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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 37


Page 37 of 461

Modifying therapeutic DNA aptamers to keep them in the bloodstream longer

Researchers designed new therapeutic DNA aptamers with diverse side chains to enhance interaction with targets. The study found that the hydrophobicity of side chains affects clearance from the bloodstream, providing a guide for designing better aptamers.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalNucleic Acid Therapeutics·DateNov 29, 2017

Scientists make transparent materials absorb light

Researchers from Russia, Sweden, and the US demonstrate a highly unusual optical effect by creating a transparent material that appears to absorb light. The material, made of a thin layer of a transparent dielectric, accumulates light energy through mathematical properties of the scattering matrix, making it appear perfectly absorbing.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalOptica·DateNov 29, 2017

Broader gun restrictions lead to fewer intimate partner homicides

A groundbreaking national study by Michigan State University researchers found that state laws restricting gun ownership among domestic abusers and others with violent histories significantly reduce intimate partner homicides. Laws covering dating partners, emergency restraining orders, permit-to-purchase requirements, and firearms rel...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateNov 29, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Professor Rodney S. Ruoff wins prestigious James C. McGroddy Prize

Rodney S. Ruoff, a renowned researcher at UNIST, has been awarded the James C. McGroddy Prize for his groundbreaking work on scalable synthesis and applications of graphene and its derivatives. With over 141,000 citations, Ruoff is considered one of the most prolific researchers in the field.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·DateNov 29, 2017

Why are there no sea snakes in the Atlantic?

The lack of sea snakes in the Atlantic Ocean is attributed to geographical barriers such as the Isthmus of Panama blocking access to the Caribbean. Additionally, cold water temperatures and freshwater scarcity in the Eastern Hemisphere hinder their survival.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·DateNov 29, 2017

Poverty, ethics and discrimination: How culture plays into cognitive research

A new paper calls for cognitive researchers to engage with cultural sociology to better understand the impact of culture on poverty, ethics, and discrimination. The authors examine three prominent cognitive research models, highlighting their limitations and suggesting ways to advance research by incorporating cultural references.

SourceCIFAR·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateNov 29, 2017

Is underground transit worse for your health?

Researchers found elevated levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and transition metals, including hexavalent chromium, on the Red Line. This led to a ten-fold increase in cancer risk compared to government safety thresholds.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalAerosol and Air Quality Research·DateNov 29, 2017

A model explains effects like the formation of clouds from the sea

A new model developed by Alfonso Gañán explains the origin of various phenomena, including cloud formation, wine aroma, and tire smoke. The model predicts the critical size of gas bubbles that determine the release of tiny droplets, which can generate clouds or spread flavors in the air.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 29, 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.

Hip steroid injections associated with bone changes

A new study presented at the Radiological Society of North America meeting found that hip steroid injections are associated with a higher incidence of bone death and collapse compared to control groups. The research showed that 22-24% of patients who received hip injections developed osteonecrosis, while 15-17% experienced bone collapse.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 29, 2017

Fast flowing heat in graphene heterostructures

Scientists have successfully observed and followed real-time heat transport in van der Waals stacks, where graphene is encapsulated by hexagonal BN. The heat actually flows to the surrounding hBN sheets on an ultrafast timescale of picoseconds, dominating competing heat transfer processes.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 29, 2017

A step forward for quantum computing

A team of physicists from Harvard University has developed a special type of quantum computer, known as a quantum simulator, which is programmed by capturing super-cooled rubidium atoms with lasers. The system could shed new light on material properties and complex optimization problems.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateNov 29, 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.

Wound healing or regeneration -- the environment decides?

Researchers have found that comb jellyfish can adjust their regeneration mechanisms based on environmental nutrients. In nutrient-rich environments, the larvae can fully regenerate, while in areas with fewer nutrients, they survive but cannot fully heal.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 29, 2017

Theory of the evolution of sexes tested with algae

A University of Adelaide researcher tested a theory on the evolution of sexes in algae, finding that the classic Disruptive Selection Theory is supported. The study used data from various species of green algae and found that the ratio of larger gametes to smaller ones must be greater than three for males and females to evolve stably.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateNov 29, 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.

Low vitamin D levels at birth linked to higher autism risk

A recent study of 27,940 Chinese newborns found that low vitamin D levels at birth were associated with a higher risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) at age 3. The risk was significantly increased in each lower quartile of vitamin D level compared to the highest quartile.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateNov 29, 2017

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: Rise of ampicillin resistance began years before human use -- likely triggered by overuse of penicillins in agriculture in the 1950s

Bacteria resistant to ampicillin emerged several years before its widespread use in humans, according to a new study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases. Low doses of penicillin added to animal feed in the 1950s and 60s may have encouraged antibiotic-resistant bacteria to evolve and spread.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateNov 29, 2017

Home-based activity program helps older veterans with Dementia maintain function

A home-based activity program called Tailored Activity Program (TAP) was found to significantly reduce dementia-related behaviors in veterans, as well as decrease caregiver distress. After four months, nearly 70% of TAP group participants eliminated or reduced their behavioral symptoms compared to 46% in the control group.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 29, 2017

Employee-job personality match linked with higher income

A recent study published in Psychological Science found that employees whose personality traits closely match their job requirements tend to earn more than those who don't. The researchers used response surface analysis to create a model that identified the relationship between personality traits, job demands, and income.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 29, 2017

Fighting the flu, year after year

Researchers highlight the challenges of preparing seasonal influenza vaccines in eggs, citing reduced effectiveness rates of 40-60 percent. They also emphasize the need for targeted research on manufacturing strategies and vaccine antigens to improve vaccine efficacy.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 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.

Minimally invasive treatment provides relief from back pain

A new image-guided pulsed radiofrequency treatment has shown extraordinary results in relieving low back pain and sciatica. The procedure involves inserting a probe to deliver energy to the affected area, resolving herniation without thermal damage, and patients were largely pain-free within a day.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 29, 2017

Antibiotic resistance: An unexpected chronology

Researchers found that antibiotic-resistant bacteria evolved and spread decades before the widespread use of ampicillin. The study suggests that low doses of penicillin fed to livestock may have triggered this evolution.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateNov 29, 2017

Lifespan prolonged by inhibiting common enzyme

A UCL-led study found that inhibiting RNA polymerase III, a common enzyme in all animals, extends the lifespans of yeast cells and animals by an average of 10%. This discovery may lead to targeted anti-aging therapies, similar to the effects of rapamycin.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature·DateNov 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.

Prehistoric women had stronger arms than today's elite rowing crews

A new study reveals prehistoric women had up to 30% stronger arm bones than modern rowers due to activities like grinding grain and performing manual labor. The research suggests that the varied work of early agricultural women played a crucial role in shaping their physical strength.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 29, 2017

Columbia receives grant to study impact of expanded global gag rule on women's health

The Heilbrunn Department at Columbia University is conducting a study to measure the impact of the expanded Mexico City Policy on women's health and wellbeing in Kenya and Nepal. The research aims to assess the current policy's effects on access to life-saving services such as abortion, contraception, and HIV testing and treatment.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·DateNov 29, 2017

Adobe funds GMU research on video streaming on smartphones

Researchers at George Mason University are developing new techniques for photo editing using machine-learning algorithms, allowing for easier material changes. They are also working to improve streaming video quality on mobile phones by utilizing the features of HTTP/2.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateNov 29, 2017

Robust Bain distortion in the premartensite phase of a platinum-substituted Ni2MnGa

Scientists at Max Planck Institute discovered robust Bain distortion in premartensite phase of Pt-substituted Ni2MnGa, which transforms to martensite with additional Bain distortion on further cooling. This phenomenon enhances applicability as magnetic actuators and refrigeration technology due to lower hysteresis.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 29, 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.

Synthetic cannabis-like drug reduces sleep apnea

Researchers developed a synthetic cannabis-like drug that was safe and effective in treating obstructive sleep apnea. Participants in the trial had reduced apnea and decreased subjective sleepiness after taking the drug for six weeks.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalSLEEP·DateNov 28, 2017

Malaria: Protective antibodies following natural infection

Researchers at the German Cancer Research Center found that natural infection with malaria induces a strong immune response, producing antibodies that protect mice from infection. The study's findings will help develop more effective and specific vaccines against the disease.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalImmunity·DateNov 28, 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.

Denying patient requests lowers physician ratings

New research from UC Davis Health finds that denying patient requests for specialist referrals, laboratory tests, or medications leads to lower clinician satisfaction ratings. Communications training is recommended to help doctors effectively manage patient requests and balance patient needs with resource efficiency.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateNov 28, 2017

Trisomy 21: Research breaks new ground

The study found that trisomy 21 affects proteins on all chromosomes, leading to an overdose of proteins and dysregulated cellular functions. This deregulation disrupts the cell's ability to regulate protein production, resulting in symptoms such as intellectual impairment and congenital heart disease.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 28, 2017

Dogs mouth-lick to communicate with angry humans

Researchers found that dogs exhibit mouth-licking behavior in response to visually perceived anger, suggesting a form of communication with humans. The study suggests that domestication may have selected this behavioral trait, indicating dogs' potential understanding of emotional information.

SourceUniversity of Lincoln·JournalBehavioural Processes·DateNov 28, 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.

Quantum systems correct themselves

Researchers developed a new method to protect quantum information in trapped ions by leveraging dissipation. The approach allows for autonomous correction of quantum states without requiring logical circuits or measurements.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 28, 2017

The hero of preconception care

A new study at Boston Medical Center will test Gabby's effectiveness in reducing pregnancy health risks. The AI-powered system has been successful in previous trials, identifying and resolving health risks by over 25% compared to a control group.

SourceBoston Medical Center·DateNov 28, 2017

Child-proofing the Internet of Things

A new project at Lancaster University aims to discover the likely privacy and security challenges arising from children using IoT devices. Researchers will work closely with child protection experts to provide guidelines and advice for children, their families, and teachers on programming IoT devices.

SourceLancaster University·DateNov 28, 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 new way to do metabolic engineering

Researchers developed a novel method called CRISPR-AID that combines genetic manipulations to improve metabolic engineering efficiency. By exploring different combinations of gene modifications, scientists can discover optimal solutions for specific goals.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 28, 2017

Cardiovascular disease: The immune response to heart attacks

Researchers have identified lymphocyte clusters in the pericardial adipose tissue as key regulators of the post-infarction immune response. These clusters stimulate an immune reaction that degrades damaged tissues, but also promote tissue repair. The findings suggest a critical role for this process in heart healing.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalCirculation·DateNov 28, 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.

Expression of certain genes may be key to more youthful looking skin

Researchers identified specific gene expression patterns in women who appear younger than their chronologic age, suggesting that genetic changes may slow down skin aging. The study revealed accelerated changes in pathways related to oxidative stress, energy metabolism, and senescence with increasing age.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateNov 28, 2017

Geophysicists uncover new evidence for an alternative style of plate tectonics

Researchers at University of Toronto and Istanbul Technical University propose an 'active drip' model for the formation of the Central Anatolian Plateau, where the lower tectonic plate has dripped below Earth's surface. This process is linked to the planet's crust and upper mantle thickening and sinking into the lower mantle.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 28, 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.

Type 2 diabetes, it all starts in the liver

Researchers from UNIGE have identified a key role for the liver in the development of type 2 diabetes, linked to obesity and inflammation. By targeting the protein PTPR-γ, scientists may uncover new therapeutic strategies to prevent insulin resistance and related metabolic conditions.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 28, 2017

Performance-enhancing drugs sold via the Internet are inaccurately labeled

Research reveals that online products sold as selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) may contain unapproved substances or incorrect amounts. Most products did not match label information, highlighting the need for greater regulatory oversight of these appearance- and performance-enhancing drugs.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA·DateNov 28, 2017

One in two people living with HIV in Europe is diagnosed late

A new report by ECDC and WHO reveals that over half of HIV diagnoses in Europe occur at a late stage, leading to poorer health outcomes and increased transmission risks. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent these outcomes, with improved testing practices and community-based services vital to addressing the issue.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·DateNov 28, 2017

Quantum-emitting answer might lie in the solution

A team of researchers has demonstrated a simple approach for coupling solution-synthesized cesium lead tribromide (CsPbBr3) perovskite nanocrystals to silicon nitride photonic cavities, enhancing room temperature light emission by an order of magnitude.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateNov 28, 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.

Sometimes, it pays for the boss to be humble

Researchers discovered that humble leaders foster higher levels of creativity in teams when team members value open communication and collaboration. Humble leaders acknowledge their limitations, facilitate information sharing, and broaden the scope of team skills.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateNov 28, 2017