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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 244


Page 244 of 461

Parkinson's is partly an autoimmune disease, study finds

Researchers found that autoimmunity plays a role in Parkinson's disease, where the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. The study identified alpha-synuclein protein as a trigger for immune response, raising hope for new diagnostic tests and therapies to prevent neuronal death.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature·DateJun 21, 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.

Injury measurement technique helps players get back in the game

A new method of measuring sports-related muscle injury uses localised bioimpedance measurement (L-BIA) to quantify damage and provide accurate return-to-play time. The study found L-BIA enables clinicians to differentiate between two types of partial muscle tears that cannot be distinguished using MRI.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysiological Measurement·DateJun 21, 2017

Single fungus amplifies Crohn's disease symptoms

Researchers found that Candida tropicalis infection intensifies Crohn's disease symptoms in mice by modulating gut bacteria and triggering inflammation. The study suggests anti-fungal medications could be beneficial in combating debilitating symptoms of the disease.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateJun 21, 2017

Newly identified protection mechanism serves as first responder to cellular stress

Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered a fast and short-lived spike in signaling lipid PI3,5P2 that helps protect yeast cells from high salt stress before gene expression takes over. The study suggests that this early protection pathway may exist in other organisms and respond to different types of cellular stress.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJun 21, 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.

In organizations, bullying begets whining, study finds

Researchers at Northern Illinois University found a significant correlation between bullying and whining in teams, negatively affecting group dynamics. The 'poor-pitiful-me' routine can disrupt decision-making groups, while both behaviors should be considered aggressive tactics that can derail meetings and lead to suboptimal decisions.

SourceNorthern Illinois University·JournalInternational Journal of Business Communication·DateJun 21, 2017

The brain mechanism behind multitasking

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered a brain mechanism that enables more efficient multitasking by reactivating learned memories. This process prevents interference from competing tasks and can improve learning and memory functions in daily life.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 21, 2017

African leopards revealed: Study documents minute-to-minute behavior of elusive cats

A study documents the African leopard's caloric demands and predatory behaviors, revealing that males spend 26% of their daily calories on territorial patrol, while females expend 8% on parenting. This data provides insight into the cats' behavior, allowing researchers to assess ecosystem impacts and predict human actions

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalEcosphere·DateJun 21, 2017

One in 6 women with learning disabilities has attempted suicide

A new study found that women with learning disabilities had a lifetime prevalence of suicide attempts 16.6% compared to 3.3% for those without learning disabilities. Chronic parental domestic violence and childhood sexual abuse increased the risk of suicide attempts among men and women with learning disabilities.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Learning Disabilities·DateJun 21, 2017

Oral storytelling skills impact reading differently for African-American boys and girls

Research from the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute found that African-American preschoolers' storytelling skills affect reading achievement in complex ways. Girls' storytelling skills appear crucial for early reading development, while boys' skills have a stronger impact on rapid reading score increases over time.

SourceFrank Porter Graham Child Development Institute·JournalChild Development·DateJun 21, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Pollinator extinctions alter structure of ecological networks

Field experiments show that removing a dominant pollinator species alters foraging patterns among remaining pollinators, leading to changes in plant visitation and reduced biodiversity. This study highlights the importance of considering ecological cascades in predicting the impact of pollinator extinctions on ecosystems.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalBiology Letters·DateJun 21, 2017

NASA sees Tropical Storm Cindy soaking the Gulf Coast

Tropical Storm Cindy is expected to bring heavy rainfall and life-threatening flash flooding to the northern Gulf coast. Maximum sustained winds of 50 mph are forecasted, with storm surge, tropical storm force winds, and isolated tornadoes also possible.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 21, 2017

Systems pharmacology modelers accelerate drug discovery in Alzheimer's

Researchers have developed systems-pharmacological modeling to analyze and predict the dynamics of new drugs for Alzheimer's disease. The models can accurately match cerebrospinal fluid analysis results with brain processes, allowing for optimal drug administration and therapy selection.

SourceInSysBio LLC·JournalCPT Pharmacometrics & Systems Pharmacology·DateJun 21, 2017

A new virtual approach to science in space

Researchers suggest using telepresence technology to reduce communication delays in space research, enabling scientists to conduct scientific investigations more quickly. This approach could expand the number of destinations where humans can do great science, including those currently inaccessible due to safety concerns.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience Robotics·DateJun 21, 2017

Is there an alternative to disposable diapers?

Elimination communication (EC) uses an infant's cues to recognize when they need to pee or poop, promoting early toilet training and protecting child health. By introducing EC at 6 months, caregivers can reduce the frustration and work associated with traditional toilet training.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJun 21, 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.

HIV-positive women with cytomegalovirus likelier to pass virus that causes AIDS to infant

A recent study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that HIV-positive women with cytomegalovirus (CMV) are more likely to transmit the virus to their infants, increasing the risk of congenital CMV infection. The study also found a significant association between gonorrhea and CMV transmission.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJun 21, 2017

New catalyst paves way for carbon neutral fuel

Researchers have developed an efficient catalyst that converts CO2 from the air into synthetic natural gas in a 'clean' process using solar energy. The catalyst produces almost pure methane without side products and operates at mild temperatures, making it viable for industrial activities.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateJun 21, 2017

Domestication genetics: The career of the cosmopolitan cat

Modern domestic cats are derived from the African wildcat, with genetic analyses tracing back to ancient Egypt and the Near East. The study reveals that both lineages contributed to the genomes of European cats.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJun 21, 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.

Scientists may have cracked rugby league's code

Higher ranked NRL teams have more comprehensive defensive strategies, fewer missed tackles, and greater dummy half runs. This suggests they can exploit holes in opponents' defenses through gang tackling.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalJournal of Science and Medicine in Sport·DateJun 21, 2017

Extremely colorful, incredibly bright and highly multiplexed

Biomedical researchers have developed a new method to visualize multiple molecular species simultaneously using self-folding DNA structures with digitally programmable optical properties. This approach overcomes the limitation of current microscopy techniques, enabling ultra-high definition imaging of complex samples.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 21, 2017

New technique makes brain scans better

Researchers have developed a new technique to enhance low-quality brain scans, allowing for the analysis of hundreds of thousands of images. This enables large-scale studies of stroke outcome and other disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJun 21, 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.

New antibody uses 1-2 punch to potentially treat blood cancers

Researchers developed a two-pronged approach to treat multiple blood cancers by targeting cancer cells directly and driving them out of the bone marrow environment. The new antibody PF-06747143 has been shown to eradicate more cancer cells compared to standard care in preclinical studies.

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·JournalBlood Advances·DateJun 21, 2017

New inhibitor drug shows promise in relapsed leukemia

Researchers found gilteritinib, an FLT3 inhibitor, to be a well-tolerated treatment that led to frequent clinical responses in patients with the FLT3 gene mutation, a common cause of relapsed leukemia. The drug showed promising results in a first-in-human study, with response rates tracking with the degree of FLT3 inhibition.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJun 21, 2017

New clues in puzzle over pre-eclampsia and cholesterol regulation

A study led by the University of Nottingham has uncovered new clues on the connection between pre-eclampsia and an increased risk of heart disease in later life. The research suggests that the body's normal defence mechanism for flushing out cholesterol from the blood may be disrupted by the illness.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateJun 21, 2017

Neurons that regenerate, neurons that die

A new study found that a specific transcription factor can help certain neurons regenerate, but simultaneously kill others, in the optic nerve. This discovery may lead to new treatment strategies for restoring vision or repairing injury by regenerating functional connections and considering combination therapies.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNeuron·DateJun 21, 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.

Rare genetic variants found to increase risk for Tourette syndrome

A research team has identified rare mutations in two genes, NRXN1 and CNTN6, that increase the risk of Tourette syndrome. The study found an overall increase in large, rare copy-number variants in TS patients, with each variant primarily occurring in just one individual.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNeuron·DateJun 21, 2017

Perceptions about body image linked to increased alcohol, tobacco use for teens

Researchers found that negative body image is associated with increased substance use in teenagers, including girls who believe they are very good-looking being more likely to binge drink. This study suggests that improving body image awareness through education and prevention programs can help reduce unhealthy behavior.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse·DateJun 21, 2017

Marriage makes men fatter, shows new research

A new study from the University of Bath's School of Management shows that marriage is associated with weight gain in men, adding approximately three pounds to their BMI. The early days of fatherhood also contribute to this effect, while a decrease in male BMI is observed during the period just before and after divorce.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateJun 21, 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.

Screen time or story time?

A new study found that electronic books captivated toddlers' attention, encouraging more engagement and participation during reading sessions. Compared to traditional print books, toddlers showed higher levels of attention, engagement, and correct animal identification when reading electronic books.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJun 21, 2017

Study seeks to improve screening for falls in emergency departments

A new study analyzed 23,880 older adult emergency department visits to identify falls based on diagnosis codes and chief complaint. The findings demonstrate the value of extracting text-based elements from medical records for research, particularly in improving fall screening.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJun 21, 2017

Serotonin improves sociability in mouse model of autism

Researchers found that increasing serotonergic activity in a mouse model of autism improved social behavior and reduced abnormal brain activity. The study suggests that serotonin may be potentially therapeutic for discrete ASD symptoms.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 21, 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.

Common water treatments could damage DNA

A study by the University of East Anglia warns that common water treatments containing colloidal silver may cause genotoxicity, damaging DNA. This can lead to reproductive issues and harm to future generations. The World Health Organization advises against its use as a primary water treatment.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEnvironmental Health·DateJun 21, 2017

Trends in emergency room visits & costs for patients with shingles

Emergency room visits for shingles increased among patients aged 20-59 years old after vaccination, while decreases were seen in younger and older groups. Shingles-related costs rose by 111% from 2006 to 2013, with the majority attributed to middle-aged patients.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateJun 21, 2017

The curious case of the warped Kuiper Belt

A new study has found evidence of a yet-to-be-discovered planetary body with a mass between Mars and Earth, warping the orbital planes of Kuiper Belt objects. The object's presence is suggested by its control over the tilt angles of KBOs' orbital planes, indicating a gravitational influence comparable to that of Mars.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·DateJun 21, 2017

Starting school young can put child wellbeing at risk

A study by the University of Exeter found that children starting school early are more likely to develop poorer mental health, with a 'tipping point' effect for vulnerable children. The research suggests that teachers should be aware of this issue and provide support to mitigate its impact.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·DateJun 21, 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.

New statistical method finds shared ancestral gene variants involved in autism's cause

A new mathematical method identifies ancient genetic variations contributing to autism spectrum disorder, suggesting a small effect of each variant. The approach uses discordant siblings to find a clear signal of these shared variants, which are common among individuals with autism in both affected and unaffected populations.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 21, 2017

Reconstruction of ancient chromosomes offers insight into mammalian evolution

Researchers computationally recreated ancient chromosomes of the first eutherian mammal, revealing chromosomal changes that occurred over 105 million years. The study provides a detailed picture of evolutionary breakpoints and their role in forming new species and contributing to human diseases like cancer.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 21, 2017

Transportation noise increases risk for cardiovascular diseases and diabetes

A recent study published in the SiRENE project found that transportation noise exposure is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Road noise was particularly critical, increasing the risk of myocardial infarction by 4% per 10 decibel increase. Noise also disrupts sleep patterns, which can negatively ...

SourceSwiss Tropical and Public Health Institute·DateJun 21, 2017

Molecular test for common causes of vaginitis receives FDA approval

A molecular diagnostic test has received FDA approval for accurately distinguishing among the three most common causes of vaginitis. The test is more sensitive, faster, and objective than traditional methods, providing detailed diagnoses that can help determine the best course of treatment.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateJun 21, 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.

Contact with immigrants crucial to referendum voting intentions, study finds

A new study by University of East Anglia researchers suggests that positive contact with immigrants is associated with increased support for Britain staying in the EU. The findings confirm that prejudice towards EU immigrants was a powerful predictor of Brexit support, but positive contact had prejudice-reducing effects.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalBritish Journal of Social Psychology·DateJun 21, 2017

Algae: The final frontier

Scientists have long known algae are crucial to human life and ecology, but a new review reveals they hold secrets to biofuels, therapeutic compounds, and climate change resilience. Advances in molecular techniques are unlocking major genetic processes shaping algal evolution.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalTrends in Plant Science·DateJun 21, 2017

NASA sees Tropical Storm Bret's finale

Tropical Storm Bret weakened into a tropical wave in the Caribbean Sea on June 20, with its center near 12.0 degrees north latitude and 67.3 degrees west longitude. The remnants of the storm were moving west-northwest at 22mph, associated with isolated moderate precipitation.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 21, 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.

A new technique isolates neuronal activity during memory consolidation

Researchers have developed a new technique to isolate neuronal activity during memory consolidation, revealing that individual hippocampal neurons respond selectively to specific memories. This study provides insight into the neural mechanisms of memory formation and its potential link to brain diseases like epilepsy.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalNeuron·DateJun 21, 2017

Ultra-thin camera creates images without lenses

Engineers at Caltech developed a new camera design that replaces traditional lenses with an ultra-thin optical phased array, enabling the creation of flat, thin, and lightweight cameras. The system manipulates incoming light to capture images, offering applications in smartphone cameras, astronomy, and wearable technology.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·DateJun 21, 2017

Active 24/7 and doing great

Researchers found that foraging honeybees and nurse bees have synchronized circadian clocks, despite their constant activity. The study reveals that a functional clock is crucial for these animals, even in environments without day-night cycles.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalOpen Biology·DateJun 21, 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.

Chimpanzees modify grooming behavior when near higher ranking members

Researchers found chimpanzees stop grooming sooner when a higher-ranking chimp is nearby, suggesting they prioritize benefits over social interactions. This challenge to the 'relationship model' theory supports the 'biological markets' approach, which emphasizes economic incentives in primate social behavior.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateJun 21, 2017

Hot summer frequents Europe-west Asia and northeast Asia after the mid-1990s

A significant warming trend is observed globally since the mid-1990s, with Europe-West Asia and northeast Asia experiencing the most pronounced warming. This warming has led to increased casualties from hot events, with a 23-fold increase in deaths between 2001-2010 and 1991-2000.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJun 21, 2017

Breastfeeding may reduce a mother's heart attack and stroke risk

A new study found that breastfeeding duration was associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease and stroke in mothers. Women who breastfed for two years or more had an 18% lower risk of heart disease and a 17% lower risk of stroke compared to those who never breastfed.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJun 21, 2017

Temple study: Extra-virgin olive oil preserves memory & protects brain against Alzheimer's

Researchers at Temple University Health System found that extra-virgin olive oil reduces brain inflammation and activates autophagy, preserving synaptic integrity and reducing amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. This may provide a potential prevention or treatment strategy for Alzheimer's disease.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalAnnals of Clinical and Translational Neurology·DateJun 21, 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.

Study shows Neuro Kinetics' I-Portal® devices objectively track concussion signs

A study using Neuro Kinetics' I-Portal devices found that a battery of OVRT tests can accurately measure concussion symptoms both initially and during recovery. The study suggests that these tests may be used to monitor subacute concussion recovery and help determine the safest time for patients to return to activities.

SourceNeuro Kinetics, Inc.·JournalThe Laryngoscope·DateJun 21, 2017