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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 179


Page 179 of 461

Study examines quality of evidence for drugs granted accelerated FDA approval

A study published in JAMA found that drugs granted accelerated FDA approval often relied on nonrandomized studies and surrogate measures to confirm efficacy, with many lacking statistically detectable differences in design features between pre- and post-approval trials. Despite positive results from postmarketing studies, clinical bene...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateAug 15, 2017

Study identifies dinosaur 'missing link'

Researchers at University of Cambridge and Natural History Museum analyze 450 anatomical characteristics to place Chilesaurus in dinosaur family tree. The study reveals Chilesaurus fills a large gap between two major dinosaur groups, with implications for understanding the origins of Ornithischia.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBiology Letters·DateAug 15, 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.

Soft and spherical: Researchers study dynamics of drop impact

A team of UK researchers investigated the impact of water droplets on spherical soft surfaces, revealing that surface curvature enhances retraction of impacted drops. The effects of impact parameters, including diameter ratios and polymer elastic modulus, were also studied.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateAug 15, 2017

Chewing gum rapid test for inflammation

A new chewing gum-based diagnostic test can detect inflammation in the oral cavity within five minutes, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment. The test uses bittering agents to identify inflammatory conditions, which can help prevent serious complications such as bone loss.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 15, 2017

High-quality online video with less rebuffering

A new AI system developed by MIT researchers reduces online video rebuffering and improves quality, adapting to different network conditions. The system achieves higher-quality streaming with less rebuffering than existing approaches.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, CSAIL·DateAug 15, 2017
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.

The secret to beating bone and joint health injuries? Get to the right medical team

According to a new literature review, therapeutic modalities such as physical therapy can improve bone-and-joint function affected by pain and/or injury. The study highlights the utility of various modalities, including cryotherapy, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, hot and cold therapies, cupping therapy, and iontophoresis, in man...

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateAug 14, 2017

Coke or Pepsi? Partner's choices can make you miserable

A new study found that partners who have low power in their relationships are stuck with their partner's preferred brands, leading to a death-by-a-thousand-cuts feeling and decreased happiness. The researchers used brand preferences in various products to study individuals and couples over two years.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateAug 14, 2017

Viruses up their game in arms race with immune system

Researchers studied viruses from different eras to understand how they evade the host's immune response. Viruses collected in the 1990s are more effective at suppressing immune systems than those from the 1950s, leading to severe symptoms and high mortality rates.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 2017
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.

Discovery of new prostate cancer biomarkers could improve precision therapy

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have identified a link between SPOP gene mutations and treatment resistance in prostate cancer. The discovery suggests ways to improve therapy by using these mutations as biomarkers. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments for this common and deadly form of cancer.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 14, 2017

Automated fingerprint analysis is one step closer to reality

Researchers from NIST and Michigan State University have developed an algorithm that automates the key decision point in fingerprint analysis, reducing human subjectivity and improving reliability. The new system uses machine learning to score latent prints based on their quality, allowing for more efficient processing of evidence.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Information Forensics and Security·DateAug 14, 2017

SLU surgeons study 'awake aneurysm surgery' for better outcomes

Researchers found that conscious sedation allowed for real-time brain function monitoring, enabling adjustments mid-surgery to reduce ischemic injury risk. The study shows promise in improving outcomes and decreasing risk associated with brain aneurysm surgery.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateAug 14, 2017

Cognitive abilities seem to reinforce each other in adolescence

A new study found that cognitive abilities in adolescence are positively related, suggesting a 'mutualism' model where skills help each other develop. This research has implications for understanding developmental challenges and life outcomes, such as academic success and longevity.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 14, 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.

Timing and diversification of placental mammals

A genome-scale analysis of 82 mammalian species reveals continuous placental mammal diversification despite the KPg extinction. The findings support the fossil record and challenge the notion that the event hindered their diversification.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 2017

Brain injury in kids might lead to alcohol abuse

Research suggests that traumatic brain injuries in childhood and adolescence can increase the risk of alcohol abuse problems in adulthood. The study found a clearer link between brain injury and alcohol abuse in people who suffered an injury before age 5, with children under 5 being over 3.6 times more likely to exhibit substance abuse...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateAug 14, 2017

How testosterone regulates singing in canaries

Research reveals that testosterone plays a crucial role in regulating canary birdsong by targeting specific brain regions involved in singing. The nucleus of the arcopallium (RA) regulates song unit production, while HVC influences syntactical features such as syllable repetition and trill duration.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateAug 14, 2017

Drug approval: New country comparison shows great savings potential

A study by the European Center of Pharmaceutical Medicine at the University of Basel compared regulatory requirements for new drugs across 12 countries, revealing significant variations. Harmonization could improve efficiency and reduce prices, making innovative drugs available faster.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Reviews Drug Discovery·DateAug 14, 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.

Get them while they're young: Astronomers catch exploding supernova early

Astronomers have caught a cosmic event in great detail, observing a supernova and its explosive ejecta slamming into a nearby companion star. The discovery was made possible by a specialized survey taking advantage of recent advances in linking telescopes across the globe.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateAug 14, 2017

Blood biopsy test reads platelets to detect human lung cancer

Researchers have developed a novel blood biopsy test that reads platelets to detect human lung cancer with high accuracy. The thromboSeq test analyzes tumor RNA absorbed by circulating platelets and has shown promising results in diagnosing non-small cell lung cancer, achieving up to 90% accuracy.

SourceCell Press·JournalCancer Cell·DateAug 14, 2017

New cancer diagnosis may come with risk of thromboembolism

Patients with newly diagnosed cancer face a substantially increased short-term risk of arterial thromboembolism. Lung, gastric, and pancreatic cancers are associated with the highest risk, while advanced disease increases overall tumor burden.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 14, 2017

Prevalence of knee osteoarthritis

Researchers found knee OA in 16% of postindustrial individuals 50+, but only 6% and 8% in early industrial and prehistoric samples. The findings suggest an approximate doubling of knee OA prevalence since the mid-20th century.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 2017

Nanomaterials help spiders spin the toughest stuff

Researchers have successfully enhanced spider silk's strength and toughness by incorporating carbon nanotubes or graphene. The resulting silk boasts up to three times the strength and ten times the toughness of regular material.

SourceIOP Publishing·Journal2D Materials·DateAug 14, 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.

Oxytocin and social norms reduce xenophobia

Researchers found that oxytocin increased generosity towards refugees, but only when combined with social norms. Donations from individuals with a defensive attitude towards migrants nearly doubled when presented with the average donation of their peers.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 2017

Virulence factor made by influenza virus is potential target for vaccine drug development

Researchers found that NS1 suppresses the body's immune responses to viral infection, suggesting a new approach to combat influenza A virus infection. The study proposes developing a live attenuated vaccine based on an engineered influenza A virus lacking NS1 and designing antiviral drugs targeting NS1.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Interferon & Cytokine Research·DateAug 14, 2017

Hearing restoration and visual cues

A study found that visually stimulated cross-modal activation of auditory brain regions in deaf individuals improved speech comprehension after cochlear implantation. Auditory cortex activation developed in tandem with both auditory and visual speech following implantation, suggesting a positive effect on hearing restoration.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 2017

Cancer-fighting T cells are smarter, stronger than experts thought

Researchers have discovered that cancer-fighting T cells can recognize infected cells with much less evidence of cancer than previously believed. The study, which used optical tweezers to apply a tiny amount of force to the T cells, found that they can bind to just two peptides for activation

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 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.

New plate adds plot twist to ancient tectonic tale

Researchers identified the 57th plate using multibeam sonar soundings and plate-motion circuits. The discovery resolves a misfit in the Pacific-Cocos-Nazca circuit, indicating another unknown plate's presence.

SourceRice University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 14, 2017

NASA sees Tropical Storm Jova being ripped apart

Tropical Storm Jova formed on August 11, but just two days later, it was being torn apart by strong vertical wind shear. The storm weakened into a post-tropical cyclone by August 14, with maximum sustained winds near 35 mph and an estimated minimum central pressure of 1005 millibars.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 14, 2017

Urban floods intensifying, countryside drying up

A global analysis of rainfall and rivers reveals more intense flooding in cities and smaller catchments, coupled with a drier countryside. This is attributed to rising local temperatures causing more evaporation from moist soils, leading to reduced water flows in rural areas.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 14, 2017

The best place to treat type 1 diabetes might be just under your skin

University of Toronto researchers successfully transplanted healthy pancreatic cells under the skin to produce insulin, restoring normal blood sugar levels in a short period. The study's findings suggest that this method could provide a more manageable and efficient way to treat type 1 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 2017
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Fundamentals of water repellency revealed at VTT

Researchers at VTT have discovered the frictional mechanism behind water repellency on inclined surfaces. By understanding this phenomenon, they can predict sliding of drops off surfaces and develop hydrophobic materials with improved wettability.

SourceVTT Technical Research Centre of Finland·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateAug 14, 2017

Binge-watching television associated with poor sleep in young adults

A new study links binge-watching TV with poorer sleep quality, fatigue, and increased insomnia in young adults. The study found that cognitive alertness resulting from binge-watching affects sleep, with 98% of binge-watchers experiencing poor sleep quality.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateAug 14, 2017

Working memory may compensate for lack of attention

A study in eNeuro found that when remembering a sequence of events, the brain focuses on the event paid the least attention. The image that generated the weakest response in the brain during encoding was most strongly replayed during the delay period.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateAug 14, 2017

Running rats remember better

A study published in eNeuro found that young rats with access to a running wheel showed improved memory later in life. The results suggest that early life interventions that increase physical activity may help build up cognitive reserve, potentially delaying the onset of neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateAug 14, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

£5.5 million initiative bids to boost farm livestock health in Africa

The £5.5 million Supporting Evidence Based Interventions (SEBI) initiative is improving livestock health and productivity in sub-Saharan Africa. Researchers are developing evidence-based technologies to address challenges faced by farmers, including disease surveillance platforms and portable diagnostic devices.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·DateAug 14, 2017

Arthritis on the rise

A recent Harvard University study reveals that knee osteoarthritis has dramatically increased in prevalence over the past 70 years, affecting an estimated one-third of Americans over 60. The research challenges the long-held assumption that osteoarthritis is simply a wear-and-tear disease related to aging and obesity.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 2017

UCLA scientists identify a new way to activate stem cells to make hair grow

Researchers at UCLA have identified a novel method to activate dormant stem cells in the hair follicle, which could lead to breakthroughs in treating hair loss. By manipulating cellular metabolism, they found that increasing lactate production accelerates hair growth in mice.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateAug 14, 2017

Origin of photosynthesis in eukaryotes

A study suggests that photosynthetic eukaryotes originated around 1.9 billion years ago through endosymbiosis with cyanobacteria, giving rise to archaeplastids including land plants and algae. The analysis reveals that the common ancestor of these organisms likely emerged in freshwater habitats.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Most people expect physicians and nurses to protect them from harm in the hospital

A national survey by Hartford Consensus reveals a disconnect between public perceptions and healthcare professionals' views on hospital safety during active shooter events. Healthcare professionals believe they have a duty to protect patients, but many also perceive hospitals as risky settings.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateAug 14, 2017

A way to stabilize haploidy in animal cells

Researchers at CNIO have developed a way to stabilize haploidy in animal cells, overcoming the issue of quick loss of genetic stability. By removing the p53 tumor suppressor gene, the group increases the survival rate of these cells, thereby stabilizing their haploid state.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 2017

High sugar consumption gives rise to dental treatment costs in the billions

A study by Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg and BRAIN AG found a clear correlation between sugar consumption and dental illness, resulting in significant costs. The researchers estimated that implementing the World Health Organization's 50g sugar per person per day target could save Germany up to 12 billion euros annually.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateAug 14, 2017

2-faced 2-D material is a first at Rice

Researchers at Rice University have created a semiconducting transition-metal dichalcogenide material called Janus sulfur molybdenum selenium (SMoSe) with a larger band gap than molybdenum diselenide. The discovery has potential applications in catalytic production of hydrogen and other fields.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateAug 14, 2017
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.

'Fat but fit' are at increased risk of heart disease

Researchers found that being overweight or obese increases a person's risk of coronary heart disease by up to 28% even if they have healthy blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. The study showed that excess weight is linked with an increased risk of heart disease, even when people have a healthy metabolic profile.

SourceImperial College London·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 14, 2017

'Inefficient' sailing fleet keeps oyster fishery alive

Research suggests that traditional sailing methods have helped prevent overfishing and ensure the long-term survival of the Fal oyster fishery. Motorising the fleet would result in a nine-fold increase in fishing activity, putting the fishery at risk.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFisheries and Aquaculture Journal·DateAug 14, 2017

How head-on collisions of DNA protein machines stop replication

A new study reveals that head-on collisions between protein machines on chromosomes can disrupt DNA replication and increase the frequency of genetic errors. These collisions promote mutations in key genes involved in coping with environmental stresses, which may help bacteria survive hostile environments.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalCell·DateAug 14, 2017
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Researchers 3-D print first truly microfluidic 'lab on a chip' devices

Researchers at Brigham Young University have successfully 3D printed microfluidic devices with flow channel cross sections as small as 18 micrometers by 20 micrometers. This breakthrough enables mass-producing medical diagnostic devices cheaply, using a custom printer and low-cost resin.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalLab on a Chip·DateAug 14, 2017

'Acidic patch' regulates access to genetic information

Researchers from Princeton University discovered that ISWI chromatin remodelers use the 'acidic patch' to remodel chromatin. The study reveals that this feature is a general requirement for chromatin remodeling to occur, and certain chemical modifications can enhance or inhibit ISWI remodeling activity.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature·DateAug 14, 2017

Important to communicate cancer prevention message to young adults to reduce risks later in life

Experts emphasize the importance of communicating cancer prevention messages to young adults (18-44 years) to reduce future cancer risk. The articles highlight various factors contributing to cancer risk, including health behaviors, chronic conditions, and social drivers, and propose tailored interventions to mitigate risks.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 14, 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.