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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 168


Page 168 of 461

Large studies find screening reduces mortality for those with detectable type 2 diabetes but not for general population

Three large trials found that screening for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors does not reduce mortality in the general population, but individuals diagnosed with diabetes experience reduced mortality rates. The studies suggest that benefits to the general population may be increased by targeting screening to those at grea...

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateAug 23, 2017

Scientists develop modern Medical Terms to enhance precise Chinese Medicine

Researchers have developed a new system of medical terms based on the Twenty-four Solar Terms (24-STs), allowing for more precise and location-specific treatments in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The system uses geographically dependent timings to optimize treatment effectiveness, making it a significant contribution to the field.

SourceScience China Press·DateAug 23, 2017

Pheromone genes could dictate colony structure of the red fire ant

Research at Queen Mary University of London found that odorant binding proteins encoded by social chromosome genes determine red fire ant colony structure. These proteins may play a role in the production or perception of pheromones, influencing queen recognition and society organization.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalEvolution Letters·DateAug 23, 2017

Parenting style reduces kids' distress in war

Researchers found that mothers' authoritative parenting styles and warmth helped protect children from mental health symptoms after exposure to war. Maternal permissive or authoritarian styles were associated with more severe internalizing and externalizing symptoms.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateAug 23, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A song's structure can be linked to its popularity

A new study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience has found that the harmonic structure of pop songs is linked to their placement in the Billboard Top 100 charts. The research analyzed chord-by-chord transcriptions of 545 songs and found that rare chords and surprising harmonies are key factors in a song's popularity.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateAug 23, 2017

Is MRI needed in children with a sports-related concussion?

A recent study of over 5 years of pediatric patients treated for sports concussion found that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed structural changes to the brain related to persistent symptoms. However, the study indicated that MRI in children with persistent symptoms after concussion rarely identified brain injury.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateAug 23, 2017

Peas that like it hot

A new study reveals genetic insights into heat tolerance in peas, identifying two key traits: longer flowering duration and higher pod numbers. These traits can help breed more resilient pea varieties for warmer climates.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateAug 23, 2017

Artificial intelligence helps with earlier detection of skin cancer

Researchers developed an AI system to analyze skin lesion images and detect melanoma biomarkers, reducing unnecessary biopsies and improving early detection of deadly skin cancer. The technology provides objective data on eumelanin and hemoglobin levels, helping doctors rule out melanoma before invasive action.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·DateAug 23, 2017

On the other hand, the immune system can also cause cancer

A University of Colorado Cancer Center paper describes a mechanism linking viral infection and cancer caused by APOBEC3 enzymes, which are part of the immune system's response to viruses. The research suggests that targeting these enzymes could prevent or treat certain types of cancer.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalViruses·DateAug 23, 2017
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.

Antipsychotics common for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities

A six-year Canadian study found that 39% of Ontario adults with IDD were dispensed antipsychotic medication, with 29% not having a documented psychiatric diagnosis. The study highlights the need for better prescribing practices and monitoring to ensure appropriate use in this vulnerable population.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalThe Canadian Journal of Psychiatry·DateAug 23, 2017

The breaking point

Researchers developed a new theory to understand how cracks propagate, revealing a nonlinear relationship between forces and material response near the crack's edge. This discovery may lead to better understanding of material failures and development of new strategies for protecting the environment.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Physics·DateAug 23, 2017

Bacterial infection stresses hematopoietic stem cells

Recent research reveals that bacterial infections activate hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow, inducing proliferation but also causing stress and reduced ability to produce blood. This finding suggests a link between bacterial infections and dysregulated hematopoiesis, highlighting potential prevention methods for blood diseases.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateAug 23, 2017
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.

17.6 million Americans live close to active oil and gas (and fracking) wells

A study found that 17.6 million Americans live within one mile of an active oil or gas well, correlating to increased risk of heart and neurological problems, cancers, and adverse birth outcomes. States with high percentages of residents living near active wells include West Virginia and Oklahoma.

SourcePSE Healthy Energy·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateAug 23, 2017

Canadian children's nutrition suffers during school hours

A new UBC study found that Canadian children consume approximately one-third of their daily calories during school hours, but intake of dairy products and key nutrients is lower, while less nutritious foods like sugar-sweetened beverages are relatively higher.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·DateAug 23, 2017

Smokers in clinical studies who say they've quit often haven't

A nationwide US study found that over 40% of participants who claimed to have quit smoking failed an objective test for cotinine, a chemical measure of nicotine exposure. The study highlights the importance of verifying claims of quitting using objective measures in clinical trials.

SourceSociety for the Study of Addiction·JournalAddiction·DateAug 23, 2017

Comparing food allergies: Animals and humans may have more in common than you think

A recent position paper reveals that animals and humans exhibit similar symptoms after consuming certain foods, highlighting the need for research on molecular allergy diagnostics. An elimination diet is recommended to diagnose food intolerance in both species, which may lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalAllergy·DateAug 23, 2017
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.

You and some 'cavemen' get a genetic checkup

A recent study by Georgia Institute of Technology reveals that genetic risks to health, such as cardiovascular disease, may be rising in modern humans. This contradicts the long-term trend of decreased genetic risk found in ancient ancestors.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalHuman Biology·DateAug 23, 2017

Test reveals potential treatments for disorders involving MeCP2

A team of researchers has developed a strategy to identify potential treatments for patients with MECP2 duplication syndrome by normalizing altered levels of MeCP2 in animal models. The study found that drugs inhibiting phosphatase PP2A partially rescued motor abnormalities in mice, offering hope for future treatments.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 23, 2017

Development of screening tests for endocrine-disrupting chemicals

The Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program uses a tiered testing strategy to assess the potential of pesticides and environmental contaminants on hormone systems. The finalized test method is a result of collaborative efforts between EPA scientists and Japanese colleagues.

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateAug 23, 2017
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.

Could nicotine reduction help curb addiction?

A study published in JAMA Psychiatry suggests that reducing nicotine content in cigarettes can decrease their addictiveness in vulnerable populations. The research team found that low-nicotine dose cigarettes could serve as economic substitutes for higher-dose commercial-level nicotine cigarettes when the cost of the latter was greater.

SourceLarner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateAug 23, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Less REM sleep tied to greater risk of dementia

A new study published in Neurology suggests that people who get less rapid eye movement (REM) sleep may have a greater risk of developing dementia. The researchers found a link between lower percentages of REM sleep and an increased risk of dementia, with every percent reduction resulting in a 9% increase in dementia risk.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateAug 23, 2017

11 minutes of mindfulness training helps drinkers cut back

A new UCL study finds that brief mindfulness training can help heavy drinkers cut back on alcohol consumption by 9.3 fewer units in a week. Mindfulness practising teaches heightened awareness of feelings and bodily sensations, allowing participants to tolerate cravings without acting on them.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology·DateAug 23, 2017

The science of fluoride flipping

Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have developed a new imaging technique using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to visualize RNA structure and motion over time. This discovery opens up new avenues for developing drugs that target RNA, crucial for understanding health and disease.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateAug 23, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Religious affiliation impacts language use on Facebook

A study of 12,815 U.S. and U.K. Facebook users found that religious affiliation is associated with the use of positive emotion and social words, while non-religious individuals use more negative emotion and cognitive processes. The researchers also discovered that non-religious people make more frequent mention of the body and death th...

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateAug 22, 2017

An AADR perspective on the 'Advancing dental education: Gies in the 21st century' project

The American Association for Dental Research (AADR) suggests that dental schools prioritize research participation, collaboration with other departments, and flexible curricula. AADR also advocates for increased funding from various sources, including the National Institutes of Health, to support dental research and training.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateAug 22, 2017

NIST study suggests frailty makes elderly more likely to die in home fires

A new NIST study reveals that frailty, particularly among the elderly, significantly increases the risk of death from home fires. The research suggests that communities should evaluate and address home fire risks based on age demographics to maximize effectiveness in preventing fire deaths and injuries.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalInjury Prevention·DateAug 22, 2017
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.

No microbes? No problem for caterpillars

Scientists found caterpillars have only 50,000 times fewer microbes than human guts, suggesting most are ingested from surroundings. Caterpillars can grow and develop without microbes, challenging the idea of a universal microbiome among animals

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 2017

When given the chance to pay less, patients choose cheaper prescription drugs

A study by UC Berkeley researchers found that reference pricing is effective in reducing patient spending on prescription drugs. The policy promotes the use of cheaper alternatives over brand-name options, resulting in a 7% increase in prescriptions filled for low-price reference drugs and a 14% decrease in average price paid.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 22, 2017

Crystal structure reveals new details of nonstandard RNA transcription

A team of researchers at Penn State University has discovered a new pathway for nonstandard RNA transcription using high-resolution crystal structure. This finding provides insights into the mechanism of reiterative transcription, which plays a key role in controlling gene expression.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 2017

Princeton professor calls for federal guarantee of quality education for kids

Professor Marta Tienda argues that a federal guarantee of quality education is needed to close achievement gaps and restore US schools' international preeminence. The current system's focus on standards and high-stakes testing ignores education funding disparities, leading to unequal opportunities for learning.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalEducational Researcher·DateAug 22, 2017

How do international development projects affect property values?

A University of Illinois economist found that property transactions in Kenya did not show significant price changes due to the Millennium Villages Project, despite increased amenities and subsidies. Residents may be holding onto their land to wait for potential value increases, suggesting a lack of perceived benefits.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalWorld Development·DateAug 22, 2017
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.

A potential breeding site of a Miocene era baleen whale

A potential Miocene-era breeding site of the extinct baleen whale Parietobalaena yamaokai has been identified in Hiroshima, Japan. The discovery suggests that the northern hemisphere may have supported a breeding ground for this species dating back over 15 million years.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·DateAug 22, 2017

Getting hold of quantum dot biosensors

Scientists from the University of Melbourne and Huazhong University of Science and Technology have successfully trapped individual quantum dots using an all-silicon nanoantenna. This innovation has the potential to improve the efficiency of nanosensors in detecting biomarkers at low concentrations.

SourceOptica·DateAug 22, 2017

Dogma overturned: New studies into inflammation in the infarcted heart could lead to changes in therapy

Researchers at CNIC and FJD have demonstrated a bimodal postinfarction inflammatory reaction in human patients using advanced MRI technology. The study reveals two distinct edematous reactions occurring at different times after an infarction, with implications for clinical trials and future studies.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalCirculation·DateAug 22, 2017
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.

Methane hydrate is not a smoking gun in the Arctic Ocean

A new study published in Nature Communications suggests that methane hydrates in the Arctic Ocean are not a significant contributor to global warming. The researchers found that hydrates are already seeping methane for thousands of years, and this process is not affected by short-term temperature warming.

SourceUiT The Arctic University of Norway·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 22, 2017

New recommendations for managing menopausal symptoms in breast cancer survivors

A comprehensive review highlights the importance of lifestyle modifications and emerging approaches to manage menopausal symptoms after breast cancer. Non-pharmacologic therapies and several promising emerging agents show promise for symptom relief with reduced breast cancer risk.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateAug 22, 2017

Sales newbies, don't fret -- just go above and beyond

A Michigan State University study found that salespeople who control the emotional tone of their buyer-seller relationship by expressing gratitude can foster customer loyalty and gratitude. By going above and beyond, salespeople can potentially outperform even long-term relationships in terms of customer satisfaction.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Personal Selling and Sales Management·DateAug 22, 2017
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.

Solidifying advanced alloy design

Researchers developed a framework for designing tailored microstructure patterns in materials using a combination of theory and experiment. They successfully simulated the solidification process of an aluminum-silver-copper alloy, comparing their results with experimental photographs.

SourceGauss Centre for Supercomputing·JournalActa Materialia·DateAug 22, 2017

Bond dissociation energies for transition metal silicides accurately determined

A team of researchers from the University of Utah has investigated the bond dissociation energy property in transition metal silicides, including precise values for six specific compounds. The new method provides an accurate means of estimating bond dissociation energies, with smaller uncertainties than previous approaches.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateAug 22, 2017

Scientists develop infection model for tickborne flaviviruses

Researchers at NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases have developed a laboratory model to study tick-borne flaviviruses, including Powassan virus. The new model involves culturing organs from Ixodes scapularis ticks with flaviviruses, which can infect salivary glands and midgut.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalmBio·DateAug 22, 2017
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.

Where do heart cells come from?

Id genes have been linked to heart development for the first time, revealing a new tool to create large numbers of cardiac cells to regenerate damaged heart tissue. The study uses CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing and high-throughput microRNA screening to identify the role Id genes play in heart development.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalGenes & Development·DateAug 22, 2017

Supermarkets could trick you into buying fewer calories

Researchers found that six out of eight products saw a 0-7% drop in calorie sales after recipe changes. However, some customers swapped reformulated products for higher-calorie alternatives. The study suggests 'silent' product reformulation may help combat obesity by reducing calorie intake at low cost.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateAug 22, 2017

More than 99 percent of the microbes inside us are unknown to science

A recent survey of DNA fragments in human blood suggests that the majority of microbes inside us have never been seen before. The study, led by Stanford University researchers, found that nearly all non-human DNA fragments failed to match existing genetic databases, revealing a vast and diverse microbiome.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 2017

Quantum ruler for biomolecules

Researchers at the University of Vienna developed a quantum ruler for biomolecules using a novel arrangement of nanogratings and laser beams. The technique allows for precise measurement of molecular electronic properties, such as those of vitamins A, E, and K1, with high accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateAug 22, 2017
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.

Yoga and meditation improve mind-body health and stress resilience

Research finds that intensive yoga and meditation retreats positively impact brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), cortisol awakening response, and inflammatory markers. Participants experienced improved subjective wellbeing, mindfulness, and reduced anxiety and depression.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateAug 22, 2017