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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 183


Page 183 of 461

Andone C. Lavery selected as 2017 recipient of the Walter Munk Award

Andone C. Lavery has been recognized for her work on zooplankton and physical microstructure using broadband acoustic measurement methods, providing new understanding of ocean physical processes and marine biology. The award also acknowledges her Arctic oil spill research, which shares similarities with Walter Munk's ATOC work.

SourceThe Oceanography Society·DateAug 10, 2017

Climate change means earlier spring flooding for parts of Europe

An analysis of 50 years' worth of data reveals that climate change is causing rivers to flood earlier in the spring in western and northeastern Europe. This shift is largely attributed to changes in soil moisture retention and increased snowmelt due to warmer temperatures.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·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.

Routine hospital tool found to predict poor outcomes after liver transplantation

A study led by Cedars-Sinai found that patients with lower Braden Scale scores have higher risks of nonambulation, prolonged hospital stays, and rehabilitation facility discharge after liver transplantation. Supervised exercise programs may improve physical functioning and quality of life for these patients.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateAug 10, 2017

Researchers link genes and motor skills development

A study co-led by John H. Martin found that genetic mutations in the Bax/Bak pathway affect neural motor skills development in infant mice. The researchers discovered that disruptions in this pathway hinder the formation of proper connections between the brain's motor cortex and spinal cord.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalNeuron·DateAug 10, 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.

Feeling bad about feeling bad can make you feel worse

A new study from UC Berkeley research finds that people who habitually accept their negative emotions experience fewer negative emotions, leading to better psychological health. The study tested over 1,300 adults and found those who avoid acknowledging dark emotions report more mood disorder symptoms.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateAug 10, 2017

Ah yes, I remember you

Scientists have identified two new brain regions, perirhinal cortex and temporal pole, that facilitate the recognition of familiar faces in monkeys. These regions were found to be specifically involved in recognizing personally familiar faces, but not unfamiliar objects or faces.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·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.

Rotavirus vaccines continue to reduce diarrhea hospitalizations, medical costs in US kids

New study confirms the sustained impact of rotavirus vaccination in reducing diarrhea hospitalizations among US children under 5, with estimated savings of $1.2 billion in direct medical costs. Researchers found that hospitalization rates decreased by between 31-55% following routine vaccine introduction in 2006.

SourcePediatric Infectious Diseases Society·JournalJournal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society·DateAug 10, 2017

ERs can improve population health in rural areas

A new healthcare delivery model proposes partnering ERs with primary care to address failing health in underserved areas. This approach aims to connect patients to other physicians and resources, improving overall rural population health.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateAug 10, 2017

Scientists use gene editing to eliminate viruses in live pigs

Researchers have successfully edited the pig genome to deactivate a family of retroviruses, which can be passed on to human cells. The achievement holds important implications for transplant medicine and may one day enable pig-to-human organ transplants.

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

The only way is up: Trees help reptiles thrive

Research by James Cook University found that tree cover helps both tree-dwelling and ground-dwelling reptiles thrive on grazed land. Conservative stocking rates and retaining standing trees can increase native animal populations.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateAug 10, 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.

CNIC scientists develop new methods for analyzing gene function

Researchers at CNIC have developed new methods to induce multispectral genetic mosaics in vertebrate models, allowing precise study of gene behavior. The technology enables simultaneous analysis of multiple genes in different cell populations, providing insights into gene interaction networks and regulatory hierarchies.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalCell·DateAug 10, 2017

New malaria analysis method reveals disease severity in minutes

Researchers at the University of British Columbia developed a novel method to assess malaria progression using RBC deformability, which can indicate hemin-induced oxidative stress. This simple microfluidic device can determine RBC rigidity in minutes, providing a valuable tool for disease diagnosis and treatment.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalIntegrative Biology·DateAug 10, 2017

Nemours, UD technology pushes cancer research forward

Researchers at Nemours Biomedical Research and University of Delaware have developed a patent-pending process to bridge the gap between 3D cell cultures and high throughput screening techniques. This allows for greater predictability of drug effectiveness and toxicity, leading to lower attrition rates in new medicine development.

SourceNemours·JournalAnalytical Biochemistry·DateAug 10, 2017

Gene-editing-induced changes in ant social communication

A team of scientists used CRISPR technology to genetically engineer Indian jumping ants, revealing the molecular basis of their social communication. The study found that mutations in specific genes affected ants' sense of smell and social behavior, with potential implications for human brain disorders.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCell·DateAug 10, 2017

Does widespread pain stem from the brain? MRI study investigates

A recent study published in Pain investigated widespread pain and its relation to the brain. Researchers found that individuals with widespread pain had increased gray matter and brain connectivity in sensory and motor cortical areas, similar to those with fibromyalgia.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPain·DateAug 10, 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.

IV and cellular fluids power flexible batteries

Researchers have developed bendable batteries that can run on biocompatible liquids like normal IV saline solution and cell-culture medium, outperforming most wearable lithium-ion batteries in charge-holding capacity and power output. The batteries' design also enables potential biomedical applications, such as consuming essential oxyg...

SourceCell Press·JournalChem·DateAug 10, 2017

New guidelines aim treat brain tumors more effectively

The European Association for Neuro-Oncology has developed new guidelines to treat adult patients with astrocytic and oligodendroglial gliomas more effectively. The guidelines provide guidance on prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment options, aiming to limit unnecessary treatments and costs.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·DateAug 10, 2017

eGenesis study addresses cross-species viral transmission concern in xenotransplantation published in Science

Researchers at eGenesis have successfully produced the first PERV-free piglets using CRISPR technology, addressing safety concerns in xenotransplantation. The breakthrough demonstrates the potential of gene editing to prevent cross-species viral transmission and pave the way for safe human transplantable cells, tissues, and organs.

SourcePure Communications Inc.·JournalScience·DateAug 10, 2017

New technique searches 'dark genome' for disease mutations

Researchers have developed a new technique called Orion to flag regions of the non-coding genome that are likely to contain disease-causing genetic changes. This method identifies stretches of DNA that vary little from person to person, which are most likely doing something important and more likely to cause disease.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 10, 2017

How dietary fiber helps the intestines maintain health

UC Davis Health researchers found that dietary fiber acts as the right fuel to help intestinal cells maintain gut health. The beneficial microbes metabolize indigestible fiber to produce short-chain fatty acids, signaling cells to maximize oxygen consumption and limit harmful microbes.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalScience·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.

Circular RNA linked to brain function

Researchers have discovered a circular RNA, Cdr1as, that regulates microRNA levels and modulates synaptic responses in the brain. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of neural function and may hold potential for treating psychiatric diseases.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalScience·DateAug 10, 2017

Yoda bat gets happy: New species officially recognized

A new species of fruit bat, previously nicknamed 'Yoda' due to its resemblance to the Star Wars Jedi Master, has been officially recognized and renamed the happy (Hamamas) tube-nosed fruit bat. The species was discovered in Papua New Guinea and distinguished from other similar species based on unique morphological characteristics.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalRecords of the Australian Museum·DateAug 10, 2017

Chimpanzees learn rock-paper-scissors

A study shows that chimpanzees can learn the rock-paper-scissors game, but takes longer to grasp the third pair. The research team also taught the game to preschool children, who learned it quickly and accurately, especially as they aged.

SourceSpringer·JournalPrimates·DateAug 10, 2017

Plants love microbes -- and so do farmers

A study by University of Queensland researchers has confirmed that microbial communities necessary for plant development have a significant impact on crop and plant yields. The study also found that plants' limited ability to vertically transmit microorganisms between generations is a key factor in their relationship with microbes.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 10, 2017

Financial distress in cancer care

A study by Fumiko Chino and colleagues found that nearly all insured cancer patients experience financial burden, with those underinsured paying up to 31% of their income on healthcare costs. The research highlights the need for interventions to improve patient health care cost literacy and mitigate future treatment-related expenses.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateAug 10, 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.

New insight into how immune cells are formed

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet and Uppsala University have discovered that mast cell development does not depend on stem cell factor. Instead, factors like interleukin 3 and 6 play a crucial role in their formation.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalBlood·DateAug 10, 2017

Parents of premature babies as happy as other parents by adulthood

New University of Warwick research found parents of very preterm and low birth weight babies have the same life satisfaction as parents of healthy term babies when their children reach adulthood. The study, which tracked lives for 27 years, showed that good mental health and peer relationships in childhood are key to high life quality.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateAug 10, 2017

Innovations enhance genetic analysis of individual cells

The development of enhanced single cell genomics techniques by Bigelow Laboratory has revolutionized the study of microbes and their impact on the environment. These advancements have also led to increased accessibility and affordability for research and industrial communities.

SourceBigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 10, 2017

A metabolic pathway that feeds liver cancer

A little-studied gene SLC13A5 may explain how liver cancer cells obtain energy to proliferate. Suppressing SLC13A5 in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines resulted in slower growth and division of cancer cells.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 10, 2017

Innovative way to understand nature of an entire tiny particle

Researchers from UNH developed a novel method to estimate the extent of small particles in 3D models, enabling more accurate assessments of their properties. This innovation has practical applications in modeling volcanic ash clouds, sediment transport, and blood test development.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalMeasurement Science and Technology·DateAug 10, 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.

Link between biological clock and aging revealed

A UCI-led study found that a low-calorie diet helps maintain efficient energy processing in cells, which is linked to younger aging. The researchers also discovered that calorie restriction can rejuvenate the biological clock and prevent tissue aging in stem cells.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalCell·DateAug 10, 2017

Four ORNL researchers receive DOE early career funding awards

The Department of Energy's Office of Science Early Career Research Program has awarded funding to four Oak Ridge National Laboratory researchers. The selected researchers will study exotic nuclei, simulate magnetically confined fusion plasmas and investigate the role of symbiotic relationships between plants and microbes.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateAug 10, 2017

Consistent backswing crucial in helping sportspeople produce optimum results

A study published in Scientific Reports found that consistent lead-in motions enable faster learning of new techniques, with participants perfecting their skills twice as quickly when executing consistent movements. The research has implications for skill learning and movement rehabilitation following neurological conditions.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 10, 2017

Review: Cholera vaccines effective for adults, much less so for children

A review of clinical trials and observational studies found that cholera vaccines reduce the risk of getting cholera by 58% in adults but only 30% in children under 5. The findings could inform policymakers on how to use the vaccine, particularly in outbreak settings like Yemen.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateAug 9, 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.

First winged mammals from the Jurassic period discovered

Fossil discoveries of Maiopatagium furculiferum and Vilevolodon diplomylos reveal ancient gliding behavior among extinct mammalian ancestors. These Jurassic mammals lived 100 million years before modern mammal fliers, with adaptations allowing them to thrive in a dinosaur-dominated landscape.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature·DateAug 9, 2017

Updated computer code improves prediction of particle motion in plasma experiments

Physicist Mario Podestà develops a new subprogram to simulate particle motion in fusion plasmas, enabling faster and more accurate predictions. The improved code can now approximate the behavior of highly energetic atomic nuclei, crucial for achieving high-performance tokamaks like ITER.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPlasma Physics and Controlled Fusion·DateAug 9, 2017

The ethics of animal research

A new review examines the evolution of animal experimentation ethics, providing strategies for teaching and alternatives like tissue cultures and computer modeling. Practical approaches are offered to improve ethical practices in animal research.

SourceWiley·JournalPharmacology Research & Perspectives·DateAug 9, 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.

Spying on malaria parasites at -196 Celsius

Researchers used X-ray fluorescence microscopy and soft X-ray tomography to study malaria parasites in liquid nitrogen, gaining insights into their ravaging mode of operation. The findings suggest a potential mechanism controlling the speed of hemoglobin digestion and crystallization, which could be targeted with new medication.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 9, 2017

Report confirms 2016 was another warm year

A new report confirms 2016 as the second-warmest year on record, with global temperatures reaching 1°C above pre-industrial levels due to human-induced climate change and El Niño events.

SourceWiley·JournalWeather·DateAug 9, 2017

2017 Massry Prize honors microbiome research pioneers

The 2017 Massry Prize recognizes the groundbreaking research of Knight, Gordon, and Pace on the human microbiome. Their work has led to a deeper understanding of microbes' role in human health and disease, with applications in fields such as medicine and environmental science.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateAug 9, 2017

New 13-million-year-old infant skull sheds light on ape ancestry

A newly discovered infant ape skull from 13 million years ago provides insights into the evolution of human ancestors. The fossil, nicknamed Alesi, reveals a brain cavity, inner ears, and unerupted teeth that indicate it belonged to a new species, Nyanzapithecus alesi.

SourceThe Leakey Foundation·JournalNature·DateAug 9, 2017

Rewired taste system reveals how flavors move from tongue to brain

A study by Charles Zuker and colleagues has shown that the taste system wires itself through a process of cellular reconnection, allowing flavor information to flow from tongue to brain. The researchers found that specific chemical signals in newborn taste receptor cells can pull the right nerve cell connections towards them.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateAug 9, 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 portable DNA sequencer enables researchers to monitor the evolution of Zika virus

Researchers used a portable DNA sequencer to track the movement of the Zika virus, understanding its evolution and predicting future outbreaks. The study analyzed 254 whole genomes of the pathogen, revealing that Zika circulated silently in all regions of the Americas at least a year before the first confirmed cases.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNature·DateAug 9, 2017

Biochar shows benefits as manure lagoon cover

Researchers found that biochar can absorb nutrients from manure, reducing nutrient runoff and water pollution. Biochar also demonstrated significant reductions in ammonia emissions, a primary contributor to manure odors.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateAug 9, 2017

Salk neuroscientist receives new NSF award to model the brain

Terrence Sejnowski will use advanced modeling techniques to understand how the brain stores information and how diseases like schizophrenia and Parkinson's affect it. The project aims to create a layered control system model of the brain, testing its accuracy with human tasks requiring fast reflexes and long-range planning.

SourceSalk Institute·DateAug 9, 2017

1 in 12 doctors accepts payment from pharmaceutical companies related to opioids

A new study found that nearly one in five family medicine physicians accepted payments from pharmaceutical companies related to opioids, while anesthesiologists received the most total annual payments. The study suggests that pharmaceutical companies may have a stronger hold on how doctors prescribe opioids than previously known.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateAug 9, 2017
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.

A battery-inspired strategy for carbon fixation

Researchers in Japan and China create a way to isolate solid carbon dust from gaseous carbon dioxide, yielding a promising approach to fix carbon in a stable form. The method also shows potential for treating atmospheric CO2 and scrubbing other harmful gases.

SourceCell Press·JournalJoule·DateAug 9, 2017

The color of people's clothing affects lizard escape behavior

A study found that western fence lizards preferentially flee from dark blue T-shirts over other colors, suggesting they respond to the color itself rather than its detectability. The researchers suggest that this could have implications for animal conservation and ecotourism, where human clothing color may affect animal behavior.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 9, 2017

Insight into learning via 'friend of fragile X' gene

Researchers identify FMR1 and ZC3H14 as friend genes, regulating messenger RNA in neurons, affecting learning and memory. Mutant flies and mice display impaired working memory and altered brain development.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 9, 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.

Scientists unearth cell 'checkpoint' that stops allergic diseases

Scientists at Trinity College Dublin have identified a 'checkpoint' manned by immune cells that can halt allergic disease development. This discovery provides a potential new target for drug developers to regulate overly aggressive allergic responses.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateAug 9, 2017