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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 220


Page 220 of 461

Football boosts bone development in boys

Playing football improves bone development compared to swimming and cycling, particularly after a year of training. The study found that adolescents who played football had better bones than those who engaged in non-weight-bearing sports.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateJul 12, 2017

Giant charge reversal observed for the first time

Researchers have observed giant charge reversal for the first time, where excess counter ions adsorb to oppositely charged surfaces. The study suggests that dielectric response of the solvent enhances correlation of multivalent ions with surface groups, leading to the formation of Bjerrum pairs.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJul 12, 2017

Insufficient levels of Vitamin D in pregnancy detrimental to child development

A new study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that pregnant women with insufficient vitamin D levels had children with lower scores in pre-school development tests. Vitamin D insufficiency was also associated with impaired social development at age 3½ years, while no associations were found at older ages.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalBritish Journal Of Nutrition·DateJul 12, 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.

Drug delivered during CPR may improve survival for heart attack

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago are investigating a new biological agent that mimics the effects of cooling when given during and after CPR. The agent, TAT-PTEN9c, has shown promising results in reducing cellular stress and improving survival rates for heart attack patients.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateJul 12, 2017

Experts call for a ban on children rugby tackling

Newcastle University experts warn of the dangers of rugby tackling in school sport, highlighting a 67% reduction in concussion risk from removing body checks in youth ice-hockey. The study calls for governments to protect children under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child by removing avoidable harm.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateJul 12, 2017

How to grow a premium brand without killing its cachet? Outlet stores can help

A study finds that outlet stores can actually improve a brand's cachet by attracting price-sensitive customers and allowing for more frequent new product releases. This is achieved through limited cannibalization of core revenues, enabling the brand to invest in higher service at regular stores.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·DateJul 12, 2017

Predicting heart events after liver transplant

A new risk score app, CAR-OLT, has been developed to predict cardiovascular complications in liver transplant patients. The app uses a unique blood flow model and is intended for use in those ages 18 to 75 with liver disease undergoing evaluation for liver transplantation.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalHepatology·DateJul 12, 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.

Antibody against carcinogenic substance deciphered

A team led by Prof. Arne Skerra has identified an antibody that tightly binds benzopyrene, a widespread environmental toxin linked to cancer. This breakthrough could lead to the development of antibodies to separate aromatic hydrocarbons from contaminated drinking water.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 12, 2017

Detecting long-term concussion in athletes

Researchers developed an AI signature to detect long-term concussion effects using artificial intelligence, detecting up to 90% accuracy. The tool could aid in diagnosing and treating concussion-related symptoms, which often persist for years after the injury.

SourceMcGill University·JournalEuropean Journal of Neuroscience·DateJul 12, 2017

Spread of breast cancer reduced by targeting acid metabolite

Researchers have discovered that inhibiting 20-HETE, an acid metabolite overexpressed in cancer cells, reduces breast cancer tumor size and ability to spread. The study found that the drug HET0016 blocks key pathways that enable cancer cells to create a distant microenvironment.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 12, 2017

Paleontologists solve pterosaur pelvis puzzle

Researchers have identified a rare pterosaur pelvis in Alberta's Dinosaur Provincial Park, showing that these ancient reptiles were well adapted for walking on land. The study provides evidence that azhdarchids likely used their powerful hindlimbs to transport themselves on the ground.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalFACETS·DateJul 12, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers study factors predicting school corporal punishment

New Penn State research reveals that Southern natives and average education level are key predictors of school corporal punishment use. The study found a correlation between parental corporal punishment and SCP, highlighting the potential negative impacts on children's social and behavioral well-being.

SourcePenn State·JournalChildren and Youth Services Review·DateJul 12, 2017

Sinus disease symptoms improve 10 years after patients quit smoking

Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) who quit smoking experience improvement in symptoms and medication usage within 10 years. The study found that every year without smoking is associated with a statistically significant reduction in symptoms and medication usage.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·DateJul 12, 2017

House dust spurs growth of fat cells in lab tests

Research found that small amounts of house dust containing endocrine-disrupting chemicals can spur fat cells to accumulate triglycerides and divide, promoting weight gain. The study suggests that indoor dust is a likely exposure source of chemicals disrupting metabolic health, particularly in children.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 12, 2017

Scientists replay movie encoded in DNA

Researchers encoded and played back a primitive movie in DNA using CRISPR technology, enabling the potential to record changing internal states of neurons. The 'molecular recorder' could one day allow for non-intrusive tracking of events over time, revolutionizing brain development studies.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalNature·DateJul 12, 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.

Tumor-targeting drug shows potential for treating bone cancer patients

A preclinical study published in PNAS found that BMTP-11 targets high-risk osteosarcoma and shows anti-tumor activity. The treatment has the potential to reduce cumulative side effects associated with current treatments, which often cause health problems and organ damage.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 12, 2017

Does a candidate's religion matter to voters?

A new analysis by University of Houston political scientists found that party labels, not religious affiliation, are the most powerful predictors of how voters perceive candidates. Party brand matters more than a candidate's religious views when it comes to shaping voter beliefs about ideology.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalResearch & Politics·DateJul 12, 2017

NASA finds rainfall diminishing in a weakening Tropical Storm Eugene

Tropical Storm Eugene is weakening due to cooler sea surface temperatures, with decreasing rainfall rates measured by NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission. The storm is expected to degenerate into a remnant low later in July, generating life-threatening surf and rip currents along the US west coast.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 12, 2017

Improving diet quality over time linked with reduced risk of premature death

A study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that improving diet quality over time is associated with lower total and cardiovascular mortality. The study analyzed data from nearly 74,000 adults over a 12-year period and found that even modest changes in diet quality can significantly reduce the risk of death.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 12, 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.

In autism, genes drive eye gaze abnormalities

A twin study found that genetics play a major role in how children look at the world and their preference for gazing at people's eyes and faces. The study suggests that genes can modify a child's life experience, influencing visual behavior.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateJul 12, 2017

Big-data analysis points toward new drug discovery method

Researchers at UCSF developed a computational method to analyze open-access data and identify new treatments for cancer. The method, called Reverse Gene Expression Score (RGES), predicts drug efficacy by analyzing molecular characteristics of real tumors. Four drugs were identified with potential to treat liver cancer and other diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 12, 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.

Soft and stretchy fabric-based sensors for wearable robots

A team of researchers created a highly sensitive soft capacitive sensor made of silicone and fabric that moves with the human body to detect movement. The sensor, which combines the qualities of both materials, improves sensitivity to movement by limiting deformation while stretching.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateJul 12, 2017

Miniature human hearts created from rat hearts

Researchers have developed a new technique to create miniature human hearts by introducing human cells into the matrix of a whole rat heart, preserving the lining and circulation. This method allows for the confirmation of basic science findings and testing of potential new heart drugs with improved accuracy.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJul 12, 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.

Microwaves reveal detailed structure of molecular motor

Researchers used microwave spectroscopy to analyze the structure of a single molecular motor, revealing its stator, rotor, and axle. The study provides insight into the motor's dynamics and opens up possibilities for studying nano-machines in action.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 12, 2017

Chronic liver inflammation linked to Western diet

A Western diet high in fat and sugar has been shown to cause hepatic inflammation in mice, especially in males, with FXR-deficient mice being more susceptible. The study found that probiotics and bile acid receptor agonists may hold promise for preventing and treating hepatic inflammation and progression into advanced liver diseases.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJul 12, 2017

Metal-free MRI contrast agent could be safer for some patients

Researchers developed a metal-free contrast agent containing organic molecules called nitroxides, which can accumulate at tumor sites for extended periods without causing harm. The new agent has improved MRI relaxivity and stability, making it suitable for long-term imaging of tumors in cancer patients.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalACS Central Science·DateJul 12, 2017

Study finds toxic mercury is accumulating in the Arctic tundra

A new study by UMass Lowell researchers has identified gaseous mercury as the major source of pollution in the Arctic tundra. The findings reveal that airborne mercury is gathering in the region's soil and ultimately running off into waters, posing a significant threat to human health and wildlife.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Lowell·JournalNature·DateJul 12, 2017

Blood test for early detection of pancreatic cancer headed to clinic

A newly identified biomarker panel correctly detects early pancreatic cancer in human cells, improving the ability to diagnose patients at different stages of their disease. The panel combines plasma thrombospondin-2 with CA19-9 levels for reliable detection of pancreatic cancer, potentially altering treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 12, 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.

Low oxygen in Chesapeake Bay

Low oxygen levels in Chesapeake Bay have significant effects on fish and ecosystem balance, driven by human-induced and natural factors. Forecasting efforts are being made to better understand and plan for the bay's future.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateJul 12, 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.

Female fish prefer averagely active lovers

In a study on eastern mosquitofish, researchers found that females prefer males with average sexual activity, rather than high or low drives. This is due to the cost-benefit ratio, as high-activity males can be hazardous to their safety and feeding opportunities.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJul 12, 2017

Machine-learning techniques unlock benefit of weight loss for type 2 diabetes patients

A study applying machine learning techniques to the Look AHEAD Trial data found that 85% of participants experienced a clinically meaningful reduction in cardiovascular mortality and morbidity through intensive weight loss intervention. However, 15% of subjects had an increased risk of cardiovascular events due to weight loss.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateJul 12, 2017

WikiLeaks gave Trump edge in campaign race, Twitter study finds

A study of viral tweets during the final two months of the 2016 election race found that Clinton was heavily criticised on social media compared to Trump. The study, which analysed almost 3,500 posts, revealed a wide disparity between traditional media and social media, where Clinton was worse off.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·DateJul 12, 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.

Stress can worsen effects of toxic chemical exposure

A recent study found that stress can amplify the health effects of toxic chemical exposure, leading to higher risks of low birth weight babies. The research suggests that poverty-related stress may make people more susceptible to environmental health hazards, highlighting an important consideration for policymakers and regulators.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 12, 2017

RNA molecules live short lives

Researchers at University of Basel developed a new method to measure RNA molecule half-life, revealing most RNAs are short-lived, living less than 2 minutes. This challenges conventional methods and underlines importance of accurate measurements for cell cycle studies.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 12, 2017

Antibiotic nanoparticles fight drug-resistant bacteria

Researchers developed nanoparticles packaging an antimicrobial peptide that effectively reduced Pseudomonas aeruginosa in mice, showing potential for targeted treatment of pneumonia and other bacterial infections. The approach combines concepts from cancer nanotechnology to deliver drugs selectively to bacterial targets.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 12, 2017

Rice team developing flat microscope for the brain

Rice University engineers are building a flat microscope to monitor and stimulate neurons on the surface of the brain. The goal is to provide an alternate path for sight and sound to be delivered directly to the brain, compensating for loss of vision or hearing.

SourceRice University·DateJul 12, 2017

Why you might trust a quantum computer with secrets -- even over the Internet

A new technique allows users to hide both data and program from the quantum computer, even with classical communication. The scheme uses entangled qubits and measurement-based computing to create ambiguity, making it difficult for the computer to determine the true calculation.

SourceCentre for Quantum Technologies at the National University of Singapore·JournalPhysical Review X·DateJul 12, 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.

New biofuel technology significantly cuts production time

Researchers at UBC Okanagan have developed a new biomass pretreatment technique that significantly reduces production time for biofuels, making them safer and more efficient. The new method can produce methane 172 per cent faster than traditional processes using forestry waste products like Douglas fir bark.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalWater Research·DateJul 12, 2017

Making two out of one

Researchers at FAU have developed a detailed model of the singlet fission process, which could lead to a 50% increase in solar cell performance. By analyzing intermediate phases, they identified key steps in the process and provided new insights into molecule design.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 12, 2017

Common strength 'genes' identified for first time

A study led by the University of Cambridge identified sixteen common genetic variants linked to muscle strength, revealing biological insights into complex traits. The findings suggest that genetic variation in genes related to muscle function may influence differences in strength in the general population.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 12, 2017

Rice scientists simplify the incorporation of nitrogen into molecules

Researchers at Rice University have simplified the synthesis of electrophilic aminating agents, which can incorporate nitrogen atoms into molecules in a single efficient step. This breakthrough process eliminates the need for transition metals or high temperatures, making it an environmentally friendly alternative.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 12, 2017

Data analysis in the kitchen

A study published in Frontiers analyzed traditional cuisines' flavor networks to develop a new principle behind cooking, called food-bridging. The research found regional clusters with distinct flavor patterns, and its mathematical representation, semi-metricity, may be applied to predict successful ingredient combinations.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in ICT·DateJul 12, 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.

Nanomedicine opens door to precision medicine for brain tumors

A proof-of-concept study demonstrates the potential of nanoparticles in delivering molecules that target specific genetic markers in glioblastoma brain tumors. The therapy stops tumor growth and extends survival when administered continuously through an implanted drug infusion pump.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 12, 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.

Should we screen for cirrhosis?

Liver specialists recommend screening high-risk patients for cirrhosis due to its growing prevalence as a cause of death, but others argue that the test's accuracy and cost-effectiveness are questionable. Implementing widespread screening could lead to disinvestment in other interventions and risks population health.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJul 12, 2017