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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 430


Page 430 of 461
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

New Cheyenne supercomputer triples scientific capability with greater efficiency

The new Cheyenne supercomputer provides a major tool for advancing understanding of the atmospheric and related Earth system sciences. Scientists will use it to study phenomena such as wildfires and seismic activity, leading to better protecting society from natural disasters.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·DateJan 30, 2017

A glitch in 'gatekeeper cells' slowly suffocates the brain

Researchers discovered that abnormality with gatekeeper cells, which surround blood vessels in the brain, leads to neuron deterioration and possible influence on Alzheimer's disease. Pericyte degeneration restricts blood flow and oxygen supply to active areas of the brain.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJan 30, 2017

Researchers identify mechanism in chikungunya virus that controls infection and severity

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health identified a mechanism by which the chikungunya virus controls infection severity. The study found that all alphaviruses and coronaviruses may work in the same way, and that breaking a specific protein bond can prevent viral replication.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 30, 2017

Super-sizing world's nature havens would add people to valued species list

A group of scientists is recommending giving the world's nature reserves a makeover to defend not only flora and fauna but also people. The authors propose clusters of nature reserves that would foster connectivity and permit human activity, potentially garnering more local and national support for protected areas.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 30, 2017

First-ever GPS data release to boost space-weather science

Researchers now have unprecedented access to space-weather data from 23 GPS satellites, measuring charged particles and their impact on satellite operation. This data helps answer key questions about space weather events, enabling improved forecasting models.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalSpace Weather·DateJan 30, 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.

Anticancer properties of mono/di-halogenated coumarins

Researchers synthesized mono/di-halogenated coumarins and evaluated their anticancer activity against UACC-62, MCF-7, and PBM cell lines. The test compounds CMRN1-CMRN7 strongly suppressed cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in cancer cells.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalAnti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry·DateJan 30, 2017

Vitamin B12: Power broker to the microbes

Scientists have found that vitamin B12 controls 41 different proteins in a bacterium, regulating folate, ubiquinone, and methionine metabolism. This discovery highlights the importance of B12 in shaping microbial communities and their impact on human health.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 30, 2017

Unraveling the mystery of why cancer cells survive and thrive

Researchers at Jackson Laboratory have identified a newly discovered telomere maintenance mechanism that enables cancer cells to survive and thrive. The study found that most cancer cells reactivate telomerase through TERT transcription, but the exact mechanisms behind this process remained unclear until now.

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 30, 2017

Bag-like sea creature was humans' oldest known ancestor

A microscopic, bag-like sea creature called Saccorhytus, discovered in China, is believed to be the earliest known step on an evolutionary path that led to humans. Its primitive features, including a large mouth and absence of an anus, have provided new insights into human evolution.

SourceSt. John's College, University of Cambridge·JournalNature·DateJan 30, 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.

Kidney function in stroke patients associated with short-term outcomes

A study found that patients with renal dysfunction upon admission are more likely to die while hospitalized and have lower chances of being discharged home. Those with normal kidney function have better short-term outcomes, according to the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) test.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalStroke·DateJan 30, 2017

Fighting age-related fibrosis to keep organs young

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have identified a potential therapeutic solution for age-related fibrosis by pinpointing the gene responsible for the condition. Deletion of the PAD4 gene has been shown to curb fibrosis in mice, reducing organ dysfunction and improving heart function.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJan 30, 2017

New study shows mindfulness motivates people to make healthier choices

A new study at the University of Pennsylvania found that people who are more mindful are more likely to change their behavior in response to health messages. Mindful individuals react less negatively to health advice, leading to increased exercise motivation and healthier choices.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalMindfulness·DateJan 30, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Engineered intrinsically disordered proteins provide biomedical insights

Researchers have engineered biomimetic structures from mysterious class of disordered proteins, enabling controlled self-assembly and disassembly. This breakthrough will facilitate thorough studies of these proteins and their cellular function, leading to new opportunities for biomedical applications.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJan 30, 2017

UTHealth study: 78 percent of hospital workers in Houston are overweight or obese

A recent UTHealth study found that 78 percent of hospital employees in Houston are overweight or obese. Despite a generally low intake of fruits and vegetables, participants showed significant differences in daily consumption patterns between normal weight, overweight, and obese groups.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateJan 30, 2017

Preventing blood clots with a new metric for heart function

Researchers developed a new metric to predict blood clots in the left ventricle, which is more accurate than current methods. The E-wave propagation index can be calculated using standard diagnostic tools and clinical procedures, and has been validated with data from patients who experienced post-heart attack blood clots.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalInternational Journal of Cardiology·DateJan 30, 2017

Discovery of new fossil from half billion years ago sheds light on life on Earth

Scientists have discovered a new species of 'unfossilizable' loriciferans, a type of animal so small it was considered impossible to find fossils of. The fossils date back to the late Cambrian Period, around half a billion years ago, and provide insight into early animal evolution and ecosystem diversity.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJan 30, 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.

Study reveals substantial evidence of holographic universe

Researchers have found substantial evidence supporting a holographic explanation for the universe's irregularities, as much as there is for traditional theory of cosmic inflation. A holographic universe is one where all information is contained in a 2D surface on its boundaries.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 30, 2017

Natural World Heritage Sites hammered by human activities

A University of Queensland-led study warns that over 100 Natural World Heritage Sites are being destroyed by encroaching human activities, with 63% experiencing increased Human Footprint over the past two decades. The most impacted sites were found in Asia, including India and Indonesia, which have suffered significant deforestation.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalBiological Conservation·DateJan 30, 2017

Low back pain in school-aged children a common occurrence

School-aged children experience low back pain due to musculoskeletal overuse or trauma, with a correlation between competition level and risk. Preventive measures include pre-season sports conditioning programs and rest, helping reduce injuries and long-term risk of low back pain.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJan 30, 2017

New ocean observations improve understanding of motion

Researchers have discovered that geostrophic balance becomes invalid at smaller scales, making sea level data unreliable for calculating ocean circulation. At high resolution, sea level can accurately calculate circulation in areas with persistent eddies, but not in areas dominated by internal waves.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 30, 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.

Gulf shrimp prices reveal hidden economic impact of dead zones

A new Duke-led analysis reveals that hypoxic dead zones in the Gulf of Mexico drive up the price of large shrimp relative to smaller sizes, causing economic ripples for consumers, fishermen, and seafood markets. The study provides the first evidence linking Gulf hypoxia to economic impacts.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 30, 2017

Heart failure survival rates show no improvement

A new study published in Family Practice found that heart failure survival rates have not improved since 1998. The research team analyzed medical records from over 54,000 patients with heart failure and found varying survival rates based on age, gender, health conditions, and blood pressure.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalFamily Practice·DateJan 30, 2017

Practice makes perfect, and 'overlearning' locks it in

A Brown University study finds that overlearning visual perception tasks strengthens learning and prevents interference, while a longer break between tasks allows for similar performance on both. The study suggests that a temporary shift in neurotransmitter balance is key to the effect of overlearning.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJan 30, 2017

How X-rays in matter create genetoxic low-energy electrons

Researchers at Tohoku University identified a new mechanism producing low-energy free electrons from X-ray absorption in matter. The process, known as Electron Transfer Mediated Decay, involves rapid charge redistribution over multiple atomic sites.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 30, 2017

Too many Bambi are bad for the forest

Researchers found that areas with high deer numbers tend to have fewer birds that rely on forest shrubs for nesting and hunting. This is because white-tailed deer eat away at these plants, leading to a decline in songbird populations such as the Hooded Warbler and Prairie Warbler.

SourceAmerican Ornithological Society Publications Office·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·DateJan 30, 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.

Milestone for the analysis of human proteomes

A major milestone in proteomics research has been achieved with the creation of a vast library of over 330,000 synthetic peptides representing all canonical human proteins. This achievement is expected to enhance protein identification and quantification by alleviating current issues in this field.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Methods·DateJan 30, 2017

Antibiotics can boost bacterial reproduction

Researchers at the University of Exeter found that antibiotics can boost bacterial reproduction in E.coli, leading to increased resistance and faster mutation rates. The study discovered that mutated bacteria reproduced faster than before encountering antibiotics and formed populations three times larger due to mutations.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJan 30, 2017

Epigenetic diversity in childhood cancer

Researchers found that Ewing sarcoma tumors display unique DNA methylation patterns, which influence gene activity and can lead to different outcomes. The study's results provide insights into the biology of Ewing sarcoma and may lead to personalized therapies with fewer side effects.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 30, 2017

How to to bring lithium-air batteries closer to practice

Researchers from Lomonosov Moscow State University have found that electrochemical oxygen reduction in lithium-air batteries is plagued by side reactions, limiting recharge cycles. The team identified defect sites in carbon electrodes as a key factor in the reaction's progression.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateJan 30, 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.

Patient study suggests broader genetic testing for colorectal cancer risk

A recent study among over 1000 colorectal cancer patients found that about 10% carry mutations associated with increased cancer susceptibility. The research recommends genetic testing for all patients to identify these risks and prevent future cases. This expanded approach could also benefit at-risk family members by providing earlier ...

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJan 30, 2017

Trials examine immune drug's potential to treat different forms of vasculitis

Researchers investigated the use of abatacept, an immune cell modulator, in treating two rare forms of vasculitis: giant cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu's arteritis. The studies found promising results for GCA patients, with improved relapse-free survival rates and longer duration of remission compared to placebo.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateJan 30, 2017

Both push and pull drive our galaxy's race through space

A new study confirms that galaxies are being pushed away from a previously unknown region of low density, called the Dipole Repeller. This region exerts a repelling force on our Local Group of galaxies, suggesting that push and pull forces are equally important.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJan 30, 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.

Deciphering the emergence of neuronal diversity

Neuroscientists at the University of Geneva have identified three main sub-groups of inhibitory interneurons in the cortex by analyzing cell-type specific genes and their expression patterns. These findings will aid in understanding neuro-developmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 30, 2017

URMC drug extends effectiveness of HIV therapy

A new drug developed at the University of Rochester Medical Center extends HIV therapy effectiveness by unleashing a cell's protective machinery on the virus. When combined with nanoformulated antiretroviral drugs, URMC-099 lifts the brakes on autophagy, allowing cells to digest any remaining virus.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 30, 2017

New translation opens a window into the world of the 'father of genetics'

A new translation of Mendel's 1866 paper reveals a more engaged and influenced scientist, with connections to contemporary theories of evolution. The work offers insights into the creation of genetics and challenges long-held debates among philosophers and historians.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBulletin of the British Society for the History of Science·DateJan 30, 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.

Animal genetics: The bovine heritage of the yak

Genomic analyses reveal that Mongolian yaks are derived from cattle, with a genetic heritage of about 1.5% of their genome coming from domesticated cattle. The study also found that yak breeders selected for polledness in the early stages of domestication, leading to the loss of horns and exploiting this trait worldwide.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 30, 2017

High-altitude living decreases the risk of heart disease

A study published in Frontiers in Physiology found that people living at higher altitudes (457-2297 meters) had a lower risk of developing Metabolic Syndrome, which contributes to heart disease and diabetes. The research suggests that high-altitude living may help improve heart and lung function, insulin sensitivity, and weight loss.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateJan 30, 2017

Where are the tools for scientific writing?

Researchers face challenges in scientific writing due to lack of support for highly specialized areas. A recent study surveyed common tools and identified key features that could be used to construct a system for production engineering.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Business Innovation and Research·DateJan 30, 2017

Viral protein transforms as it measures out DNA

Researchers discovered a viral protein that transforms its structure when interacting with DNA, acting like a sensor to measure out appropriate lengths. This finding reveals a potential drug target for human herpesviruses and offers a new therapeutic strategy.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 30, 2017
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Scientists unravel the process of meltwater in ocean depths

Researchers found that Earth's rotation affects meltwater behavior, keeping it at depths of several hundred meters. The team measured turbulence in meltwater as it flowed out of a cave beneath the Pine Island Glacier and used a VMP23 to detect subtle fluctuations in water.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature·DateJan 30, 2017

Study of mice shows protein in womb plays lifelong role in bone health

Researchers at the University of Missouri found that limiting maternal myostatin levels improved bone strength and density in mice with osteogenesis imperfecta. The study suggests a potential therapeutic approach to treating brittle bone disease.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 30, 2017

Kids should pay more attention to mistakes, study suggests

A new study by Michigan State University researchers found that children with a growth mindset tend to focus more on their mistakes and improve their performance after errors. In contrast, children with a fixed mindset can also recover from mistakes if they pay close attention to the errors.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalDevelopmental Cognitive Neuroscience·DateJan 30, 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.

A better way to farm algae

A new technology for energy-efficient cultivation and harvesting of microalgae has been developed by Bendy Estime, improving growth rates up to 10 times larger than traditional methods. The Tris-Acetate-Phosphate-Pluronic medium allows algae to grow in clusters without sticking to container walls, eliminating the need for constant stir...

SourceSyracuse University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 30, 2017

We dislike hypocrites because they deceive us

Research shows people prefer those who openly admit bad behavior over hypocrites who condemn it, as the former provides genuine moral insight. Participants viewed hypocritical characters more positively when they condemned bad behavior without direct information about their moral behavior.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 30, 2017

School bullying linked to lower academic achievement, research finds

A long-term study tracked hundreds of children from kindergarten through high school, finding that chronic bullying was related to lower academic achievement and less engagement in school. Some children were able to recover from bullying if it decreased, revealing a hopeful message.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Educational Psychology·DateJan 30, 2017

Don't be so hard on yourself! UBC study on first-year student stress

A UBC study found that students with higher levels of self-compassion felt more energetic and optimistic during their first semester. Self-compassion interventions can help mitigate psychological stress by enhancing autonomy, competence, and relatedness, leading to improved well-being.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateJan 30, 2017

Cardiovascular disease-related hospital admissions jump on second day after major snowfall

A new study found that hospital admissions for cardiovascular diseases decline on snowy days but surge 23% two days later, according to a Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study. The researchers analyzed data from four major Boston hospitals and found cold-weather-related disease admissions increased by 3.7% on high snowfall days.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateJan 30, 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.

Nature-based sunscreens

Scientists have introduced a new family of UVA and UVB filters inspired by natural sunscreen substances found in algae and cyanobacteria. These molecules are highly stable, enhance commercial sunscreen effectiveness, and offer improved sun protection factor.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 30, 2017