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Science News Archive October 2016


Page 33 of 44

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.

Mapping the 'dark matter' of human DNA

A study has identified over 1.9 million variants affecting multiple DNA 'letters', clarifying part of the human genome's unknown regions. These findings enable researchers to predict the occurrence of large structural changes and discover new genes, such as a previously unknown ZNF gene present in half of the Dutch population.

Culprit found in breast cancer resistance to tamoxifen

A study by University of Minnesota researchers found that elevated levels of APOBEC3B in breast cancer cells lead to reduced response to tamoxifen therapy. Depletion of the protein accelerates development of resistance, while increased production speeds it up.

Snake venom composition could be related to hormones and diet

A recent study published in ACS' Journal of Proteome Research found that snake venom protein profiles vary depending on age, gender, and diet. The researchers discovered significant differences in venom gland proteins between infant and adult snakes, as well as between males and females.

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.

Metaphors bias perceptions of scientific discovery

Researchers found that discovery metaphors shape people's perceptions of good ideas and creators' abilities. The 'light bulb metaphor implies sudden inspiration', while the 'seed metaphor suggests nurtured effort'. This bias affects how people perceive female inventors, with seed metaphors increasing perceptions of genius.

Pitt scientists identify how repair protein finds DNA damage

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine identified a unique 'constrained motion' pattern in which Rad4, a repair protein, scans DNA for structural faults. This discovery could lead to therapies that enhance existing treatments and counter drug-resistance, particularly in cancer.

NASA sees Hurricane Matthew regain Category 4 status

Hurricane Matthew regained Category 4 status with sustained winds near 140 mph and a minimum central pressure of 940 millibars. The storm is expected to cross the northwestern Bahamas today and approach the Florida coast, potentially strengthening further before landfall.

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.

Warwick to conduct breakthrough research on oral cancers in Pakistan

The University of Warwick is conducting a breakthrough research project to improve the diagnosis and treatment of oral cancers in Pakistan, using digital pathology. The project will generate a repository of information about different types of cancer cells found in oral cancers, enabling pathologists to analyze samples more accurately.

Groundbreaking immune approach targets humans instead of bacteria

Researchers at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem show for the first time how bacterial superantigen toxins work and how short peptides can block them. A novel host-oriented therapeutic approach prevents lethal immune responses, remaining effective against antibiotic-resistant strains.

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.

Peer victimization in schools: 2 studies explore types and repercussions

Two studies investigate peer victimization in schools, revealing the importance of early intervention for addressing both overt and relational forms of victimization. Overt victimization is associated with higher levels of aggression and externalizing behavior, while relational victimization links to internalizing problems and a lack o...

Research gives hope to those with head and facial deformities

A new study from the University of California, Berkeley, reveals that calcium plays a major role in regulating bone growth and development. By understanding the signaling mechanisms involved, researchers hope to develop regenerative therapies for conditions such as Treacher Collins Syndrome, which can lead to dozens of surgeries during...

Using oxygen as a tracer of galactic evolution

A new study reveals that young, hot stars ionize oxygen in the early universe, affecting galaxy evolution. The strength of doubly ionized oxygen increases with time, while singly ionized oxygen decreases after 11 billion years.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

First quantum photonic circuit with an electrically driven light source

Researchers have successfully integrated a complete quantum optical structure on a chip using carbon nanotubes as single-photon sources. This achievement fulfills one condition for the use of photonic circuits in optical quantum computers and opens up new possibilities for ultrafast calculation and secure data encryption.

Hubble detects giant 'cannonballs' shooting from star

Astronomers have detected superhot blobs of gas being ejected near the dying star V Hydrae, with each blob twice as massive as Mars and traveling at half-million miles per hour. The plasma balls are thought to be launched by an unseen companion star in an elliptical orbit, shedding new light on planetary nebulae.

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.

A niche for metastases

Scientists from TUM discovered that pancreatic cancer cells create a 'niche' in the liver to grow and spread at an exceptionally early stage. This is facilitated by the protein TIMP1, which interacts with hepatic stellate cells to activate them and initiate metastasis.

Improving participation in cancer screening should be a priority

Studies suggest that population commitment, physician implication, and reassurance in screening can improve participation rates. A patient-centred approach in Australia improved screening participation by offering a combined cancer screening service. Additionally, nurse-led clinics can provide effective early diagnosis and prevention o...

Researchers activate repair program for nerve fibers

Scientists discovered a molecular brake that prevents nerve fibers from regenerating, and found a drug that can trigger neuronal growth. Pregabalin treatment caused new connections to form between damaged neurons in mice with spinal cord injuries.

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.

Yeast gene rapidly evolves to attack viruses, researchers find

Researchers have discovered that a yeast gene called XRN1 rapidly evolves to recognize and destroy attacking viruses. This finding suggests that non-immunity proteins can play a role in viral defense. The study's results provide new insights into the genetic arms race between hosts and viruses.

Mental illness genetically linked to drug use and misuse

A new study published in Frontiers in Genetics finds a significant link between mental illness and genetic risk for substance involvement. The research suggests that individuals with a genetic predisposition to mental illness are also more likely to develop problematic usage patterns of licit and illicit substances.

Enjoying your workout is the best motivation

Researchers found that four factors - perceived competence, social interaction, novel experiences, and physical exertion - trigger positive emotions in exercise. Enjoyment is a key factor among regular exercisers, leading to increased motivation and adherence.

30-day hospital readmission is a poor measure of quality

Researchers recommend using shorter post-discharge timeframes to accurately measure factors within a hospital's control. A five- to seven-day period is ideal, isolating the impact of hospital care from other drivers of readmissions.

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.

New insight into course and transmission of Zika infection

A study published in Nature Medicine found that the Zika virus can rapidly infect brain and nervous tissues, and is shed in bodily fluids such as semen and urine. The research highlights the need for enhanced clinical vigilance and the rapid development of vaccines and therapies against the virus.

Why tumors evade immunotherapy

Researchers found that when tumor cells lack sufficient neo-epitopes, they are no longer recognized by T-cells. Epitopes require enzymatic processing for correct trimming and presentation on the cell surface.

What Twitter behavior accompanies mental health crises?

A new study found two types of heightened Twitter discussions related to mental health, including expected increases before planned events and unexpected spikes following unanticipated events. Social media could be a valuable avenue for public health information on mental health.

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.

Climate change to have 'little effect' on common landslides

A new study from Cardiff University found that climate change is unlikely to increase landslide frequency in storm-affected areas, despite projected increases in rainstorms. The research challenges current theories and highlights the importance of soil accumulation on steep hillslopes in triggering landslides.

The mathematics of music history

A study by Aarhus University researchers analyzed musical themes from French, Italian, and Austro-German composers. The findings support historical musicology assumptions about national influences on European music culture, showing that North-Italian music dominated Europe during the Baroque Era.

How gecko feet got sticky

A UC Riverside-led study found that a dwarf gecko's microscopic hairs allow it to cling to smooth surfaces, revealing the origins of gecko adhesion. The research suggests that small modifications can lead to complex adaptations, with implications for nanotechnology and biomimicry.

NASA sees Nicole dwarfed by Hurricane Matthew

Tropical Storm Nicole is significantly smaller than powerful Hurricane Matthew, which is moving through the Bahamas. The storm's cloud pattern has changed little since its formation, and it holds steady just below hurricane strength as it crawls toward Bermuda.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

African-American organ transplant recipients at risk for skin cancer

A new study from Drexel University College of Medicine found that all organ transplant recipients, regardless of race, should receive routine total-body screenings for skin cancer. Nonwhite transplant recipients were more likely to have aggressive and deadly skin cancers due to anti-rejection medications.

Apes understand that some things are all in your head

A study on chimpanzees, bonobos and orangutans shows they can anticipate when someone else has a false belief. The apes' ability to grasp the concept of false beliefs is seen as a key milestone in human cognitive development.

Study finds new approach to block binge eating

A new therapeutic target has been identified for the treatment of compulsive binge eating, targeting the brain receptor TAAR1. Activation of this receptor shows promise in reducing maladaptive feeding behaviors and blocking addiction-like behavior to junk food.

Modest training may improve unlicensed health care, globally

A study in rural India shows that informal healthcare providers can improve their skills with modest levels of medical training, leading to better case management and reduced errors. The training program, which consisted of 150 hours over nine months, increased the providers' ability to develop checklists and make accurate diagnoses.

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.

Night shift work and breast cancer risk

Despite previous concerns, a new review of evidence suggests that night shift work is unlikely to increase breast cancer incidence. A meta-analysis of three large UK studies and seven previously published studies found no significant association between night shift work and breast cancer risk.

Beer eases final moments for euthanized invertebrates, study finds

A scientist at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry has discovered that a dip in beer can sedate and immobilize tiny snails before a terminal dunk in ethyl alcohol, reducing physical distress. This humane method is similar to those used with domestic animals.

Cancer cells have Alzheimer's disease, too

Researchers discovered that certain proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease are stored in dormant cancer cells as amyloid bodies. Disaggregation of these bodies can reactivate the cancer cells. The study identified ribosomal intergenic noncoding RNA as a target for drug discovery to prevent amyloid body disaggregation.

The life cycle of proteins

Researchers discovered that around one-tenth of proteins remain stable and live longer than expected as they age. This finding could explain why additional gene copies don't automatically result in more protein production.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Coffee-infused foam removes lead from contaminated water

Researchers developed a coffee-infused foam filter that can remove up to 99% of lead and mercury ions from water. The innovative system uses spent coffee grounds in a bioelastomeric foam, making it easy to handle and discard after use.

Protein-like structures from the primordial soup

Researchers at ETH Zurich successfully assembled protein-like structures from four simple amino acids, suggesting that these molecules may have been the precursors of life. The findings support the 'amyloid hypothesis,' which proposes that ancient RNA molecules were not capable of self-replication.

Measuring forces with oscillations

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new principle to measure external forces using parametric oscillation. The discovery has advantages for small sensors, enabling the creation of extremely precise force meters.

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.