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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 306


Page 306 of 461

NCAR to develop advanced wind and solar energy forecasting system for Kuwait

NCAR will develop a three-year project to provide detailed forecasts of wind and solar irradiance at Kuwait's 2-gigawatt Shagaya renewable energy plant. This technology will help Kuwait reach its goal of generating 15% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·DateMay 4, 2017

Pac-Man-like CRISPR enzymes have potential for disease diagnostics

Researchers have developed a new class of CRISPR enzymes that can detect specific sequences of RNA, including those from viruses. These enzymes, variants of Cas13a, target different RNA nucleotides, allowing for simultaneous viral diagnostics and potentially expanding the range of diseases they can detect.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMay 4, 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.

Getting better drugs to market, more quickly

Moleculomics' new technology accelerates drug discovery by simulating protein interactions with chemicals, reducing development time and cost. The platform enables the high-throughput screening of candidate compounds against human proteins, identifying safe and toxic compounds.

SourceSwansea University·DateMay 4, 2017

With more light, chemistry speeds up

Researchers at the Institute of Physical Chemistry of Poland have demonstrated that increasing light intensity can accelerate chemical reactions by several dozen percent. This discovery has implications for various applications, including microscopic imaging techniques and ultra-fast spectroscopy.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateMay 4, 2017

Fluid overload linked to premature death in patients on dialysis

Chronic fluid overload increases the risk of early death in kidney failure patients on hemodialysis, comparable to coronary artery disease and heart failure. The study found that cumulative exposure to fluid overload over 1 year predicted a higher risk of death than a single measurement at the start of dialysis treatment.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 4, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The genetic history of Bantu speakers and their relationship to African-Americans

Researchers analyzed 548,055 single nucleotide polymorphisms to model Bantu-speaking peoples' migration paths and gene variations. They found that BSPs acquired adaptive genes from other African populations, including immune-related genes, and retained western RHG ancestry in modern African Americans.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 4, 2017

Atlases of immune cells surrounding tumors may guide immunotherapy

Researchers have created detailed atlases of immune cells surrounding human tumors, revealing unique profiles that can estimate cancer prognosis and identify potential targets for early immunotherapy. The findings have the potential to inspire new precision immunotherapy clinical trials.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateMay 4, 2017

Novel tool confers targeted, stable editing of epigenome in human stem cells

Researchers have developed a novel technology to correct disease-causing aberrations in the chemical tags on DNA that affect gene expression. The tool uses DNA methylation editing to model mutations associated with colon cancer and restore proper methylation patterns in stem cells derived from patients with Angelman syndrome.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateMay 4, 2017

Scientists engineer baker's yeast to produce penicillin molecules

Researchers at Imperial College London have successfully engineered baker's yeast to produce penicillin molecules, demonstrating the effectiveness of synthetic biology in discovering new antibiotics. The study could lead to the development of novel antibiotics and anti-inflammatories using re-engineered yeast cells.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 4, 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.

NASA-funded sounding rocket will take 1,500 images of sun in 5 minutes

The RAISE mission will take 1,500 images of the sun's surface in just five minutes, providing high-cadence observations of its dynamic processes. By analyzing these images, scientists can study solar flares and massive eruptions, gaining insights into the sun's complex magnetic activity.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 4, 2017

Sugar-sweetened beverages becoming more affordable around the world

A new study by the American Cancer Society finds that sugar-sweetened beverages have become more affordable in nearly every country, with real prices dropping in 56 of 82 countries. This increase in affordability is expected to drive increased consumption and hinder efforts to address the obesity epidemic.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalPreventing Chronic Disease·DateMay 4, 2017

The digitization of medical knowledge

A study published in PLOS ONE found that tablet-based, multimedia-enhanced training significantly improved internal medicine exam performance. The integrated program combined theoretical training with clinical practice, utilizing digital media and learning materials to enhance knowledge acquisition.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 4, 2017

Bravery may cost fish their lives

A study by Lund University found that bold common roaches, known for their bravery, are twice as likely to be eaten by cormorants. Shyer individuals, on the other hand, survive to a greater extent in the wild. The researchers' focus on behavioral traits rather than morphology provides new insights into predator-prey interactions.

SourceLund University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 4, 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.

ESTRO announces GIRO: A project to save one million lives in under 20 years

The European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) has launched the Global Impact of Radiation in Oncology (GIRO) partnership to improve radiotherapy access worldwide. The project aims to save one million lives by 2035 by addressing barriers to provision and raising awareness among healthcare professionals and patients.

SourceEuropean Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO)·DateMay 4, 2017

Swearing aloud can make you stronger

Research by Dr Richard Stephens found that swearing aloud improves anaerobic power and isometric handgrip strength in participants. The study suggests that swearing stimulates the body's sympathetic nervous system, but further investigation is needed to understand its effects.

SourceBritish Psychological Society·DateMay 4, 2017

Zika virus could cost United States billions of dollars

Researchers estimate Zika's economic burden in the US, ranging from $183 million to over $1.2 billion depending on infection rates. The virus can lead to serious health issues like Guillain-Barré Syndrome and birth defects.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMay 4, 2017

Discovery of a Zika antibody offers hope for a vaccine

A research team at Rockefeller University has identified a potent new weapon against the Zika virus: Z004, an antibody that neutralizes the virus and could be used to create a vaccine. The discovery was made by analyzing blood samples from people who had been infected with the virus.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalCell·DateMay 4, 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.

Hand osteoarthritis is a common condition

A new study estimates that nearly half of the population will develop hand osteoarthritis, affecting hand strength and function. Individuals with obesity are at a significantly increased risk, highlighting the need for public health and clinical interventions to address this common condition.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateMay 4, 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.

3-D printers open new design space for wireless devices

Duke researchers have created 3D-printed electromagnetic metamaterials with potential to revolutionize the design and prototyping of radio frequency applications. The use of a highly conductive material, Electrifi, enables rapid construction of complex devices and accelerates the design process.

SourceDuke University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 4, 2017

For people with Down syndrome, varying test results can make it harder to get the right vision prescription

A study found that people with Down syndrome experienced nearly three times greater variability in autorefractor testing compared to a control group. This increased variability can lead to incorrect vision prescriptions and reduced chances of reaching the best possible refraction for those with Down syndrome.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalOptometry and Vision Science·DateMay 4, 2017

Parkinson: Weight gain after deep brain stimulation

Researchers at SISSA discovered that weight gain after deep brain stimulation is associated with an increased desire for food and level of impulsiveness. The study also found a link between the duration of Parkinson's disease and reduced pharmacological treatment, highlighting potential preventative measures.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalCortex·DateMay 4, 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.

Study: Models that forecast impact of government spending are easily manipulated

Researchers at North Carolina State University and Indiana University found that widely used government spending models can be rigged using assumptions to control forecasts. They developed an impartial version of the model, which suggests every dollar of increased government spending results in more than a dollar's worth of GDP growth.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateMay 4, 2017

Can the antioxidant resveratrol reduce artery stiffness in diabetics?

Researchers found that resveratrol supplementation reduced aortic stiffness by up to 9.1 percent in patients with high arterial stiffness, but the effect was not significant in those with normal aortic stiffness. Resveratrol may activate the longevity gene SIRT1 as a potential mechanism for its effects.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMay 4, 2017

The liver increases by half during the day

In a study published in Cell, researchers found that liver size in mice increases by almost half before returning to its initial dimensions. The fluctuations are influenced by the rhythm of food intake and physical activity. The discovery sheds light on how our circadian clock affects liver function.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCell·DateMay 4, 2017

Deadly nanoparcel for cancer cells

Scientists develop a hybrid nanomaterial that releases a free-radical-generating prodrug inside tumor cells, destroying them even in oxygen-depleted conditions. The material damages cells by a ROS-type radical mechanism without the need for oxygen.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 4, 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.

Snow in Hawai'i: What does the future hold?

A regional climate model predicts that future Hawaiian snowfalls will decrease dramatically, with average winter snowfall expected to be ten times less than present day amounts by the end of the century. The study provides insights into the benefits of model downscaling and highlights the need for monitoring climate change in the region.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·DateMay 4, 2017

Scientists reveal how epigenetic changes in DNA are interpreted

A new study from Karolinska Institutet reveals that certain 'master' regulatory proteins can activate normally inactive genome regions due to epigenetic changes, leading to embryonic development and cancer. The findings contribute to a better understanding of gene regulation and its role in diseases.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience·DateMay 4, 2017

Good vibrations no longer needed for speakers as research encourages graphene to talk

Researchers from the University of Exeter have developed a method to use graphene to generate complex and controllable sound signals, opening up new possibilities for audio-visual technologies. The technique involves heating and cooling graphene using an alternating electric current, generating sound waves without physical movement.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 4, 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.

Queen's research shows illegal levels of arsenic found in baby foods

A recent study by Queen's University Belfast found that 50% of baby rice food products contain illegal levels of inorganic arsenic, a known carcinogen. The research highlights the vulnerability of babies to arsenic exposure and its potential long-term health consequences.

SourceQueen's University Belfast·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 4, 2017

Climate change, tornadoes and mobile homes: A dangerous mix

A new study by Michigan State University researchers found that climate change will increase the annual impact of tornadoes on mobile homes, with a predicted threefold rise over the next few decades. The study highlights the vulnerability of mobile home residents to tornado-related fatalities and recommends policy changes to reduce risk.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalRegional Science and Urban Economics·DateMay 4, 2017

Advanced prostate cancer treatment failure due to cell reprogramming

Researchers discovered that tumor cells in patients with advanced prostate cancer are reprogrammed, reducing response to anti-androgen therapy and creating more aggressive tumors. SOX11 acts as a key regulator in this process, which may be targeted for new treatments.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalCancer Discovery·DateMay 4, 2017

Circadian clock changes can alter body's response to diet

Researchers discovered that changing the circadian clock in mouse liver alters how the body responds to diet and changes the microbes living in the digestive tract. The study found that mice lacking a specific gene in their liver had different gut microbiomes and responded differently to weight loss diets.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateMay 4, 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.

Biomarker test for ALS useful in diagnosing canine neurodegenerative disease

MU researchers have found a biomarker test that helps diagnose ALS also assists with determining a diagnosis for degenerative myelopathy. The study used phosphorylated neurofilament heavy proteins released into spinal fluid and blood to develop the diagnostic tool.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Veterinary Internal Medicine·DateMay 4, 2017

Alcohol marketing in popular movies doubles in past 2 decades

A new study found that alcohol brand placements in popular movies nearly doubled over the past two decades, especially in movies rated for children. Alcohol brands were shown in 44% of all movies and characters drinking was portrayed in 87% of all movies, with child-rated movies showing a high frequency of brand placements.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateMay 4, 2017

Unlocking the barrier

A recent study from Harvard Medical School revealed the surprising role of omega-3 fatty acids in maintaining the blood-brain barrier's impermeable nature. By suppressing transcytosis, these essential fatty acids inhibit the formation of caveolae, a type of vesicle that facilitates molecule transport across cells.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNeuron·DateMay 4, 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.

Scientists use satellites to count endangered birds from space

Researchers can now count individual birds on remote islands using high-resolution satellite images, allowing for more accurate monitoring of endangered albatross populations. This innovative method is a significant step forward in tracking these iconic birds, which breed in some of the world's most inaccessible locations.

SourceWiley·JournalIbis·DateMay 4, 2017

The first one bit chemical memory unit: The 'chit'

Researchers at the Institute of Physical Chemistry of Poland create a working memory based on chemical phenomena using Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction. The system stores two logic states in triplets of adjoining droplets, allowing for permanent data storage.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateMay 4, 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.

Teasing apart the effects of higher mutation load on fitness

A new study analyzing human and fruit fly genomes reveals that higher mutation loads lead to increased declines in relative fitness due to synergistic epistasis. The research helps explain why sex and genetic recombination are advantageous, and provides insights into the processes driving these effects.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 4, 2017

Reasons for eczema susceptibility uncovered

Researchers at Newcastle University have identified the key role of filaggrin in triggering eczema by creating a human model system that mimics the skin condition. This discovery provides new understanding of the mechanisms involved and suggests targets for future drug development.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateMay 4, 2017

Study finds exposure to racism harms children's health

Research at Pediatric Academic Societies 2017 Meeting reveals racism harms children's health, with exposure tied to ADHD, anxiety and depression, as well as decreased general health. Low-income, minority children particularly affected.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateMay 4, 2017