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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 248


Page 248 of 461

Post-ICU glucose management may improve outcomes in critical patients

Research published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that critically ill patients with dysglycemia have higher mortality rates, and that a target glucose level of 80-140 mg/dL is associated with best prospects for survival. The study suggests that broader glucose control protocols from admission to discharge may improve survivability.

SourceStamford Health·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateJun 20, 2017

Mountain lions fear humans, fleeing when they hear our voices, new study reveals

A new study reveals that mountain lions are afraid of humans and flee when they hear our voices. The findings show that pumas take longer to return to their kills after hearing people, reducing their feeding time by about half. This is significant as it can have implications for their well-being in human-dominated landscapes.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·DateJun 20, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New guideline aims to reduce infections in total hip & knee replacement patients

A new guideline aims to reduce joint infection risks from total hip and knee replacements by managing anti-rheumatic medications during perioperative process. The guideline provides recommendations for withholding certain medications, such as biologics and immunosuppressants, to minimize the risk of infection.

SourceAmerican College of Rheumatology·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateJun 20, 2017

Steaming fish eliminates more cyanotoxins than boiling it

A study published in Food Control found that steaming freshwater fish for over two minutes significantly reduces the presence of cylindrospermopsin, a harmful cyanotoxin. Boiling, on the other hand, results in a smaller reduction, posing an increased risk to consumers.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalFood Control·DateJun 20, 2017

Exhausted immune cells linked to irritable bowel syndrome

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have discovered that T-cells in patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) are exhausted, leading to reduced responsiveness and secretion of mediators. This finding may help distinguish between different types of IBS and improve diagnosis and treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalGut·DateJun 20, 2017

Ancient skulls shed light on migration in the Roman empire

Researchers analyzed ancient Roman skulls using state-of-the-art forensic techniques to identify significant cranial differences between coastal communities. The findings suggest that the area around Velia had a large Greek population, influencing local physical characteristics.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalInternational Journal of Osteoarchaeology·DateJun 20, 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.

Bacterial superantigens turn our immune cells to the dark side

Researchers found that mucosa-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells can mount a rapid and robust inflammatory response to bacterial superantigens, contributing to severe organ damage or death. The overzealous response leads to exhaustion of MAIT cells, resulting in immunosuppression and increased susceptibility to secondary infections.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 20, 2017

Finding the perfect match: A new approach to battle drug-resistant bacteria

Researchers have developed a rapid screening method to identify beneficial pairs of existing FDA-approved drugs to combat multi-drug resistant bacterial infections. The approach identified 14 drugs that could be paired synergistically, with the most promising pairing combining azidothymidine and floxuridine.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 20, 2017

Studies link nutrient, academic achievement in pre-adolescent children

Researchers found that children with higher lutein levels in the eye tended to perform better on tests of cognition and academic achievement. The studies, conducted at the University of Illinois, also suggested that lutein may play a role in brain development and overall brain health.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNutritional Neuroscience·DateJun 20, 2017

Simple tactic results in dramatic water conservation, study shows

Researchers at Florida Atlantic University developed a simple, low-cost tactic to conserve water by providing people with more information about lawn watering. The 'Rain-watered Lawn' pilot program involved 627 households and showed a 61% decrease in lawn watering during rainy summer weeks.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateJun 20, 2017

Grape-based compounds kill colon cancer stem cells in mice

Researchers found that grape-based compounds resveratrol and grape seed extract effectively killed colon cancer cells and suppressed tumors in mice. The combination of these compounds was found to be non-toxic to healthy cells, making them a promising approach for colon cancer prevention and treatment.

SourcePenn State·JournalBMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine·DateJun 19, 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.

Researchers find demographic differences in both diabetes rates and care sought

Researchers analyzed national health statistics to understand demographic differences in diabetes rates and care sought. The study found that people with lower income or lower educational levels had a higher prevalence of diabetes, with American Indians and Alaska Natives having the highest rates.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateJun 19, 2017

DNA delivery technology joins battle against drug-resistant bacteria

Researchers at Tel Aviv University develop new DNA delivery technology to neutralize lethal activity of drug-resistant bacterial pathogens. The innovation expands the range of bacteriophages, enabling manipulation and potentially leading to the development of new drugs.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJun 19, 2017

Brain stimulation protocol reduces spasticity in spinal cord injury patients

Researchers developed a new brain stimulation protocol using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and excitatory intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), which showed significant benefits in reducing spasticity in spinal cord injury patients. The study found that improvements persisted even after the treatment ended.

SourceIOS Press·JournalRestorative Neurology and Neuroscience·DateJun 19, 2017

Unusual soybean coloration sheds a light on gene silencing

Researchers found that yellow soybeans result from naturally occurring gene silencing involving two genes, which blocks production of darker pigment's precursors. The study also identified the Argonaute5 gene responsible for saddle-patterned beans, shedding light on epistatic interactions in soybean genetics.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateJun 19, 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.

Could therapy animal visitation pose health risks at patient facilities?

A nationwide survey of hospitals, eldercare facilities, and therapy animal organizations reveals gaps in health and safety policies for therapy animal visits. Many facilities lack proper guidelines for animal health, behavior, and hygiene, posing risks to both humans and animals.

SourceTufts University·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateJun 19, 2017

Wildebeest feast: Mass drownings fuel the Mara River ecosystem

A new study reveals how mass wildebeest drownings impact the ecology of the Mara River. The research found that wildebeest carcasses provide a rich source of nutrients to the river's food web, supporting fish and scavenger populations. This subsidy delivers terrestrial nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon to the river.

SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 19, 2017

Ancient DNA reveals role of Near East and Egypt in cat domestication

A recent study found that domesticated cats descend from the African wildcat or Felis silvestris lybica subspecies. The origins of cat domestication are attributed to the Near East and ancient Egypt around 10,000 years ago, where farmers welcomed wildcats to control rodents.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJun 19, 2017

Mathematical modeling uncovers mysteries of HIV infection in the brain

A new mathematical model developed by researchers at the University of Alberta predicts HIV growth and progression in the brain, revealing a viral reservoir. The model enables scientists to backtrack the development of HIV infection, informing treatment strategies and potential nasal spray therapies.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of NeuroVirology·DateJun 19, 2017

Understanding HIV's persistence

A new study found that HIV-1 infected cells can persist in the body for decades by exploiting normal cell proliferation. The research identified a single infected CD4 T cell that can amplify the number of virally infected cells through clonal proliferation, leading to a million-fold increase.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 19, 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.

Sound waves direct particles to self-assemble, self-heal

Scientists at Berkeley Lab demonstrated how particles synchronize in response to acoustic waves, exhibiting a phononic bandgap that emerged only when collectively organized. The study provides a simple platform to study non-equilibrium systems and could lead to the development of intelligent networks with sentient-like decision making.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 19, 2017

Wheat coproducts vary in protein digestibility when fed to pigs

Researchers have found that wheat middlings and red dog, two coproducts of the wheat milling process, have varying levels of protein digestibility when fed to pigs. The study suggests that red dog contains more easily digested amino acids due to its lower fiber content.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateJun 19, 2017

Poor adolescent diet may influence brain and behavior in adulthood

A new study published in The Journal of Neuroscience found that adolescent mice fed a poor diet lacking omega-3 fatty acids showed increased anxiety-like behavior and poorer memory performance as adults. The study suggests that adequate nutrition during adolescence is crucial for brain refinement and function.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateJun 19, 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.

The Asian summer monsoon -- a smokestack to the Northern Hemisphere stratosphere

A recent study reveals that the Asian summer monsoon significantly contributes to aerosol formation in the Northern Hemisphere's lower stratosphere, with a 15% annual contribution. The anticyclonic Asian monsoon serves as an efficient smokestack venting aerosols to the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 19, 2017

Fighting global warming and climate change requires a broad energy portfolio

A new study published in PNAS argues that achieving net-zero carbon emissions requires a diverse portfolio of clean energy technologies beyond wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. Experts emphasize the importance of a broader approach to decarbonization, citing technical challenges and infrastructure realities.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 19, 2017

How ticks get a proper foothold

Ticks use specialized pads on their feet to adhere to surfaces, allowing them to walk and search for prey on humans and animals. Their attachment mechanism is reversible and can be folded and unfolded like an accordion.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJun 19, 2017

Yoga is an effective alternative to physical therapy for easing low back pain

A study of 320 predominantly low-income, racially diverse adults with chronic low back pain found that yoga was as safe and effective as physical therapy in restoring function and relieving pain. Yoga and physical therapy groups showed similar improvements at 1 year, suggesting a reasonable alternative for patients.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 19, 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.

Study shows how an opportunistic microbe kills cancer cells

Researchers discovered how dying cells alert neighbors to replace them, a process called compensatory proliferation signaling (CPS). Specialized vesicles containing the CrkI protein travel to neighboring cells and cause them to create new cells.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJun 19, 2017

Scientists step closer to drug treatment for hepatitis B

Researchers at the University of York and Leeds have made a major discovery in Hepatitis B Virus assembly, paving the way for new drug treatments. The team identified an 'assembly code' in the genetic material that allows the virus to create a protective casing.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJun 19, 2017

Deaths of migrating wildebeests key to Serengeti's vibrant ecosystem

The study found that wildebeest carcasses play a crucial role in the ecosystem, providing food for various animals and supporting fish populations. The nutrient-rich carcasses also decompose over time, releasing phosphorus that supports algae, insects, and fish.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 19, 2017

Acetaminophen: A viable alternative for preventing acute mountain sickness

A study found that acetaminophen is effective in preventing acute mountain sickness, with no significant difference in incidence and severity compared to ibuprofen. The study suggests that acetaminophen may be an alternative prophylactic treatment for AMS, potentially offering fewer side effects.

SourceElsevier·JournalWilderness and Environmental Medicine·DateJun 19, 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.

Unearned fun tastes just as sweet

New research suggests that people over-worry about waiting for a 'right time' to enjoy themselves, continually postponing fun. In contrast, studies found that leisure activities tend to be enjoyable regardless of when experienced, with some tasks even enhancing enjoyment when completed before work.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 19, 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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

How to stop the nasty lurking toxoplasmosis parasite? Target its 'stomach,' study suggests

Researchers at U-M Medical School discovered that a molecule called cathepsin protease L is crucial to the parasite's ability to survive the cyst phase and cause disease. Interfering with this protein can stop the parasite, offering new hope for treatments. The study suggests that targeting the 'stomach' of the parasite may be key to p...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJun 19, 2017

Electron caught in the act

Griffith University researchers used Australia's fastest camera to measure the time it takes for molecules to break apart, achieving a record-breaking 15 millionth of a billionth of a second. This breakthrough could help design new molecules for materials science and drug discovery.

SourceGriffith University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 19, 2017

Bacterial classification may be more elusive than previously thought

Scientists have found that random diversification and extinction of cells can organize bacteria into taxonomic units as effectively as traditional ecological forces. This discovery challenges current models of microbial classification, highlighting the need for a reevaluation of the task.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 19, 2017

Monitoring soil structure changes after compaction

Researchers developed a long-term field experiment to monitor post-compaction evolution of soil structure, revealing projected recovery rates of years to decades. Initial results indicate different recovery rates for various properties and decreasing recovery rates with soil depth.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalVadose Zone Journal·DateJun 19, 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.

BUSM's Orly Leiva selected to Minority Medical Student Award Program

Orly Leiva, a fourth-year medical student at Boston University School of Medicine, has been named to the 2017 Minority Medical Student Award Program. The program supports underrepresented minority students pursuing hematology research projects with $7,000 funding and mentorship.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateJun 19, 2017

Financial incentives improve viral suppression among people living with HIV

The HPTN 065 study found that financial incentives can motivate some people living with HIV to take their medication regularly and maintain viral load suppression. This increase in viral suppression was observed at care sites offering financial incentives, with an overall increase of 5% at the peak of the intervention.

SourceFHI360·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 19, 2017

Freshwater from salt water using only solar energy

A new desalination system uses solar energy to turn salt water into freshwater, promising a cost-effective and sustainable solution for global water scarcity. The technology combines membrane distillation with light-harvesting nanophotonics to efficiently generate steam from sunlight.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 19, 2017
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

New study from KKI shows feasibility of acupuncture in young children with ASD

A new study from the Kennedy Krieger Institute found that acupuncture interventions can lead to improved behavior, attention span, sleep quality, and reduced parenting stress in young children with autism spectrum disorder. Most parents reported a positive relationship with their child after participating in the intervention.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateJun 19, 2017

We are much more unique than assumed

Computational biologists discover that protein variations have a significant impact on cell functions, even in healthy individuals. The study's findings could lead to advances in personalized medicine and better understanding of individual responses to environmental influences.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 19, 2017

CCNY researchers produce molecules with potential against HIV

City College of New York scientists discover a rapid method to produce new molecules inhibiting the HIV virus, focusing on modifying nucleosides and their impact on biological activity. The research yields diverse compounds that can be tested for structural effects against the virus.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalOrganic & Biomolecular Chemistry·DateJun 19, 2017

Keeping California's natural gas system safe

Berkeley Lab awards $4.6 million for two projects to mitigate risks in California's natural gas system, focusing on risk management and ground deformation monitoring. The projects will help facility operators detect leaks early and prevent catastrophic events.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateJun 19, 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.

New branch in family tree of exoplanets discovered

A new study has classified nearly 3,500 confirmed exoplanets into two distinct size groups: rocky Earth-like planets and larger mini-Neptunes. The researchers used data from NASA's Kepler mission and the W.M. Keck Observatory to make this discovery.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·DateJun 19, 2017

Implant infections could be banished thanks to scaffold breakthrough

A team from Ireland developed a collagen scaffold loaded with an antibiotic to prevent bacterial biofilm formation, successfully targeting Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The discovery marks a significant step forward in combating implant infections, which can cause long hospitalization periods and additional surgeries.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBiomedical Materials·DateJun 19, 2017

Researchers sample a DC swamp to study a spineless creature

Researchers at the University of Illinois used a new technique called eDNA to detect and monitor the Hay's Spring amphipod, an endangered species found in seepage springs in Rock Creek Park. The method successfully detected the creature's DNA in water samples from three sites where it had been previously seen.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalConservation Genetics Resources·DateJun 19, 2017