypersensitivity to itch, leading to skin inflammation and allergic diseases like asthma. The research team discovered that AhR, a transcription factor activated by air pollutants, causes itchy sensations through the expression of neurotrophic factor artemin.

DNA study offers blood test hope for bowel disease patients

Scientists have identified chemical changes in DNA that can be detected in blood samples, paving the way for a simple test to aid diagnosis. The findings could lead to a blood test to screen people who show symptoms of bowel diseases, sparing further tests for those without the signatures.

Development of graphene microwave photodetector

Researchers at DGIST have successfully developed a graphene microwave photodetector that can detect 100,000 times smaller light energy than existing detectors. The device achieved this by creating a clean electronic system, allowing electrons to move far distances without residues or dispersion.

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.

Cell reprogramming with help from the neighbors

Researchers have identified a mechanism by which cells undergo reprogramming in live mice, utilizing neighboring cells to trigger reprogramming. This process involves the secretion of proteins, including an inflammatory cytokine, that promote the reprogramming of adjacent cells.

How parents divide their duties

Researchers found extreme variation in shorebird parents' nesting attendance patterns, often defying the 24-hour day-night cycle. The key underlying this variation is not starvation but rather the risk of predation.

VIB scientists develop diagnostic tool for familial Mediterranean fever

Researchers at VIB and Ghent University have developed a diagnostic tool for Familial Mediterranean Fever, which can accurately diagnose the disease and prevent kidney failure. The tool detects changes in the body's immune reaction to pyrin, a protein mutated in FMF, and has been validated in 13 patients.

Human cells with a 'built-in circuit' help prevent tumor growth

Researchers at the University of Southampton have engineered human cells with a genetic circuit that produces a molecule inhibiting HIF-1, allowing cancer cells to survive in nutrient-limited environments. The study demonstrates the potential for using sentinel circuits to target diseases like cancer.

New target receptor discovered in the fight against obesity

Scientists at King's College London and Imperial College London have discovered a new target receptor that plays a crucial role in regulating appetite and body weight. The FFAR2 receptor helps increase feelings of fullness and reduces food intake, potentially leading to breakthroughs in obesity treatment.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Adult stem cell types' heart repair potential probed

Researchers compared three types of adult stem cells from 14 patients to determine their cardiac repair potential. Right atrial stem cells had the greatest protective effect on heart muscle cells, while ventricular stem cells promoted new blood vessel formation.

Cholesterol an important piece of the puzzle for fat-burning

A recent study published in Molecular Metabolism has found that cholesterol from animal sources helps mice burn fat, while plant-based fats hinder it. The research suggests a critical link between gut bacteria and energy metabolism, challenging the conventional wisdom on dietary fats and obesity.

A-LEAF, a full device for artificial photosynthesis

A-LEAF project, led by ICIQ, aims to build a photovoltaic device mimicking photosynthesis to produce clean fuels and raw materials using sunlight, water, and CO2. The project seeks to develop sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels.

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.

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.

Understanding immune reaction to the hepatitis B virus

Researchers found that tree shrews have a natural immunity to HBV, with cytokine interferon-gamma playing a key role in the activation of hepatic natural killer cells. The study also revealed the importance of extracellular vesicles in regulating innate immune responses to HBV infection.

Major ALS research funding announced

Researchers at McGill University's Montreal Neurological Institute will study motor neurons and astrocytes created from people with different forms of ALS via stem cell technology. The project aims to develop a potential screening mechanism for therapeutics and create new zebrafish models of the disease.

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.

Clarifying the plasma oscillation by high-energy particles

Researchers developed a hybrid simulation program to investigate plasma oscillation and high-energy particle interaction. The program accurately reproduces experimental data, significantly improving the prediction accuracy of high-energy alpha particle distribution in fusion reactor core plasma.

Bringing silicon to life

Researchers at Caltech use directed evolution to persuade bacteria to create silicon-carbon bonds, which are found in pharmaceuticals, agricultural chemicals, and computer screens. The new process has the potential to be more environmentally friendly and less expensive than current methods.

Social status affects the immune system of macaques

A study on rhesus macaques found that low-status animals exhibit greater antibacterial responses, while high-status animals have stronger antiviral responses. Social subordination stress influences immune-related gene expression in low-status individuals.

Tissue damage is key for cell reprogramming

Researchers at CNIO found that tissue damage enables cells to adopt embryonic features through the OSKM gene system, mediated by proinflammatory molecule IL-6. This discovery could improve regenerative medicine and treatment of degenerative diseases.

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.

Upward mobility boosts immunity in monkeys

A new study reveals that social status affects immune cell gene expression and response to infection in rhesus monkeys. The research found that improving social standing can reverse health disparities caused by low social status.

OIST researchers awarded grant to create new startup company

Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology has been awarded a grant to turn their energy-producing waste water treatment technology into a startup company. The technology uses bacteria to clean environment-polluting waste water while generating electricity, offering a sustainable source of energy.

Turning sugar waste into light -- and job opportunities

Researchers have found a new use for sugarcane pulp, creating highly fluorescent carbon quantum dots that can be used as biosensors and in light-emitting diodes. This innovative approach reduces agricultural waste and offers a new revenue stream for farmers.

Fault curvature may control where big quakes occur

Researchers found that very large earthquakes occur on flat fault areas, suggesting a link between fault curvature and megaquake risk. The study's findings support the idea that curvy faults are less likely to experience massive earthquakes.

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.

Building stress-resistant memories

Researchers found stressed individuals who used 'retrieval practice' technique outperformed non-stressed individuals, regardless of whether they restedudied or not. The study suggests that effective learning strategies can build stress-resistant memories, contradicting the common notion that stress impairs memory retrieval.

Endangered Australasian marsupials are ancient survivors of climate change

A study published in Scientific Reports found that conservation-sensitive Australasian marsupials are much older than previously thought, with some species dating back over 25 million years. The research suggests that these ancient animals were able to adapt to changing environments and survive climate change.

Bringing carbon-silicon bonds to life

Researchers successfully created a catalyst that efficiently forms carbon-silicon bonds, which were previously thought impossible. The breakthrough enables the production of a wide range of silicon products.

Toxoplasma's balancing act explained

The Toxoplasma parasite manipulates its host's immune response by producing a protein that activates and controls the p38α pathway. Researchers have now developed a method to produce an active form of p38α, allowing for the evaluation of anti-inflammatory drugs.

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.