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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 63


Page 63 of 461

Genetic discovery another tool in battle against wheat pests

Researchers have identified genetic markers for greenbug and Hessian fly resistance in wheat, providing a new tool for breeders to combat these pests. The discovery enables the efficient transfer of resistant genes into new wheat lines using marker-assisted selection.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·DateNov 8, 2017

Exposure to chemical during pregnancy may cause health problems for offspring

A study on rabbits found that exposure to BPA during pregnancy causes chronic inflammation in the intestines and liver, leading to changes in gut bacteria. This could have long-lasting health effects for the offspring, increasing the risk of obesity and inflammation-promoted diseases like colon cancer and type 2 diabetes.

SourcePenn State·JournalmSystems·DateNov 8, 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.

Paradoxes in microbial economies

Researchers identify three paradoxical dynamics: the curse of increased efficiency, where less efficient microbes thrive; and the curse of decreased inefficiency, leading to slower population growth. The study highlights complexities in engineered microbial communities and microbiomes, challenging assumptions about optimal strategies.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 8, 2017

A 'virtual wall' that improves wireless security and performance

Dartmouth researchers create customized reflectors using 3-D printing to optimize wireless coverage, strengthening signals while making them more secure. The technology reduces interference and costs, offering improved performance and physical security for a fraction of the cost of traditional solutions.

SourceDartmouth College·DateNov 8, 2017

Autoimmunity may underlie newly discovered painful nerve-damage disorder

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have found that immunoglobulin infusions can improve pain and function in patients with autoimmune small-fiber polyneuropathy (SFPN), a condition previously thought to be idiopathic. The treatment has shown significant symptom relief for 75% of patients, allowing some to discontinue treatment.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalTherapeutic Advances in Neurological Disorders·DateNov 8, 2017

Academic performance predicts risk of suicide attempt

A recent study found that poor academic performance at age 16 significantly increases the risk of suicide attempt, with those in the lowest GPA quartile facing a near five-fold higher risk. Researchers followed 26,315 Swedish individuals from age 16 to 46 and controlled for potential confounding factors.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Psychiatrica Scandinavica·DateNov 8, 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.

NASA eyes a comma-shaped Tropical Storm Rina

Tropical Storm Rina has taken on a tight comma-cloud appearance, indicating it may be a sub-tropical cyclone. The storm is expected to turn north-northeast and then rapidly northeastward, with maximum sustained winds near 60 mph.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 8, 2017

A star that would not die

A team of scientists has discovered a remarkable exception to existing theories on supernovae, with a star that exploded multiple times over 50 years. The star, iPTF14hls, was initially observed as an ordinary supernova but grew brighter and dimmer at least five times.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature·DateNov 8, 2017

New model may provide insights on neurocognitive disorders caused by HIV

Researchers developed a new model of HIV infection in microglia using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology, which will aid in understanding how the virus damages the brain and developing anti-HIV therapies. The model also offers a means to evaluate therapeutic strategies targeting the virus in challenging host cells.

SourceWiley·JournalFEBS Journal·DateNov 8, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Lupus linked with increased risk of dementia

A new study of 4886 SLE patients and 24,430 controls found a higher proportion of dementia among SLE patients (1.56% vs. 0.51%) and a 51% higher likelihood of developing dementia after adjustments.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateNov 8, 2017

Protect the skin, build barriers: Old acquaintance in a new role

The study found that the EGF receptor is crucial for tight junction barrier formation in the epidermis, a process previously understood to be limited to lower layers of the skin. Mechanobiology also plays a role, with cells sensing pressure and tension through connections between each other.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 8, 2017

How human cognition can affect the spreading of diseases like Ebola

Researchers found that people generalize knowledge from similar animals to those they encounter, leading to increased risk perception. This study highlights the importance of understanding inductive reasoning in health communication and its potential impact on public health.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 8, 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.

New bioresources for plant peptide hormones using gene editing technology

Researchers from Kumamoto University have created a comprehensive genetic resource collection of plants with knocked out CLE peptides-encoding genes using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. This collection is expected to contribute significantly to future studies on the function of plant peptide hormones.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalPlant and Cell Physiology·DateNov 8, 2017

Mechanical heart valve often the safest choice, Stanford study says

A Stanford study found that mechanical heart valves are beneficial until age 70 for mitral valve replacement and until age 55 for aortic valve replacement. Researchers examined patient records from 142 hospitals in California between 1996 and 2013, resulting in the largest number of patients ever studied to examine this issue.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 8, 2017

Video of blood clot contraction reveals how platelets naturally form unobtrusive clots

A Penn study reveals the physical mechanism of how platelets contract and shrink blood clots, which can inform new ways to diagnose and treat conditions like ischemic stroke and deep vein thrombosis. The research found that contracting platelets cause clots to shrink by bending and shortening individual fibrin fibers.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 8, 2017

Wireless handheld spectrometer transmits data to smartphone

A new handheld spectrometer, compatible with smartphones, can acquire spectral images of everyday objects and biological samples. It has potential applications in remote medical diagnosis and environmental monitoring, and its compact design makes it easy to use.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateNov 8, 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.

The revolt of the Rust Belt may explain Trump's election

The article attributes Trump's victory to a rejection of the Democratic Party by working-class voters in the Rust Belt, citing institutions like labor unions as key factors. The author argues that regional characteristics and institutions connected these voters to national politics, explaining unusual voting behavior in 2016.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Sociology·DateNov 8, 2017

Microbial murder mystery solved

Killer cells use a methodical approach to destroy bacterial invaders, inflicting oxidative damage and targeting critical proteins with the deadly enzyme granzyme B. The discovery offers new insights into how immune systems combat bacteria, potentially leading to the development of new antimicrobial drugs.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalCell·DateNov 8, 2017

How cells detect, mend DNA damage may improve chemotherapy

Cells can sense and mend damaged DNA caused by certain chemotherapy drugs. Researchers discovered a previously unknown repair complex that targets this type of damage. This finding could lead to more effective chemotherapy treatments by amplifying the killing power of existing drugs.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateNov 8, 2017

Misregulated protein breakdown promotes leukemias and brain cancer

Researchers at German Cancer Research Center discovered a link between energy metabolism and epigenetic code in leukemias and brain cancer. The enzyme BCAT1 plays a key role in the development of malignant tumors, including acute myeloid leukemia and breast cancer.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalNature·DateNov 8, 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.

Astronomers discover a star that would not die

An international team of astronomers discovered a star that exploded multiple times over 50 years, challenging existing theories on cosmic catastrophes. The star, iPTF14hls, was found to be at least 50 times more massive than the sun and may be the first example of a rare 'Pulsational Pair Instability Supernova'.

SourceW. M. Keck Observatory·JournalNature·DateNov 8, 2017

Data Science Institute develops statistical method that makes better predictions

The Data Science Institute developed a novel statistical method to measure predictivity in big data analysis. The approach allows researchers to compare their predictions to a theoretical baseline, enhancing accuracy. The team will help the New York City Department of Transportation assess complex social problems using big data sets.

SourceData Science Institute at Columbia·DateNov 8, 2017

Walk this way: A better way to identify gait differences

Researchers at Osaka University designed a novel gait recognition method that can overcome intra-subject variations by view differences. The proposed architectures outperformed state-of-the-art benchmarks in accordance with their suitable situations of verification/identification tasks and view differences.

SourceOsaka University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems for Video Technology·DateNov 8, 2017

NASA sees the end of Tropical Depression 29W

Tropical Depression 29W rapidly decayed after forming from remnants of Tropical Cyclone 28W. The NASA-NOAA Suomi NPP satellite captured a poorly organized low-level center near the Malay Peninsula, with maximum sustained winds near 20 knots.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 8, 2017

Nanoshells could deliver more chemo with fewer side effects

Researchers at Rice University and Northwestern University have developed a method to use nanoshells to deliver high doses of cancer-killing drugs inside tumors. The approach uses laser-activated gold nanoparticles to release approved drugs in laboratory cultures, demonstrating clinical applicability.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 8, 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.

Exercise may benefit patients with leg ulcers

Researchers found that supervised exercise accelerated ulcer healing time by 22 weeks compared to compression therapy alone. The study suggests benefits for patients with venous leg ulcers, including cost savings.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Dermatology·DateNov 8, 2017

Turning jellyfish from a nuisance to useful product

The EU's Horizon 2020 program funds a €6 million project to transform problematic jellyfish into valuable resources. Researchers will analyze jellyfish life cycles and explore their use in producing microplastic filters, fertilizers, and fish feed. They also aim to develop biofilters to combat microplastic pollution.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·DateNov 8, 2017

Boy is given new skin thanks to gene therapy

A boy suffering from extensive skin damage due to epidermolysis bullosa was successfully treated with genetically modified stem cell transplants. The treatment resulted in the growth of high-quality, stress-resistant skin, allowing him to attend school and participate in social life.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature·DateNov 8, 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.

Cool textiles to beat the heat

Researchers have developed a new material for clothing that can cool people down without external energy needed, using a nanocomposite thread made from boron nitride and polyvinyl alcohol. The fabric is more efficient at moving heat away from the body than pure polyvinyl alcohol or cotton fabrics.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 8, 2017

Bringing natural killer cells to the tumor battlefield

Researchers found that inhibiting autophagy in tumor cells increases the production of CCL5, a cytokine that attracts NK cells. This leads to a significant reduction in tumor size and improved survival rates for melanoma patients.

SourceLuxembourg Institute of Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 8, 2017

MSU biologists have found out how long can microorganisms live on Mars

Researchers studied microbial communities in permafrost sedimentary rocks under low temperature and pressure conditions similar to those on Mars. They found that these communities showed high resistance to simulated Martian environment, with some bacteria surviving even after doses of ionizing radiation exceeding 80 kGy.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalExtremophiles·DateNov 8, 2017

Star exploded, survived, and exploded again more than 50 years later

An international team of astronomers, including Carnegie's Nick Konidaris, discovered a 'zombie star' that exploded multiple times over 50 years. The finding challenges existing knowledge of a star's end of life and was made possible by Konidaris' instrument-construction, which helped analyze the phenomenon.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature·DateNov 8, 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.

Seagrass biodiversity is both a goal and a means for restoration

A UC Davis study reveals that seagrass biodiversity is essential for effective restoration, outperforming single-species approaches. Planting mixtures of diverse species improves survival and growth rates, highlighting the importance of ecosystem complexity.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 8, 2017

Half of UK's kids fib about brushing their teeth

A new survey reveals that almost half of UK kids fib about brushing their teeth, with barely a third of parents supervising their children's brushing twice a day. The consequences of neglecting children's teeth can be dire, with 40,970 surgical procedures carried out on children in 2014-15.

SourceThe PR Works Limited·DateNov 8, 2017

When you're tired, your brain cells actually slow down

A new study published in Nature Medicine finds that sleep-deprived individuals experience slowed-down neuron activity, affecting their ability to process visual information and respond to tasks. This slowdown can lead to lapses in attention and behavior, posing a risk for drowsy driving and other safety hazards.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 8, 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.

Breast cancer recurrence risk lingers years after treatment ends

Women with ER-positive breast cancer still face a substantial risk of cancer returning or spreading even 20 years after diagnosis, according to a new analysis. The risk is directly tied to the original cancer's size and characteristics, as well as the number of lymph nodes involved.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 8, 2017

Researchers develop flexible, stretchable photonic devices

Researchers have created a method to make photonic devices that can bend and stretch without damage, using a specialized glass called chalcogenide. These flexible devices could be used in various applications such as skin-mounted monitoring devices, diagnostic systems, or as connectors for electronics.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Photonics·DateNov 8, 2017

Great Barrier Reef protected zones help fish in even lightly exploited areas

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that fish biomass is up to five times greater in protected zones compared to unprotected areas at northernmost reefs of the Great Barrier Reef. The researchers analyzed data from 31 reefs and found that even in lightly exploited areas, protected zones showed significant benefits for fish popul...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 8, 2017

Learning two languages does not limit academic potential for Head Start students

A new Iowa State University study found that dual-language learners (DLLs) outperform English-only students in cognitive and academic areas once they gain basic English proficiency. DLLs with limited English skills also made significant progress, eventually matching or outperforming English-only peers.

SourceIowa State University·JournalEarly Childhood Research Quarterly·DateNov 8, 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.

Visual intelligence is not the same as IQ

A new study reveals that visual intelligence is a separate entity from general intelligence (IQ), with considerable individual differences among people. Researchers developed a novel test to measure visual object recognition and found that performance on this task was not predictive of IQ.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateNov 8, 2017

Fighting cancer with cancer: 3-D cultured cells could drive precision therapy

Researchers have developed a method to grow hundreds of lab-grown cancer spheroids from just a few tumor cells derived from a patient. These 3-D cultured cells can accurately mirror the response of natural cells implanted in mice, making them a potential tool for testing individualized treatments.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateNov 8, 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.

Fat cells may inactivate chemotherapeutic drug

Researchers found that adipocytes can metabolize daunorubicin, making it less toxic to leukemia cells. This discovery highlights the need for new chemotherapy strategies that are resistant to fat cell enzymes.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalMolecular Cancer Research·DateNov 8, 2017

Transforming fibrils into crystals

An international team of experts has made a fundamental discovery by transforming amyloid fibrils into crystals, a process previously thought to be impossible. The transformation involves untwisting the fibril to form an elongated, matchstick-like crystal with unprecedented stability.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 8, 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.

University of Arizona scientists awarded space research grant

The University of Arizona Health Sciences has been awarded a $943,000 grant to study the effects of simulated space radiation on the human gastrointestinal tract. The Human-Microbial Cross-Talk 'gut-on-a-chip' platform will provide insights into how solar events and cosmic rays affect humans in space.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·DateNov 8, 2017