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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 48


Page 48 of 461

State of CPR education in US high schools

High school students are an excellent target for CPR training, with over half of US states requiring some form of CPR training. Despite this, wide variability exists in instruction and only 2.4% of the US population is trained annually.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 20, 2017

Car, stroller, juice: Babies understand when words are related

Researchers found that babies as young as six months old can recognize relationships between words and objects, such as cars and strollers. This understanding of word relationships is linked to the amount of time caregivers talk about objects in their daily lives.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 20, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The strange case of the scuba-diving fly

Researchers at Caltech have characterized the adaptations of Mono Lake flies, enabling them to crawl underwater without getting wet. The flies create a protective bubble around their bodies using an extreme water-repelling phenomenon called superhydrophobicity.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 20, 2017

Light green plants save nitrogen without sacrificing photosynthetic efficiency

Researchers found that reducing chlorophyll content in plant leaves can save significant amounts of nitrogen, which can be reinvested to improve light use efficiency and increase yield. This strategy has the potential to enhance photosynthetic efficiency without sacrificing carbon gain.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateNov 20, 2017

Diagnosing the impacts of health policy

Researchers developed a statistical technique to determine when specific outcomes changed after healthcare interventions, allowing for more accurate assessments of their effectiveness. The robust-interrupted time series model was applied to a Clinical Nurse Leader program and showed improved patient satisfaction indicators.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalStatistics in Medicine·DateNov 20, 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.

New oral anticoagulant drugs associated with lower kidney risks

Researchers found that non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants are associated with reduced risk of adverse kidney outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation. The study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, showed that about 1 in 4 patients taking these medications experienced significant kidney functi...

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 20, 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.

Autoimmune disease discovery could spark new treatments

Researchers have discovered a potent drug-like compound that inhibits Toll-like receptor 8, a key player in autoimmune diseases. The compound, CU-CPT8m, exerts potent anti-inflammatory effects on tissue, offering a potential breakthrough for treating rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateNov 20, 2017

Overweight women may need more frequent mammograms

A new study suggests that overweight women with higher body mass index (BMI) may need shorter intervals between mammography screening exams. Women with higher BMI face an increased risk of not detecting their breast tumor until it has become large, leading to a worse prognosis.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 20, 2017

Clinical trial suggests new cell therapy for relapsed leukemia patients

A clinical trial suggests a new form of gene therapy, targeting CD22, achieved significant remission rates in children and young adults with treatment-resistant B-cell leukemia. The therapy was well-tolerated and showed promise in patients who had previously failed anti-CD19 CAR T-cell treatment.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 20, 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.

Realistic rodent model of drug addiction

A new rat model of drug addiction, requiring daily puzzle-solving for cocaine reward, still produced substance use disorder symptoms. In contrast to traditional models, the rats relied on flexible problem-solving to maintain their addiction, contradicting the widely-held view that habit is necessary.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateNov 20, 2017

Ancient barley took high road to China

New research from Washington University in St. Louis suggests ancient barley took a southern route to China, adapting to seasonal challenges along the way. The study, published in PLOS One, analyzed radiocarbon data and DNA evidence from ancient grains in China, India, Kyrgyzstan, and Pakistan.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 20, 2017

Study reveals new mechanism used by cancer cells to disarm attacking immune cells

Researchers at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center identified a substance called Gdf-15, released by pancreatic cancer cells, that protects them from immune cell macrophages. GDF-15 inhibits nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor production in macrophages, allowing tumor cells to survive and grow.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 20, 2017

Borophene shines alone as 2-D plasmonic material

Researchers at Rice University have discovered that borophene, a two-dimensional boron material, can emit visible and near-infrared light by activating its plasmons. This property makes it a promising candidate for plasmonic and photonic devices such as biomolecule sensors, waveguides, nanoscale light harvesters, and nanoantennas.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 20, 2017

Uncovering essential enzymes for plant growth during nitrogen starvation

Scientists have identified two key enzymes, PAH1 and PAH2, crucial for plant growth under nitrogen starvation conditions. These findings build on previous research showing that these enzymes are involved in lipid biosynthesis and membrane remodeling during phosphate depletion.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateNov 20, 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.

Video tags reveal surprising details of blue whale feeding behavior

Researchers found that blue whales tend to be 'right-handed' when feeding, rolling about 90 degrees to the right side during most lunges. However, they roll to the left when approaching from below to target patches of prey, allowing for more efficient feeding.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 20, 2017

Righty blue whales sometimes act like lefties, study finds

Researchers found that individual blue whales prefer to roll to the right most of the time, but shift to left-side rolls in shallow water to hunt small prey. This study provides the first evidence of handedness in blue whales and highlights their adaptability when it comes to feeding behaviors.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 20, 2017

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope completes final cryogenic testing

The telescope underwent a series of tests designed to ensure it functions as expected in an extremely cold environment, including alignment checks and cryogenic vacuum testing. After 15 years of planning and over 90 days of testing, the telescope's cryogenic test has been deemed an outstanding success.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 20, 2017

New catalyst controls activation of a carbon-hydrogen bond

Chemists at Emory University have developed a new catalyst that selectively activates a carbon-hydrogen bond without using a directing group. The breakthrough holds promise for the pharmaceutical industry and could lead to new classes of drugs.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature·DateNov 20, 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.

Many cancer survivors are living with PTSD

A recent study found that approximately one-fifth of cancer patients develop PTSD several months after diagnosis. Researchers emphasize the need for early identification and treatment to improve psychological well-being and quality of life.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateNov 20, 2017

Cell-weighing method could help doctors choose cancer drugs

Researchers developed a new technique to measure how cancer cells respond to drugs, using a device that can weigh cells with high accuracy. The method was tested on tumor cells from multiple-myeloma patients and showed promising results, correlating with clinical biomarkers used in treatment decisions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 20, 2017

Sleeve gastrectomy, common weight-loss surgery, lowers women's tolerance to alcohol

A study found that women who underwent sleeve gastrectomy may need to limit their alcohol consumption due to faster absorption rates. The surgery speeds up the transfer of alcohol into the bloodstream, leading to higher blood alcohol levels and increased risk of binge drinking and associated health issues.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalSurgery for Obesity and Related Diseases·DateNov 20, 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.

UofL researchers discover key signaling protein for muscle growth

Researchers at UofL discovered the critical role of MyD88 in muscle development and regeneration, highlighting its potential to improve therapies for degenerative muscle disorders. The study also suggests that increasing MyD88 levels could inhibit growth of rhabdomyosarcomas and enhance engraftment of exogenous myoblasts.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 20, 2017

Astronomers reveal nearby stars that are among the oldest in our galaxy

A team of astronomers from Georgia State University has discovered two old binary stars and identified 29 new old star candidates using a technique called astrometry. The study focused on subdwarf stars, which are cooler and older than the sun, and used their motion across the sky to determine their age.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·DateNov 20, 2017

Smiling human faces are attractive to dogs -- thanks to oxytocin

Researchers found that oxytocin enhances dogs' interest in smiling faces and reduces their emotional response to angry ones. The study used eye-tracking devices and pupil measurements to evaluate the dogs' emotional states, providing new insights into canine cognition.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateNov 20, 2017

Previous evidence of water on Mars now identified as grainflows

New research identifies Recurring Slope Lineae on Mars as granular flows, not liquid water, indicating present-day Mars may lack significant liquid water. The study supports the hypothesis that Mars is dry and limits Earth-like life near its surface.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalNature Geoscience·DateNov 20, 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.

Patient-centered medical home model improves chronic disease management

A patient-centered medical home model implemented in over 800 Veterans Health Administration primary care clinics showed significant improvements in chronic disease outcomes, including better blood pressure and cholesterol control for up to 1-5% of patients. The model, known as Patient Aligned Care Teams (PACT), provided multidisciplin...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalHealth Services Research·DateNov 20, 2017

Clay mineral waters Earth's mantle from the inside

High-pressure X-ray measurements reveal the formation of a new phase of kaolinite, a clay mineral containing aluminium, under conditions similar to those in subduction zones. The super-hydrated phase contains more water than any other known aluminosilicate mineral in the mantle.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalNature Geoscience·DateNov 20, 2017

Protein intentionally terminates own synthesis by destabilizing synthesis machinery -- the ribosome

Researchers found that proteins with specific sequences can trigger the degradation of their own synthetic ribosomes, leading to aborted translation. However, living organisms also possess a mechanism to counteract this phenomenon, allowing for precise regulation of protein expression in response to environmental changes.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 20, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Chimp females who leave home postpone parenthood

Female chimpanzees who leave their family and friends behind take longer to become mothers, around three years on average, due to social integration challenges. In contrast, those with supportive networks start reproducing earlier, raising questions about the factors influencing this behavior.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateNov 20, 2017

Robotic device tracks plant growth at the cellular level

A new open-source device called ACME enables scientists to measure spatial variation in the mechanical properties of plant cells with unprecedented accuracy. The device can help understand mechanisms of plant growth and develop conditions that promote plant cell wall extensibility, enhancing plant growth at the cellular level.

SourceAmerican Society of Plant Biologists·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateNov 20, 2017

Glass microparticles enhance solar cells efficiency

Scientists from ITMO University devised a novel way to address issues with solar cells, including reduced light reflection and overheating. By incorporating glass microparticles into the top electrode, they improved solar cell efficiency by 20%, making it more attractive for industrial applications.

SourceITMO University·JournalOptics Letters·DateNov 20, 2017

NASA spots Tropical Depression Kirogi dissipating

Tropical Depression Kirogi made landfall in southeastern Vietnam on November 19, with NASA's Aqua satellite capturing its weakening circulation center. The storm brought maximum sustained surface winds of 20 knots near Cam Ranh Bay.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 20, 2017
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Smoking study personalizes treatment

A new study at Vanderbilt University Medical Center uses a blood test to personalize treatment for smokers. The study found that patients who are 'normal' metabolizers of nicotine respond better to varenicline (Chantix), while those who are 'slow' metabolizers do as well with a nicotine patch.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateNov 20, 2017

NeuroExpresso: Web app enables exploration of brain cell types

A new web-based application called NeuroExpresso provides a comprehensive catalogue of brain cell type data, helping to better define their functions and properties. The tool uses marker genes to estimate cellular composition of mouse and human tissue.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateNov 20, 2017

Most older adults prefer to participate in medical decisions

A recent study found that older adults with four or more chronic conditions are less likely to participate actively in medical decisions. In contrast, those without multiple conditions tend to prefer more active involvement.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateNov 20, 2017

How emancipation contributes to trust in strangers

Researchers found that emancipation, including freedom of expression and civil rights, is positively related to generalized trust. Trust grows after a certain level of emancipation is attained, with higher levels seen in modernized countries like Sweden and Canada.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalSocial Indicators Research·DateNov 20, 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.

Reusing waste energy with 2-D electron gas

Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a novel approach to improve thermoelectric material performance by harnessing high mobility two-dimensional electron gas. This enables efficient heat-to-electricity conversion, overcoming current limitations in industrial applications.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateNov 20, 2017

The latest poop from the turkey coop

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University found that treating poultry waste to produce hydrochar generates more net energy than biochar, making it a promising renewable fuel source. The study also showed that higher temperatures during production result in reduced emissions of methane and ammonia.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalApplied Energy·DateNov 20, 2017

Social mobile gaming boosts rehabilitation for physically impaired patients

Researchers at Imperial College London designed a video game called Balloon Buddies to enable physically impaired patients to engage in rehabilitation through collaboration with healthy volunteers. The study found that this type of engagement boosts performance and increases motivation, leading to better physical outcomes.

SourceImperial College London·JournalJournal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation·DateNov 19, 2017

Homes should not be abandoned after a big nuclear accident

A new study suggests that few people should be asked to leave their homes after a big nuclear accident, as the cost of relocation outweighs the benefits. The J-value method, developed by Professor Philip Thomas, assesses the trade-off between safety measures and life expectancy gains.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProcess Safety and Environmental Protection·DateNov 19, 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.

Theory: Flexibility is at the heart of human intelligence

According to University of Illinois psychology professor Aron Barbey, the brain's ability to flexibly transition between network states is crucial for general intelligence. This flexibility involves forming and reforming connections in response to changing needs, supporting both crystallized and fluid intelligence.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateNov 19, 2017

Only one in five Indonesian women are aware of cervical cancer screening

A study found that only 20% of Indonesian women are aware of cervical smears, with even lower rates for mammography. Higher education, household expenditure, and health insurance were associated with increased awareness and participation. Experts call for improved education and access to resources to increase cancer screening rates.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateNov 18, 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.

Mainstreaming genetic counselling for ovarian cancer

A study in Malaysia assesses the effectiveness of mainstreaming genetic counselling for ovarian cancer patients. Preliminary results show that most patients are satisfied with their experience, regardless of whether they receive counselling by a trained clinician or a genetic counsellor.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateNov 18, 2017

Study finds all Myanmar mouth cancer patients chew betel quid

A study in Myanmar found that all mouth cancer patients use smokeless tobacco, with betel quid chewing being a common habit among the population. The study highlights the importance of increasing awareness about the risks of betel quid chewing to prevent head and neck cancer.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateNov 18, 2017

The future of cell culture: A new continuous bioprocess developed

Scientists at Newcastle University have developed a coating that allows individual stromal cells to detach from the surface, enabling continuous cell growth. This innovation can produce up to a billion cells per week, making it ideal for cell-based therapies requiring large numbers of cells.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateNov 17, 2017

Seagrass is a key fishing ground globally

Research highlights seagrass meadows' role as crucial fishing grounds worldwide, supporting daily food supply and livelihoods. The study emphasizes the need for sustainable management of these ecosystems to mitigate the 'tragedy of the seagrass commons',

SourceStockholm University·JournalFish and Fisheries·DateNov 17, 2017