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Science News Archive November 2016 - Page 18


Page 18 of 38

Next-generation biomaterial being developed to treat bleeding

Researchers at Mayo Clinic are developing a universal shear-thinning biomaterial that can be injected through an endovascular catheter, creating an impenetrable cast of the vessel and preventing further bleeding. This alternative to metallic coils may improve treatment outcomes for patients undergoing coil embolization.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 16, 2016

Study links mothers with rheumatoid arthritis and kids with epilepsy

A study published in Neurology shows a link between mothers with rheumatoid arthritis and children with epilepsy. Children born to mothers with rheumatoid arthritis were up to 90% more likely to develop epilepsy than those without RA. The study suggests changes in the environment for the fetus may play a role in developing epilepsy.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateNov 16, 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.

Controversial drug approval stirs deep concerns -- and hope

The FDA approved Exondys, a treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, based on data from just 12 patients, raising concerns about scientific evidence and patient advocacy. Families of the boys involved attest to the drug's effectiveness, but critics argue that the agency bowed to pressure rather than making a decision based on evidence.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateNov 16, 2016

Improving cryopreservation for a longer-lasting blood supply

Scientists develop glucose-based molecules to reduce ice formation in red blood cells frozen at -80 degrees Celsius. The new protectants lower the concentration of glycerol needed, enabling faster processing and transfusion of thawed cells.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Omega·DateNov 16, 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.

Fast-cooking dry beans provide more protein, iron than 'slower' varieties

New research suggests that fast-cooking dry beans retain more protein, iron, and other minerals compared to slower-cooking varieties. This finding has significant implications for addressing global nutrient deficiencies, particularly among people with limited access to food options.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateNov 16, 2016

Whole-fat milk consumption associated with leaner children, research finds

A study of 2,745 children found that those who consumed whole-fat milk had lower body mass index scores and higher vitamin D levels compared to those consuming low-fat or skim milk. The researchers hypothesize that feeling fuller from drinking whole milk may lead to healthier eating habits.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateNov 16, 2016

Cholesterol important for signal transmission in cells

Researchers at FAU discovered that cholesterol strongly influences CXCR4 dimerization and signal transmission in human cells. Their computer simulations revealed that cholesterol is required for the correct formation of GPCR pairs, which affects their function.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateNov 16, 2016

Looking for a city's DNA? Try its ATMs

Researchers at New York University discovered that ATM keypads harbor a range of human skin microbes, as well as microorganisms from food and environmental sources. The study's findings suggest that ATMs can serve as a repository for understanding a city's microbial community.

SourceNew York University·JournalmSphere·DateNov 16, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers receive Patent for Humanity award

Researchers have developed a portable, battery-operated device that can quickly and accurately detect malaria in the bloodstream using magnets and lasers. The Magneto-Optical Detector (MOD) has the potential to save $1.2 billion annually on anti-malaria efforts by reducing false positives and negatives.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateNov 16, 2016

Tapia receives AAAS' Public Engagement with Science Award

Richard Tapia, a Rice University mathematician, has been recognized for his remarkable career blending world-class scholarship, admirable mentoring and profound contributions to science. He has inspired thousands of underrepresented minority students to pursue careers in STEM fields through his popular talks and programs.

SourceRice University·DateNov 16, 2016

New analysis adds to support for a subsurface ocean on Pluto

A liquid ocean beneath Pluto's surface is suggested as the best explanation for its unique features, including Sputnik Planitia. The study provides evidence for a subsurface ocean and challenges traditional theories about Pluto's composition.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature·DateNov 16, 2016

Social media activism is driving corporate agendas

Research by INSEAD found that social media activists can elicit corporate responses by threatening a firm's public image, particularly those with high social and political standing. Companies with greater image vulnerability are more sensitive to threats and respond faster to donations.

SourceINSEAD·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateNov 16, 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.

Getting stroke treatments to people earlier to prevent debilitating outcomes

A five-year project is building on longstanding partnerships with Flint community collaborators to boost stroke awareness and get treatment to more stroke patients. The 'Stroke Ready' program will address barriers to timely evaluation and treatment, helping to reduce the risk of disability by over 30 percent.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateNov 16, 2016

New records set up with 'Screws of Light'

Researchers at the University of Vienna have made significant breakthroughs in transmitting twisted light over long distances, exceeding 100 kilometers. They also demonstrated record-breaking quantum entanglement with 5-digit quantum numbers using a novel technique developed in Australia.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 16, 2016

More human-like model of Alzheimer's better mirrors tangles in the brain

Researchers developed an improved animal model of Alzheimer's disease using tau protein isolated from patient brains. The model replicates the formation and spread of brain fibrils associated with AD, offering new opportunities for investigating therapies to stop or slow their progression.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateNov 16, 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.

Pluto follows its cold, cold heart

Research suggests Pluto's subsurface ocean could be responsible for its current location. The 'heart' region, Sputnik Planitia, may have accumulated ice that made the planet roll over, creating cracks and tensions in the crust. This process, called true polar wander, allows planets to reorient without changing their spin axis.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature·DateNov 16, 2016

New biomaterial for preventing uncontrolled bleeding

Researchers have developed a new biomaterial that can prevent uncontrolled bleeding in patients who cannot form blood clots. The injectable material, known as a shear-thinning biomaterial (STB), is made up of gelatin and nanoparticles and has been shown to be effective in animal models.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 16, 2016

What can Pokémon Go teach the world of conservation?

Researchers explore how Pokémon Go inspires high levels of behavioral change among users, discovering non-virtual wildlife and learning basic natural history concepts. The game's success highlights opportunities for conservation, but also potential challenges such as replacing real-world nature interactions with virtual ones.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalConservation Letters·DateNov 16, 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.

Tackling blood diseases, immune disorders

Magenta Therapeutics secures license to transform blood stem cell transplants with new technologies. The suite of technologies could improve the lives of patients with blood diseases and immune disorders.

SourceHarvard University·DateNov 16, 2016

Vitamin D reduces respiratory infections, says CU Anschutz study

A study by CU Anschutz found that high doses of vitamin D reduce acute respiratory illness (ARI) in older nursing home residents. The findings suggest a 40% reduction in ARI among those taking higher doses of vitamin D.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 16, 2016

World's fastest quantum simulator operating at the atomic level

Researchers have created a quantum simulator that can simulate the dynamics of many electrons interacting with each other within one billionths of a second. This ultrafast quantum simulator will serve as a basic tool to investigate the origin of physical properties of matter, including magnetism and superconductivity.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 16, 2016

Teen stalking victims: Analysis of consequences reveals disturbing trends

A new study found that 14% of teenage girls and 13% of boys report being stalking victims, leading to increased symptoms of depression and risky behavior. The survey also revealed that teens in the victim class were more likely to engage in behaviors such as binge drinking and sexting.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateNov 16, 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.

What a twist: Silicon nanoantennas turn light around

Researchers developed a silicon nanoantenna that scatters light in a particular direction depending on the intensity of incident radiation. The nanoantenna allows for the dynamic modification of its properties, enabling faster control over light propagation and paving the way for ultrafast processing of optical information.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·DateNov 16, 2016

Ant bridges connect shy tropical tree crowns

A new study by STRI researchers confirms that trees in tropical forests are like islands, with different species living on each one. The number of ant species found on a tree is positively correlated with the size of the liana-free area around it.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalEcography·DateNov 16, 2016

Marijuana could help treat drug addiction, mental health

A UBC study found that marijuana use could help some alcoholics and opioid addicts kick their habits, as well as alleviate symptoms of depression, PTSD, and social anxiety. However, cannabis may not be recommended for conditions like bipolar disorder and psychosis.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalClinical Psychology Review·DateNov 16, 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.

Visualization of the behavior of sugar transport proteins

A team of researchers at Osaka University developed a method to visualize intracellular protein trafficking, specifically the glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4), which is associated with type II diabetes. The study reveals that abnormalities in the N-glycan chain lead to transient translocation and rapid internalization of GLUT4.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateNov 16, 2016

Moral values influence level of climate change action

A new study by Cornell University researchers reveals that moral values like compassion, fairness, and purity influence individuals' willingness to take climate change action. The findings suggest that both liberals and conservatives value these moral principles, with compassion and fairness being the strongest predictors of action.

SourceCornell University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 16, 2016

Indonesian fires exposed 69 million to 'killer haze'

Wildfires in Indonesia and Borneo exposed 69 million people to unhealthy air pollution, resulting in thousands of premature deaths. The study estimates that between 6,150 and 17,270 premature deaths occurred due to breathing in the polluted air.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 16, 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.

New hydrogel can take organoids from dish to clinic

EPFL scientists have developed a patent-pending hydrogel that can grow organoids in a standardized and controlled way, overcoming current limitations. The breakthrough provides a fully controllable and tunable environment for growing miniature organs, shedding light on the influence of physical factors on stem cell behavior.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·DateNov 16, 2016

Bacteriophages cure bacterial infections

Phage therapy, which uses viruses to kill bacteria, has shown no adverse effects in clinical trials and holds promise for treating antibiotic-resistant infections. Researchers plan to use phages against E. coli in the gut or MRSA on the skin, with a goal of establishing a central repository for phages.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·DateNov 16, 2016

Charter schools enroll more girls, with boys more likely to leave

A new study by NYU researchers found that charter schools enroll a larger share of girls than traditional public schools, with the gap peaking at 3.1 percentage points in high school. Boys are also more likely to exit charter schools than girls, but this difference is not enough to fully explain the gender gap.

SourceNew York University·JournalEducational Policy·DateNov 16, 2016

HC-based NGS impacts treatment decisions in lung cancer patients with adenocarcinoma

A study of 101 advanced lung cancer patients found that hybrid capture-based next-generation sequencing (HC-based NGS) identified clinically actionable genomic alterations (GAs) in 50% of patients, leading to changes in treatment strategy. The overall response rate to targeted therapies was 65%, with median survival not yet reached.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateNov 16, 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.

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.

New capsule achieves long-term drug delivery

Researchers have developed a new drug capsule that can remain in the stomach for up to two weeks, gradually releasing its payload. This technology could simplify disease treatment and lead to improved efficacy in mass drug administration campaigns.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 16, 2016

Ultra-long acting pill offers new hope in eliminating malaria

Researchers have developed a long-acting drug delivery capsule that can safely stay in the stomach and deliver medicine for up to two weeks, potentially providing a new way to combat malaria and other infectious diseases.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 16, 2016

Climate Resilience through Sweetpotato (CReSP) announced

The CReSP initiative aims to benefit at least 50 million people in high-vulnerability regions by promoting climate-smart and nutritious sweetpotato varieties. Orange-fleshed sweetpotato varieties have been shown to reduce chronic malnutrition and child stunting when promoted with nutrition counseling.

SourceInternational Potato Center / Centro Internacional de la Papa·DateNov 16, 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.

New AI algorithm taught by humans learns beyond its training

Researchers at U of T Engineering developed an AI algorithm that learns directly from human instructions, exceeding conventional training methods by 160% and outperforming its own training by 9%. The algorithm's potential lies in applying heuristic training to fields like medicine and transportation.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Networks and Learning Systems·DateNov 16, 2016

Light therapy could save bees from deadly pesticides

A new study by UCL finds that treating bees with light therapy can counteract the harmful effects of neonicotinoid pesticides, significantly improving survival rates and mobility. The researchers used deep red light to improve mitochondrial function and ATP production, enabling bees to recover from pesticide exposure.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 15, 2016

New drug beats standard therapy in advanced kidney cancer

Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that cabozantinib exceeded sunitinib in progression-free survival and overall response rates for patients with metastatic kidney cancer. The study showed a 20% lower risk of death associated with cabozantinib treatment.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateNov 15, 2016
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

New hope given to women struggling to conceive

A study published in Scientific Reports found that endometriosis severely compromises egg quality by blocking maturation and causing damage from reactive oxygen species. Antioxidants may help prevent this damage, providing a potential solution for women struggling with infertility.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 15, 2016

The fruits of life

A new international collaboration has reconstructed the tree of life for Rosaceae and found strong evidence for whole genome duplications contributing to fruit diversity. The study suggests that enlarged and fleshy fruits likely evolved through two distinct ways, resulting in a wide range of fruit types across the 3,000 known species.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateNov 15, 2016