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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 35


Page 35 of 461

Researchers report altered brain functional connectivity in autism spectrum disorder

A study published in Brain Connectivity found significant differences in functional architecture and interactivity of the default mode network in adolescent and young adult males with autism spectrum disorder compared to those without ASD. These findings could lead to the development of new imaging-based diagnostic markers for autism.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBrain Connectivity·DateNov 30, 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.

Visible signals from brain and heart

A new sensor molecule allows researchers to visualize calcium concentrations in living animals without genetic modification or radiation exposure. This breakthrough enables better understanding of disease processes and has potential applications in improving medical treatments.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 30, 2017

Emergency radiologists see inner toll of opioid use disorders

A high prevalence of complications related to opioid use disorders has been seen in emergency radiology patients, with skin and soft tissue infections, respiratory issues, and back pain being common. Imaging results often provided critical information to aid management plans and reduce mortality rates.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 30, 2017

Pitt ChemE and Lubrizol team up to improve American manufacturing

The partnership aims to apply advanced chemical engineering research to industrial-scale chemical manufacturing, reducing waste generation, utility, and energy costs. The University of Pittsburgh's Chemical and Petroleum Engineering Department is developing new educational programs and internships to prepare students for the industry.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateNov 30, 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.

NIH and partners launch HIV vaccine efficacy study

The NIH has launched a Phase 2b proof-of-concept study called Imbokodo to assess the safety and efficacy of an experimental HIV vaccine regimen. The study aims to enroll 2,600 HIV-negative women in sub-Saharan Africa and will test the quadrivalent mosaic vaccine against placebo.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateNov 30, 2017

Researchers find link between excessive screen time and suicide risk

Research reveals a concerning relationship between excessive screen time and mental health issues, including depression and suicidal behaviors, particularly among teenage girls. Limiting screen time to an hour or two daily may help reduce the risk of depressive symptoms and suicidal attempts.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateNov 30, 2017

Study identifies genes involved in tolerance following kidney transplantation

Researchers found genes associated with B cell receptor signaling and activation in tolerant kidney transplant recipients, suggesting an active immune regulation of B cells. The study provides insights into the mechanisms behind tolerance induction in renal transplantation, potentially leading to minimization of immunosuppression.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 30, 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.

Nutrition may play a key role in early psychosis treatment: New research

Research from Australia's NICM Health Research Institute finds large nutritional deficits in blood levels of critical nutrients among individuals with early psychosis. Vitamin B9 (folate) and D were found to be particularly low, associated with poorer mental health outcomes.

SourceNICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University·JournalSchizophrenia Bulletin·DateNov 30, 2017

To proliferate or not to proliferate? A cellular spring replies

The study reveals that protein ZO-1 perceives mechanical signals and activates cellular responses accordingly, influencing epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation. Targeted inhibition of ZO-1 in tumors could be a potential pathway to explore for cancer treatment.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 30, 2017

New research provides insights into the skin microbiome

Two Corynebacteria species have been identified as potential targets to improve skin appearance, with one associated with younger people and the other with older people. The 'old skin' bacteria was found to be associated with skin redness, wrinkles, and age spots.

SourceSpectrum Science·DateNov 30, 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.

Public resource boosts drug discovery and offers insights into protein function

The new Connectivity Map includes over 1.3 million gene expression profiles from multiple cell lines treated with chemical or genetic perturbations, enabling the study of small molecule and gene function. This expanded resource accelerates drug discovery efforts by predicting how small molecules work and discovering compounds with spec...

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalCell·DateNov 30, 2017

Global risk of Madagascar's pneumonic plague epidemic is limited

A recent study by Hokkaido University found that the global risk of Madagascar's pneumonic plague epidemic is limited, with an estimated risk of less than 0.1 person per country between August and October. The basic reproduction number was calculated at 1.73, and case fatality risk was 5.5 percent.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalEurosurveillance·DateNov 30, 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.

Cannabis linked to bipolar symptoms in young adults

Teenage cannabis use at least 2-3 times weekly is directly associated with suffering from symptoms of hypomania in later years. The study found that adolescent cannabis use is an independent risk factor for future hypomania, suggesting a potential causal link.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalSchizophrenia Bulletin·DateNov 30, 2017

Fish oil component preconditions vision cells to survive future injury or disease

A LSU Health New Orleans study found that DHA in fish oil 'preconditions' photoreceptor and RPE cells to survive future insults, reducing the risk of retinal degeneration. The researchers also discovered that daily omega-3 supplementation may provide an opportunity for halting debilitating eye diseases.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalCellular and Molecular Neurobiology·DateNov 30, 2017

Judging a 'clean face' for trachoma

Researchers trained staff in Tanzania to assess facial cleanliness and found reliable measures of clean faces. These findings suggest adding facial cleanliness assessments to trachoma surveys in developing countries where the infection is a public health problem.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateNov 30, 2017

Why are genetically identical individuals different? Ask your mum!

A team of scientists discovered that a major cause of variation between genetically identical C. elegans worms is their mother's age, particularly in younger mothers. The study found that the youngest mothers produce offspring with impaired characteristics such as size, growth rate, and starvation resistance.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalNature·DateNov 30, 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.

Cancer drug leads to 'drastic decrease' in HIV infection in lung cancer patient

A recent study has found that a cancer drug called nivolumab can drastically decrease the reservoirs of HIV-infected cells in the body, a key step towards potentially eradicating the virus. This breakthrough has been observed in a single patient with lung cancer, who showed a sustained reduction in HIV reservoirs after treatment.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateNov 30, 2017

Recurring nightmares could reflect your daily frustrations

Research suggests that people's daily frustration with life can lead to recurring nightmares, where they experience falling, failing, or being attacked in their dreams. The study found that those whose psychological needs were not met reported more negative dream themes and struggled to interpret their dreams positively.

SourceSpringer·JournalMotivation and Emotion·DateNov 30, 2017

Scallop eyes mirror reflecting telescopes, with sophisticated optical properties

Researchers have obtained a detailed view of a scallop's visual system, which is strikingly similar to a reflecting telescope. The complex arrangement of up to 200 eyes allows the scallop to achieve spatial vision through a layered mirror structure that reflects specific wavelengths of light.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 30, 2017

Novel transcriptomic signature of type 2 diabetic islets identified

A collaborative study has identified a novel cluster of dysregulated genes in the pancreatic islets of patients with type 2 diabetes. The findings suggest that these altered genes are responsible for beta cell failure in diabetes and may hold new insights into how to prevent and treat the disease.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateNov 30, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Introducing iScience, Cell Press's first interdisciplinary journal

iScience is an open-access, peer-reviewed journal publishing on a continuous basis starting early 2018. It will promote rigorous research that advances a field and reporting with transparent methods, replication studies, and negative results. The editorial board harnesses experts across many different fields.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·DateNov 30, 2017

HIV also targets the brain

Researchers at Stellenbosch University found that HIV affects the brain in early stages of infection, leading to decreased blood flow and brain functional impairment. The study used fMRI scans to compare brain activity of people with and without HIV, revealing a link between frontal lobe atrophy and cognitive symptoms.

SourceStellenbosch University·JournalAIDS·DateNov 30, 2017

People with disabilities more likely to be arrested

Research at Cornell University found that people with disabilities are nearly 44% more likely to be arrested by age 28 compared to those without disabilities. Black men with disabilities face a disproportionately high risk of arrest, highlighting the need for police training and healthcare improvements.

SourceCornell University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateNov 30, 2017

Barrow researchers validate five new genes responsible for ALS

Researchers have validated five new genes responsible for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a fatal neurological disorder. The study uses AI-powered technology to accelerate the discovery of new treatments by identifying key proteins linked to the disease.

SourceSt. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center·JournalActa Neuropathologica·DateNov 30, 2017

Shifting protein networks in breast cancer may alter gene function

A new study found that breast cancer proteins can have altered functions in tumor cells due to changes in protein interaction networks. This shift affects the number of genes performing each function, not their expression levels. The study predicts patient survival and cancer subtype based on these functional shifts.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateNov 30, 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.

Discovery puts the brakes on HIV's ability to infect

Researchers have found a mechanism that prevents the formation of HIV's protein shell, which is essential for infection. The discovery could lead to the development of new anti-HIV drugs by targeting specific molecular processes.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 30, 2017

Length of stay in neonatal ICU can affect behavior of premature babies

Research shows that longer stays in the neonatal ICU are linked to behavioral problems and impaired emotional regulation in preterm babies. The study highlights the importance of developmental care programs to reduce stressful experiences and promote protective strategies during early development.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEarly Human Development·DateNov 30, 2017

Lighting the way to switch chemical reaction pathways

Researchers from QUT, KIT, and Ghent University create a light-switchable chemical reaction system to revolutionize chip printing. The system uses visible light to reversibly switch certain chemical processes, potentially making it cheaper, simpler and safer.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 30, 2017

Traces of life on nearest exoplanets may be hidden in equatorial trap

Researchers found that equatorial regions on planets like Proxima b and TRAPPIST-1d might trap ozone, hiding signs of life from telescopic observations. This discovery highlights the challenges in detecting life beyond Earth, requiring a more nuanced strategy for searching for life.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateNov 29, 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.

Teaching life a new trick: Bacteria make boron-carbon bonds

Researchers at Caltech have created bacteria that can produce chemical compounds with boron-carbon bonds, a breakthrough in synthetic biology. The findings could lead to more economical and environmentally friendly ways to manufacture pharmaceuticals and other products.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateNov 29, 2017

Toward safer, longer-lasting batteries for electronics and vehicles

Solid-state batteries have the potential to replace flammable liquid electrolytes with solids, improving safety and energy density. Industry leaders like Toyota, Apple, and Bosch are investing in this technology, but high costs remain a major obstacle to widespread commercialization.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateNov 29, 2017

HADES creates alternate reality to mislead hackers

The HADES system creates a simulated environment that alters certain data points, leading hackers to doubt the authenticity of the information. This allows researchers to gather actionable intelligence and detect malware more effectively.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateNov 29, 2017

How a biophysical simulation method might accelerate drug target discovery

Researchers developed a computational simulation method to predict protein sequence changes for efficient membrane insertion, correlating improved insertion efficiency with increased protein yield. The new approach offers a way forward for membrane protein researchers struggling to express their proteins.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 29, 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.

€1.9 million project aims to open the 'black box' of marine fungi

A €1.9 million research project will explore the complex roles played by marine planktonic fungi, known as mycoplankton, in the cycling of carbon in the sea. The MYCO-CARB project will use innovative approaches to assess active mycoplankton diversity and abundance across various ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·DateNov 29, 2017

Urgent need to address long-term health effects of extreme weather

Research highlights the need to understand long-term health effects of extreme weather, including chronic psychological impacts and vulnerability in local infrastructure. Coordinated programs are essential for recovery and rebuilding, with healthcare facilities needing to ensure they can withstand disruptions.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of the Air & Waste Management Association·DateNov 29, 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.

Eruption clues: UNH researchers create snapshot of volcano plumbing

Researchers at UNH used scientific sleuthing to better understand magma movement in Mount Etna, finding that ancient and present-day magma sources are similar. The study also revealed that crystals formed beneath the volcano were virtually chemically identical to erupted lavas, suggesting short crystal storage times.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalGeochemical Perspectives Letters·DateNov 29, 2017

HKUST researchers reveal new insights into the control of cellular scaffold

A research team led by Prof. Robert Qi uncovered a previously overlooked mechanism controlling the organization of microtubule cytoskeletons. They found that PolD1 physically associates with γTuRCs, blocking microtubule nucleation and regulating various cellular activities such as Golgi assembly and cell polarization.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 29, 2017

Insufficient evidence to guide recommendations on vitamin D in pregnancy

Research analyzed 43 trials involving 8,406 women and found that vitamin D supplementation increased birth weight and reduced small baby risk, but results were inconsistent and limited by study quality. Further large-scale trials are needed to determine the effectiveness of prenatal vitamin D supplementation.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 29, 2017
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

A transistor of graphene nanoribbons

Researchers have successfully grown graphene nanoribbons with a regular armchair edge, exhibiting a precisely defined energy gap. This enabled the integration of these structures into nanotransistors, overcoming previous challenges related to dielectric layers and ribbon alignment.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 29, 2017

More than half of US children will have obesity as adults if current trends continue

According to a new study, more than half of US children will have obesity as adults if current trends in child obesity continue. The study found that excess weight in childhood is predictive of adult obesity and that only children at a healthy weight have less than a 50% chance of having obesity as adults.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 29, 2017

NIFA funds food safety and nutrition to promote safe food supply

NIFA's Agriculture and Food Research Initiative program supports research, education, and extension projects that promote a safe, nutritious food supply. The funding enables scientists to investigate innovative approaches to detect and control contaminants in food, contributing to the production of high-quality, nourishing food.

SourceNational Institute of Food and Agriculture·DateNov 29, 2017

Scientists demonstrate one of largest quantum simulators

Physicists at MIT and Harvard University have developed a new technique to manipulate quantum bits by trapping and arranging individual atoms. This breakthrough enables the simulation of complex systems like materials and optimization problems, such as the traveling salesman problem, exponentially faster than classical computers.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateNov 29, 2017

New method maps chemicals in the skin

A new chemical imaging method allows for precise measurement of substances in human skin, providing opportunities to develop pharmaceuticals and cosmetics while minimizing animal experiments. The technology enables researchers to design products with controlled skin absorption and determine safe limits for harmful levels of substances.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalContact Dermatitis·DateNov 29, 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.

Watching a quantum material lose its stripes

Researchers investigate electronic charges that form stripe patterns in lanthanum nickelate, discovering unexpected dynamics when using terahertz laser pulses to disrupt microscopic order. The study provides fundamental insights into the interactions between electrons and crystal lattice vibrations.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 29, 2017

Can a rude waiter make your food less tasty?

Research by Jaehoon Lee suggests that lower class individuals are more likely to assume food will be less delicious due to poor service, while higher class people do not typically make this assumption. This holistic view of life creates a 'carryover effect', leading to negative judgments about other aspects of the consumer experience.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateNov 29, 2017

Sorry, Grumpy Cat -- Study finds dogs are brainier than cats

A new study by Vanderbilt University researchers found that dogs have significantly more cortical neurons than cats, indicating a higher level of intelligence. Dogs possess about 530 million neurons, while cats have around 250 million, suggesting that dogs are brainier than cats.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalFrontiers in Neuroanatomy·DateNov 29, 2017