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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 323


Page 323 of 461

A CSIC scientist discovers that wax worms eat plastic

A research scientist at CSIC has discovered that wax worms can quickly biodegrade polyethylene, a material difficult to break down. The worm's ability is attributed to its similarity in composition to beeswax and may involve an enzyme-based mechanism.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 24, 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.

Study: Stressing about finances can be harmful to a baby's health

A new study suggests that financially strained pregnant women may be at a higher risk of having a low-birth-weight infant. Researchers found that pregnancy-specific distress was a key factor in this connection, and interventions such as meditation and breathing exercises could help mitigate the effects.

SourceMediaSource·DateApr 24, 2017

Forging new defenses against diabetic kidney disease

Scientists at Joslin Diabetes Center have found that healthy individuals with diabetes develop protective enzymes against damage from high blood sugar levels. The researchers identified an enzyme called PKM2 and showed that activating it can stop abnormalities in mouse podocytes and delay diabetic kidney disease progression.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateApr 24, 2017

New insight into brain development disorder

The ASPM protein collaborates with katanin to regulate cell division and specialization into nerve cells, crucial for healthy brain development. A study published in Nature Cell Biology provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying microcephaly.

SourceUtrecht University·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateApr 24, 2017

Interdisciplinary studies reveal relationship between solar activity and climate change

Researchers have found a significant relationship between solar wind speed and North Atlantic Oscillation, suggesting a faster mechanism of solar influence on atmospheric systems. The team also developed a physical model to depict the interdecadal response of air-sea systems to solar activity.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateApr 24, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Does the microbiome play a role in the effectiveness of colorectal cancer treatment?

A UMass Medical School study found that the bacteria in the gut microbiome can affect how sensitive worms are to chemotherapy drugs. The researchers used Caenorhabditis elegans, a roundworm, and fed them different types of bacteria to see which ones made them more or less sensitive to the drug floxuridine, used to treat colorectal cancer.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalCell·DateApr 24, 2017

Elsevier announces the launch of Personalized Medicine in Psychiatry

Personalized Medicine in Psychiatry aims to increase treatment efficacy and reduce adverse effects by considering individual patient characteristics. The journal will publish research on endophenotypes, pharmacologic approaches, and education, with the goal of identifying predictors of response and tailoring treatments.

SourceElsevier·JournalPersonalized Medicine in Psychiatry·DateApr 24, 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.

Discovery offers new hope to repair spinal cord injuries

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes create stem cell-derived V2a interneurons that transmit signals in the spinal cord, potentially repairing spinal cord injuries. These cells integrate with existing cells and restore movement in mice, offering new hope for spinal cord injury treatment.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 24, 2017

Solving the hepatitis C epidemic among people with substance abuse disorders

Hepatitis C patients with substance use disorders face barriers to care, including lack of access to conventional healthcare and fear of stigmatization. Innovative approaches, such as integrated screening and treatment in methadone clinics and telehealth techniques, are being developed to improve outcomes for this population

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 24, 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.

Russian scientists create new system of concrete building structures

Researchers at Peter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University developed a new construction technology using nanostructured high-strength lightweight concrete. The system increases load-carrying capacity by over 200% and offers enhanced corrosion resistance, frost resistance, and seismic activity tolerance.

SourcePeter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University·JournalMagazine of Civil Engineering·DateApr 24, 2017

Brain's power to adapt offers short-term gains, long-term strains

After a head injury, the brain can form new connections between damaged areas, known as hyperconnections. While this adaptation may provide short-term benefits, it can also lead to chronic inefficiencies and strain the brain's resources. Chronic inefficiencies may cascade into serious brain disorders, including Alzheimer's Disease.

SourcePenn State·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateApr 24, 2017

Military service boosts resilience, well-being among transgender veterans

A study by the University of Washington finds that military service is associated with improved mental health and quality of life among transgender older adults. This contradicts previous expectations, suggesting that military experience may be a protective factor for this population.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalThe Gerontologist·DateApr 24, 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.

Climate change clues revealed by ice sheet collapse

Researchers reconstructed the evolution of Iceland's last ice sheet, revealing rapid changes occurred when temperatures rose by 3°C in just 500 years. This period mirrors modern-day ice sheet behavior and provides evidence for significant sea level rise.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalEarth-Science Reviews·DateApr 24, 2017

Limiting patient mobility in hospitals may do more harm than good

Researchers warn that hospital policies to restrict patient mobility may worsen health outcomes, citing increased risk of falls and medical adverse events. Promoting mobility with supervised walks and trained staff could help prevent these issues.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateApr 24, 2017

Gene may hold key to hearing recovery

Researchers found that a protein called Forkhead Box O3 (Foxo3) protects outer hair cells from damage, allowing some individuals to recover from noise-induced hearing loss. The study could provide new hope for preventing or treating hearing impairment.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 24, 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.

Next-generation microscopy

Pharmacoscopy enables fast and accurate analysis of immune cell interactions, identifying previously unknown immunomodulatory effects of approved drugs. The technique has the potential to revolutionize personalized medicine by visualizing individual patient responses to various drugs.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateApr 24, 2017

Disney projection system shines makeup on actors during live performances

The Disney Research team has developed a new system called Makeup Lamps that can track an actor's facial movements and apply light-based makeup in real-time. This technology enables the creation of stunning transformations without physical makeup, with potential applications in theater, film, and other creative fields.

SourceDisney Research·DateApr 24, 2017

The placebo effect can mend a broken heart too, CU Boulder study shows

A recent CU Boulder study found that the placebo effect can significantly reduce emotional pain and brain activity associated with social rejection. The study used fMRI to track brain responses in volunteers who had recently experienced a breakup, finding that placebos reduced physical pain and emotional distress.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateApr 24, 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.

A plastic-eating caterpillar

Researchers have found a way for a caterpillar to break down polyethylene, a common type of plastic. The larvae of the Galleria mellonella moth can digest and chemically transform polyethylene into ethylene glycol, offering a potential solution to managing plastic waste.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 24, 2017

Climate change predicted to increase Nile flow variability

Researchers at MIT predict an increase in Nile River flow variability due to climate change, which will lead to more extreme years of drought and flood. The study finds that the El Niño/La Niña cycle will become stronger, resulting in a 50% rise in annual flow variation.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Climate Change·DateApr 24, 2017

Pediatric clinic support boosts mental health for youth

A new study by SDSU researchers found that providing brief behavioral therapy in pediatric primary care settings can significantly improve anxiety and depression symptoms among young people. Latino youth saw the most significant improvement, with over three-quarters showing improvement.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateApr 24, 2017

New breakthrough in battery charging technology

A new class of monolithically integrated, portable PV-battery systems has been developed using high-efficiency silicon solar cells and printed solid-state lithium-ion batteries. The device can power electric devices under sunlight or in the absence of light, offering exceptional photo-electrochemical performance and design compactness.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateApr 24, 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.

Timing and duration matters for school lunch and recess

A new study finds that the duration and timing of school lunch and recess affect food choices and physical activity in children. Research suggests that scheduling recess before lunch reduces food waste, but may lead to consuming more vegetables when lunch is offered first, and increased physical activity during longer combined periods.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 23, 2017

Conservation not an effective tool for reducing infectious disease in people, study finds

A new study found that increased biodiversity is not associated with reduced levels of infectious disease, and in some cases, disease burdens actually increased as areas became more forested. However, increasing urbanization was shown to reduce disease due to improved access to medical care and vaccinations.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateApr 23, 2017

Synchronized voltage rhythms could maintain the body's clock

A study by Hokkaido University researchers found that voltage rhythms are synchronized across the entire suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), maintaining a tissue-wide rhythm. This discovery suggests that inter-cellular interactions within the SCN may be responsible for synchronizing voltage changes, separate from asynchronous calcium rhythms.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 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.

Solar cell design with over 50 percent energy-conversion efficiency

Researchers at Kobe University developed a new solar cell structure that can absorb spectral components of longer wavelengths, increasing energy conversion efficiency to over 50%. The design achieved up-conversion based on two photons, reducing energy loss by over 100 times compared to previous methods.

SourceKobe University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2017

An intimate look at the mechanics of dolphin sex

A new study by Dara Orbach, PhD, uses computed tomography scans and silicone models to visualize the anatomy of dolphin copulation. The research reveals complex vaginal folds and spirals that interact with the penis during fertilization.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 23, 2017

Totally bizarre facts about the star-nosed mole

The star-nosed mole possesses an extremely efficient nervous system that enables it to identify and eat food in under 2 seconds. Its distinctive star organ contains over 100,000 nerve fibers, making it the most sensitive known touch organ in any mammal.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 23, 2017

Beta blocker shows cancer-fighting properties

Researchers discovered carvedilol's protective effect against UVB-induced cell damage that leads to skin cancer. The study suggests carvedilol could be incorporated into a skin cream or spray to prevent skin cancer.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 23, 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.

Could genetics influence what we like to eat?

A new study reveals that genetic variations affect eating behaviors and food preferences in healthy individuals. Researchers found associations between specific genes and intake of chocolate, vegetables, fiber, salt, and fat.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 22, 2017

4 exciting advances in food and nutrition research

Researchers have made groundbreaking advances in understanding how food affects our bodies and make healthy choices. Dark chocolate has been shown to reduce oxidative stress and improve memory, while cinnamon activates an enzyme that regulates blood sugar levels.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 22, 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.

Scientists and engineers push the envelope for better heart health

Scientists have made significant breakthroughs in cardiovascular research, including the use of neuroprosthetics to restore heart function in patients with spinal cord injuries. Researchers also created patient-specific mitral valve models using 3-D printing to help surgeons personalize their approach and improve patient outcomes.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 22, 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.

Four exciting diabetes and obesity research discoveries

Researchers have made significant discoveries on treating obesity and related health issues, including a potential new treatment for weight loss. A mouse study found that avoiding foods high in methionine may be as effective as long-term restriction in promoting weight loss and improving blood sugar levels. Additionally, studies sugges...

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 22, 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.

When liver immune cells turn bad

Research found that liver CD8+ T cells become highly activated and inflammatory under specific conditions, reprogramming themselves into disease-driving cells. The study sheds light on markers of activation and inflammation in these cells and the Interferon-1 pathway.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalScience Immunology·DateApr 21, 2017