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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 182


Page 182 of 461

New handheld spectral analyzer uses power of smartphone to detect disease

The new TRI Analyzer can perform lab-grade medical diagnostic tests on patient blood, urine, or saliva samples as reliably as clinic-based instruments. The device, costing $550, analyzes samples using the power of a smartphone's camera and illuminates sample fluids with an internal LED flash or external laser diode.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalLab on a Chip·DateAug 10, 2017

Scientists report first data transmission through terahertz multiplexer

Researchers demonstrate method for multiplexing data carried on terahertz waves, transmitting two real-time video signals at an aggregate data rate of 50 gigabits per second. The terahertz multiplexer uses a waveguide with metal plates to separate data streams based on frequency and angle.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 10, 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.

From hot to cold: How to move objects at the nanoscale

Simulations show that a temperature gradient can displace nanoparticles on graphene membranes, with the force acting like a ballistic wave. Researchers discovered a new phenomenon called thermophoresis ballistic, where vertical thermal oscillations push objects horizontally.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 2017

How perception, association and belief drive hallucinations

A new study suggests that auditory hallucinations may arise from top-down brain processing, driven by strong associations between sensory inputs and mental concepts. Participants who experienced hallucinations showed strong beliefs about the association, which drove their tone hallucinations.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 10, 2017

Being bullied may dramatically affect sleep

Researchers found that bullying can cause significant changes in sleep patterns, including increased bouts of paradoxical sleep and flattened body temperature fluctuations. These effects persisted even after the mice were removed from the threatening environment, suggesting a long-term impact on mental health.

SourceMcLean Hospital·DateAug 10, 2017

Scientists find new way to map differences in the brain

Researchers have developed a new way to map differences in brain cells by analyzing chemical modifications in their DNA. The study identified 16 subtypes of neurons in mice and 21 in humans, offering new insights into the diversity of brain cell types and potential for understanding brain development and dysfunction.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·DateAug 10, 2017

How urban seasnakes lost their stripes

Researchers found that seasnakes living in polluted areas have darker skin, which helps them bind and rid their bodies of contaminants. This is an example of industrial melanism, where dark-colored varieties thrive in industrial environments.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 10, 2017
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.

Surprise discovery in the search for energy efficient information storage

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have made a groundbreaking discovery in the search for energy-efficient information storage. By controlling the chirality of magnetic domain walls using an electric field, they have opened up new possibilities for non-volatile information processing and storage technology.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 10, 2017

Blocking pathogens in rice

Researchers have found a way to make plants resistant to the bacterial pathogen Xanthomonas oryzae oryzae that causes rice blight. The team discovered that blocking the pathogen's access to sugar stores in plants can starve them out, preventing multiplication.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·DateAug 10, 2017

New kinds of brain cells revealed

Scientists have identified new subtypes of brain cells in mice and humans using DNA analysis, revealing a complex diversity of neurons. This breakthrough opens the door to understanding how many types of neurons exist, which could lead to improved treatments for brain-related diseases.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateAug 10, 2017

AI, crowdsourcing combine to close 'analogy gap'

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University developed a method for computers to mine databases of patents, inventions, and research papers to identify ideas that can be repurposed. This approach uses crowdsourcing and deep learning to analyze product descriptions and find analogous products, leading to innovative solutions.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateAug 10, 2017

Breakthrough method yields trove of neuron subtypes, gene regulators

A breakthrough method has yielded a trove of neuronal subtypes and gene regulators in the brain, using molecular profiling to detect epigenetic regulation. This discovery opens the door to potentially discovering changes linked to brain disorders and compiling the brain's 'parts list'.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalScience·DateAug 10, 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.

Toward a better definition for acute kidney injury in newborns

A new approach to assess renal function in term newborns with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy identifies early stages of AKI. Approximately 69% of infants did not develop kidney failure, while 19% showed a slower serum creatinine decline rate matching those with established AKI.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalPediatric Research·DateAug 10, 2017

Mutant ants provide insights into social interaction

Researchers genetically engineered ants to lack their sense of smell, finding they couldn't communicate, forage or compete for queen status. This discovery promises to advance understanding of social communication and its relation to human disorders like autism and depression.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalCell·DateAug 10, 2017

Test uses nanotechnology to quickly diagnose Zika virus

Researchers developed a test that detects Zika virus presence in blood in minutes, using gold nanorods on paper. The test relies on an immune response caused by the virus and doesn't require refrigeration, making it suitable for resource-limited settings.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalAdvanced Biosystems·DateAug 10, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Belief in neuromyths is extremely common

A recent study found that belief in neuromyths, such as seeing letters backwards being a sign of dyslexia, is prevalent among educators, the public, and those with neuroscience training. Training in education and neuroscience helps reduce these false beliefs.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateAug 10, 2017

Lung cancer clinical trial elig criteria & requirements increased in number and complexity

Lung cancer clinical trials have complex requirements that act as a barrier to development and patient enrollment. A retrospective study found an increase in eligibility criteria for medical therapy trials, particularly for cardiac, concurrent medications, and immunotherapy-related treatments.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateAug 10, 2017

Marine noise pollution stresses and confuses fish

Researchers found that piling sounds stress sea bass, causing them to fail to react to predators while drilling sounds cause them to actively avoid areas with these noises. This exposure can also impair their ability to detect food and has potential effects on reproduction.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·DateAug 10, 2017

Dendritic Golgi as key cause of degenerative brain disease

Korean researchers have identified the early neuropathic mechanism of polyglutamine brain disease and suggested a way to restore. Dendritic-specific Golgi plays a core role in the early neuropathy of degenerative brain diseases.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 10, 2017
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.

CU study: Ancient DNA used to track Mesa Verde exodus in 13th century

A study using ancient DNA from domesticated turkeys found that many Ancestral Pueblo people migrated to the Northern Rio Grande region after Mesa Verde's collapse. The genetic composition of northern Rio Grande turkeys changed substantially before and after the migration, suggesting the people took their turkeys with them.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 10, 2017

Drug trial shows promise for deadly neurological disorder

A clinical trial shows promise for treating Niemann-Pick type C by slowing disease progression with cyclodextrin. The study found significant improvements in gait, cognition, and speech, with half of patients experiencing no worsening or improvement in neurological severity score.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 10, 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.

NASA analyzed intensifying Franklin's rains before landfall

NASA analyzed data from Tropical Storm Franklin before it made landfall in east-central Mexico, revealing intense storms with tops reaching heights of over 9.4 miles. The analysis showed heavy rainfall rates of over 2.4 inches per hour in bands around the storm's southwestern side.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 10, 2017

How the brain recognizes familiar faces

Researchers discovered two previously unknown brain areas involved in face recognition, which integrate visual perception with memory and social knowledge. The brain's response to familiar faces is distinct from visually familiar ones, with a sudden 'aha' moment when recognizing a long-known acquaintance.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalScience·DateAug 10, 2017

Crank the AC, cut in-car pollution

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis found that controlling car ventilation can significantly reduce pollutant exposure during commutes. Using portable instruments and sensors, they measured pollutant levels inside and outside cars during daily commutes, finding that running the AC reduced pollutants by 20-34%.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateAug 10, 2017

First mutant ants shed light on evolution of social behavior

Researchers at Rockefeller University created genetically altered ants to explore the evolutionary roots of ant social behavior. The study found that a gene essential for sensing pheromones is crucial for pheromone detection and social organization, leading to behavioral abnormalities in mutant ants.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalCell·DateAug 10, 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.

Test results after stem cell transplant for multiple myeloma can confuse patients and doctors about cancer's status

After stem cell therapy, tests like SPEP/SIFE and SFLCA may yield oligoclonal patterns that resemble the original monoclonal antibody spike. However, this is a normal response to treatment, not recurrence of the disease. The key clarifier lies in tracking the location of the malignant spike before and after treatment.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Clinical Medicine Research·DateAug 10, 2017

Human-caused warming likely led to recent streak of record-breaking temperatures

A new study suggests that human-caused warming is very likely responsible for the recent streak of record-breaking temperatures. The likelihood of experiencing consecutive record-breaking global temperatures from 2014 to 2016 without the effects of human-caused climate change is no greater than 0.03 percent.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 10, 2017

Chickenpox virus fatal in newly discovered immunodeficiency

A rare genetic mutation in the POL III sensor can turn chickenpox into a life-threatening infection, leading to brain inflammation and pneumonia. Individuals with this mutation have an increased risk of developing severe illness.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 10, 2017
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Political party influences lawmakers' tweets more than gender

A new study by University of Arizona sociology doctoral student Morgan Johnstonbaugh found that US lawmakers' tweets are more closely tied to their political party affiliation than their gender. Contrary to expectations, women did not tweet significantly more about stereotypically female issues and men did not tweet more about male-ste...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·DateAug 10, 2017

Researchers use CRISPR to manipulate social behavior in ants

Researchers used CRISPR to manipulate ant eggs, resulting in germline changes that affect every cell in the adult colony. The study found that knocking out the orco gene affected olfaction, social behavior, and brain anatomy, providing insights into gene regulation and its impact on complex biological systems.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateAug 10, 2017

Atrial fibrillation risk rises with decreasing kidney function

The study found that individuals with kidney disease have a higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation. The risk increased step-wise with decreasing kidney function, and the link held even after accounting for other factors such as cardiovascular health.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 10, 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.

For bacteria that cheat, food is at the forefront

New research at Oregon State University found that bacteria prioritize their own fitness when nutrients are limited, but not when iron, phosphorus, and sulfur are abundant. This study provides insights into the evolution of cooperation in microbes and has implications for understanding natural populations.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 10, 2017

Mapping the brain, neuron by neuron

Researchers create complete map of fruit fly larva brain's learning center, a crucial step towards understanding animal brains. The project could guide scientists in charting connections among neurons in mammals' brains.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNature·DateAug 10, 2017

Cellular transport routes

Biologists in Konstanz have identified a crucial step in the labelling and transportation process of proteins in plant cells. The SH3P2 protein plays a key role in binding to ubiquitin molecules, marking them for transport to the vacuole.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 2017
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.

USB connections make snooping easy

Researchers found that over 90% of USB-connected devices leak information to external devices when plugged into the same hub. This 'channel-to-channel crosstalk leakage' allows malicious devices to capture keystrokes and private info.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·DateAug 10, 2017

How secure are your messages?

Most messaging app users neglect security options, exposing themselves to fraud and hacking. Authentication ceremonies are often overlooked despite encrypting messages by default.

SourceBrigham Young University·DateAug 10, 2017

Spain is one of the countries where more heatwaves are recorded annually

A study by CSIC and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that higher temperatures increase health risks, but sensitivity varies by region. The study suggests adapting to excessive heat and developing migration strategies as climate change projections increase temperatures.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateAug 10, 2017

Origins of DNA folding suggested in archaea

A study published in Science reveals that archaeal DNA folding is identical to the process found in more complex organisms, suggesting an early prototype for the eukaryotic nucleosome. This discovery sheds light on the evolutionary origins of genome folding and raises questions about the common ancestor of life.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateAug 10, 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.

Ultrasound-triggered liposomes for on-demand, local anesthesia

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital developed a novel system using ultrasound to trigger the release of nerve-blocking agents, providing on-demand pain relief. The system, using ultrasound-triggered liposomes, has potential for replacing addictive opioids and short-lasting local anesthetics.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateAug 10, 2017

Hibernating control cells or why inflammations become chronic

A team of researchers at FAU has identified a key mechanism involved in the resolution of inflammations in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Innate lymphoid cells can induce a 'hibernation' state, which persists in those with rheumatism but is reversed when these cells are 'woken up', stopping inflammation and joint damage.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 10, 2017

Certain occupations linked to an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis

A new study published in Arthritis Care & Research found that male workers in the manufacturing sector have a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis than those in other sectors. Women working in certain occupations, such as assistant nurses and attendants, also showed a slightly increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateAug 10, 2017
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.

Researchers identify prognostic indicators of survival following pancreatic tumor removal

A study of 43 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma found two preoperative factors strongly predictive of poor prognosis, regardless of tumor stage. These biomarkers, C-reactive protein/albumin ratio and prognostic nutritional index, may help plan treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Pancreatic Cancer·DateAug 10, 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.

New measure of insulin-making cells could gauge diabetes progression, treatment

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a new measurement for the volume and activity of beta cells, which are responsible for producing insulin. The new test uses PET scanning to detect minute levels of a radioactive chemical in the mouse pancreas, providing a more accurate assessment of insulin production.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalDiabetes·DateAug 10, 2017