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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 228


Page 228 of 461

Less is better: Malaria parasites able to sense their hosts' calorie intake

A new study reveals that malaria parasites actively adapt to a host's nutritional status, with mice eating 30% fewer calories showing significantly lower parasite loads. The parasite's rate of replication depends on the host's calorie intake, potentially dictating the outcome of a malaria infection.

SourceInstituto de Medicina Molecular·JournalNature·DateJul 5, 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.

Bringing precision to Medicare cancer care

Researchers developed a model that accounts for variation in clinical course of different patient populations across various clinical settings. The model shows that patients with similar characteristics within the same diagnosis can have different survival times and care needs.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJul 5, 2017

Sleep problems may be early sign of Alzheimer's

A recent study published in Neurology suggests that people with normal thinking and memory skills but poor sleep quality may be at higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found a link between sleep disturbances and biological markers for Alzheimer's disease in spinal fluid, including amyloid plaques and tau tangles.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJul 5, 2017

Study: Handshaking viewed more positively by Westerners than by East Asians

Researchers found that Western participants had more positive evaluations of social interactions involving handshakes compared to East Asians. Western men and women also rated interactions differently, reflecting subtle cultural differences in expectations around handshaking.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Nonverbal Behavior·DateJul 5, 2017

When temps rise, Japanese quail require a breeze

Researchers found that quails eat more and are happier in hot weather with a gentle breeze. This helps them maintain healthy egg production. In contrast, cold temperatures have little effect on quail behavior.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPesquisa Agropecuária Brasileira·DateJul 5, 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.

Sugar intake during pregnancy is associated with allergy and allergic asthma in children

A recent study published in the European Respiratory Journal found a strong association between high maternal sugar intake during pregnancy and an increased risk of allergy and allergic asthma in offspring. The research, which analyzed data from over 9,000 mother-child pairs, suggests that high fructose intake may cause a persistent po...

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateJul 5, 2017

University of Illinois researchers combat VR eye strain with new display method

Researchers at the University of Illinois have created a new optical mapping 3D display that reduces eye fatigue and discomfort in VR environments. The display method, called OMNI, uses spatial multiplexing to create multiple plane depths with correct focus cues for depth perception.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalOptics Letters·DateJul 5, 2017

As competition goes down, generic drug prices rise, study finds

A University of Florida study found that generic drug prices increase when market competition levels drop, particularly among lower-priced drugs. The research analyzed 1.08 billion prescription claims and estimated competition levels using the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 5, 2017

Smarter control for border patrol

A team of engineers at the University of Arizona is designing an autonomous border-surveillance system that uses artificial intelligence to collect, assess, and act on data in real time. The system will deploy drones on its own and integrate data from different sources, including aerial and ground vehicles, to respond effectively.

SourceUniversity of Arizona College of Engineering·DateJul 5, 2017

Scientists take a deeper dive into cellular trash

A study by Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute researchers found that autophagy declines with age, leading to incomplete recycling of cellular waste. The team discovered this decline occurs after autophagosomes are formed, potentially blocking the conversion process and contributing to age-related diseases.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·DateJul 5, 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.

Calm lakes on Titan could mean smooth landing for future space probes

New research on Titan's lakes reveals that most waves reach only about 1 centimeter high, making it a serene environment suitable for safe landing of future probes. The study suggests that the winds are likely low, with patches of smooth and rough surfaces detected.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateJul 5, 2017

Powerful new technique can clone thousands of genes at once

Scientists have developed a powerful new technique called LASSO cloning that can clone thousands of long DNA sequences at once, speeding up the creation of proteins and discovery of new medicines. This innovation enables researchers to analyze what genes' proteins do, leading to potential breakthroughs in scores of diseases.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJul 5, 2017

'Smart' transformers could make reliable smart grid a reality

Smart solid-state transformers could enhance the functionalities of tomorrow's power grid, but system designers need to ensure that customer power demand, renewable energy generation, and energy storage capacity are accounted for. The technology has the potential to improve efficient use of renewable energy and storage.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Power Systems·DateJul 5, 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.

Make up after the break up: Men choose sex, women tears and quality time

A study found that men prioritize sexual favors as an apology, while women value spending quality time together and emotional commitment. Women also rate tears and apologizing as effective reconciliation tactics, showcasing their partner's willingness to invest effort and provide emotional support.

SourceSpringer·JournalEvolutionary Psychological Science·DateJul 5, 2017

New method helps fighting future pandemics

Researchers developed a new technique to analyze influenza virus infections in cells and lung tissue, visualizing the delivery of viral genome segments. This approach revealed that productive cell co-infections only occur when both viruses enter the same cell within two hours.

SourceStockholm University·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 5, 2017

Study sheds light on new Lyme disease-causing bacteria

A new species of bacteria, Borrelia mayonii, that causes Lyme disease has a similar transmission risk as previously known bacteria. Prompt removal of ticks after a bite can help prevent its transmission, aligning with existing guidelines.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateJul 5, 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.

PPPL researchers demonstrate first hot plasma edge in a fusion facility

Researchers at PPPL successfully demonstrated a hot plasma edge in a fusion facility by coating tokamak walls with lithium. The findings show that high-edge temperatures and constant temperature profiles can be achieved, which is crucial for improving plasma performance and efficiency.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 5, 2017

Hospital, office physicians have differing laments about electronic records

A new study reveals widespread physician dissatisfaction with electronic health records (EHRs), with hospital-based physicians expressing concerns about reduced patient contact time and office-based physicians worrying about the quality of their interactions. Despite these challenges, some physicians have found ways to minimize disrupt...

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Innovation in Health Informatics·DateJul 5, 2017

Improved risk recognition expected to enhance fertility preservation for cancer patients

A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that abdominal radiation increases the risk of premature ovarian insufficiency in female cancer survivors, which can lead to infertility and poor overall health. Researchers recommend estrogen replacement therapy to mitigate these risks.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJul 5, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

People with Parkinson's should be monitored for melanoma Mayo study finds

Researchers found that patients with Parkinson's were four times more likely to have a history of melanoma than those without the disease. In contrast, people with melanoma had a fourfold higher risk of developing Parkinson's. The study suggests that common environmental or genetic factors may underlie both conditions.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateJul 5, 2017

Krill hotspot fuels incredible biodiversity in Antarctic region

A study by Oregon State University scientists reveals a perfect combination of tides and wind responsible for the krill hotspot. Krill aggregations are delivered close to shore by tidal currents and winds, benefiting Adélie penguin breeding colonies. This natural phenomenon supports incredible biodiversity in the Antarctic region.

SourceOregon State University·DateJul 5, 2017

Reducing stress, optimizing coping strategies may diminish need for opioids following ankle surgery

A recent study found no association between opioid intake and disability, satisfaction with surgery, or pain management at 5-8 months post-surgery. However, patients using opioids reported more pain with activity and catastrophic thinking, leading to anxiety and limited mobility.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateJul 5, 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.

Diabetes increasing at alarming rates in sub-Saharan Africa

The report reveals that type 2 diabetes prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa has reached 22% in some countries, with only half of diagnosed cases receiving treatment. The Lancet commission calls for decisive action to address the growing burden, which could nearly triple to $59 billion by 2030.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateJul 5, 2017

Marijuana and vulnerability to psychosis

A Canadian study found that frequent marijuana use during adolescence is associated with an increased risk of recurrent psychotic-like experiences. The study suggests that emerging symptoms of depression are a key factor in this relationship, and highlights the need for targeted prevention programs to delay or prevent marijuana use amo...

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateJul 5, 2017

Recreating interstellar ions with lasers

Using lasers, MSU scientists have replicated a mechanism forming H3+, the universe's most abundant ion, revealing 'phantom mechanisms' in astrochemistry. The team discovered roaming chemistry plays a crucial role in this process.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 5, 2017

Quantum dots make the leap from TVs to antibacterial eye drops

Researchers have developed a new treatment for bacterial keratitis using quantum dots, which can kill various bacterial strains without harming human cells. The one-step method produces non-toxic carbon quantum dots that may replace conventional treatments.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 5, 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.

Smelling your food makes you fat

A recent study found that mice who lost their sense of smell gained less weight on a high-fat diet compared to those with normal smell. The researchers used gene therapy to temporarily destroy olfactory neurons, and the smell-deficient mice rapidly burned calories by up-regulating their sympathetic nervous system.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 5, 2017

CNIC scientists discover an essential mechanism in the immune response

Researchers at CNIC reveal CTCF's crucial role in antibody generation and germinal center formation, shedding light on the immune response mechanisms. The study highlights the importance of CTCF for maintaining proper immune function and has implications for vaccine research.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 5, 2017

Repurposed asthma drug shows blood sugar improvement among some diabetics

Researchers discovered a molecular signature in patients who responded to the anti-asthma drug amlexanox, which showed significant improvements in blood glucose levels. The study reveals a potential new therapeutic approach for treating type 2 diabetes and identifies key gene changes associated with the beneficial effects.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 5, 2017

First battery-free cellphone makes calls by harvesting ambient power

Researchers at the University of Washington have invented a battery-free cellphone that harnesses ambient power from radio signals and light to make calls. The device uses vibrations in the microphone or speaker to encode speech patterns in reflected radio signals, allowing for real-time communication without batteries.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateJul 5, 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.

Visualizing whole-body cancer metastasis at the single-cell level

Researchers have developed a method to visualize cancer metastasis in whole organs at the single-cell level, enabling early detection of dormant or resistant cancer cells. This breakthrough uses transparent mice and advanced imaging techniques to create 3-D maps of cancer cells throughout the body and organs.

SourceRIKEN·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 5, 2017

Multichannel EEG recordings enable precise brain wave measurement of fish

Researchers at DGIST have successfully measured zebrafish's multi-channel electroencephalogram (EEG) using a non-invasive method. This breakthrough enables precise observation and study on the generation of EEG in specific areas of the brain, with potential applications in developing new drugs for epilepsy syndrome.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 5, 2017

Watch cancer spread in a mouse

Scientists in Japan develop a method to image cancer at the single-cell level, revealing cancerous colonies in detail. The technique allows researchers to track cancer cells as they multiply and metastasize, providing insight into metastatic pathways.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 5, 2017

Investigating folding stability and dynamics of proteins

The study used FReI to investigate the folding stability and dynamics of proteins in hydrogels, revealing that hydrogels increase protein stability, speed up folding relaxation, and promote irreversible binding. The findings suggest that proteins may be destabilized when interacting with hydrogels.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJul 5, 2017

New brain cancer drug targets revealed

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed a new method to screen brain tumor cells and identify potential drug targets. The team found 57 genes required for cancer cell survival in the brain, but not in traditional laboratory culture, suggesting a new avenue for therapeutic development.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature·DateJul 5, 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.

Remote Amazonian cities more vulnerable to climate change

Research by Lancaster University found that remote Amazonian cities are more vulnerable to environmental pollution, contaminated water, and health risks. Experts emphasize the need for 'adaptive capacity' through improved public services and disaster response planning to mitigate these effects.

SourceLancaster University·JournalAnnals of the American Association of Geographers·DateJul 5, 2017

Physicists read Maxwell's Demon's mind

An international research team has successfully brought Maxwell's Demon to life using superconducting circuits. The team observed the demon gain useful energy from a thermodynamic system, bypassing the second law of thermodynamics, and tracked how information is stored in its memory.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 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.

Reconciled: Climate sensitivity estimates between models and historical data

Scientists developed a method to compare climate model sensitivities with historical data, showing good agreement. Accounting for slow mode feedback, the temperature range of climate sensitivity from historical data is consistent with climate models, implying a higher sensitivity to carbon dioxide emissions.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 5, 2017

Bowel cancer diagnosis delayed by other illness

A new study found that patients with pre-existing serious health conditions, such as heart disease or Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), may experience a delay of up to 26 days in receiving a bowel cancer diagnosis. This can lead to more severe outcomes and poorer treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateJul 5, 2017

Vegetable colouring agent may suppress inflammation

Researchers at Linkoping University discovered that lutein can suppress long-term inflammation in patients with coronary artery disease. The study found that higher levels of lutein were associated with lower levels of inflammatory markers and reduced inflammatory activity in immune cells.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAtherosclerosis·DateJul 5, 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.

ASHG honors Nicholas Katsanis with 2017 Curt Stern Award

Nicholas Katsanis, Director of the Center for Human Disease Modeling at Duke University, receives the 2017 Curt Stern Award for his groundbreaking research on ciliary disorders. The award recognizes his work on signaling roles of cilia and mechanisms behind rare genetic disorders.

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics·DateJul 5, 2017

People with tic disorders at increased suicide risk

A new study in Biological Psychiatry found that people with Tourette's disorder and chronic tic disorder are over four times more likely to die by suicide than the general population. Persistent tics into adulthood were a strong predictor of suicide risk, with patients nearly four times more likely to attempt suicide.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJul 5, 2017

Transfer of atomic mass with a photon solves the momentum paradox of light

Aalto University researchers demonstrate that each photon is accompanied by an atomic mass density wave, transferring 92% of the total momentum of light in silicon. This resolves the long-standing momentum paradox of light, which had two different values due to neglecting atomic motion with the light pulse.

SourceAalto University·JournalPhysical Review A·DateJul 5, 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.

Simple blood test predicts anemia risk after malaria treatment

Researchers have adapted a diagnostic test for malaria to predict post-treatment anemia risk with 89% sensitivity and 73% specificity. The BinaxNOW malaria kit measures HRP2 remnants on red blood cells, offering a potential alternative to mandatory monitoring for high-risk patients.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 5, 2017

Greener molecular intermediates may aid drug design

Rice University scientists simplify synthesis of precursor molecules for biologically active compounds, enabling cheaper and more sustainable drug design. The new method uses hydroxylamine O-sulfonic acid to produce aziridine molecules at room temperature in a few hours.

SourceRice University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 5, 2017

Early-life pain may lead to obesity risk, especially in females, study finds

A Georgia State University study found that early-life inflammatory pain increases sucrose intake and decreases memory-related protein expression in adult rats, with female rats showing more pronounced effects. The study suggests that preventing pain in premature infants may reduce the risk of obesity.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalPhysiology & Behavior·DateJul 5, 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.

Gaze direction affects sensitivity to sounds

A new UCL study found that looking away from the sound source while focusing on another one can lead to slower reactions and increased listening effort. The researchers used EEG to monitor brain activity in participants, revealing an increase in oscillatory neural activity when gaze was misaligned with auditory attention.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 5, 2017