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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 40


Page 40 of 461

Cancer drug starts clinical trials in human brain-cancer patients

PAC-1, a cancer drug that targets procaspase-3, has been approved for use in a phase Ib trial of patients with anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma multiforme. The drug has shown promise in pet dogs with brain cancers and is being tested in combination with temozolomide.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateNov 27, 2017

Neuroimaging of soccer fans' brain reveals neural basis of ingroup altruistic motivation

Researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate the neural basis of team-related altruism in soccer fans. The study found that brain areas involved in decision-making and values, such as the medial orbitofrontal cortex, showed increased activity when donations were targeted to fans of the same soccer club.

SourceD'Or Institute for Research and Education·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 27, 2017

Johns Hopkins biologist leads team that unlocks mystery of protein function

A team of scientists led by Johns Hopkins University biologist Vincent Hilser has cracked the mystery of proteins that emerged as a distinct type less than 30 years ago. They discovered how these 'intrinsically disordered proteins' regulate their activities and interact with other proteins, constituting the majority of proteins involve...

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateNov 27, 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.

Parental diet affects offspring immunity: Meta-analysis

A meta-analysis of hundreds of studies found a close relationship between parents' diet and offspring immunity across various animal species. The study suggests that poor nutrition can negatively impact disease resistance and that the effects of a parental diet can be inherited and maintained in offspring even on a normal diet.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalBiological Reviews·DateNov 27, 2017

MS patients who adhere to treatment have higher health costs-and better outcomes

Patients with multiple sclerosis who adhere to medication schedules experience significantly better physical outcomes, including reduced disease impact and disability. However, their overall healthcare costs are higher due to more frequent hospitalizations and medical appointments.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateNov 27, 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.

Batteries with better performance and improved safety

Researchers from Empa and UNIGE have developed a new battery prototype that stores more energy while maintaining high safety levels. The battery uses a solid electrolyte and metallic sodium, which enables faster charging and increased storage capacity.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateNov 27, 2017

Price changes for seven foods could save thousands of lives per year, study says

A new study suggests that altering prices of seven dietary items could prevent an estimated 23,000 deaths per year in the US. The study found that subsidies for healthy foods and taxes on unhealthy foods could reduce deaths from stroke, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, especially among Americans with lower socioeconomic status.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalBMC Medicine·DateNov 27, 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.

Ambush in a petri dish

A team of researchers from Friedrich Schiller University Jena and the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology has made a groundbreaking discovery about the chemical communication between algae and bacteria. The study reveals that a specific lipopeptide, orfamide A, plays a central role in this process.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 27, 2017

Flip side of innovation: What causes doctors to scale back on the use of medical practices

Researchers at The Dartmouth Institute found that physicians with more experience and certain specialties tend to slow the use of carotid revascularization procedures. Despite evidence showing these procedures don't benefit older or symptom-free patients, decline rates remained inconsistent across specialties.

SourceThe Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 27, 2017

Amputees can learn to control a robotic arm with their minds

Researchers have discovered that amputees can rewire their brains to control a robotic arm through electrodes implanted in the brain. The study found that chronic amputees can create new connections between brain areas, even years after an amputation, and that these connections become more robust with training.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 27, 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.

Tracking down genetic influences on brain disorders

New findings help clarify genetic influence on brain disorders by analyzing 3 million genomic locations, revealing links to schizophrenia and other disorders. The study identifies specific variable locations in the genome that affect gene expression and DNA methylation.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 27, 2017

Researchers first to unlock key molecular mystery of premature aging syndromes

Researchers have discovered a molecular commonality between two progeroid syndromes and introduced a method for disease recognition that could lead to breakthroughs in therapy. By characterizing disruptions in DNA replication timing, the team identified a shared abnormality in the gene TP63.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 27, 2017

New technique can detect impurities in ground beef within minutes

Researchers at University of British Columbia developed a method to identify unwanted animal products in ground beef with 99% accuracy. The technique uses a laser-equipped spectrometer and statistical analysis to determine the presence and concentration of offal in meat samples.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 27, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Holding infants -- or not -- can leave traces on their genes

A study published in Development and Psychopathology found that infants who experienced higher distress and received less physical contact had an underdeveloped molecular profile compared to those with more comfortable interaction. This effect was detectable four years later, pointing to the possibility of slower epigenetic aging.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalDevelopment and Psychopathology·DateNov 27, 2017

New studies show brain impact of youth football

Youth football players undergo brain changes, including alterations in the default mode network, after a single season of play. This study suggests that repeated subconcussive impacts can have a lasting effect on brain health.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 27, 2017

New strategy for multiple myeloma immunotherapy

Researchers at Osaka University developed a new strategy for multiple myeloma immunotherapy by identifying a novel therapeutic target, MMG49, specifically recognizing integrin β7. The resulting CAR-T treatment showed anti-MM effects without damaging normal blood cells.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 27, 2017

Fear of sharks influences seaweed growth on Fijian coral reefs

Researchers found that sharks alter the feeding behavior of algae-eating fish, affecting where seaweeds grow on Fijian coral reefs. This change creates a trophic cascade, with seaweed flourishing on top of the reef during high tide when predators are present.

SourceBigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 27, 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.

Radiology offers clues in cases of domestic abuse and sexual assault

A study presented at the Radiological Society of North America annual meeting found characteristic injuries among patients referred to domestic abuse and sexual assault programs. These injuries, including soft tissue injuries and extremity fractures, can alert radiologists to potential intimate partner violence. The findings suggest a ...

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 27, 2017

Scientists identify key factors that help microbes thrive in harsh environments

Three new studies have identified key proteins in microbes found in extremely salty environments, enabling them to survive in cold, dry conditions. These findings have applications in green biotechnology and could lead to the removal of toxic contaminants like perchlorate from groundwater.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 27, 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.

Glyphosate renewal approved

The European Union has approved the renewal of glyphosate for five years, recognizing its importance in maintaining food production and affordability. However, experts emphasize the need to balance this decision with reducing pesticide use and finding alternative weed control methods.

SourceRothamsted Research·DateNov 27, 2017

New HIV guidelines outline prevention strategies for high-risk populations

The new guidelines, published in CMAJ, endorse pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) as highly effective strategies to prevent HIV infection. These biomedical interventions should be used alongside behavioral interventions like condoms and risk reduction counseling.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 27, 2017

Changes in bacterial mix linked to antibiotics increase risk for inflammatory bowel disease

Research suggests that antibiotic use in mothers may alter the microbiome of their offspring, increasing the risk for inflammatory bowel disease. The study, published in Nature Microbiology, found that exposure to antibiotics can change the mix of bacterial species in maternal microbes, which are then passed on to their children.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Microbiology·DateNov 27, 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.

Trigger for most common form of vision loss discovered

A recent study published in Nature Medicine has identified a critical trigger for the damaging inflammation that causes macular degeneration. The enzyme cGAS plays a key role in detecting foreign DNA and is activated in the dry form of age-related macular degeneration, leading to vision loss.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 27, 2017

New method benchmarks organic mixed conductors

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a novel framework to benchmark and compare the performances of organic mixed conductors. By using electrochemical transistors, they evaluated the strengths and weaknesses of 10 newly developed materials, identifying top-performing conductors for specific applications.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 27, 2017

Soil researchers quantify an underappreciated factor in carbon release to the atmosphere

A study by UMass Amherst researchers reveals that anaerobic microsites play a significant role in stabilizing soil carbon, contrary to previous assumptions. The team's findings suggest that these oxygen-free zones can protect up to 10 times more carbon from decomposition, posing a previously unrecognized threat to the global carbon cycle.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 27, 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.

Barley is flavor of the month as new study settles centuries-old brewing debate

A new study reveals that specific barley varieties contribute to beer flavor beyond the malting process, with genetics and environment playing a significant role. The research found that breeding for malting quality does not necessarily result in brewing for flavor, providing insights for future barley breeding programs.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalJournal of the American Society of Brewing Chemists·DateNov 27, 2017

UBC study finds family-friendly overpasses are needed to help grizzly bears

Researchers from UBC's Okanagan campus found that female grizzly bears with cubs prefer using wildlife overpasses to cross the highway, highlighting the importance of designing structures that prioritize bear safety. The study also suggests that a diverse range of crossing design types can help mitigate road-bear conflicts.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalWildlife Society Bulletin·DateNov 27, 2017

Cells bulge to squeeze through barriers

Researchers identify a fleeting, yet key structure that allows cells to break through tissues and spread to other parts of the body. A single protrusion bulges out from the cell surface, wedges a hole through the protective layer, and swells until the breach is wide enough for the entire cell to squeeze through.

SourceDuke University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateNov 27, 2017

Nodding raises likability and approachability

A study conducted by Hokkaido University and Yamagata University found that nodding positively affects perceived attractiveness, likability, and approachability. Nodding increased these traits by 30% and 40%, respectively, compared to head shaking or motionlessness.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalPerception·DateNov 27, 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.

New microscope sets a record for visualizing surface wetting properties

Aalto University researchers developed Scanning Droplet Adhesion Microscopy (SDAM) to understand and characterize the wetting properties of superhydrophobic materials. The microscope is 1,000 times more precise than current techniques, enabling the creation of wetting maps that reveal microscopic defects on surfaces.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 27, 2017

SWOG and Hope give veterans better access to cancer trials

The SWOG and Hope Foundation's VA Integration Support Program provides $25,000 grants to VA medical centers to enroll veterans in targeted treatments and immunotherapies. Since program launch, 95 patients have enrolled in clinical trials, a 300% increase prior to the program.

SourceSWOG·DateNov 27, 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.

Trees on fire

A new computational framework simulates each stage of tree combustion, capturing detailed geometry and effects on branches and leaves. The method efficiently models the kinetic behavior of plants and their reaction to heat release in the combustion process.

SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·DateNov 27, 2017

Drug-delivering nanoparticles seek and destroy elusive cancer stem cells

University of Illinois researchers designed nanoparticles that specifically bind to breast cancer stem cells, delivering a drug that turns off key gene pathways. The treatment significantly decreased cancer cell growth and made cancer stem cells less able to cause recurrence.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalMolecular Cancer Therapeutics·DateNov 27, 2017

As climate warms, mice morph

Biologists document changes in teeth and skull structure in two mouse species over the past 50 years, with the white-footed mouse showing more pronounced changes. The findings suggest a reversal in population proportions and highlight the consequences of climate change for small mammals.

SourceMcGill University·JournalEvolutionary Ecology·DateNov 27, 2017

Turning photos into an interactive experience

Researchers at Tel-Aviv University and Facebook develop a computational technique to animate still images with realistic facial expressions and emotions. The method enables subjects in a photo to come to life, expressing various emotions through subtle variations in facial expressions.

SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·DateNov 27, 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.

Maternal stress affects offspring growth in complicated ways

Researchers propose hypothesis that prenatal stress affects offspring in two ways: early stages leading to slow growth and later stages leading to fast growth. Study across 21 mammal species supports this idea, predicting outcomes in offspring development and performance.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 27, 2017

Structure of primary optogenetic tool revealed

An international team determined the 3-D structure of channelrhodopsin 2, a membrane protein used in optogenetics to control nerve cells. The study reveals how light manipulation can mimic nerve impulses, enabling fast and harmless cell activation.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalScience·DateNov 27, 2017

Columbia researcher develops a molecular taxonomy for hair disorders

A research team from Columbia University has developed a molecular taxonomy for hair disorders, which will help diagnose diseases affecting the hair follicles. The taxonomy was created by analyzing more than three million data points and identified nearly 5,000 biological terms shared by groups of hair genes.

SourceData Science Institute at Columbia·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 27, 2017

Large-scale approach reveals imperfect actor in plant biotechnology

A research team led by Whitehead Institute reveals how a key protein in plants can act imprecisely and how it can be successfully re-engineered to enhance specificity. The new study raises standards for bioengineering in the 21st century, using cutting-edge techniques like metabolomics.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalNature Plants·DateNov 27, 2017

SLU researchers discover BRCA cancer cells' last defense

Researchers at Saint Louis University have discovered a new defense mechanism in BRCA-deficient cancer cells that allows them to survive and thrive despite chemotherapy drugs. The study reveals the role of nucleases in degrading DNA replication forks, leading to increased chemotherapy sensitivity.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 27, 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.

Asthma in infant boys may eventually be preventable

A University of Alberta study found that infant boys born to mothers with asthma have a reduced gut microbiome, particularly lower levels of Lactobacillus, which could lead to a preventative approach to reduce the risk of asthma. The study also suggests sex-specific differences in the impact of maternal asthma on infant gut microbes.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateNov 27, 2017