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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 277


Page 277 of 461

Detailed view of a molecular toxin transporter

Researchers from ETH Zurich have defined the three-dimensional structure of ABCG2, a human multi-drug transporter. The protein recognizes and transports over 200 substances, including toxins and medications, making it a double-edged sword in cancer treatment and drug development.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateMay 29, 2017

How self-regulation can help young people overcome setbacks

A recent study found that self-regulation skills are a significant predictor of resilience in young people at risk of social exclusion. Helping these students acquire self-regulation skills, such as setting goals and coping with adversity, can equip them to do better in school and life.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMay 29, 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.

Quantum states reveal themselves with measurable 'fingerprint'

Researchers have discovered that all entangled states of two particles have a unique classical fingerprint. This breakthrough enables the certification of quantum computers and encryption devices, ensuring their authenticity. The discovery uses a simple set of measurements to act as an identity check for any two-particle entangled state.

SourceCentre for Quantum Technologies at the National University of Singapore·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 29, 2017

High-fat diet alters reward system in rats

A high-fat diet from childhood may increase sensitivity to dopamine later in adulthood, leading to increased reward-seeking behavior. The study found that male rats exhibited increased locomotor activity and dopamine cell activity after a high-fat diet exposure.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateMay 29, 2017

Historical rainfall levels are significant in carbon emissions from soil

Researchers found that soil microbes respond differently to shifts in moisture, with those from wetter areas respiring twice as much carbon to the atmosphere. This discovery suggests historical rainfall levels can impact climate modeling, improving predictions of local or regional differences in soil respiration and climate history.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 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.

The immune system promotes spontaneous heart regeneration

Researchers at Osaka University found that the immune system promotes spontaneous heart regeneration after myocarditis. Cardiomyocytes can proliferate under specific conditions, such as inflammation, and this process is mediated by factors like STAT3 and interleukin 11.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 29, 2017

New genomic analysis promises benefit in female urinary incontinence

Researchers identified a risk locus for urinary incontinence near the endothelin gene, which is involved in bladder contraction. The study suggests that drugs targeting this pathway may help alleviate symptoms, offering new hope for women suffering from stress and isolated urgency incontinence.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Genetics·DateMay 28, 2017

World first study reveals increase in premature deaths in Australian nursing homes

A recent study reveals a 400% surge in premature and potentially preventable deaths of Australian nursing home residents over the past decade. Falls and choking were responsible for most unintentional deaths, with a smaller number attributed to clinical care complications or intentional acts such as suicide and assault.

SourceMonash University·JournalThe Medical Journal of Australia·DateMay 28, 2017

Obesity can cause cardiovascular ill-health, even in the young

Researchers found that higher body mass index (BMI) can cause worse cardiovascular health in young adults as young as 17, according to a study using data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. The study suggests that tackling obesity from an early age may help prevent cardiovascular changes that are precursors to car...

SourceEuropean Society of Human Genetics·DateMay 27, 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 photocatalyst speeds up the conversion of carbon dioxide into chemical resources

A new titania photocatalyst has been developed to convert carbon dioxide into methane three times more efficiently than existing catalysts. The photocatalyst's controlled band gap improves light absorption and charge separation, increasing the conversion rate of CO2 into methane.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalApplied Catalysis B Environment and Energy·DateMay 26, 2017

Designer viruses stimulate the immune system to fight cancer

Researchers have created artificial viruses that can specifically target and destroy cancer cells by stimulating the immune system. The unique combination of alarm signals and cancer cell proteins enables the creation of a powerful army of killer cells to identify and destroy cancer cells.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 26, 2017

Marine species distribution shifts will continue under ocean warming

As ocean waters warm at a rate two to three times faster than the global average, commercially important species will continue to shift their distribution. This shift is expected to impact local fishing communities, as species now landed at those ports move out of range and new species move in.

SourceNOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center·JournalProgress In Oceanography·DateMay 26, 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.

Conch shells may inspire better helmets, body armor

Researchers at MIT developed a composite material inspired by conch shells, showing 85% better crack propagation prevention than traditional materials. The 3-tiered structure combines strength and toughness, allowing for individualized, personalized helmets and body armor.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 26, 2017

CCNY-UTEP partner to produce next generation Latino professors

The City College of New York is partnering with the University of Texas at El Paso to educate Hispanic doctoral students in environmental sciences and engineering. A $3.7 million NSF grant will fund the project, which aims to train and transition students to STEM instructional faculty positions.

SourceCity College of New York·DateMay 26, 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.

Losing sleep over climate change

A new study found that warmer nights due to climate change can lead to increased instances of insufficient sleep, with the poor and elderly being most affected. The research shows that a single month of nightly temperatures averaging 1 degree Celsius higher than normal could result in 9 million more nights of insufficient sleep.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 26, 2017

Penn State DNA ladders: Inexpensive molecular rulers for DNA research

Researchers at Penn State have created inexpensive molecular rulers for DNA research using new, license-free DNA ladders. These plasmids can estimate DNA fragment sizes between 50 and 5,000 base pairs in length, offering a cost-effective alternative to commercially available methods.

SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 26, 2017

HIV patients sticking with therapy longer, Medicaid data show

A Brown University study finds that HIV patients persisting with treatment has increased by more than 50% since 2001, with median duration reaching 35.4 months in 2004-2006. Despite progress, significant disparities remain, with certain groups facing higher discontinuation rates.

SourceBrown University·JournalAIDS·DateMay 26, 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.

Laptops and tablets in the classroom: How to integrate electronic devices in the university

A study by the University of Seville found that laptop users tend to be older students with experience in pre-university education, while tablet users are typically younger females. The researchers warn of a potential 'Trojan horse' effect of devices on academic engagement, and emphasize the need for universities to invest in mobile le...

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateMay 26, 2017

A 3-D look at the 2015 El Niño

The 2015-2016 El Niño event was characterized by warmer ocean temperatures in the Pacific, with blue regions representing colder and red regions warmer temperatures. The El Niño-inducing westerlies caused eastward currents to occur in pulses.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 26, 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.

Millions in funding for TU Dresden

TU Dresden will establish two new Collaborative Research Centres (CRCs) and continue a third CRC, receiving significant funding from the German Research Foundation (DFG). The new CRCs focus on interdisciplinary research topics such as vituperations and insults, and the adrenal's role in stress and disease.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·DateMay 26, 2017

Study takes step toward mass-producible quantum computers

Researchers from MIT, Harvard University, and Sandia National Laboratories report a new technique for creating targeted defects in diamond materials, which can function as qubits in quantum computing. The defects produced by the technique were found to be within 50 nanometers of their ideal locations.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 26, 2017

Self-healing catalyst films for hydrogen production

Researchers developed a self-healing catalyst film that regenerates under water electrolysis conditions, enhancing hydrogen production efficiency. The film forms and regenerates through electrostatic attraction forces, allowing it to remain stable for several days.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 26, 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.

NASA's SDO sees partial eclipse in space

The Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) caught a partial solar eclipse in space when the moon passed in front of the sun. The lunar transit lasted almost an hour and covered about 89% of the sun's surface. The moon's rugged terrain, sprinkled with craters and mountains, influenced what was seen during the event.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 26, 2017

Study sweetens connection between cancer and sugar

Researchers found that squamous cell carcinoma is remarkably dependent on glucose as an energy source, with a protein called GLUT1 being highly active in the cancer. Elevated GLUT1 levels were also linked to other types of squamous cell cancers, including head and neck, esophageal, and cervical cancers.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 26, 2017

Fungal enzymes team up to more efficiently break down cellulose

Researchers have discovered that early lineages of fungi can form protein complexes capable of degrading plant biomass, teaming up to work more efficiently. The findings, enabled by a collaborative science initiative, could help advance sustainable biofuels production.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMay 26, 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.

Statins associated with improved heart structure and function

Researchers found that statin users had improved left ventricular mass and volume, and reduced thickened heart muscle and large heart chambers. This suggests that statins may lower the risk of future heart attacks, heart failure, or stroke by reversing negative changes in the heart.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateMay 26, 2017

Diesel pollution linked to heart damage

Research has found a strong association between particulate matter (PM2.5) and increased risk of heart attack, heart failure, and death. Higher education was found to be protective against the negative effects of PM2.5 on heart structure and function.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateMay 26, 2017

Dog skull study reveals genetic changes linked to face shape

A recent dog DNA study has uncovered a genetic mutation linked to flatter faces in breeds like pugs and bulldogs. Researchers used CT scans to measure skulls and compared the results with genetic data, identifying variations associated with brachycephaly.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 26, 2017

People match confidence levels to make decisions in groups

A study by UCL and University of Oxford researchers found that people tend to align their confidence levels when working in teams, even when one person has more expertise. This 'confidence matching' behavior can lead to poor decisions if individuals do not calibrate their confidence levels to the reliability of their opinions.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateMay 26, 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.

'Tiny clocks' crystallize understanding of meteorite crashes

Scientists have developed a new technique to date ancient meteorite strikes using tiny crystal fragments. By analyzing the atomic nanostructure of these crystals, researchers can determine the age of impact and gain insight into the beginnings of life on Earth.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 26, 2017

Increased facial and head injuries after motorcycle helmet law change in Michigan

A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that motorcycle helmet laws in Michigan doubled the rate of facial and head injuries, including skull fractures. The researchers analyzed data from 4,643 trauma patients and found that unhelmeted riders were twice as likely to sustain CMF injuries.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateMay 26, 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.

New insights into the ancestors of all complex life

A team of scientists has provided a new evolutionary tree for Archaea, resolving their deepest relationships. The study suggests that early Archaea likely used the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway to make energy, dating back over 3.5 billion years.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 26, 2017

Scientists jump hurdle in HIV vaccine design

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have designed a mimic of the viral protein from a different HIV subtype, subtype C, to combat many strains of HIV. The new immunogen was tested in non-human primates and showed promising results in eliciting neutralizing antibodies.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalImmunity·DateMay 26, 2017

Total abdominal wall transplantation for complex transplant cases -- experts outline technique

For patients undergoing intestinal or multi-organ transplantation, closing the abdominal wall poses a difficult surgical challenge. Total abdominal wall transplantation provides an alternative for abdominal closure in these complex cases, according to a state-of-the-art approach presented in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateMay 26, 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.

Small non-profit's unconventional approach offers new hope with autism suramin trial

A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial tested the 100-year-old drug suramin in boys with autism, showing significant improvements in language, social interactions, and restricted behaviors. The study's findings challenge the conventional view of autism as a fixed, genetically-driven condition and suggest a treatable metabolic syndrome.

SourceN of One: Autism Research Foundation·JournalAnnals of Clinical and Translational Neurology·DateMay 26, 2017

Researchers studying century-old drug in potential new approach to autism

A small clinical trial found improvements in language and social behavior, restricted repetitive behaviors, and coping skills in children with autism spectrum disorder after a single dose of suramin. The study suggests the cell danger hypothesis as a possible unifying theory for ASD, highlighting a potential new approach to treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAnnals of Clinical and Translational Neurology·DateMay 26, 2017

Tornado spawning Eastern US storms examined by NASA's GPM satellite

Tornadoes spawned severe weather in Florida, Georgia, and the Southeastern US on May 24, 2017, with intense rain showers reaching rates of over 8.5 inches per hour. The GPM satellite's data revealed powerful storms dropping heavy rain over the Gulf of Mexico and reaching heights above 9 miles.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 26, 2017

Nagoya University researchers break down plastic waste

Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a highly efficient catalyst that can break down even the toughest amide bonds in plastics under mild conditions. This breakthrough has significant implications for the recovery of materials from waste plastics and could help realize an anthropogenic chemical carbon cycle.

SourceNagoya University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 26, 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.

Why communication is vital -- even among plants and fungi

Scientists at the University of Cambridge have identified a plant protein crucial for communication with fungi, enabling mutually beneficial symbiosis. The study found that a transporter molecule helps plants signal to fungi, promoting nutrient exchange and improving crop yields.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Plants·DateMay 26, 2017

Study examines role of business angels during periods of austerity

Research from University of East Anglia and University of Glasgow highlights the positive impact of government intervention on angel investing in Portugal during economic crisis. The study found that fiscal incentives were not effective, while co-investment schemes and network support improved take-up rates.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEuropean Planning Studies·DateMay 26, 2017