Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2017 - Page 252


Page 252 of 461

A rusty and sweet side of sepsis

Researchers at Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência found that controlling iron levels is crucial for maintaining vital organs' function during infection. They discovered ferritin's role in regulating glucose production, which prevents lethal sepsis outcomes.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalCell·DateJun 15, 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.

19-year-olds as sedentary as 60-year-olds, study suggests

A study published in Preventive Medicine found that physical activity among children and teens is lower than previously thought, with young adults over 20 showing the only increases in activity levels. The study also identified patterns of highest and lowest activity throughout the day across age groups and genders.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateJun 15, 2017

New flu test: One drop of blood could save your life

Australian researchers have developed a world-first test to identify patients at risk of developing serious secondary infections. The High-risk Influenza Screen Test measures an early warning signal released by the patient's body, predicting potential complications with high accuracy.

SourceWestmead Institute for Medical Research·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateJun 15, 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.

'Magic' alloy could spur next generation of solar cells

Researchers at University of Michigan develop cost-effective material to capture near-infrared light in solar cells, making concentrator photovoltaics more efficient and practical for large-scale electricity generation. The new alloy is significantly less expensive than previous formulations and enables easier manufacturing.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 15, 2017

5 promising cancer researchers selected as Pew-Stewart Scholars

The Pew Charitable Trusts has announced the 2017 class of Pew-Stewart Scholars for Cancer Research, five early-career scientists conducting groundbreaking research on finding cures for cancer. The scholars will receive flexible funding to invest in their work and investigate promising avenues to slow or stop cancer development.

SourcePew Charitable Trusts·DateJun 15, 2017

Widespread snowmelt in West Antarctica during unusually warm summer

Researchers found that a large area of West Antarctica partially melted due to warm air caused by an especially strong El Nino, with satellite data revealing a mix of melted snow and ice over most of the Ross Ice Shelf. The study suggests that this warming event could be more frequent in the future with a warming climate.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 15, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cardiac stem cells from heart disease patients may be harmful

Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered a molecular pathway involved in the toxic interaction between host cells and the immune system when using cardiac stem cells from patients with heart disease. The study suggests that these cells can develop inflammatory properties and exacerbate damage to the already diseased heart muscle.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalCirculation·DateJun 15, 2017

8 in 10 Indonesian children has been infected with dengue

A new study reveals that nearly all Indonesian children in urban areas are infected with the dengue virus by childhood. The researchers found that 69.4% of children tested positive for dengue antibodies, with infection rates increasing from 33.8% of 1-4 year olds to 89.0% of 15-18 year olds.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJun 15, 2017

Egocentric hearing: Study clarifies how we can tell where a sound is coming from

A new UCL and University of Nottingham study found that most neurons in the brain's auditory cortex detect sound location relative to the head, but some track the actual position in the world. The researchers monitored ferrets while they moved around a small arena surrounded by speakers, using electrodes and LEDs to track movement.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 15, 2017

Bee antennae offer links between the evolution of social behavior and communication

A study published in PNAS found that halictid bees have more sensory machinery on their antennae compared to solitary species, suggesting a link between social behavior evolution and communication. The research suggests that sensilla density may be an important precursor to the evolution of social behavior.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 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.

Water management interventions push scarcity downstream

A new study assesses the global impact of human interventions on water scarcity, finding that large-scale water management actions can aggravate water scarcity downstream. The research highlights the importance of considering upstream-downstream linkages in water policy decisions.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 15, 2017

A mechanical trigger for toxic tumor therapy

Researchers developed a new drug delivery platform that uses ultrasound waves to trigger the dispersal of chemotherapy-containing nanoparticles precisely at tumor sites. The platform resulted in a two-fold increase in targeting efficacy and a dramatic reduction in both tumor size and drug-related toxicity.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalBiomaterials·DateJun 15, 2017
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Massachusetts General researchers explore why those with autism avoid eye contact

A team of investigators at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered that individuals with autism spectrum disorder experience overactivation in subcortical brain structures when viewing eye contact, leading to an aversion to direct gaze. This finding supports the hypothesis of an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory signaling n...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 15, 2017
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Dynamic DNA helps ward off gene damage, study reveals

A study by the University of Edinburgh reveals that dynamic DNA properties can ward off gene damage and promote genome organization. The research highlights the importance of scaffold attachment factor A in forming a protective chromatin mesh that allows for flexible and responsive cell signals.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalCell·DateJun 15, 2017

Cryo-EM images reveal how key biological machine unfolds problem proteins

Researchers have gained near-atomic resolution insights into the disaggregase protein's unfolding process, which helps break apart toxic protein aggregates. The study's findings suggest a ratchet-like mechanism and potential applications in developing new drugs or understanding biological processes.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience·DateJun 15, 2017

Drill holes in fossil shells point to bigger predators picking on small prey

Researchers found that as predators grew in size, they targeted smaller prey rather than larger quarry, suggesting a shift in ecological dynamics. The study's findings support the escalation hypothesis, which posits that top-down pressure from larger predators drove key evolutionary developments in prey species.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalScience·DateJun 15, 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.

Penn engineers show key feature for modeling how cells spread in fibrous environments

A team of engineers at the University of Pennsylvania has developed a new model that better simulates how cells interact with their environment and form focal adhesions. This understanding is crucial for diagnosing and combating cancer, as it reveals the importance of dynamic processes in cellular behavior.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2017

3-D images show how sperm binds to the egg surface

Researchers have obtained the first 3D snapshots of a sperm protein attached to a complementary egg coat protein at the beginning of fertilization. The study reveals a common egg protein architecture involved in sperm recognition in both mollusc and mammal species.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell·DateJun 15, 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.

The quest begins to bring ultra-speed wireless connectivity to first responders

Researchers will develop special channel soundings and software-defined radio systems to deliver ultra-reliability in emergency situations. They aim to address unique challenges such as link failures and signal blockage, enabling first responders to relay video in moving ambulances and control robots in restricted indoor environments.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·DateJun 15, 2017

Early stress confers lifelong vulnerability causing alterations in a specific brain region

Researchers identify early stress as a molecular basis for lifelong depression susceptibility, revealing a critical role for the developmental transcription factor Otx2. Mice stressed in early life exhibit suppressed Otx2 levels and increased depression-like behavior in adulthood, highlighting a sensitive period for brain development.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalScience·DateJun 15, 2017

High prevalence of CRE in Washington, D.C. healthcare facilities

A new study reveals that Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) have become endemic in Washington, D.C. healthcare facilities, with a prevalence rate of 5.2%. The study, which monitored 16 facilities, found that male patients and adults aged 20-39 had higher rates of CRE infection.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateJun 15, 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.

Science shows how faces guide, and reflect, our social lives

Researchers investigate face perception's impact on human behavior, including recognizing emotions, forming impressions, and making judgments. The study reveals the complexities of face processing and its role in shaping our interactions with others.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateJun 15, 2017

Optimizing feeding is necessary to maintain milk production in organic herds

A study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that varying diet formulation and pasture management can significantly affect greenhouse gas emissions on organic dairy farms. The researchers identified four feeding strategies, with diets featuring more soybeans resulting in lower nitrous oxide emissions.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·DateJun 15, 2017

Taking circular economy to the next level

A growing number of businesses and governments have adopted the circular economy framework, aiming to keep resources in use for longer. The Journal of Industrial Ecology special issue explores the concept's complexities and opportunities, including product design methods, social forces, and challenges of implementing circularity efforts.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalJournal of Industrial Ecology·DateJun 15, 2017

Pre-clinical study suggests Parkinson's could start in gut endocrine cells

Duke University researchers have identified a potential new mechanism for Parkinson's disease, suggesting that misfolded alpha-synuclein protein spreads from gut endocrine cells to the brain. This finding could lead to earlier diagnosis and development of therapies targeting the protein.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJCI Insight·DateJun 15, 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.

Jerusalem tower younger than thought

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science used advanced radiocarbon dating methods to determine the age of a massive stone tower in Jerusalem. The new date, around 800-900 BCE, is nearly 1,000 years younger than the previously assigned date of 1700 BCE and moves the construction of the tower to the Iron Age.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalRadiocarbon·DateJun 15, 2017

Modeling the brain with 'Lego bricks'

A new computational method uses data from medical imaging to create a color-coded 'digital lego brain' model that predicts organ deformation under surgical action. This allows surgeons to virtually rehearse operations and anticipate potential complications.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·DateJun 15, 2017

New blood test detects stroke and heart attack risk in lupus patients with no CVD symptoms

Researchers have identified a biomarker that can detect increased risk of stroke and heart attack in lupus patients without CVD symptoms. A study found that lupus patients with high levels of High Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T (HS-cTnT) are eight times more likely to develop fatty deposits in their carotid arteries.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJun 15, 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.

New tool measures resilience in adolescent Syrian refugees

Researchers at Yale University developed a brief and reliable survey tool to measure resilience in children and adolescents displaced by the Syrian conflict. The tool identifies individual, family, and cultural sources of strength and asks respondents to rate statements on a five-point scale.

SourceYale University·JournalChild Development·DateJun 15, 2017

A more safe and efficient means for drug manufacturing

Researchers created a system that uses continuous flow technology to produce pharmaceutical compounds, improving safety and yield. The new approach yielded 24 kilograms of chemotherapy agent prexasertib over three days, demonstrating its effectiveness.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 15, 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.

Analysis sheds light on how metaphors like 'sheds light' evolved

A large-scale study found that the evolution of word meanings in English metaphors follows a systematic and predictable pattern over the past 1100 years. The researchers identified key domains where word senses transitioned from literal to metaphorical meaning, including emotionality and embodiment.

SourceLehigh University·JournalCognitive Psychology·DateJun 15, 2017

Gender, race & class: Language change in post-apartheid South Africa

A recent study by Rajend Mesthrie found that gender is a stronger predictor of language change than class among young black university students in post-apartheid South Africa. The research showed that female students are more likely to adopt the 'crossover' language varieties, which were previously associated with white-dominated groups.

SourceLinguistic Society of America·JournalLanguage·DateJun 15, 2017

Transgender actors effective in teaching new doctors to provide respectful care

A study published in the Journal of Graduate Medical Education found that transgender actors can effectively teach new doctors to provide sensitive care. The researchers used standardized patients, including a transgender actress, to assess residents' communication skills and patient satisfaction. The results showed that the training a...

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Graduate Medical Education·DateJun 15, 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.

Tracking the build-up to volcanic eruptions

ASU scientists develop technique using zircon crystals to trace pulses of heat inside a volcano, which may help better predict risk. The new findings suggest that heat pulses before an eruption both begin and end more abruptly than previously thought.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateJun 15, 2017

Burroughs Wellcome Fund awards $1.9 million in grants to three Penn researchers

Three Penn researchers, Elizabeth Grice, Vijay Bhoj, and Kara Maxwell, have been awarded $1.9 million in Burroughs Wellcome Fund grants to investigate skin microbiome functions and CAR T-cell immunotherapy for Hemophilia A. The grants aim to advance our understanding of human infectious diseases and cancer research.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateJun 15, 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.

Child Mind Institute's Healthy Brain Network releases open dataset

The Child Mind Institute has released a comprehensive open dataset from the Healthy Brain Network study, featuring behavioral and cognitive assessments, brain imaging, genetics, and more. This dataset will enable researchers to identify biomarkers for childhood mental health disorders and develop new diagnostic tools.

SourceRubenstein Associates, Inc.·DateJun 14, 2017

Reproducing a retinal disease on a chip

Scientists developed an organ-on-a-chip model that mimics human retinal cells and vascular endothelial cells. The model replicates neovascularization in wet-type age-related macular degeneration, offering a potential alternative to animal models for disease modeling and drug screening.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 14, 2017