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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 254


Page 254 of 461

New tool helps pick puppies most suited to guide dog training

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have developed a questionnaire-style decision tool to predict young dogs' likelihood of succeeding in guide dog training. The Puppy Training Supervisor Questionnaire (PTSQ) accurately identified 16.9% of dogs, helping trainers assess suitability early and improve training processes.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 14, 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.

Bioengineered human livers mimic natural development

Researchers bioengineered human liver tissues that exhibit previously unknown genetic-molecular crosstalk controlling developmental processes. The study reveals key communication between signaling proteins and receptors that instruct the development of liver tissues.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNature·DateJun 14, 2017

Significant gaps in infection prevention impact long-term care residents

Research finds that long-term care facilities struggle with infection control, lacking resources and training for qualified personnel. Key findings include high turnover rates, underutilized staff hours, and inadequate antibiotic stewardship programs.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateJun 14, 2017

The cost of opioid use during pregnancy

A new study reveals a significant increase in US hospital admissions for neonatal abstinence syndrome, caused by mothers using opioids during pregnancy. The condition carries a substantial burden on healthcare resources, resulting in nearly $316 million in costs and extended hospital stays.

SourceSociety for the Study of Addiction·JournalAddiction·DateJun 14, 2017

Organic conditions boost flavonoids and antioxidant activity in onions

A six-year study found that organic onions contain more health-benefiting phytochemicals, including flavonoids like quercetin. Weather conditions were a factor in flavonoid content, but antioxidant activity was consistently higher in organic onions.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 14, 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.

Clinical trial examines maternal depression strategy at head start

A randomized clinical trial of 230 Head Start mothers found that a problem-solving intervention significantly reduced depressive symptom episodes. The study suggests that such interventions can be an effective approach to addressing maternal depression, particularly among vulnerable populations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateJun 14, 2017

Beetles spark development of color-changing nanoparticles for commercial use

Scientists have developed a new, inexpensive technique to create color-shifting nanoparticles inspired by beetle shells. The method produces tiny particles that can be easily controlled, enabling adjustable colors within materials or fabrics. This breakthrough could lead to the production of easier-to-read sensors and anti-tampering tags.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 14, 2017

Molecular pilot light prepares body's heating system for the cold

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine discovered a molecular player that acts as a pilot light to turn on brown fat, which burns sugar and fat to produce radiant heat. Mice lacking this molecule, histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3), are unable to activate brown fat, highlighting its crucial role in metabolism.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateJun 14, 2017

MIT researchers refine yardstick for measuring schools

A new study by MIT economists refines the measurement of school quality using a novel approach to Value-Added Models. By leveraging random assignment of students to schools, they found that conventional VAMs underestimate improvement at some schools but provide a ballpark figure for others.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Quarterly Journal of Economics·DateJun 14, 2017

Could broccoli be a secret weapon against diabetes?

A new study found that concentrated broccoli sprout extract can significantly reduce fasting blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes patients. The researchers used a computational approach to identify compounds that could counter disease-associated gene expression changes associated with the condition.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 14, 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.

Changing the color of laser light on the femtosecond time scale

Researchers observed a 50% enhancement in second harmonic generation from BiCoO3 crystal upon THz laser pulse irradiation. This effect occurs on the 100 femtosecond time scale, suggesting potential applications in ultrafast optoelectronic devices.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateJun 14, 2017

Elon Musk's vision of a self-sustaining city on Mars published in New Space

The article presents Elon Musk's vision for a self-sustaining city on Mars, requiring significant improvements in transportation costs. The CEO of SpaceX discusses the advantages of using Mars as a hub for a multi-planetary species, including its planetary options and system architecture.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalNew Space·DateJun 14, 2017

New magnet technology creates easy blood access for hemodialysis patients

A new minimally invasive system using radiofrequency energy has been shown to reliably create access for hemodialysis patients with minimal complications. The study found that 98% of arteriovenous fistulas were successfully created, and 87% were physiologically suitable for dialysis within three months.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateJun 14, 2017

Universal stabilization

Researchers at ETH Zurich have created a new type of silica particle that can stabilize both oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions using a single type of emulsifier. The particles' rough surface reduces their mobility, allowing them to form a stabilizing armour around droplets.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 14, 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.

Eyes in the sky reveal extent of gray seal recovery

Two Duke University-led studies confirm gray seals are making a comeback off the New England and eastern Canadian coasts using research drones, thermal cameras, and Google Earth. The findings suggest there are between 30,000 and 50,000 seals, with conservation efforts being successful.

SourceDuke University·JournalBioScience·DateJun 14, 2017

The soft touch

Omar Saleh, a UCSB professor, has been awarded the Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award for his work on soft and biological matter. He will use the €45,000 award to collaborate with German researchers on a long-term project focused on artificial DNA systems.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·DateJun 14, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Earning a living in a changing climate -- the plant perspective

A recent study reveals that many plant species are resorting to 'last-stand' strategies, such as shrinking in size and suspending growth effort, to survive in deteriorating environmental conditions. The research found that these species are more vulnerable to further changes and disturbances due to climate change.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalEcology Letters·DateJun 14, 2017

Experimental drug co-developed by Moffitt Cancer Center researcher shows promise

A new study suggests that the experimental drug GGTI-2418 can block a specific protein from degrading another protein that helps kill cancer cells. This discovery has important implications for treating cancers with defective PTEN, as it may allow for a combination of inhibitors to target multiple pathways involved in tumor growth.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalNature·DateJun 14, 2017

For headache, telemedicine may be as effective as in-person visit

A study found that telemedicine treatment was not inferior to traditional office visits for non-acute headaches. The researchers also assessed the safety of using telemedicine and found only one missed diagnosis in each group, estimating a 20,200 consultations-to-diagnosis ratio.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJun 14, 2017

New imaging technique may help identify joint inflammation in children earlier

A new imaging technique called Fluorescence Optical Imaging (FOI) is more effective than ultrasound at detecting inflammation in the absence of symptoms and signs in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. FOI provides greater information on microcirculation and can be performed by non-medically qualified personnel.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·DateJun 14, 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.

Amazonia's future will be jeopardized by dams

Researchers warn that building hundreds of hydroelectric dams in the Amazon River Basin will cause massive environmental damage, affecting nine countries and the entire system. The Amazon Basin's unique ecosystem and biodiversity are at risk due to the dams' impact on sediment flow, regional climate, and food supply.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature·DateJun 14, 2017

Prostate PET/CT targets more cancer and improves patient care

A new imaging test, Ga-68 PSMA PET/CT, has been shown to detect cancer that conventional imaging missed, changing treatment plans for 51% of patients. The test also improved management for patients with recurrent disease, with 69% receiving radiation therapy and 64% undergoing surgery.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 14, 2017

Why we get diarrhea

A new study published in Cell Host and Microbe has uncovered the immune mechanism driving diarrhea and its role in pathogen clearance. Researchers found that diarrhea resulting from the signaling of specific molecules helps promote pathogen clearance and limit disease severity.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJun 14, 2017

Statins may not be used for protection against Parkinson's disease

Researchers analyzed data from over 50 million people and found that prior statin use was associated with a higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The association was more noticeable in people taking lipophilic statins, and was most robust for those using the medication for less than two-and-a-half years.

SourcePenn State·JournalMovement Disorders·DateJun 14, 2017

Community partnerships can help art programs succeed

A recent grant from the NEA will study the impacts of arts enrichment on students' academic and social outcomes. The Arts Access Initiative in Houston, a partnership between schools and dozens of arts organizations, is being evaluated to gauge its effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateJun 14, 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.

Clean energy stored in electric vehicles to power buildings

Researchers at WMG, University of Warwick, discovered that intelligent management of vehicle-to-grid technology can improve EV battery life by up to 10% while powering large buildings. Their 'smart grid' algorithm optimizes energy transfer without degrading batteries.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalEnergy·DateJun 14, 2017

Muscle growth finding may assist with cancer treatment

Researchers at Monash University have developed a therapeutic approach that promotes muscle mass growth by inhibiting three proteins responsible for muscle wasting. The approach, combining molecules to target activin A, activin B, and myostatin, resulted in a 150% increase in skeletal muscle mass in preclinical models.

SourceMonash University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 14, 2017

More amyloid in the brain, more cognitive decline

A new study found that increased amyloid plaque buildup in the brain predicts faster cognitive decline in middle-age adults over four years. The research used PET scans to detect amyloid deposits in 184 healthy middle-age and older adults, revealing a link between higher amyloid amounts and vocabulary decline.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateJun 14, 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.

New map highlights sinking Louisiana coast

Researchers at Tulane University have developed a subsidence map of coastal Louisiana, revealing the region is sinking at an alarming rate of over 9 millimeters or just over a third of an inch each year. The map provides critical information for policy decisions on coastal restoration and planning of large sediment diversions.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGSA Today·DateJun 14, 2017

Wildfires pollute much more than previously thought

Researchers deployed planes to measure chemicals and particles in real-time, discovering a significant increase in fine particle levels. The study's findings highlight the importance of prescribed burns as a potentially effective strategy for reducing wildfire pollution.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateJun 14, 2017

UTI treatment reduces E. coli, may offer alternative to antibiotics

A new study from Washington University School of Medicine has found that a molecular decoy can target and reduce E. coli bacteria in the gut, reducing the risk of UTIs. The treatment, known as mannoside, works by binding to the bacteria's pilus, allowing it to be flushed out with urine.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateJun 14, 2017
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Gluten-free beer from Witkop teff grains

Researchers have successfully developed gluten-free beer using Witkop teff grains, which could provide an alternative to traditional barley beers. The study found that custom malting equipment would be required to produce the beer on an industrial scale.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 14, 2017

Study looks at needles in treatment for shoulder pain

A new study has investigated the use of one-needle versus two-needle procedures for ultrasound-guided irrigation in treating rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy. The results showed that using two needles was more efficient for hard calcifications, while one needle was sufficient for fluid calcifications.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJun 14, 2017

Breakthrough by Queen's University paves way for smaller electronic devices

Researchers at Queen's University have created unique 2D sheets, called domain walls, which exist within crystalline materials and can appear, disappear or move around without permanently altering the crystal. These breakthroughs could revolutionize tiny electronic devices by enabling constant reconfiguration of electronic circuits.

SourceQueen's University Belfast·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 14, 2017

Hydroelectric dams may jeopardize the Amazon's future

A new study warns that hundreds of built and proposed hydroelectric dams in the Amazon basin will harm life and ecosystems. The dams, which are expected to provide renewable energy, will trap sediment and alter river dynamics, putting thousands of species at risk.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature·DateJun 14, 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.

SLU researchers find key to muscle regeneration

SLU researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding muscle regeneration, identifying the nuclear receptor REV-ERB as a key player. By targeting this receptor, scientists may be able to develop new drugs to treat a range of muscle disorders and injuries, including muscular dystrophy and sarcopenia.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalMolecular Metabolism·DateJun 14, 2017

Scientists make waves with black hole research

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have successfully simulated black hole conditions using a specially designed water bath, demonstrating the phenomenon of superradiance. This achievement provides new insights into the physics of black holes and has implications for further research on astrophysical observations.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 14, 2017

Quantum dot transistor simulates functions of neurons

Researchers created a quantum dot transistor that can store and process information directly in memory. The device simulates the functions of neurons by using light to control electrical charging and discharging of quantum dots.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 14, 2017

A new mutation in kidney disease

Researchers at Osaka University found a new mutation in the MUC1 gene that may act as an early marker of medullary cystic kidney disease type 1 (MCKD1). The mutation was discovered through whole-exome sequencing and suggests a potential biomarker for non-genetic testing to evaluate the risk of MCKD1.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNephrology Dialysis Transplantation·DateJun 14, 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: Unsaturated fat associated with fatty liver disease

A new study published in Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that consuming unsaturated fat can lead to fatty liver disease, contrary to its previously touted health benefits. The research used mice fed diets supplemented with either saturated or unsaturated fat, revealing the latter can cause liver damage.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateJun 14, 2017

Rules of the neural roads: Traffic control in your synapses

Researchers elucidate mechanisms behind synaptic vesicle motion, finding that type, size of synapse and vesicle composition impact motility. Tracking vesicles reveals active transport to specific destinations, providing clues for neuronal diseases.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·DateJun 14, 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.

Attacking ground spiders overwhelm victims with sticky silk

Research reveals ground spiders produce exceptionally tough and stretchy silk, but less sticky than other piriform silks, allowing them to ambush prey quickly. The silk's unique properties are adapted to overcome larger prey and arachnids, highlighting the trade-offs in their hunting strategy.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJun 14, 2017

A docking site per calcium channel cluster

Researchers found that a single docking site uses a single cluster of calcium channels and that both numbers change with brain age, establishing the first clear link between morphology and function of docking sites.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 13, 2017

Assembly failure

A new study from Harvard Medical School suggests that RNA splicing errors, caused by a specific mutation in the C9ORF72 gene, may lead to the development of both Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The researchers found that toxic peptides produced by this mutation can prevent accurate assembly of the...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 13, 2017

Makeup of vaginal microbiome linked to preterm birth

A study of predominantly African-American women found that decreases in vaginal microbiome diversity between the first and second trimesters are associated with preterm birth. Researchers hope to design targeted therapies focused on the microbiome to prevent early delivery.

SourceWashU Medicine·DateJun 13, 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.

Researchers advocate statistical approach to search for Earth-like planets

A team of astronomers advocates for a statistical comparative approach to find habitable planets and life beyond the solar system. By studying large numbers of exoplanets with less detailed measurements, they can estimate the frequency of habitable environments and life on those planets.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 13, 2017

NREL-led research effort creates new alloys, phase diagram

Researchers created new alloys by mixing materials with different atomic arrangements, revealing a predictive route for properties of other alloys. The breakthrough allows for the use of commercial thin film deposition methods to fabricate heterostructural alloys for real-world semiconductor applications.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 13, 2017