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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 52


Page 52 of 461

Chance discovery of forgotten 1960s 'preprint' experiment

Researchers have long used preprints to accelerate scientific discovery. A forgotten biology preprint experiment from the 1960s has been unearthed, revealing a long history of resistance to open knowledge sharing among publishers and learned societies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 16, 2017

Could this protein protect people against coronary artery disease?

A study published in the American Journal of Pathology found that higher levels of the protein CXCL5 are associated with clearer heart arteries and lower risk of coronary artery disease. Researchers believe that mimicking or increasing CXCL5 production could lead to new prevention and treatment strategies for CAD.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateNov 16, 2017

Sight-saving imaging technology secures funding

The University of Liverpool's Ultra-Sensitive Optical Coherence Tomography (Ultra-OCT) system is developing a state-of-the-art imaging technology to revolutionise the detection, diagnosis, and management of corneal eye conditions. The system boasts a resolution of 2 micrometres and can scan 1,000 times faster than existing OCT machines.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·DateNov 16, 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.

Molecular guardian defends cells, organs against excess cholesterol

Researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health discovered Nrf1 protein's role in maintaining cholesterol balance within cells. The protein senses and responds to excess cholesterol, promoting protective countermeasures and potentially treating diseases where cholesterol metabolism is disrupted.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalCell·DateNov 16, 2017

New method analyzes corn kernel characteristics

A new imaging machine developed at the University of Illinois estimates the number of kernels per ear and provides detailed information about each kernel's shape, size, and location. The technology has the potential to revolutionize plant breeding and genetic research by enabling high-throughput phenotyping.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateNov 16, 2017

Old World monkeys could be key to a new, powerful rheumatoid arthritis therapy

Researchers have identified a peptide called θ-defensin 1 (RTD-1) found in Old World monkeys that has the potential to stop or reverse rheumatoid arthritis progression. RTD-1 treatment resulted in greater disease resolution and higher complete disease resolution rates compared to established treatments.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 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.

Spanking linked to increase in children's behavior problems

A new study published in Psychological Science found that spanking is associated with an increased risk of behavioral problems in children. Children who were spanked by their parents showed greater increases in behavior problems at ages 6 and 8 compared to those who were not spanked, according to the study.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 16, 2017

How the immune system identifies invading bacteria

The mouse immune system uses six different ways to identify invading bacteria, scanning the bacterial protein in detail. This effective immune response helps understand why certain bacteria can evade detection.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateNov 16, 2017

Research reveals biological mechanism of a leading cause of childhood blindness

Optic nerve hypoplasia is a leading cause of childhood blindness in developed nations, and researchers have discovered the biological mechanism behind it. The condition affects brain growth during development, particularly with the CASK gene, which helps provide architectural support for neuronal communication.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateNov 16, 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.

Species in the north are more vulnerable to climate change

New research challenges common perception that polar species are best at adapting to changing temperatures. Acclimation is most effective at temperate latitudes, with slow seasonal changes allowing for optimal adaptation. This could alter our understanding of which species are most vulnerable to climate change.

SourceLund University·JournalThe American Naturalist·DateNov 16, 2017

High-altitude observatory sheds light on origin of excess anti-matter

A new study using the High-Altitude Water Cherenkov (HAWC) observatory found that two rapidly spinning stars are unlikely to be the source of excess anti-matter particles near Earth. The observations rule out a simple explanation involving nearby collapsed stars, leaving dark matter as a possible culprit.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience·DateNov 16, 2017

Separating side effects could hold key for safer opioids

Researchers separate pain relief and breathing effects in opioids, revealing a 'biased signaling' mechanism with a 'therapeutic window' of safer alternatives. This finding could lead to new opioid medications without the risk of respiratory failure.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalCell·DateNov 16, 2017

Andalusian experts discover new procedures for DNA stability

Researchers from the University of Seville have discovered that genes located near nuclear pores contribute to maintaining genome stability. The study found that anchoring DNA to the pore during transcription prevents DNA-RNA hybrids, a natural source of genome instability.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 16, 2017

Pluto's hydrocarbon haze keeps dwarf planet colder than expected

A new analysis of Pluto's hydrocarbon haze reveals a novel cooling mechanism controlling the dwarf planet's frigid atmosphere. The study proposes that haze particles absorb heat and emit infrared radiation, resulting in an atmospheric temperature of about 70 Kelvin.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature·DateNov 15, 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.

What is the computational power of the universe?

A new paper by physicist Stephen Jordan explores whether the universe holds solutions to difficult computational problems, such as number partitioning. The universe's background energy density is found to be close to zero, implying a stable material universe and potentially offering insights into these problems.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review D·DateNov 15, 2017

UT study IDs potential cell receptors to reduce antibiotic resistance

Researchers have identified specific chemical receptors in cells that could deceive bacteria and improve patient response to drugs. The study's findings suggest that targeting these receptors could help adapt antibiotics to better attack infections.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 15, 2017

Desert solar to fuel centuries of air travel

Researchers have demonstrated the full process of making kerosene, the jet fuel used by commercial airlines, using a high-temperature thermal solar reactor to create syngas. The feedstock is essentially unlimited, providing a potentially game-changing alternative to fossil fuels.

SourceSolarPACES·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateNov 15, 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.

FIREBIRD II and NASA mission locate whistling space electrons' origins

Scientists have identified a common plasma wave as the cause of high-energy electron loss into Earth's atmosphere. Whistler mode chorus waves are created by fluctuating electric and magnetic fields, efficiently accelerating electrons. The findings provide an important piece of the puzzle to understand space weather predictions.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 15, 2017

Storing mine waste -- safety is no accident UN finds

The United Nations report emphasizes the need for mining companies to prioritize safety over economic considerations in managing mine waste. The report's recommendations include improving tailings dam government regulation and exploring alternative solutions to building massive dams that can cause devastating environmental damage.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·DateNov 15, 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.

Stem cells fail to alleviate peripheral artery disease

A new Northwestern Medicine clinical trial found that stem cell therapy did not improve walking ability in people with peripheral artery disease, despite exercise showing significant improvements. The study led by Dr. Mary McDermott demonstrated that regular exercise can increase six-minute walking distance in patients with PAD.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA·DateNov 15, 2017

Strategies to combat the opioid epidemic

Researchers are developing abuse-deterrent opioids with special coatings or infusions to make them harder to misuse, but at a higher cost. Novel painkillers and powerful opioid detectors are also being developed to help combat the crisis.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateNov 15, 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.

Text message reminders increase rates of influenza vaccination

A randomized controlled trial found that text message reminders increased vaccine uptake among eligible patients, with the greatest effect seen in children under five years old. The study suggests cost-efficient strategies to improve vaccine uptake, particularly for vulnerable populations.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateNov 15, 2017

Nanomaterials

Researchers at LMU München precisely tune carbon dot's properties by introducing nitrogen atoms, enabling diverse applications. The study reveals that the physicochemical characteristics can be simply and precisely controlled, opening up new possibilities for energy conversion and bio-imaging.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 15, 2017

$2 million grant brings telemedicine to children with disabilities

The UC Davis Department of Pediatrics has received a $2 million grant to fund a new telemedicine program for children in remote communities. The program will provide physiatry care for kids with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and other disabilities, improving quality of life and preventing complications.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·DateNov 15, 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.

Engineering of a Swedish quantum computer set to start

The Swedish government is investing SEK 1 billion in a research program to develop a superconducting quantum computer with greater computing power than current supercomputers. The goal is to create a functioning quantum computer with at least 100 qubits, enabling it to solve complex problems in fields like optimization, machine learnin...

SourceChalmers University of Technology·DateNov 15, 2017

Children's exposure to secondhand smoke may be vastly underestimated by parents

A new study suggests that parents who smoke mistakenly rely on their own physical senses to gauge the presence of tobacco smoke in the air, leading to misconceptions about when and where children are exposed. This lack of awareness can result in inadequate measures being taken to protect children from secondhand smoke.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateNov 15, 2017

Scientists team up on study to save endangered African penguins

A study published in the Journal of Wildlife Diseases found that minimizing rehabilitation time, treating diseases early, and controlling mosquitos can significantly improve African penguin survival rates. The researchers also identified body mass and hematologic parameters as important criteria for initial assessment and treatment.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Wildlife Diseases·DateNov 15, 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.

Lower cost, higher quality primary care practices are distinguished by six attributes

A new study has identified six attributes associated with high-value primary care practices, including decision support for evidence-based medicine and careful selection of specialists. These attributes are linked to three themes: care traffic control, cognitive burden reduction, and value-based reimbursement.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateNov 15, 2017

Protein synthesis machinery from bacterial consortia in one shot

Researchers at UC Davis have created a method to produce all 34 proteins required for mRNA translation in the correct proportions within a single mixed culture. This breakthrough enables rapid and high-purity reconstitution of cellular reactions, making it useful for various applications such as disease diagnosis and drug development.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateNov 15, 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.

Off track: How storms will veer in a warmer world

Research at Weizmann Institute of Science uncovers mechanisms driving storms toward the poles. Mid-latitude storms steer further poleward in a warmer climate due to vertical structure and circulation near the tops of these weather systems.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Geoscience·DateNov 15, 2017

Counterfeits and product piracy can be prevented by security features, such as printed 3-D microstructures

Researchers at KIT have developed innovative fluorescent 3D structures to improve counterfeit protection in products like bank notes, pharmaceuticals, and car spare parts. These new security features can be easily integrated into various applications to prevent product piracy and counterfeiting.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateNov 15, 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.

Gut microbes can protect against high blood pressure

A study found that a high-salt diet shrinks beneficial gut bacteria, leading to pro-inflammatory immune cells and high blood pressure. Probiotics can reverse these effects in mice and humans, suggesting potential therapeutic target for treating high blood pressure.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateNov 15, 2017

Winners of the 2017 AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards

The 2017 AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards honored distinguished reporting on topics such as antibiotic-resistant infections, superbugs, and climate change. The winners included a Reuters team for their investigation into uncounted deaths from superbug infections.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateNov 15, 2017

First transcatheter implant for diastolic heart failure successful

A new transcatheter implant has been shown to be safe and effective in treating diastolic heart failure by reducing blood backup in the lungs. The device, a dime-size interatrial shunt, diverted blood flow from high-pressure chambers to low-pressure ones, improving pulmonary capillary wedge pressure readings.

SourceMediaSource·JournalCirculation·DateNov 15, 2017

Single men 'less likely' to participate in bowel screening

A University of Stirling study found that single men are significantly less likely to take part in bowel screening tests compared to those living with a partner. The participation rate for men living alone was 57.6%, lower than the 77.8% of women living alone who took the test.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·DateNov 15, 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.

Ionic 'solar cell' could provide on-demand water desalination

Researchers have developed an 'ionic analog to the electronic pn-junction solar cell' that harnesses light to generate ionic electricity, with potential applications in desalination and brain-machine interfaces. The technology shows promise for producing electricity to turn brackish water drinkable upon exposure to sunlight.

SourceCell Press·JournalJoule·DateNov 15, 2017

Pulling iron out of waste printer toner

A team of researchers has created a process to transform residual toner powder from discarded printer cartridges into iron, offering an environmentally friendly way to reuse electronic waste. The method involves heating the toner powder to 1550 °C, resulting in a product with 98% pure iron.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateNov 15, 2017

Editorial: Use big tobacco's Nov 26 corrective statements to reduce smoking

The American Thoracic Society editorial emphasizes the need for effective tobacco control measures, citing the court-ordered publication of corrective statements by major US tobacco companies. The statements acknowledge the addictive nature of nicotine and the lethal effects of smoking on human health.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateNov 15, 2017

Heavy drinking and smoking linked to visible signs of aging

Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health found that heavy drinking and smoking are associated with visible signs of physical ageing. Light to moderate drinking was not linked to biological ageing or slowing down the visible ageing process.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateNov 15, 2017

Improving clinical trials with machine learning

A new study from University College London suggests that machine learning can improve clinical trials by analyzing complex brain anatomy and detecting subtle changes in drug effects. The research used large-scale data from patients with stroke to test the concept of machine learning capable of modeling the human brain in its full compl...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalBrain·DateNov 15, 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.

A polymer 'love hormone' sensor for the early detection of autism

A Polish Academy of Sciences team has developed a polymer 'love hormone' sensor that can detect micromolar concentrations of oxytocin, a biomarker associated with autism. The sensor's sensitivity is expected to increase to nanomolar levels, allowing for early diagnosis and potentially dramatic treatment efficacy improvements.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateNov 15, 2017