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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 399


Page 399 of 461

National dose levels established for 10 common adult CT examinations

Researchers developed patient-size based diagnostic reference levels and achievable doses for 10 common CT head, neck and body examinations. The study found that using national benchmarks can reduce overall radiation dose and encourage facilities to optimize protocols.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateFeb 22, 2017

Tiny fibers open new windows into the brain

Researchers have developed a single flexible fiber that can deliver optical, electrical, and chemical signals to the brain, enabling precise recordings of neuronal activity. This breakthrough could provide a significantly more accurate understanding of brain function and interconnections.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 22, 2017

Itch neurons play a role in managing pain

Researchers found that itch and mild pain signals can be transmitted through the same spinal cord neurons, with GRP neurons acting as a 'braking system' to mitigate intense pain. In mice without these neurons, pain responses were increased and scratching behaviors were altered.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 22, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Heart risks in middle age boost dementia risk later in life

Research presented at American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2017 found that people with middle age heart disease risks, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or smoking, are at higher risk for dementia later in life. The study, which enrolled 15,744 participants, revealed that the risk of dementia was significan...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 22, 2017

First trace of differences between matter and 'ordinary' antimatter

Scientists have observed a tiny difference in the decay patterns of beauty baryons, suggesting that antibaryons may not be identical to their matter counterparts. This finding is significant because it could provide insight into why matter survived the Big Bang while antimatter did not.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 22, 2017

Simple rule predicts when an ice age ends

Scientists have developed a simple rule to predict when the Earth's climate warms out of an ice age, using astronomical changes in the Earth's orbit around the Sun. The model predicts interglacials occurring roughly every 100,000 years, which explains why we've been in a warm period for the last 11,000 years.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature·DateFeb 22, 2017

Brain-machine interfaces: Bidirectional communication at last

Scientists have created a groundbreaking brain-machine interface that allows for bidirectional communication between the brain and prosthetic limbs. By transmitting sensory feedback to the brain, researchers were able to induce an artificial sensation of movement in paralyzed patients. This innovative technology holds promise for devel...

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 22, 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.

Incarceration linked to excess burden of cancer, new study finds

A new study published in PLOS ONE found that people who spend time in jails and prisons are more likely to develop certain types of cancer than the general population in Ontario. The study also revealed that these individuals have a higher mortality rate from cancer, particularly for men.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 22, 2017

CAR T cells more powerful when built with CRISPR, MSK researchers find

Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center have developed more potent CAR T cells using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, which can kill tumor cells longer and resist exhaustion. This breakthrough could lead to safer and more effective use of immunotherapy in cancer patients.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalNature·DateFeb 22, 2017

Researchers find association between gum disease and ischemic stroke risk

Researchers assessed 6,711 adults with periodontal disease for 15 years and found participants with mild, moderate or severe gum disease were 1.9-2.2 times more likely to suffer an ischemic stroke than those without periodontal disease. The association was strongest in cardioembolic and thrombotic stroke subtypes.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 22, 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.

How do polar bears respond to climate change, subsistence hunting?

A University of Washington project explores the effects of climate change and subsistence hunting on polar bears, while also shedding light on the cultural value of the species to indigenous peoples. The research aims to set polar bears in context as resources for others, clarifying misinformation about hunting.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateFeb 22, 2017

Study finds consumers willing to pay more for 'all-natural' labeled foods

A study published in the Journal of Food Science found that consumers expect higher quality and are willing to pay more for products labeled as 'all-natural'. The researchers used virtual reality technology to simulate a grocery store taste-test, where subjects preferred the all-natural product with a label.

SourceInstitute of Food Technologists·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateFeb 22, 2017

Ultracool dwarf and the 7 planets

Astronomers have confirmed the existence of seven small planets orbiting TRAPPIST-1, with sizes similar to Earth and temperatures comparable to those of Venus, Earth, and Mars. The inner six planets are likely rocky in composition and potentially harbor liquid water.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateFeb 22, 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.

The value of nutrition and exercise, according to a moth

Researchers discovered that hawkmoths harness the pentose phosphate pathway to create antioxidants, reducing muscle damage from high-intensity flight. This metabolic strategy allows them to process sugary diets without succumbing to oxidative stress.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalScience·DateFeb 22, 2017

Autism risk linked to herpes infection during pregnancy

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health found that women infected with genital herpes during early pregnancy had twice the odds of giving birth to a child later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The researchers suggested that the mother's immune response to HS...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalmSphere·DateFeb 22, 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.

Cultivating cool-for-cash-crop

Researchers explored growing cool season crops in California, finding canola achieved high yields and seed oil content, while camelina displayed greater cold and drought tolerance. The study recommends further research on more varieties of both crops for optimal growing conditions.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateFeb 22, 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.

Making it harder to 'outsmart' concussion tests

A new equation developed by a Nebraska researcher can correctly identify athletes who attempt to sandbag on the ImPACT test, informing better decisions about return-to-play protocols. The approach was found to be more effective than existing methods in detecting poor effort, with high accuracy rates.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·DateFeb 22, 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.

Serendipity uncovers borophene's potential

Researchers at Northwestern University successfully integrated borophene with an organic material, forming a self-assembled monolayer next to the borophene sheet. This breakthrough enables the formation of well-controlled interfaces between distinct materials, which is crucial for creating diodes and photovoltaics.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 22, 2017

Neural networks promise sharpest ever images

Swiss researchers use neural networks to challenge the resolution limit of telescopes, recovering features that were previously invisible. The technique, inspired by a generative adversarial network, achieves better results than previous methods, such as deconvolution, and has vast potential for future astronomical observations.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateFeb 22, 2017

What do your co-workers really think of you?

Researchers found that co-workers usually lack knowledge about who is competitively towards them, due to people masking their competitiveness. The study suggests a climate of friendly competition and clear boundaries can promote mutual healthy competition.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 22, 2017

tDCS combined with computer games at home reduces cognitive symptoms of multiple sclerosis

A new study published in Neuromodulation found that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with computer games significantly improved cognitive measures in patients with multiple sclerosis. The treatment showed greater gains in complex attention and response times compared to those who played computer games alone.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·DateFeb 22, 2017
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Forests worldwide threatened by drought

Researchers found that tree death due to drought is consistent across environments worldwide, with denser wood and smaller leaves providing better resistance. Climate change implications include increased tree mortality and future global warming.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalEcology Letters·DateFeb 22, 2017

Popular heartburn drugs linked to gradual yet 'silent' kidney damage

A study of 125,000 patients found that more than half with chronic kidney damage took PPIs without acute problems, highlighting the need for vigilance in monitoring kidney function. Doctors advise caution and only prescribe when necessary due to significant risks of kidney deterioration.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalKidney International·DateFeb 22, 2017

Science versus the 'Horatio Alger myth'

A new study uses condensed matter theory to investigate the role of personal initiative in overcoming inequality. The researchers find that, under certain conditions, sufficient individual initiative can lead to reduced inequality, but this effect is short-lived due to the disappearance of frustration.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 22, 2017

We read emotions based on how the eye sees

Researchers found that narrowed eyes are associated with discrimination-related emotions like disgust and suspicion, while widened eyes convey information sensitivity. The study suggests our facial expressions communicate complex emotions through emotional embodiment.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 22, 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.

What is high lipoprotein(a), and should I be concerned?

A new study reveals that high lipoprotein(a), a form of cholesterol, is responsible for 1 in 14 heart attacks and 1 in 7 cases of aortic valve disease. Researchers hope to raise awareness about the risk and stimulate development of new therapies to lower this form of cholesterol.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·DateFeb 22, 2017

Asthma drugs could prevent prevent deadly form of pneumonia, research suggests

Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System found that asthma drugs Accolate and Singulair may prevent severe pneumonia by blocking the infection of alveolar air sacs. Early treatment with these drugs could potentially reduce mortality rates from influenza pneumonia, which can be deadly.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateFeb 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.

Respiratory syncytial virus vaccine enters clinical testing

A Phase 1 clinical trial is underway to test the safety and tolerability of an RSV vaccine in healthy adults. The study aims to assess the vaccine's ability to prompt an immune response and reduce the burden of this important disease.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 22, 2017

Personalized skin lotions keep disease-causing bacteria at bay

Researchers discovered two new antibiotics in harmless skin bacteria that effectively fought off Staphylococcus aureus, a common cause of skin infections. Personalized lotions with these friendly bacteria prevented colonization in patients with Atopic Dermatitis, offering a potential solution to frequent skin infections.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 22, 2017

Transplanting good bacteria to kill Staph

Researchers isolated and grew good bacteria with antimicrobial properties to treat atopic dermatitis. The treatment successfully reduced Staphylococcus aureus on the skin, offering a new approach to managing the condition.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 22, 2017

Scientists decipher the nanoscale architecture of a beetle's shell

Researchers have revealed the nanoscale architecture of a beetle's exoskeleton, composed of chitin fibers with unique twisting patterns. The discovery could lead to the development of lighter, stronger materials for various applications, including reducing drag in vehicles and airplanes.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateFeb 22, 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.

Researchers uncover brain circuitry central to reward-seeking behavior

In a groundbreaking study, UNC School of Medicine scientists have uncovered the brain circuitry behind reward-seeking behavior, revealing two distinct populations of prefrontal neurons that promote or suppress motivation. The research has major implications for understanding addiction, depression, and other neuropsychiatric disorders.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature·DateFeb 22, 2017

Fighting malnutrition with education

Scientists propose three main areas to fight malnutrition: Basic Nutrition focusing on nutrient science, Applied Nutrition on population health and wellbeing, and Clinical Nutrition on diagnosis and treatment. The goal is a better integration of knowledge in healthcare professionals' daily practice.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·DateFeb 22, 2017

Headache far more common stroke symptom in children than adults

A new study reveals that headaches are a far more frequent symptom of stroke in children than adults. Headache was reported in 6% of children under age 3 and 46% of those 3 or older, according to the research presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2017.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 22, 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.

Measuring patients' muscles to predict chemotherapy side effects

A tool developed at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center can help doctors identify patients at high risk for toxic side effects from chemotherapy. Researchers found that low measures of muscle quality and quantity are linked to serious side effects, including hospitalizations.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateFeb 22, 2017

Northwestern anthropologist receives grant to measure water insecurity

A new £250,000 grant will support the development of a cross-cultural scale to assess household water insecurity globally. The researchers aim to create a reliable method to measure how many people are affected by not having enough water for daily activities, with potential impacts on mental and physical health, economic productivity, ...

SourceNorthwestern University·DateFeb 22, 2017

What's the buzz on bee parasites?

The genome of the parasitic mite Tropilaelaps mercedesae has been sequenced to better understand its interaction with honey bees and develop effective control strategies. The study revealed specific features in the mite genome shaped by its parasitic life history, highlighting the need for new targets in controlling the mites.

SourceGigaScience·JournalGigaScience·DateFeb 22, 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.

First detection of an artemisinin-resistant malaria parasite contracted in Africa

Scientists have detected an artemisinin-resistant malaria parasite originating from West Africa for the first time in Africa, posing a significant threat to malaria control efforts. The finding confirms that the parasite carries a new mutation in the Kelch13 gene, which is the primary driver of resistance in Southeast Asia.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 22, 2017