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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 74


Page 74 of 461

Phase 1 study shows encouraging data for gene replacement therapy for SMA type I

A Phase 1 clinical trial has demonstrated encouraging data for gene replacement therapy in patients with spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA1). The study found that high-dose gene therapy improved motor function and reduced the need for supportive care in patients treated with a single intravenous infusion.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 1, 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.

Invasive weevil threatens California's palm trees and date industry

The invasive South American palm weevil is killing California's iconic palm trees and threatening the state's $89 million-per-year date industry. Researchers are developing semiochemical formulations to monitor and control populations in an effective, economical, and environmentally-friendly manner.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateNov 1, 2017

New tissue-engineered blood vessel replacements one step closer to human trials

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have created lab-grown blood vessel replacements that are non-living yet can be repopulated with cells by the recipient's own cells. The grafts performed well in a recent study with adult baboons, showing healthy cell growth and resistance to infection.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 1, 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.

Hacking evolution, screening technique may improve most widespread enzyme

Researchers identified an improved form of the enzyme Rubisco, which can enhance carbon dioxide-fixation kinetics. The new screening strategy enabled the discovery of 11 mutations that increased efficiency, with potential applications in crops and sustainable food production.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 1, 2017

Transgender women take triple the number of HIV tests as trans men

A new study from the University at Buffalo found that transgender women, African-Americans, and Hispanics are more likely to receive HIV testing than trans men, whites, or those with stable housing. The research aimed to identify barriers to HIV testing in urban transgender individuals.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalTransgender Health·DateNov 1, 2017

Are some natural environments more psychologically beneficial than others?

A new study reveals that spending time in rural and coastal locations has a greater positive impact on psychological well-being compared to urban green spaces. Visits to natural areas with protected status and longer durations are associated with stronger emotional connections and improved mental health.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalEnvironment and Behavior·DateNov 1, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Solving of a decade-long mystery could help in fight against TB

Researchers identified two key proteins that allow mycobacterium tuberculosis to evade cell destruction, leading to potential new anti-microbial strategies. Deleting these proteins could inhibit repair mechanisms, making TB more susceptible to treatment.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 1, 2017

Why do some obese people have 'healthier' fat tissue than others?

Researchers at the University of Michigan found that some obese adults store their body fat more healthily than others, breaking down fat at slower rates and having fewer inflammatory cells. Aerobic exercise may lead to healthier fat storage, with regular exercisers showing increased blood vessels in their fat tissue.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateNov 1, 2017

U of G researchers provide fisheries a solution to overharvesting

University of Guelph researchers have developed a model that allows fisheries to meet rising consumer demand while ensuring adequate income and replenishment of natural stocks. The model encourages fisheries to reduce short-term harvests to realize higher long-term yields, promoting sustainable fishing practices.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 1, 2017

Study unveils changes in the brain during extended missions in space

Researchers found permanent effects on human brain structure due to microgravity, including crowding and narrowing of the brain's central sulcus. The study aimed to understand the causes of VIIP syndrome, a condition affecting astronauts' vision and intracranial pressure.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 1, 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.

Jellyfish-inspired electronic skin glows when it gets hurt

Researchers developed an electronic skin that glows when subjected to high-pressure, mimicking the Atolla jellyfish's bioluminescent response. This innovation improves prosthetics and robotics by detecting a wider range of pressures, addressing the limitations of current technologies.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateNov 1, 2017

Landmark asbestos study published in The Lancet Public Health

A landmark study published in The Lancet Public Health has found a link between living in houses with loose-fill asbestos insulation and an increased risk of mesothelioma and colorectal cancer. Men were 2.5 times more likely to develop mesothelioma, while rates of colorectal cancer were higher in both men and women who had lived in con...

SourceAustralian National University·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·DateNov 1, 2017

Physicists describe new dark matter detection strategy

Researchers propose a new method for directly detecting dark matter by exploiting the interaction between superfluid helium and potential dark matter particles. The strategy involves a tub of helium and a positively charged metal pin array to amplify the tiny energy signature of a released atom, enabling the detection of single atoms a...

SourceBrown University·DateNov 1, 2017

Mandated coverage for fertility preservation featured in NEJM

A new law in Rhode Island requires coverage for fertility preservation prior to gonadotoxic medical therapy. The authors of the perspective published in NEJM recommend revising existing non-infertility-related mandates or establishing a separate definition for fertility preservation, which could encourage other states to follow suit.

SourceCare New England·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 1, 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.

Gold nanoantennas help in creation of more powerful nanoelectronics

Scientists used gold nanoparticles with molybdenum disulfide to study strain occurring when a semiconductor contacts a conductor at the nanoscale. They demonstrated localized strain of 1.4% using Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy, a unique technology that combines optical and atomic force microscopy.

SourceTomsk Polytechnic University·JournalNano Letters·DateNov 1, 2017

Do animals think rationally?

Researcher suggests a wide range of animal species exhibit executive control when making decisions, consciously considering their goals and ways to satisfy them. Studies have shown that elephants, chimpanzees, ravens, and lions engage in rational decision-making, remembering specific events, using tools, and solving problems.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalPhilosophy and Phenomenological Research·DateNov 1, 2017

Vanderbilt study shows azithromycin overprescribed for childhood pneumonia

A recent Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found that combination therapy with azithromycin is unnecessary in most cases of pediatric pneumonia. The study of 1418 children showed no significant differences in outcomes between patients treated with a single antibiotic versus a combination of antibiotics. The researchers argue t...

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateNov 1, 2017

Researchers look for dawn of human information sharing

A team of researchers, led by Luke Premo, question the widely accepted timeline of human cultural transmission, suggesting that it may be much more recent. They propose that the Oldowan tool, believed to be one of the first stone tools made by humans, could have been learned through innate skill rather than cultural transmission.

SourceWashington State University·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateNov 1, 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.

Ensuring the survival of elephants in Laos: A matter of economics

The study found that Laos' elephant population, which has dropped by half in the last 30 years, depends heavily on socio-economic practices. Implementing a 'maternity-leave' system for owners could help offset losses and promote breeding, potentially saving the species.

SourceCNRS·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 1, 2017

Time to rewrite the dinosaur textbooks? Not quite yet!

A recent proposal to reorganize the traditional dinosaur family tree has sparked debate among experts. However, a new analysis by an international consortium found that the current model of an Ornithischia-Saurischia split remains supported, albeit with weak evidence for an alternative arrangement.

SourceUniversity of Sao Paulo Scientific Outreach Unit·JournalNature·DateNov 1, 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.

Breast cancer patients forego post-surgery treatment due to mistrust, study suggests

A large survey of breast cancer patients found that nearly one-third went against their doctor's advice and chose not to complete recommended adjuvant anti-cancer therapy. Patients with higher distrust in the healthcare system were more likely to report noncompliance, highlighting the need for strategies beyond boosting physician trust.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·DateNov 1, 2017

Investigating the collateral effects of antibiotics

A new study found that most antibiotics decrease bacterial motility in multidrug-resistant Salmonella, but kanamycin increased swarming in one strain. Researchers hope to identify the accessory genes responsible for this effect to inform antibiotic choice.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmSphere·DateNov 1, 2017

New analysis shows Brazil slows deforestation with land registration program

A new study by Oregon State University shows that Brazil's environmental land registration program has slowed down deforestation on private land, particularly in the Amazon region. The CAR (Cadastro Ambiental Rural) system allows landowners to demonstrate compliance with regulations and provides a mechanism for government monitoring.

SourceOregon State University·JournalConservation Letters·DateNov 1, 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.

Saliva proteins could explain why some people overuse salt

A study found that people who can easily taste salt have differing amounts of salivary proteins than those who are less sensitive. This could lead to the development of more palatable low-sodium foods.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateNov 1, 2017

'Tensor algebra' software speeds big-data analysis 100-fold

Researchers developed a system called Taco that generates optimized code for tensor algebra operations on sparse data, offering a 100-fold speedup over existing software. The system automatically optimizes code by tracking and discarding zero entries, reducing wasted computation.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateOct 31, 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.

Young bats learn bat 'dialects' from their nestmates

A new study shows that young bats adopt a specific 'dialect' spoken by their colonies, even when it differs from their mother tongue. Researchers used playback recordings to expose pups to different vocalizations and found they developed a dialect resembling the one they were exposed to.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 31, 2017

Air pollution is associated with cancer mortality beyond lung cancer

A large-scale epidemiological study has associated certain air pollutants with increased mortality from kidney, bladder, and colorectal cancers. The study followed over 600,000 adults in the US and found that exposure to PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone was linked to higher cancer death rates.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateOct 31, 2017

Flour power to boost food security

Researchers at the University of Queensland have identified genes that control a cell protein holding wheat grain layers together, leading to improved milling efficiency and nutritional profiles. This breakthrough could increase flour yield by up to 10% and unlock new high-yielding field wheats.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 31, 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.

NASA examines the powerful US Northeast storm

The NASA GPM satellite collected detailed data on the storm's distribution and intensity of precipitation, revealing intense rain rates over 2 inches per hour. The storm's freezing level and wind gusts were also mapped, indicating heights of up to 5.6 miles and winds greater than 70 mph.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 31, 2017

Orphaned elephants' social lives substantially altered by poaching

Research at Colorado State University found that orphaned female elephants have limited access to mature, dominant individuals, affecting their social integration. Social bonds with surviving adults may not compensate for lost relationships during early years following disruption.

SourceColorado State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 31, 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.

A special issue to commemorate the centenary of Duzheng Ye's birth

The Institute of Atmospheric Physics published a special issue in AAS to commemorate Duzheng Ye's life's achievements. The collection focuses on Ye's theories and their impact on modern weather forecasting, climate change research, and Tibetan Plateau meteorology.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateOct 31, 2017

Half of UK adults miss a quarter of their teeth when brushing

A new study found that half of UK adults (48%) admit to missing at least a quarter of their teeth while brushing. The survey also shows a lack of guidance on tooth brushing habits, with six in ten adults having never been shown how to brush correctly by a dentist or hygienist.

SourceThe PR Works Limited·DateOct 31, 2017

How an interest in bipolar disorder drugs led to a better understanding of leukemia

A research project that began with an interest in bipolar disorder drugs has led to a better understanding of leukemia. The study found that the protein GSK-3 affects RNA splicing, which is linked to acute myeloid leukemia. This discovery could also explain why lithium causes increased white blood cell count.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateOct 31, 2017
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

New toolkit reveals novel cancer genes

Researchers have identified 27 novel tumour suppressor genes that may prevent cancer formation, using a powerful statistical model on over 2000 tumours across 12 human cancer types. This discovery could pave the way for targeted cancer therapies and deepen our understanding of cancer genomics.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 31, 2017

Prenatal exposure to BPA at low levels can affect gene expression in developing rat brain

Research from NC State University reveals that prenatal BPA exposure at levels below the current FDA safety threshold alters hormone receptor expression, synaptic transmission, and neurodevelopment in the developing rat brain. The study found sex-specific differences in sensitivity to BPA exposure, with females appearing more sensitive.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNeuroToxicology·DateOct 31, 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.

The Lancet Oncology: Major report sets out how to accelerate cancer research and care, delivering on US Cancer Moonshot initiative

The Lancet Oncology Commission recommends prioritizing key areas for US$2 billion funding to advance cancer research and treatment, focusing on prevention, targeted interventions, and patient-centered data sharing. The report aims to improve cancer care for underserved groups and reduce health disparities.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateOct 31, 2017

Giving rookie dads the online info they really need

A Canadian study created a website tailored for men transitioning to parenthood, addressing their specific information needs. The site provides resources on parenting, relationships, work-life balance, stress management, and sleep improvement.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateOct 31, 2017

Trends in kids' fitness not as bad as assumed

A study published in Frontiers in Pediatrics found that first-graders in one region of Germany have remained reasonably fit over the past decade. Aerobic fitness has declined only in boys, while speed and balance have improved in both sexes.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Pediatrics·DateOct 31, 2017

Young bats learn bat 'dialects' from their nestmates

Researchers found that young bats pick up specific vocalizations from their colony members, developing a unique dialect. This discovery sheds light on the evolutionary origins of language skills and raises questions about how bats adapt to new colonies.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 31, 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.