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Science News Archive November 2016 - Page 7


Page 7 of 38
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.

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateNov 28, 2016

Researcher suggests kratom may have medical benefit as opioid alternative

Research into kratom's unique pharmacologic properties could be stifled if the DEA proceeds with a Schedule 1 classification. The herb's active compounds, including mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, show promise in treating pain and opioid withdrawal.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateNov 28, 2016

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.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalGeology·DateNov 27, 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.

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.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateNov 27, 2016

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.

SourceRIKEN·JournalAdvanced Science·DateNov 27, 2016

People with Parkinson's show altered iron levels in their brains

Researchers used whole-brain MRI mapping to reveal pathological alterations in brain iron distribution. They found excess iron in areas like the substantia nigra and decreased iron content in previously overlooked regions, such as the dentate nucleus.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalBrain·DateNov 25, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·DateNov 25, 2016

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.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalPlant and Cell Physiology·DateNov 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.

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.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 25, 2016

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.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Pain Journal·DateNov 25, 2016

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 25, 2016

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.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 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.

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.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNuclear Fusion·DateNov 25, 2016

New approach needed in way Tourette's syndrome is portrayed, research shows

A new study explores how adolescents perceive people with Tourette's Syndrome (TS), finding that media portrayals can perpetuate negative stereotypes and stigma. The researchers suggest using media as an educational tool to improve understanding and acceptance of the condition.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalJournal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities·DateNov 25, 2016

New method for predicting congenital CMV infection during the prenatal period

Researchers at Kobe University developed a new method to predict congenital CMV infection in fetuses using non-invasive tests. The most effective methods are ultrasound and PCR tests for uterine cervical secretion, which can accurately identify affected infants and enable early antiviral treatment.

SourceKobe University·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateNov 25, 2016

A novel anticandidal compound containing sulfur from endophytic fungus

A novel sulfur-containing molecule has been identified with potent anticandidal activity, offering a new lead for designing effective drugs against Candida species. This discovery highlights the potential of endophytes as a source of bioactive compounds for developing novel medicines.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Natural Products Journal·DateNov 25, 2016

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.

SourceImperial College London·JournalPhysical Review D·DateNov 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.

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.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalCell Systems·DateNov 25, 2016

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.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 25, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 25, 2016

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.

SourceMcGill University·DateNov 25, 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.

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.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Immunology·DateNov 25, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 25, 2016

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.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalNano Letters·DateNov 24, 2016

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.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 24, 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.

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.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateNov 24, 2016

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.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 24, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateNov 24, 2016

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.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNature Reviews Endocrinology·DateNov 24, 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.

Scientists propose 10 policies to protect vital pollinators

A team of researchers suggests ten clear ways for governments to protect pollination services, crucial for food production. The policies focus on improving yields in organic farming and regulating pesticides to support pollinator health.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalScience·DateNov 24, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalInternational Journal of Cardiology·DateNov 24, 2016

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.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalMolecular Metabolism·DateNov 24, 2016

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.

SourceInstitute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ)·DateNov 24, 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.

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.

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.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateNov 24, 2016

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.

SourceMcGill University·DateNov 24, 2016

Edible dormice: The older they get the more they rejuvenate their cells

In a study published in Scientific Reports, researchers discovered that edible dormice experience increased telomere length with age, contrary to human aging. The unique life history of the species and its remarkable longevity may hold the key to understanding cellular rejuvenation.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 24, 2016

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.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNuclear Fusion·DateNov 24, 2016

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.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateNov 24, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 24, 2016

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.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalScience·DateNov 24, 2016

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.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·DateNov 24, 2016

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.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·DateNov 24, 2016

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.

SourceElsevier·JournalApplied Surface Science·DateNov 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalScience·DateNov 24, 2016

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.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 24, 2016

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.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 24, 2016

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.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 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.

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.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalStructure·DateNov 24, 2016