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Science News Archive October 2016 - Page 41


Page 41 of 44

Stretches of repeating DNA tied to cancer progression and survival

Researchers found that microsatellite instability sites are linked to cancer progression and survival, with some types of cancer experiencing distinct patterns of mutation across their microsatellites. This discovery opens opportunities for new treatments and therapies.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 3, 2016

Turning to the brain to reboot computing

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories explore neural computing applications, including adaptive learning, dynamical systems, and spiking network algorithms. These approaches aim to overcome the static learning bottleneck and enable precise computations.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateOct 3, 2016

Historical records may underestimate global sea level rise

A team of earth scientists evaluated how various processes affect past measurements, revealing that many high-quality historical records are from locations with reduced local sea level change compared to the global average. This suggests a minimum 14cm increase in global sea level rise during the 20th century.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 3, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Soil management may help stabilize maize yield in the face of climate change

A new study found that soil organic matter and water holding capacity have a significant impact on maize yield stability, offering farmers a potential tool to support novel crop varieties. Implementing practices like cover crops and composted manures can help buffer against the effects of climate instability

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 3, 2016

Cold and bubbly: The sensory qualities that best quench thirst

Research finds that cold and carbonation reduce thirst more effectively than room temperature, with astringency, sweetness, or mild acidification having no effect. This knowledge could help guide sensory approaches to improve hydration in elderly, soldiers, and athletes at risk for dehydration.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 3, 2016

Two new studies uncover key players responsible for learning and memory formation

Researchers have identified an autocrine signaling system within single dendritic spines, leading to spine enlargement and activation of signaling molecules. The findings reveal a three-molecule model of structural plasticity, implicating the localized, coincident activation of Rac1, Cdc42, and RhoA proteins.

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournalNature·DateOct 3, 2016

New treatment for depressed smokers trying to quit

Researchers have identified two key symptoms that make it harder for depressed smokers to quit: low positive affect and cognitive impairment. A new treatment approach, combining Chantix with behavioral activation therapy, is being tested to target these challenges.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAddiction·DateOct 3, 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.

Bone marrow inflammation predicts leukemia risk

Researchers discover that inflammatory signaling in bone marrow tumor environment drives malignancy and predicts leukemia development. The study reveals that mesenchymal stem cells under stress release inflammatory molecules causing DNA damage in hematopoietic stem cells, increasing leukemia risk.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateOct 3, 2016

How to control polarization of light

Physicists at Lomonosov Moscow State University have successfully controlled the polarization of light, reducing its speed by up to 10 times. This breakthrough has significant implications for the development of spatial light modulators, which could enable faster and more efficient data processing in photonic computers.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateOct 3, 2016

Consumption from within: How the brain controls our appetite

Scientists from Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology have identified a key enzyme in regulating our appetite, revealing how low glucose levels activate AMPK to control food intake. This breakthrough provides new insights into the complex mechanisms governing our eating behavior.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAutophagy·DateOct 3, 2016

'Open science' paves new pathway to develop malaria drugs

A unique open science project has been developed to address the lack of commercial incentive for industry to develop drugs for neglected diseases like malaria. Over 50 researchers from 21 organizations contributed to the project, sharing data and collaborating on finding new antimalarial compounds.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateOct 3, 2016

Researchers discover more efficient way to split water, produce hydrogen

A team of researchers from the University of Houston has reported a more efficient catalyst for producing hydrogen gas by splitting water. The new hybrid catalyst requires significantly less energy than existing methods, making it a promising alternative to traditional platinum-based catalysts.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 3, 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.

Abnormal brain protein may contribute to Alzheimer's disease development

A study by Rush researchers found that TDP-43, a previously recognized pathologic protein, is more likely to result in diagnosed Alzheimer's dementia when combined with plaques and tangles. Mixed pathologies increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's dementia above and beyond just having these brain abnormalities.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalBrain·DateOct 3, 2016

Seek and you shall find -- bees remain excellent searchers even when ill

A study found that bees continue to use Lévy flight patterns when infected with viruses or diseases, indicating a possible innate ability to withstand pathogens. Researchers tracked individual bees using radar technology and discovered robust searching abilities even in unhealthy bees.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 3, 2016

Do it well and do it right: Business success requires top-notch service and ethics

A recent study by University of Notre Dame researchers shows that businesses must balance quality service with ethical behavior to achieve success. The study found that excellent service alone is not enough for financial outcomes, highlighting the importance of low unethical behavior in customer satisfaction and financial returns.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateOct 3, 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.

How safe and effective are new drugs for stroke prevention?

A Mayo Clinic study found that NOACs dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and apixaban are at least as effective as warfarin in preventing stroke in atrial fibrillation patients. However, apixaban was associated with lower major bleeding rates, while rivaroxaban had a higher risk of serious bleeding.

SourceMayo Clinic·DateOct 3, 2016

Sheets like graphene: Tailored chemistry links nanoparticles in stable monolayers

Researchers at the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences have developed a novel method to create stable monolayers of nanoparticles. The new technique, known as 'tailored' chemistry, uses linker molecules to link adjacent nanoparticles together, creating a stable and durable structure.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateOct 3, 2016

Gut bacteria differ between obese and lean youth

A new study has identified a connection between gut microbiota and fat distribution in children and teenagers, with obese youth having different microorganisms living in their digestive tracts. The research suggests that short-chain fatty acids produced by certain gut bacteria can contribute to the development of obesity.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateOct 3, 2016

Vast majority of impoverished fathers involved with their children

Despite President Obama's criticism, a new study suggests that the vast majority of impoverished fathers are involved with their children, including those who have been incarcerated. The research reveals concrete examples of father involvement, such as writing letters and maintaining relationships through phone calls and visitations.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalFamilies in Society The Journal of Contemporary Social Services·DateOct 3, 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.

200-million-year-old reptile had unusual, anteater-like forelimbs

A 200-million-year-old reptile named Drepanosaurus has been found to have unusually shaped forelimb bones with a massive hooked claw. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of four-footed animals and challenges current understanding of tetrapod limb evolution.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 3, 2016

Environmental change drove diversity in Lake Malawi cichlids

A new study shows that dramatic environmental changes in Lake Malawi's water levels and clarity likely drove the diversification of hundreds of cichlid species. The researchers found alternating periods of deep and shallow water, which created new habitats for fish to adapt into.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 3, 2016

Where you live shapes your immune system more than your genes

Recent studies suggest that our environment, including lifestyle choices and living conditions, plays a significant role in shaping our unique immune systems. The review highlights the importance of understanding how environmental influences can be harnessed to improve human health.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Immunology·DateOct 3, 2016

Membrane fluidity influences sensitivity of ovarian cancer cell lines to auranofin

Researchers found that increased cell membrane fluidity enhances auranofin's ability to induce DNA damage and cellular oxidation in ovarian cancer cells. This could lead to improved treatment outcomes by increasing the drug's effectiveness against cancer cells with fluid membranes.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalMutation Research/Genetic Toxicology and Environmental Mutagenesis·DateOct 3, 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.

Teacher pension plans plagued by debt

States could absorb pension burdens and reserve resources for current teacher salary increases, while reforming plans to prevent large debts from reemerging. Research found nearly 11% of teacher earnings goes towards pension debt, affecting services and increasing costs.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEducational Researcher·DateOct 3, 2016

Blocking key gene reduces cigarette smoke toxicity in fish embryos

A study led by Duke University researchers found that blocking the production of a key receptor can reduce the toxicity of cigarette smoke on zebrafish embryos. The receptors were found to play a role in early embryonic development, particularly the formation of bone, heart and muscle tissues.

SourceDuke University·JournalToxicology and Applied Pharmacology·DateOct 3, 2016

Research provides new information on cancer and sugar-sweetened beverages link

A study by LSU Health New Orleans found that people with cervical cancer history consumed significantly more sugar-sweetened beverages, while younger, male, black individuals with high sugar intake were also at higher risk. The researchers recommend targeting lower socio-economic status and young males in intervention programs to reduc...

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalTranslational Cancer Research·DateOct 3, 2016

NIST team suggests nanoscale electronic motion sensor as DNA sequencer

Researchers from NIST and collaborators suggest a new DNA sequencer based on an electronic nanosensor that can detect tiny motions in single atoms. The device uses a thin film of molybdenum disulfide to store electric charge, allowing for fast and accurate sequencing of DNA bases.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 3, 2016

Foreign farms increase the risk of conflicts in Africa

A study from Lund University finds that foreign agricultural companies' crop choices and water management contribute to increased water shortages and competition for resources. This leads to a higher risk of conflicts between humans, plants, and animals in affected areas.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 3, 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.

Researchers probe secrets of bacterial immune system

Bacteria have a flexible immune system called CRISPR-Cas that can remember and destroy invading DNA. A new study reveals how this system selects new memories from mutated threats, proposing a positive feedback loop to reduce the risk of evading defences.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 3, 2016

Researchers describe new large prehistoric shark

A new extinct shark species, Megalolamna paradoxodon, was identified from fossilized teeth in the eastern and western United States, Peru, and Japan. The shark lived during the early Miocene epoch and is a close cousin of the megatoothed lineage, with characteristics similar to the modern-day salmon shark.

SourceDePaul University·JournalHistorical Biology·DateOct 3, 2016

Review finds little evidence that brain-training games yield real-world benefits

A systematic review of brain-training studies found limited evidence supporting claims of improved cognitive abilities in daily life. The researchers identified numerous methodological flaws, including inadequate control groups and a lack of measures for real-world performance.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPsychological Science in the Public Interest·DateOct 3, 2016

Climate change will see some males get sexier

A University of Adelaide study found that warmer waters and higher CO2 levels can lead to a twenty-fold increase in the population of a common marine crustacean. Males become larger and more attractive to females, resulting in a massive population explosion.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 3, 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.

Hunger may be more motivating than thirst, anxiety, or fear

A recent study published in Neuron found that hunger is a strong motivational force that can curb rival drives states like thirst, anxiety, and social needs. In the presence of food, activated neurons mimic the state of hunger, suppressing competing systems and guiding motivated behavior.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateOct 3, 2016

A terrible rift

Researchers have discovered a giant scar beneath the Midwest using a network of seismometers. The Midcontinent Rift, which spans across the region, was formed when the core of North America nearly ripped apart millions of years ago.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateOct 3, 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.

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.

Thinking globally linked to optimism

A global mindset is associated with optimistic goals, such as personal growth and advancement, whereas a local mindset focuses on stability and prevention. Researchers found that individuals with a global identity scored higher in signal detection tasks and preferred positive advertisements.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateOct 3, 2016

Bacteria could detect leaks at carbon capture sites

Researchers propose using bacteria and archaea to monitor stored CO2 and convert it into useful products, such as ethanol and acetate. This approach could enable the detection of potential CO2 leaks and contribute to making large-scale capture and storage of CO2 feasible.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Biotechnology·DateOct 3, 2016

Our galaxy's most-mysterious star is even stranger than astronomers thought

Astronomers analyze Kepler observations of KIC 8462852 and find the star dimming slowly for almost three years before suddenly losing 2% of its brightness. The star's unusual behavior has sparked speculation about comets, alien megastructures, or planetary collisions, but the new findings will make it harder to explain.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateOct 3, 2016

Removing cellular bookmarks smooths the path to stem cells

UAB researchers found that removing transcriptional bookmarks can improve reprogramming of human fibroblasts to create induced pluripotent stem cells. This process may increase the yield and quality of iPS cells, essential for patient-specific cell-replacement therapies.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 3, 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.

Genomic imprinting gets complicated in adults

A recent study found that genomic imprinting, a process silencing one set of parental genes, can be regulated in adult tissues. The researchers observed variation in epigenetic marks between cell types, indicating a need for fine-tuned gene expression in different tissues throughout development and adulthood.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 3, 2016

NASA sees Chaba intensifying to a super typhoon

Typhoon Chaba intensified into a super typhoon, with extremely heavy precipitation and towering storm tops. NASA satellites used GPM data to track its movement and formation, which was influenced by warm sea surface temperatures and low vertical wind shear.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 3, 2016

Farming with forests

Agroforestry practices such as alley cropping, silvopasture, and forest farming offer benefits for conventional and organic agroecosystems. By integrating trees into agricultural landscapes, farmers can sequester carbon, prevent soil erosion, and increase crop yields.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalSustainability·DateOct 3, 2016

Unique bacterial chemist in the war on potatoes

Researchers discovered a rare enzyme called 5NAA-A in bacteria Bradyrhizobium sp. JS329 that breaks down the toxic compound 5-NAA, rendering it harmless to potatoes. This mechanism could inspire future work to engineer an enzyme or bacterium to detoxify thaxtomin.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateOct 3, 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.

Researchers investigate new strategy to block growth of colon cancer cells

Boston University researchers have identified a new strategy to treat colon cancers driven by the mutant KRAS gene. The study found that inhibiting MEK and TAK1 genes suppresses the growth of these cancer cells, providing a potential avenue for precision medicine.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Cancer Research·DateOct 3, 2016