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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 371


Page 371 of 461

The strangeness of slow dynamics

Researchers have discovered significant deviations in dynamic phase transitions that occur when dynamics is slow, unlike conventional thermodynamic phase transitions. These findings suggest a distinct difference between DPTs and TPTs, highlighting the importance of studying non-equilibrium dynamic phenomena.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 15, 2017

Brain-aging gene discovered

A common genetic variant, TMEM106B, accelerates normal brain aging by up to 12 years in people aged 65+, highlighting potential new targets for preventing age-associated brain disorders like Alzheimer's disease. Researchers also identified another variant associated with brain aging within the progranulin gene.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalCell Systems·DateMar 15, 2017

Civil society participation key in international forestry programs in Laos

The study highlights the importance of civil society organizations in Laos' REDD+ and FLEGT programs, emphasizing their potential to bring valuable local insight and enhance fairness and transparency. However, limitations pose a challenge, including a restricted political system that hinders independent civic society.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalForests·DateMar 15, 2017

Life origination hydrate theory

The LOH-Theory suggests that amino-acids and primitive organisms arose in semi-liquid water systems saturated with functional organic substances, allowing for exothermal and thermodynamically feasible syntheses. The theory is supported by analyses of available literature and paleontological data on the origins of life on Earth.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalMini-Reviews in Organic Chemistry·DateMar 15, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

'No fat' or 'no sugar' label equals no guarantee of nutritional quality

A recent study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that 'no fat' or 'no sugar' labels on food packaging do not necessarily imply a healthier product. In fact, foods with these claims often have a worse nutritional profile than those without claims.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateMar 15, 2017

Researchers discover star in closest known orbit around black hole

Astronomers have observed a star orbiting a black hole at a rate of nearly twice an hour, marking the tightest orbital dance between a black hole and a companion star ever seen. The discovery was made using the combined power of three advanced telescopes.

SourceColumbia University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 15, 2017

Fossil or inorganic structure? Scientists dig into early life forms

Researchers found that inorganic chemicals can self-organize into complex structures resembling ancient fossils, raising questions about distinguishing life from non-life. This discovery challenges the identification of Earth's earliest microfossils and redefines the search for life on other planets.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 15, 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.

Refugees with PTSD regulate stress differently

A new Michigan State University study found that refugees diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have an overactive gene associated with mental health that disrupts their stress defense system. This causes the body to overreact to stress, leading to increased symptoms of PTSD.

SourceMichigan State University·DateMar 15, 2017

Some bed bugs are better climbers than others

Researchers found that tropical bed bugs can climb out of smooth-walled traps more effectively than US common bed bugs due to unique adaptations. This discovery has significant implications for monitoring and managing bed bug infestations.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·DateMar 15, 2017

Like elephants, large working proteins have small handlers

Researchers have developed a mathematical foundation to explain the role of small molecules in promoting proper protein folding. This understanding has important implications for developing future therapies based on pharmacological chaperones to treat misfolding diseases.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 15, 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.

City living can make asthma worse for poor children, study finds

A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that city living can worsen asthma in poor children, with urbanization and black race being strong independent risk factors for increased asthma morbidity. The study analyzed data from over 16 million children enrolled in Medicaid between 2009-2010.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateMar 15, 2017

Detecting blood clot risk using biomarkers

Researchers are developing new biomarkers to identify high-risk blood clots in cancer patients, with the goal of increasing survival rates. The study will analyze blood samples from underrepresented populations to standardize and validate existing biomarkers.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateMar 15, 2017

Protostar blazes bright, reshaping its stellar nursery

A massive protostar underwent an intense growth spurt, reshaping its surroundings and emitting nearly 100 times more light. This event supports the theory that young stars can experience dramatic growth spurts, which may be triggered by star-forming gas crashing onto their surfaces.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 15, 2017
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

When proteins court each other, the dance moves matter

Proteins' tiny motions, called vibrations, enable interactions with other molecules. A new study shows that the direction of these vibrations matters more than previously thought, shedding light on how proteins interact and facilitating tasks like absorbing oxygen and repairing cells.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateMar 15, 2017

Why CEOs of failing companies jump ship...or don't

Researchers found that CEOs with moderate social capital are most likely to voluntarily step down from a failing company. In contrast, those with high or low social capital are less likely to quit due to the potential consequences of their actions on their reputation and job prospects.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalStrategic Management Journal·DateMar 15, 2017

Targeting a tumor trigger

Researchers have devised a strategy to specifically target cancer stem cells in some cancers and reduce their tumor-generating potential. Combining Nutlin-3 and Paclitaxel showed potentiated tumor response and prevented relapse in Numb-deficient tumors, suggesting the potential of these drugs as treatment options.

SourceEMBO·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateMar 15, 2017

Study links sulfide-producing bacteria and colon cancer in African-Americans

Researchers found a significant association between sulfide-producing bacteria and increased risk of colon cancer in African-Americans. The study also revealed that Bilophila wadsworthia, a bacterium producing hydrogen sulfide, was more abundant in African-Americans with colon cancer than healthy counterparts.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalGut·DateMar 15, 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.

Et Tu, E. Coli?

Researchers found that E. coli toxins bind to elongation factor Tu and another protein EF-Ts to target specific tRNA molecules, inhibiting cell growth and leading to diarrhea or hemorrhagic colitis in humans.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 15, 2017

No mid-day nap for Finnish flies

Scientists studied the circadian clocks of two fruit fly species from Finland and Tanzania. Finnish flies adapted their activity pattern to longer days, while Tanzanian flies were influenced by the equator's long daylight hours. The study reveals tiny differences in the flies' brains that affect their behavior.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 15, 2017

Care received at end of life varies drastically by state

Oregon's end-of-life care approach is characterized by higher rates of home hospice use and fewer hospitalizations, while Washington lags behind in implementing similar initiatives. The state's POLST Program has been instrumental in honoring patients' wishes and improving symptom management.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 15, 2017

Keeping the elderly safe

A study from Duke-NUS Medical School found that tailored physical therapy programs can significantly reduce the severity of falls and slow physical decline in elderly patients. Those with fewer medical conditions reported fewer falls overall.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·DateMar 15, 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.

Intensive medical treatment can reverse type 2 diabetes

A new study found that intensive medical treatment using oral medications, insulin, and lifestyle therapies can reverse type 2 diabetes in up to 40% of participants. The study's findings support the notion that type 2 diabetes can be reversed, at least in the short term, with medical approaches.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMar 15, 2017

Predicting how bad the bends will be

Researchers created a new model to predict decompression sickness severity after deep-sea dives. The model estimates both the risk and severity of symptoms, allowing divers to better plan their ascents and prevent painful and potentially fatal results.

SourceDuke University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 15, 2017

New method for producing leading anti-malarial drug

Researchers at Cardiff University have devised a new way of creating the leading anti-malarial drug artemisinin, which could reduce market fluctuations in the supply chain and help study resistance to the drug. The new method bypasses several key steps in the production process, achieving the desired outcome in just four steps.

SourceCardiff University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 15, 2017

UH Physicist launches new journal for materials science

A new academic journal, Materials Today Physics, launched by UH physicist Zhifeng Ren will focus on thermoelectric and photovoltaic materials. The journal aims to speed the dissemination of crucial information about materials from discovery to application.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateMar 15, 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.

Fast and accurate paper test determines blood type in seconds

The new test classifies samples into common ABO and Rh blood groups in under 30 seconds after two simple steps, with high accuracy rate even for rare blood types. The test's rapid turnaround time makes it ideal for resource-limited situations such as war zones or emergencies.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 15, 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.

Which kids will take longer to recover from brain injury?

A new biomarker may help predict which children will take longer to recover from traumatic brain injury (TBI). Half of the children with moderate to severe TBI had slow transfer times, indicating progressive decline in white matter.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMar 15, 2017

When the sea ice melts, juvenile polar cod may go hungry

Juvenile polar cod rely heavily on ice algae for sustenance, with 50-90% of their carbon coming from these tiny organisms. As Arctic sea ice melts, the fish's food source is threatened, posing a risk to the entire food web.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalProgress In Oceanography·DateMar 15, 2017

Wildly stronger sunflowers

Researchers are using wild relatives to breed more resilient sunflower varieties, reducing the impact of diseases, weeds, and insects. The study highlights the importance of annotating genetic information in wild relative collections to preserve traits for future use.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateMar 15, 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.

Flower-rich habitats increase survival of bumblebee families

Researchers tracked over 1,600 bumblebee families and discovered that access to high-quality food resources is vital for their survival. The study suggests that environmentally-friendly management of farmland can increase the probability of family survival by up to four times.

SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalNature·DateMar 15, 2017

Liquid fuel for future computers

Researchers at ETH Zurich and IBM Research Zurich have built a tiny redox flow battery that supplies electrical power and cools computer chip stacks simultaneously. The new micro-battery reaches record-high output and has potential applications in lasers, solar cells, and large energy storage systems.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateMar 15, 2017

Columbia and Harvard researchers find yoga and controlled breathing reduce depressive symptoms

Researchers at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and Harvard School of Medicine found that yoga classes and coherent breathing reduced depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder. Participants who took three yoga classes a week showed significant improvement compared to those taking two classes.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateMar 15, 2017

Luxembourg researchers decipher how the body controls stem cells

Researchers have identified a mechanism by which the body controls the fate of stem cells, allowing them to adapt and differentiate into various types of cells. This discovery can help improve the effectiveness of stem cell therapies, potentially leading to better treatments for diseases like Parkinson's.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 15, 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.

Whole-body vibration may be as effective as regular exercise

Researchers found whole-body vibration (WBV) to be as effective as regular exercise in improving bone formation and insulin sensitivity in obese mice. WBV was shown to mimic the metabolic effects of exercise, with benefits seen in both genetically normal and obese mice.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalEndocrinology·DateMar 15, 2017

Putting autoimmune disease genetic links to the test

A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital investigators found that 55 out of 270 genetic loci associated with seven autoimmune diseases could be mapped back to causal genes using eQTLs in immune cells. However, this only accounts for a small fraction of the genetic loci examined.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 15, 2017

An epidemic of epipens

Researchers at the University of Birmingham found nearly 24,000 children prescribed epipens between 2000 and 2012, with prescriptions increasing five-fold over 12 years. The study highlights a need for clear guidelines on optimal epipen prescribing to reduce unnecessary prescriptions and ensure child safety.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·DateMar 15, 2017

New flexible sensor holds potential for foldable touch screens

A new flexible sensor developed at the University of British Columbia holds potential for foldable touch screens and wearable devices. The sensor detects different types of touch, including swiping and tapping, even when stretched or bent.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 15, 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.

Marshall School of Medicine team advances research on metabolic syndrome

The study demonstrates that pNaKtide attenuates the development of experimental nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and atherosclerosis in mice fed a Western diet. The researchers found improvements in insulin sensitivity, dyslipidemia, and cholesterol levels.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 15, 2017

Undergoing hip replacement improves five-year quality of life

A recent study published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery found that patients undergoing total hip replacement surgery experience significant improvements in quality of life (QOL) through at least five years after the procedure. The SF-6D score, a widely used measure of patient-perceived QOL, showed lasting improvements in scores.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateMar 15, 2017

NASA's Webb Telescope ghostly 'lights out' inspection

The James Webb Space Telescope is inspected for contamination using ultraviolet flashlights in a darkened clean room. The long exposure captures the technicians as 'ghostly wraiths', while a special light technique illuminates the primary mirror.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 15, 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.

Biochemists develop new way to control cell biology with light

Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed a photocleavable protein that breaks into two pieces when exposed to light, allowing scientists to study and manipulate activity inside cells in new ways. This tool has vast potential applications in various fields of research, including development biology and gene-editing techno...

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalNature Methods·DateMar 15, 2017

From skin to brain: Stem cells without genetic modification

A University at Buffalo research team has successfully reprogrammed adult skin cells into neural crest cells, a type of stem cell, without adding foreign genetic material. These cells can differentiate into various cell types found in the spinal cord and brain, holding promise for studying genetic diseases and generating regenerative t...

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalStem Cells·DateMar 15, 2017

Exhaust fumes as a resource

Researchers at FAU have created a method to combine exhaust gas purification with the synthesis of high-value products. Nitrogen oxides can be used to produce balsalazide and sulfasalazine, two drugs for chronic inflammatory bowel diseases.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateMar 15, 2017

Antibody fights pediatric brain tumors in preclinical testing, study finds

A new study found that an antibody targeting CD47 can effectively treat five types of pediatric brain cancer in mice, with no harm to healthy brain cells. The treatment, developed at Stanford, has shown promising results in preclinical trials and is expected to reach clinical trials in children with brain cancer in one to two years.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 15, 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.

No publication bias found in climate change research

Researchers from Lund University reviewed 120 articles on climate change between 1997 and 2013, finding no omission of results that could challenge the theory. However, they did find widespread selective reporting of large statistically significant results.

SourceLund University·JournalClimatic Change·DateMar 15, 2017

Scientists are gauging how mood influences eating habits

Researchers create a system to detect eating behaviors and emotional responses using wearable devices, aiming to reduce obesity. The M2FED approach uses sensors to measure mood and conversation, with high accuracy rates for detecting emotions such as anger, anxiety, boredom, happiness, and sadness.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateMar 15, 2017