A team of scientists has conducted the largest genome-wide association study on proteomics to date, revealing 539 associations between protein levels and genetic variants in complex diseases. The study found these associations overlap with risk genes for 42 complex conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's disease.
SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 16, 2017
The five researchers were honored for their accomplishments in chemical engineering, energy and minerals engineering, environmental engineering and computer science. They also received recognition for mentoring young women scientists in their respective countries.
A study by Kanazawa and Still found that healthier and more intelligent people, as well as those with better personality traits, tend to earn higher salaries. In contrast, the 'ugliness premium' theory suggests that physically unattractive individuals earn less.
SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Business and Psychology·DateFeb 16, 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.
A new study maps where US patients appear more ill than they are, highlighting the impact of diagnostic intensity on population health. Researchers found that areas with more aggressive medical practices tend to have higher health scores, while less aggressive areas have lower scores.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 16, 2017
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that PARP-1 enzyme plays a crucial role in inhibiting fat cell formation and maintaining embryonic stem cells. The study highlights the importance of PARP-1 in normal physiological processes and its potential as a target for treating metabolic disorders.
SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalMolecular Cell·DateFeb 16, 2017
Fin whales employ a two-tiered nesting structure to safeguard their nerves during feeding dives. The folded nerves develop 'bending stretches' that could damage them, prompting the development of this intricate mechanism.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 16, 2017
A study published in The Cryosphere shows the Alps could lose up to 70% of snow cover by the end of the century unless global warming is kept below 2°C. However, if emissions are controlled, the reduction would be limited to 30% by 2100.
SourceEuropean Geosciences Union·JournalThe Cryosphere·DateFeb 16, 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.
Researchers created a model showing the progression from normal blood cells to leukemia, allowing for testing of therapeutic interventions at each stage. The model enabled the transplantation of leukemia from humans to mice, paving the way for valuable research into therapies for blood cancer patients.
SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateFeb 16, 2017
A new AI-based diagnosis technique uses functional and structural brain imaging to identify affected regions in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's patients. The study, published in International Journal of Neural Systems, shows promising results with high accuracy rates.
SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalInternational Journal of Neural Systems·DateFeb 16, 2017
Researchers found that DEET and PMD-based sprays were the most effective at repelling Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, while wearable devices showed little to no effect. The study tested five wearable devices and five spray-on repellents, concluding that consumers should seek out the most effective products to avoid mosquito bites.
SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Insect Science·DateFeb 16, 2017
Scientists have successfully converted mouse alpha cells into insulin-producing beta cells by blocking the expression of two specific genes. The research suggests that this natural flexibility in cell fate may be exploited to develop a new therapeutic approach for Type 1 diabetes.
SourceStanford Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateFeb 16, 2017
Researchers found a single compressed stent produces a denser mesh than two overlapping stents, covering at least half of the aneurysm opening. The technique is more effective for large necked saccular aneurysms.
SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalAmerican Journal of Neuroradiology·DateFeb 16, 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.
A study at Aalto University aims to reduce societal polarization by connecting people with opposing views on Twitter. The algorithm suggests bridges between users of opposing sides, such as Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, to provide recommendations about who to retweet.
Scientists at Trinity College Dublin discovered how cancers hijack the immune system's wound-healing response to receive help. They found that a molecule called TRAIL can be re-wired in certain tumors to send an inflammatory signal, tricking the immune system into assisting cancer growth.
SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalMolecular Cell·DateFeb 16, 2017
Researchers developed a method called quasistatic cavity resonance (QSCR) that enables wireless power transmission throughout a room. This technology can charge multiple devices simultaneously, including smartphones, fans, and lights, using near-field standing magnetic waves.
A new class of antibiotic daptomycin is effective and well-tolerated in children, offering a safe alternative to vancomycin for treating invasive MRSA skin infections. The study found no evidence of daptomycin toxicity, making it a promising option for pediatric patients.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateFeb 16, 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.
Researchers found that a specific mutation in hemoglobin makes it selectively bind to carbon monoxide from cigarette smoke, preventing oxidation and anemia. The father's smoking habit prevents him from developing the disease, while his daughter requires treatment with antioxidants to manage her condition.
SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 16, 2017
A novel gene therapy technique, called charge-altering releasable transporters (CARTs), has been developed to deliver messenger RNA (mRNA) into cells. This method overcomes the challenge of delivering mRNA through cell membranes and shows promise for treating diseases by inserting therapeutic proteins.
SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 16, 2017
The Children's National Health System has received a prestigious Clinical and Translational Science Award, worth $24 million, to break down research barriers and foster innovative pediatric-focused translational research. The partnership enables the translation of research into real-life improvements in child health, addressing various...
A new study from Michigan Medicine identifies a protein in the microenvironment of metastatic breast cancer cells that promotes their spread. The researchers found that this protein, DDR2, plays a key role in fueling the growth and migration of cancer cells, and that inhibiting it may prevent metastasis.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 16, 2017
Researchers have used gene therapy to treat Fabry disease, a rare inherited enzyme deficiency that can damage major organs and shorten lifespan. The treatment involves transplanted altered stem cells with copies of the fully functional gene responsible for the missing enzyme.
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.
A UAlberta study found that AC253 improves memory and learning in mice with Alzheimer's-like symptoms, reducing amyloid levels and inflammation in the brain. Further studies are needed to optimize dosage and effectiveness.
SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·DateFeb 16, 2017
Researchers develop a pipeline to power fast and accurate image processing for precision medicine. The platform combines the imaging capabilities of Philips MRI scanners with the processing power of Stampede supercomputer.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateFeb 16, 2017
Researchers find that mosquito mesh is a cost-effective alternative to commercial mesh for groin hernia repair. The study's lead author advocates for further research on implementation, safety, and training to bring high-quality surgery to millions of people in need.
A single high-fat meal can reduce the body's sensitivity to insulin, leading to increased fat deposits in the liver and changes in energy metabolism. This study found that even a small amount of palm oil triggers insulin resistance, which can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease.
SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 16, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A new study found that patients with moderate anxiety or depression are at a higher risk of experiencing wound-related complications after surgery. The likelihood of such complications is 1.17- to 1.20-times greater for these patients, emphasizing the need for preoperative assessment of psychological state.
A team of geographers has developed a methodology to measure aboveground woody biomass in savannahs, with results showing significant changes in the ecosystem. The study found that some areas of Kruger National Park's savannah are experiencing declining biomass due to elephant activity, not human impact.
SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalForests·DateFeb 16, 2017
Researchers from the University of Warwick have discovered that establishing a daily vaccination capacity can effectively control and eradicate foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks. By tailoring controls to this number, the UK could save up to £50 million and spare around 200,000 animals from culling.
SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateFeb 16, 2017
Researchers compared stereotactic radiosurgery to whole-brain radiation for metastatic brain tumors and found that targeted therapy reduces cognitive decline and increases median survival rate by 218 days
SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalCureus·DateFeb 16, 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 facial recognition system, LemurFaceID, identifies over 100 individual lemurs with 98.7% accuracy, providing a rapid and cost-effective method for long-term research of endangered species. This technology also offers a humane alternative to capture and collar methods.
SourceMichigan State University·JournalBMC Zoology·DateFeb 16, 2017
A Duke University study found people in rural Madagascar get shorter, poorer sleep than those in the US or Europe, but compensate by having a more consistent sleep schedule. Despite disrupted rest due to noise and light, participants reported being happy with their sleep.
SourceDuke University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Biology·DateFeb 16, 2017
Desert ants have an internal navigation system that allows them to measure distance by recording steps taken and orient themselves using the sun. In a lab experiment, researchers created a spherical treadmill for the ants to navigate on, showing high precision in their navigation skills.
SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateFeb 16, 2017
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a laboratory-scale system that produces green hydrogen at relatively low temperatures, capturing CO2 emissions. The CO2/H2 Active Membrane Piston (CHAMP) reactor can be scaled up or down to meet specific needs and operates more slowly than conventional engines.
SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry Research·DateFeb 16, 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.
A double-blind, randomized clinical trial found that patients treated with naproxen and placebo had outcomes as good as those treated with naproxen and diazepam (Valium) for acute lower back pain. By three months after visiting the emergency department, most patients had recovered completely regardless of treatment.
SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateFeb 16, 2017
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a multi-drug resistant microbe causing severe infections with mortality rates of 25-60 percent. Researchers have identified the underlying molecular explanations preventing treatment, highlighting the need for innovative solutions to counteract its effects.
SourceQueen's University Belfast·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateFeb 16, 2017
Researchers discovered that macrophages transmit messages between non-immune cells, such as pigment cells in fish, to facilitate complex patterns like stripes. This unique function of macrophages suggests they may play a broader role in intercellular communication, affecting tissue development, regeneration, and cancer.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·DateFeb 16, 2017
The Bladder Cancer Funding Analyzer (BCFA) offers a free service to analyze funding streams and trends, facilitating better understanding of research organizations' funding portfolios. Researchers can access the BCFA at no charge on the BLC website.
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.
A study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy reveals that epidermicin is as effective as mupirocin in eradicating MRSA from cotton rats' nostrils. The results justify further development of epidermicin as an alternative to existing antimicrobial agents.
SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalJournal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy·DateFeb 16, 2017
Researchers found that high consumption of saturated fatty acids and animal fat increased the risk of type 2 diabetes by twofold. The study also showed that substituting saturated fats with vegetable sources like olive oil and nuts can help prevent chronic diseases.
SourceUniversitat Rovira i Virgili·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateFeb 16, 2017
Researchers have discovered a new pathway that likely plays an important role in rejection following kidney transplantation. The findings suggest that targeting specific immune cells or signaling pathways may help prevent tissue scarring.
SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 16, 2017
Researchers at San Diego State University have developed glassy carbon electrodes that transmit more robust signals to restore motion in people with damaged spinal cords. This innovation improves durability and signal quality, enabling better motor function restoration.
SourceSan Diego State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 16, 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.
Researchers discovered how bacteria build new cell walls by 'treadmilling', adding material to the front and removing it from the rear. This process allows for rapid cell division, with new cell walls constructed in just 10-15 minutes.
SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalScience·DateFeb 16, 2017
Researchers at McGill University have discovered that targeting the biological clock in cancer cells can inhibit tumor growth. By 'repairing' the malfunctioning clock, tumors grew nearly half as fast as those without such intervention, suggesting a potential new way to treat cancer in humans.
The PHIA Project's survey results reveal extraordinary progress in confronting the HIV epidemic in Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Zambia. The rate of new infections is stabilizing or declining, with more than half of all adults living with HIV having a suppressed viral load.
SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·DateFeb 16, 2017
A new study reveals that nectar-feeding moths can avoid oxidative damage to their muscles by converting carbohydrates into antioxidants. The researchers found that the moths rely on the pentose phosphate pathway to produce antioxidants, a mechanism that may be shared with other animals, including humans.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 16, 2017
The NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite captured a night-time image of the ex-tropical cyclone, showing it had become elongated as it weakened. The storm is expected to continue weakening as it tracks further inland on February 16, bringing heavy rain and localized flooding to parts of South Africa.
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Students in Ohio's online charter schools outperform their peers in brick-and-mortar schools, with lower academic achievement and higher dropout rates. The study suggests that self-directed learning without teacher presence hinders student success.
SourceNew York University·JournalEducational Researcher·DateFeb 16, 2017
A Dartmouth-led study finds that roads trigger rapid evolutionary changes in wild populations, with some species adapting to pollutants and others becoming maladapted. This shift is transforming scientists' views of the biological impacts of roads on ecosystems.
SourceDartmouth College·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateFeb 16, 2017
Researchers at Emory University's Winship Cancer Institute have mapped a vast network of interactions between cancer proteins, revealing new ways to target cells with mutations. This approach identified a potential link between FDA-approved drug palbociclib and a commonly mutated gene in lung cancer cells.
SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 16, 2017
The ethics of gene editing is being explored in a session at the AAAS annual meeting, examining concerns beyond safety, such as modifying the human germline, parental relationships, and respect for persons with disability. Experts will discuss new technologies and their social and ethical implications.
A study on female Diacamma ants reveals that gene expression patterns primarily determine caste differentiation in nutrition-related genes. The research found that only a small number of genes differentiate the reproductive and worker castes, supporting the idea that increased energy requirement may drive eusociality evolution.
SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateFeb 16, 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.
A new study reveals that preferential trade agreements can enhance global commodity trade growth, but at the cost of reducing its resilience to economic shocks. The research highlights the need for policymakers to consider both short-term and long-term growth and resilience in their decision-making.
SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 16, 2017
Chronic exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles can decrease the ability of small intestine cells to absorb nutrients and act as a barrier to pathogens. This can lead to slowed metabolism and increased difficulty in absorbing certain nutrients like iron, zinc, and fatty acids.
SourceBinghamton University·JournalNanoImpact·DateFeb 16, 2017
Scientists and engineers must communicate their work's potential impacts to the public and use their expertise to advance societal goals. Iowa State University is working to help researchers succeed in broader impacts activities, including public engagement.
Researchers created an algorithm to understand how the brain combines auditory and visual speech cues, shedding light on the McGurk effect. The findings will help improve speech perception in patients with deficits and enhance hearing in devices.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateFeb 16, 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.
Scientists have detected aliphatic organic compounds on Ceres, suggesting that they formed on the asteroid itself. The findings indicate that the extreme heat from an impact would have destroyed these types of compounds, ruling out external delivery.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 16, 2017
A study by Toyohashi University of Technology found that general air conditioner airflow can influence sleep conditions, even at low velocities. The research suggests customized airflow settings may help create a comfortable sleeping environment.
SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalEnergy and Buildings·DateFeb 16, 2017
A new test using peripheral vision reaction time can identify mild traumatic brain injury with underlying brain damage, leading to earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment. The test is an objective, inexpensive, and rapid assessment that detects patients with a severe underlying injury.
SourceSUNY Downstate Health Science University·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateFeb 16, 2017
Researchers at UT Dallas have created a miniaturized atomic force microscope on a chip, reducing the size and potential cost of the device. This breakthrough technology has the potential to expand the instrument's utility beyond current scientific applications, including the semiconductor industry.
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
Researchers discovered that brown recluse spiders use a micro looping technique to make their threads stronger than other spiders, with the added benefit of preventing premature breakage. This technique could lead to new fibre technology inspired by the spider's silk, potentially improving impact absorbing structures in space travel.
SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalMaterials Horizons·DateFeb 15, 2017