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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 72


Page 72 of 461

In autism, too many brain connections may be at root of condition

A study from Washington University School of Medicine found that a defective gene linked to autism influences how neurons connect and communicate in the brain. Mice lacking this gene formed more connections, leading to difficulties in learning and social interactions.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 2, 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.

Order in disorder: A key feature of dendritic organization in the brain

A recent study by Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience researchers found that neighboring dendritic spines within a few micrometers of each other share similar functional properties, regardless of the diversity of sensory features they encode. This discovery suggests that local order in dendritic spine functional properties ma...

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournalNeuron·DateNov 2, 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.

Story tips from the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, November 2017

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a method to quickly collect building structure datasets from satellite images, supporting emergency response efforts after hurricanes. They also used neutrons to discover the molecular mechanism responsible for flow in a hydrogen-bonding liquid and studied a semiconducting material...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalZeitschrift für Physikalische Chemie/International journal of research in physical chemistry and chemical physics·DateNov 2, 2017

Several reasons why whole grains are healthy

A large Danish study found that whole grains reduce inflammation in the body and lead to weight loss in overweight adults. The study suggests that choosing whole grains over refined grains can have numerous health benefits, particularly for individuals at risk of cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalGut·DateNov 2, 2017

Dioxane-chomping microbe has helpful gene

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a novel gene cluster in Mycobacterium dioxanotrophicus PH-06 that expresses an enzyme capable of initiating dioxane biodegradation. This finding could lead to the development of a cost-effective tool for treating contaminated groundwater sites.

SourceRice University·DateNov 2, 2017

Key to better asparagus identified in evolution of sex chromosomes

Researchers at the University of Georgia sequenced the genome of garden asparagus, shedding light on sex chromosome evolution and aiding breeding efforts. They identified genetic markers that allow breeders to efficiently distinguish male and female plants, paving the way for more efficient development and production of valuable hybrid...

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 2, 2017

Worldwide 52 million children living with viral hepatitis

New data reveals 52 million children globally affected by viral hepatitis, highlighting the need for treatment and prevention. Despite declining hepatitis B infections among children, cases of hepatitis C are expected to continue growing due to lack of programs for pregnant women living with the virus.

SourceWorld Hepatitis Alliance·DateNov 2, 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.

Results from the DAPT STEMI trial reported at TCT 2017

The DAPT STEMI trial found that six months of dual antiplatelet therapy was non-inferior to twelve months in STEMI patients receiving drug-eluting stents, questioning the need for extended duration DAPT. The study's results suggest that STEMI patients may not benefit from prolonged DAPT therapy beyond six months.

SourceCardiovascular Research Foundation·DateNov 2, 2017

Mindfulness may help mothers cope with stress when their babies have a heart condition

Researchers from CHOP and Penn Nursing found that mindfulness can be a helpful tool for mothers to pause and be present in the moment, reducing stress and improving focus. The study suggests that mindfulness should start early, preferably immediately after the prenatal CHD diagnosis, and can be more accessible than traditional meditation.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJournal of Pediatric Nursing·DateNov 2, 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, simplified technique makes light metallic nanofoam

Researchers at UC Davis developed a simplified method to produce extremely low-density palladium nanofoams, which have potential applications in hydrogen fuel cells. The new technique achieves high loading capacity and excellent thermodynamic stability, making it an ideal candidate for industrial-scale use.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateNov 2, 2017

How toxic air clouds mental health

A University of Washington study found a direct connection between toxic air and mental health, with fine particulate matter linked to increased psychological distress. The study, which controlled for other factors, showed that even moderate levels of pollution can be detrimental to health, particularly among specific populations.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalHealth & Place·DateNov 2, 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.

Scientists link pancreatic cancer survival to four genes

Researchers identified four genes - KRAS, CDKN2A, SMAD4, and TP53 - that influence pancreatic cancer survival. Patients with three or four altered genes had poorer disease-free and overall survival rates compared to those with single or dual alterations.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateNov 2, 2017

Researchers achieve 4-D printing of programmable shape-changing structures

A new study describes the 3D printing of Shape Memory Polymers to produce active meta-materials that can change shape and recover their original state when heated. The researchers demonstrate that these 4D structures can achieve large area changes of up to 200% within a programming and recovery cycle.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·Journal3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing·DateNov 2, 2017

4-in-1 flu shot may mean lifelong protection against the flu

Researchers developed a 4-in-1 flu shot that provides broad protection against influenza by targeting ancestral genes of four major strains. The vaccine was shown to be effective in mice, with those receiving the highest dose not getting sick.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 2, 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.

Precise chiral cluster assembly by design

Researchers develop a method for assembling colloidal clusters using origami DNA, allowing precise control over particle orientation and properties. The technique enables the creation of clusters with specified chirality, which could lead to improved understanding and utilization of particles with unique optical or magnetic properties.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 2, 2017

Hormone replacement therapy may be beneficial for women's memory

A new USC-led study suggests that estrogen treatment after menopause can mitigate the negative effects of stress on working memory. Women taking estrogen-only therapy had lower cortisol levels and better performed on tests following exposure to stress compared to those receiving a placebo.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateNov 2, 2017

Sugar-sweetened drinks raise risk of diabetes, metabolic syndrome

Regular consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages like soda and juice is associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. A review of 36 studies found that frequent intake of these beverages contributes to the onset of cardiometabolic diseases, including high blood pressure and heart disease.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateNov 2, 2017

New treatment approach for autoimmune disorder

Researchers found that activating programmed cell death (necroptosis) in white blood cells leads to inflammation and auto-antibody attachment, contributing to disease progression. Inhibiting necroptosis may offer a new treatment approach for ANCA vasculitis.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 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.

How chromosomes 'cheat' for the chance to get into an egg

A team from the University of Pennsylvania discovered how chromosomes bias their chance of getting into a sex cell by exploiting asymmetry in the cell-division process. This bias can lead to errors in gamete formation, causing miscarriages and conditions like Down's syndrome.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalScience·DateNov 2, 2017

Wrinkles give heat a jolt in pillared graphene

Pillared graphene's thermal transport was found to be faster with wrinkles due to reduced phonon scattering. The optimal configuration involves three octagons instead of six heptagons, facilitating a smoother turn without significantly stressing the graphene.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateNov 2, 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.

Brain & Behavior Research Foundation announces 30th Annual Young Investigator grants

The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation has awarded over $13.6 million in Young Investigator Grants to 196 promising young scientists, supporting innovative research into psychiatric disorders affecting one in five people. The grants aim to identify causes, improve treatments and develop prevention strategies for conditions like addic...

SourceBrain & Behavior Research Foundation·DateNov 2, 2017

Sleeping through the snoring: Researchers id neurons that rouse the brain to breathe

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center identified specific neural circuitry responsible for rousing the brain of mice in simulated apnea conditions. The findings suggest that PBelCGRP cells wake up the brain and are necessary for arousal, providing a potential target for interventions to treat obstructive sleep apnea.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNeuron·DateNov 2, 2017
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Time to rewrite the dinosaur textbooks? Not quite yet!

A team of international experts has re-evaluated a radical proposal to split dinosaurs into two new groups, finding that the evidence is not strong enough to overthrow traditional classification models. The study suggests that the most likely site of origin for dinosaurs is still in the southern hemisphere, particularly South America.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature·DateNov 1, 2017

Scientists develop groundnut resistant to aflatoxin

A breakthrough discovery has been made by suppressing the aflatoxin-producing fungus in groundnut, significantly improving food safety. The research, published in Plant Biotechnology Journal, has potential to contribute to food security in under-developed countries.

SourceDonald Danforth Plant Science Center·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·DateNov 1, 2017

Topical gel made from oral blood pressure drugs shown effective in healing chronic wounds

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a topical gel made from common blood pressure pills that block inflammation pathways, speeding up the healing of chronic skin wounds. The gel was shown to be effective in accelerating wound healing in mice and pigs, with one concentration showing significant benefits.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateNov 1, 2017

One-step 3-D printing of catalysts developed at Ames Laboratory

A US Department of Energy laboratory has developed a one-step 3D printing method for creating catalysts, which could lead to more efficient chemical reactions and improved industrial processes. The new technique uses inexpensive commercial printers to create structures with built-in catalytic properties.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalACS Catalysis·DateNov 1, 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.

Gut microbiome may make chemo drug toxic to patients

Researchers investigate how gut bacteria metabolize chemotherapy drug irinotecan, finding that certain individuals are more likely to experience severe side effects. The study suggests analyzing patients' microbiomes before treatment could predict and prevent adverse reactions.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·Journalnpj Biofilms and Microbiomes·DateNov 1, 2017

One step closer to defining dark matter, GPS satellite atomic clocks on the hunt

Researchers from University of Nevada, Reno used GPS satellites to search for dark matter clumps in the shape of walls or bubbles extending far beyond the solar system. The team found no evidence but ruled out a vast region of possibilities for this type of dark matter model, bringing them closer to defining its nature and composition.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Reno·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 1, 2017

New study: Innovative heart device is safe and effective

A new study has found that a pioneering heart valve repair device is safe and effective, reducing the need for open-heart procedures and resulting in improved quality and frequency of repairs. The Harpoon Mitral Valve Repair System repaired the heart while it continued to beat, with no deaths or major complications.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 1, 2017

Climate change could decrease sun's ability to disinfect lakes

A new study finds that climate change could decrease the sun's ability to kill pathogens in lakes and waterways by increasing organic runoff. This can lead to an increase in waterborne illnesses, with 12-19 million people affected annually in the US.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 1, 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.

Nicotine's hold: What the gut and gender have to do with it

A mouse study found significant differences in gut microbiome composition between male and female mice exposed to nicotine, with potential implications for nicotine's addictive properties. The study suggests that the brain-gut relationship plays a crucial role in nicotine's effects, particularly in women.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical Research in Toxicology·DateNov 1, 2017

Subset of stem cells identified as source for all cells in blood and immune systems

A study by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center has identified a specific subset of adult blood stem cells responsible for regenerating the entire blood and immune system. The 5% subset, marked as CD34+CD45RA-CD90+, was found to rebuild all different cells of the blood and immune system within 10 days after being infused in nonhuman primates.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 1, 2017

Scientists create magnetic system that transforms heat into motion

Researchers discover new technique to transform ambient heat into motion in nanoscale devices, revolutionizing data storage and sensors. The innovation uses a specific type of gear called a ratchet made from artificial spin ice material, which enables the conversion of thermal energy into directed rotation.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Materials·DateNov 1, 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.

In vitro tissue microarrays for quick and efficient spheroid characterization

A new technology bridges clinical pathology assessment, high-content analysis, and 3D cell cultures, allowing rapid, automatable, and multiplex readouts. This technique is applied to mixed arrays made up of spheroid models from various cell lines, demonstrating its potential for safety and efficacy testing and model optimization.

SourceSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)·JournalSLAS DISCOVERY·DateNov 1, 2017

Life on the edge

New research reveals that 85% of forest vertebrates are impacted by fragmentation, with some species flourishing at the edge and others disappearing due to habitat loss. The study highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect species dependent on intact forest core areas.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature·DateNov 1, 2017

Research documents link between nightmares and self-harm

Researchers at Florida State University found a connection between nightmares and self-injurious behavior, such as cutting or burning oneself. The study suggests that nightmares can disrupt emotional regulation, leading to increased risk of self-injury.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalComprehensive Psychiatry·DateNov 1, 2017

Inflammation in middle age may be tied to brain shrinkage decades later

Research suggests that chronic inflammation in mid-life may be an early contributor to brain cell loss and memory decline associated with Alzheimer's disease. The study found people with elevated inflammation biomarkers had smaller brain volumes and lower scores on a memory test compared to those without elevated markers.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateNov 1, 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.

A new way to get a drug molecule into the cell?

Scientists discovered a new binding motif that enables positively charged amino acids to bind with negatively charged terminal groups in peptides or proteins. This discovery may help rationalize why certain peptides easily pass through cell membranes and aid in designing efficient transport of drug molecules.

SourceInstitute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague)·DateNov 1, 2017

Teen childbirth linked to increased risk for heart disease

Women who became first-time mothers as teens had greater risks for heart and blood vessel disease later in life compared to older mothers. Researchers found that adolescent mothers scored significantly higher on Framingham Risk Score, indicating a 10-year cardiovascular risk.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 1, 2017

A nutrient mix makes phytoplankton thrive

Researchers found that over broad regions of the South Atlantic, a combination of two or three nutrients was needed to stimulate phytoplankton growth. This study provides experimental evidence for widespread nutrient co-limitation, which has implications for global ocean models and predictions about nutrient limitation.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature·DateNov 1, 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.

Infertility linked to higher risk of death among women

Women with a history of infertility have a 10% increased risk of death compared to those without reported infertility struggles. Infertility is also linked to an increased risk of breast cancer and diabetes mortality, highlighting the need for further research into the long-term effects of infertility on women's health.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateNov 1, 2017

Miracle cure costs less than a budget airline flight

A 12-week course of hepatitis C drugs can be manufactured for just $50, making it cheaper than a plane ticket on many low-cost airlines. Generic copies are as effective as branded medicines, but restrictions and patent issues prevent widespread access.

SourceWorld Hepatitis Alliance·DateNov 1, 2017