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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 68


Page 68 of 461

New study finds widespread consequences after traumatic spinal cord injury

A new study published in Journal of Neurotrauma found that traumatic spinal cord injuries can lead to persistent changes in metabolism, blood flow, and oxygenation up to 7 days post-injury. This suggests that current clinical practices may not be sufficient to prevent ischemia-related damage.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateNov 6, 2017

Researchers discover eight new epilepsy genes

A recent study identified 8 new genes involved in epileptic encephalopathy, a severe form of epilepsy combining with intellectual disability. Whole-genome sequencing revealed de novo mutations as the main cause of this type of epilepsy.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalThe American Journal of Human Genetics·DateNov 6, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New UNC-Chapel Hill project aims to bring semantics to evolutionary trees

A new NSF-funded project at UNC-Chapel Hill aims to make expertise in comparing anatomical or physiological knowledge about different organisms accessible to computers. The project will develop tools for semantic ancestral character reconstruction and enrichment, enabling researchers to study how phenotypes evolve along the tree of life.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina - RENCI·DateNov 6, 2017

Quantum computing on the move

Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz successfully demonstrated the operation of a four-qubit register comprised of atomic ions trapped in microchip traps. The achievement marks a decisive milestone for scaling up quantum computers, showcasing the potential for entangled states to be created with long-lived multipartite en...

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 6, 2017

New techniques give blood biopsies greater promise

Researchers have developed an accurate approach for monitoring cancer DNA from blood samples, validating the use of blood samples for studying patients' cancer genomes. Nearly 90 percent of a tumor's genetic features can be detected in blood samples using whole-exome sequencing.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 6, 2017

High risk sex behaviors impact women's health: McMaster

Women involved in high-risk sex behaviors have more diverse vaginal bacterial microbiota, a lower abundance of protective Lactobacillus bacteria, and are at higher risk for STIs and HIV-1 acquisition. The study suggests that low diversity vaginal microbiota is associated with less risk of vaginal infections.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 6, 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.

UCI review points to long-term negative impact of high protein diets

Research highlights the need for better nutritional management in chronic kidney disease, where high protein diets may have deleterious impacts on kidney health. A low protein, low salt diet may slow progression and help patients defer dialysis initiation.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 6, 2017

Physicists improve vertical stability of superconducting Korean tokamak

Researchers have improved the vertical stability of a superconducting tokamak in Korea, allowing for taller plasmas and exceeding design requirements. The new control system uses advanced sensors and electronics to stabilize the plasma's position, enabling more efficient fusion reactions.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·DateNov 6, 2017

Depressed fathers risk not getting help

A new study from Lund University reveals that depression among new fathers may be more common than previously thought and often goes undetected. The established screening method for depression in mothers is found to work poorly on men, with symptoms such as irritability and low self-control being overlooked.

SourceLund University·JournalScandinavian Journal of Psychology·DateNov 6, 2017

Could this be malaria's Achilles heel?

Portuguese researchers have identified a crucial defence mechanism used by the malaria parasite to survive inside its host's liver cells. The protein UIS3 binds to LC3, forming a protective shield against autophagy, allowing the parasite to evade the host's cellular defence mechanism.

SourceInstituto de Medicina Molecular·JournalNature Microbiology·DateNov 6, 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.

Measuring atoms for better navigation and mineral detection

Physicists at the University of Queensland developed a new technique to reduce errors in atom measurement devices, boosting precision by exploiting quantum entanglement. This improvement enables more flexible design and operation of these quantum sensors, potentially moving experimental physics into real-world applications.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 6, 2017

Calorie counts on menus make a difference

A comprehensive study reveals that displaying calories on menus reduces consumer calorie intake by 27 calories per meal, while retailers respond by offering more low-calorie options.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalJournal of Retailing·DateNov 6, 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.

Epidemics and climate

A study reconstructing climatic patterns in China from AD 1-1911 found long periods of cold and dry conditions associated with epidemic outbreaks. However, the relationship between temperature and epidemics varied across short time scales, highlighting climate's scale-dependent impacts on disease prevalence.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 6, 2017

Blame tired brain cells for mental lapses after poor sleep

A UCLA-led study reveals that sleep deprivation affects the ability of brain cells to communicate with each other, leading to mental lapses in memory and visual perception. The researchers discovered that lack of sleep also slows down brain cell activity, causing sluggish cellular activity and performance issues.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 6, 2017

New funding for bio-production with microorganisms

Researchers at Bielefeld University's CeBiTec are developing novel methods to produce sustainable compounds using microorganisms, aiming to replace fossil fuel resources in the long term. The center has received €4.8 million in funding for three international cooperative research projects.

SourceBielefeld University·DateNov 6, 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.

Autonomously growing synthetic DNA strands

Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute have developed a method to autonomously grow synthetic DNA strands, enabling the creation of programmable molecular devices. The 'Primer Exchange Reaction' (PER) cascades allow for diverse functions such as self-building DNA-origami and sensing environmental signals.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Chemistry·DateNov 6, 2017

Stem cells pave the way for new treatment of diabetes

A new study published in Nature Cell Biology shows that human stem cells can be used to produce insulin-producing cells that can be transplanted into diabetes patients. The development of these cells depends on their sense of direction and polarity, which can be controlled using a specific signal pathway.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateNov 6, 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.

Computer system finds 'recipes' for producing materials

A new AI system can analyze a large dataset of research papers to extract recipes for producing specific materials. The system can identify paragraphs containing recipes and classify words within those paragraphs according to their roles, allowing scientists and engineers to access detailed instructions for material production.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateNov 6, 2017

Study shows lupus support line has positive impact

A study by Hospital for Special Surgery found that a free telephone support and education program for people with lupus has a positive impact on their lives. The LupusLine service, established in 1988, provides callers with solid support from trained peer counselors.

SourceHospital for Special Surgery·DateNov 6, 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.

Novel Nano-CT device creates high-resolution 3D-X-rays of tiny velvet worm legs

The TUM Nano-CT system produces images with resolutions up to 100 nanometers, allowing investigation of individual muscle strands in velvet worm legs. The device has potential applications in biomedical research and medicine, enabling non-destructive examination of tissue samples and clarification of tumor malignancy.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 6, 2017

NASA sees late season Atlantic Tropical Depression form

Tropical Depression Nineteen formed in the Central Atlantic Ocean despite wind shear conditions, according to NASA's Terra satellite imagery. The National Hurricane Center expects it to strengthen and potentially become a tropical storm later on Monday.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 6, 2017

Researchers develop data bus for quantum computer

Physicists at the University of Innsbruck have developed a technique to transfer quantum information between systems encoded differently, enabling local modification of quantum bits. This 'data bus' approach allows for more robust coupling between quantum processors and memories, paving the way for universal quantum computing.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 6, 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.

Beyond good vibrations: New insights into metamaterial magic

Researchers at Michigan Technological University have discovered that the shape and repetitive organization of building blocks within metamaterials affect refraction, contradicting previous assumptions. This finding has significant implications for the development of devices such as invisibility cloaks and perfect lenses.

SourceMichigan Technological University·DateNov 6, 2017

Early bloomers: Statistical tool reveals climate change impacts on plants

A new statistical estimator extracts useful information from decades-old data and citizen science efforts, providing reliable evidence for climate change. This method unlocks valuable historical records and validates observations made by ordinary citizens, revealing the power of citizen science.

SourceUtah State University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateNov 6, 2017

Revealed new target for development of antibiotics aimed at highly resistant bacteria

Researchers from Brazil and France identify a new target for developing antibiotics against highly resistant bacteria, inhibiting the interaction of two key proteins involved in cell wall elongation. The discovery paves the way for the development of antibiotics with a different action mechanism, offering hope in combating drug-resista...

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 6, 2017

Love actually: Americans agree on what makes people 'feel the love'

A study found that Americans largely agree on what makes people feel loved, with small gestures like compassion and snuggling topping the list. Behavioral actions, such as a child snuggling with someone, were seen as more loving than verbal expressions.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateNov 6, 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 research targets cancer's 'Achilles' Heel'

Researchers develop a new strategy for treating cancer by controlling chromatin packing densities, which determines gene expression and resistance to treatment. The approach has shown promising results in cellular cultures and is now being tested in animal models.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateNov 6, 2017

FDG PET shows tumor DNA levels in blood are linked to NSCLC aggressiveness

Researchers found that cell-free tumor DNA circulating in the bloodstream correlates with tumor metabolism rather than tumor burden in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients. This study suggests that circulating tumor DNA may be a reliable biomarker to identify potential unresponsive NSCLC patients before treatment.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateNov 6, 2017

Chicken embryo illuminates role of thyroid hormone in brain development

A study on chicken embryos reveals that thyroid hormone transporter MCT8 plays a vital role in brain development. The research found that MCT8-deficient cells failed to migrate and proliferate, leading to disrupted brain formation. This suggests that brain lesions associated with a rare neurological disorder may originate before birth.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateNov 6, 2017

Immune cell policing offers insights into cancer, autoimmune disease

Researchers at Salk Institute identify Lkb1 protein as key regulator of Tregs, which play a crucial role in preventing autoimmunity and suppressing cancer growth. The discovery has significant implications for developing effective treatments for these diseases.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 6, 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.

Climate change and Mediterranean fir forests

Climate simulations predict Mediterranean fir forests will be similar to the driest and hottest periods of the late 20th century under a business-as-usual emissions scenario. Warmer growing seasons may benefit some species in moist refugia, but others could face significant growth declines.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 6, 2017

Saving seagrasses from dredging as new research finds solutions

A new study by QUT researchers has developed an advanced statistical model to predict when dredging is least likely to damage seagrass. The model can provide up to a fourfold reduction in recovery time and up to a 35 per cent reduction in local extinction risk for seagrass species.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 5, 2017

Women with PCOS should be screened for mental health disorders

A study found that women with PCOS are more likely to be diagnosed with mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. The research also showed that children born to mothers with PCOS are at a higher risk of developing ADHD and autism spectrum disorder.

SourceSociety for Endocrinology·DateNov 5, 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.

Booze and pot use in teens lessens life success

Research by UConn Health scientists found that teens who used marijuana and alcohol heavily were less likely to achieve adult life goals. Heavy teen use of marijuana or alcohol was associated with lower levels of education, reduced full-time employment, and lower social economic potential.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·DateNov 5, 2017

Coloring the heartbeat

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a device that uses structural color to measure the beating of heart cells, enabling high-throughput testing for pharmaceuticals. This innovation aims to speed up the process of finding good drugs for heart patients and is a significant step towards improving treatment outcomes.

SourceKyoto University·JournalRSC Advances·DateNov 5, 2017

Drinking glasses can contain potentially harmful levels of lead and cadmium

Researchers found high levels of lead and cadmium in 139 and 134 cases, respectively, on drinking glass products, including tumblers, beer and wine glasses. The study highlights the need for safer alternatives and greater industry awareness of toxic substances used to decorate glassware.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateNov 5, 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.

Inorganic-organic halide perovskites for new photovoltaic technology

Inorganic-organic halide perovskites have distinctive advantages for high efficiency solar cells, with recent breakthroughs in developing efficient hole transport material free PSCs. Significant ion transport has been found to redistribute doping and defects, affecting photoelectric behavior and stability.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateNov 5, 2017

Périgord black truffle cultivated in the UK for the first time

Researchers have successfully cultivated the Périgord black truffle in the UK for the first time, providing a breakthrough in the fight against climate change's impact on this luxury ingredient. The truffle was grown in collaboration with local farmers in Monmouthshire, South Wales, using a Mediterranean oak tree as host.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalClimate Research·DateNov 5, 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.