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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 77


Page 77 of 461

Feinstein Institute discovery challenges belief about brain's cellular makeup

A recent study published in Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry found that brain cells contain less polyunsaturated fatty acids compared to other major organs. This discovery, made by Dr. Junhwan Kim, PhD, has significant implications for understanding brain health and conditions like oxygen deprivation.

SourceNorthwell Health·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·DateOct 30, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Population, wellbeing, and climate change mitigation

A study links population growth to increased social cost of carbon dioxide and potential savings in climate mitigation costs by reducing emissions. The model suggests that minimal population growth can lead to substantial annual savings.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 30, 2017

UTHealth researchers' intriguing study

UTHealth researchers identified a key factor in mid-life cell aging that can predict Alzheimer's disease decades before symptoms appear. The study found that mice lacking IL33 gene experienced dementia at age 68, highlighting the potential of this protein as a biomarker for early detection.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateOct 30, 2017

Good vibrations: Smart access to homes and cars using fingers

VibWrite integrates passcode, behavioral, and physiological characteristics to verify users, offering a low-cost security solution that resists attacks and can be deployed on any solid surface. The system has verified legitimate users with over 95% accuracy in trials and shows promise for commercialization in the near future.

SourceRutgers University·DateOct 30, 2017

Work-family balance can tip wrong way for some young doctors

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that female medical interns are more likely to suffer from symptoms of depression than their male counterparts, with a significant portion due to work-family responsibilities. The research suggests that the conflict between long work hours and household duties can predispose individuals...

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateOct 30, 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.

Sulfur respiration in mammals

Researchers identified a sulfur metabolite with antioxidant activity that supports mitochondrial energy metabolism, a crucial process for cellular function. This finding highlights the potential of enzymes involved in sulfur respiration to treat diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 30, 2017

Liquids take a shine to terahertz radiation

Researchers at TIFR devise compact terahertz radiation source using laboratory liquids, achieving energies thousands of times larger than existing sources. The discovery opens doors to applications in terahertz imaging, material analysis, and explosives detection.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 30, 2017

Face and color processing in humans

Researchers used neurostimulation to activate brain regions associated with face and color processing, inducing illusory faces and rainbows in a patient. The findings suggest functional and anatomical specificity of these brain regions.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 30, 2017

Despite improvements, death rates from lupus remain disproportionately high

A nationwide population-based study found that death rates from lupus remain high compared to the general population, with significant disparities observed among older persons, females, blacks, and Hispanics. The study suggests that targeted research and public health programs may help address these disparities.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 30, 2017

Moving neuroscience into the fast lane

A new high-throughput system enables rapid and standardized mouse behavior and physiology studies, reducing experimental animal usage and time requirements. The system aims to facilitate reproducibility and data sharing, addressing issues of varying training protocols and data comparison across labs.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 30, 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.

People who value virtue show wiser reasoning

A new study published in Psychological Science finds that individuals motivated to develop the best in themselves and others tend to reason wisely about their own personal problems. The research highlights two key components of wise reasoning: considering other people's perspectives and intellectual humility.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 30, 2017

AUGS publishes best practice statement on pelvic organ prolapse

The American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS) has published a Best Practice Statement on pelvic organ prolapse, emphasizing the importance of proper evaluation and counseling for women. The statement outlines treatment options, including physical therapy, pessaries, and surgery, tailored to individual patient needs.

SourceCare New England·JournalFemale Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery·DateOct 30, 2017

Food odor enhances male flies' attractiveness

Researchers at Max Planck Institute discover that female flies become more receptive to courting males when they smell their favorite food. The study found that vinegar odor boosts the perception of a male sex pheromone, increasing the likelihood of mating.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 30, 2017

Willingness to take risks -- a personality trait

Researchers found a stable general factor of risk preference that affects decisions across different areas of life. This trait shares the psychometric structure of major psychological characteristics and can be measured using self-reports and frequency measures of actual risky activities.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 30, 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.

The relentless rise of migration in Europe over last 10,000 years

Researchers found that prehistoric migration rates increased in three distinct pulses, coinciding with the spread of agriculture, Bronze Age advancements, and Iron Age population growth. This suggests a strong link between technological innovation and human mobility.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 30, 2017

New approach for treatment of contact allergy

Researchers at the University of Bonn have developed an RNA aptamer that specifically targets CCL17, blocking its interaction with T cells and dendritic cells. This approach shows promise for treating contact allergies by reducing inflammatory responses in mice.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateOct 30, 2017

New tool predicts risk of plant disease and infestation worldwide

A new algorithm-based technique predicts potential plant disease hotspots by analyzing pest-host interactions and geographical distribution of vulnerable plants. This can help governments anticipate outbreaks and prevent biological invasions.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Applied Mathematics and Statistics·DateOct 30, 2017

Native trees, shrubs provide more food for birds

University of Delaware doctoral student Desiree Narango found that native trees are better at providing caterpillars for birds, which is a crucial food resource. In contrast, non-native plants offer little to no resources for breeding birds.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalBiological Conservation·DateOct 30, 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.

Bonding benefits of breastfeeding extend years beyond infancy

A longitudinal study published by the American Psychological Association found that women who breastfed their children longer exhibited greater maternal sensitivity well past infancy and toddler years. The effect sizes were small, suggesting the bond may be strengthened through multiple interactions, not just breastfeeding.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateOct 30, 2017

Graphene enables high-speed electronics on flexible materials

Researchers at Chalmers University have developed a flexible terahertz detector using graphene transistors on plastic substrates. The device detects signals in the frequency range of 330 to 500 gigahertz, opening up various applications including imaging sensors and wireless communications.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 30, 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.

Funding of millions for TU Graz-lead projects from university owned funds

TU Graz is awarding €2 million to the 'Mechanics, Modeling and Simulation of Aortic Dissection' project and €1.5 million to the 'Porous Materials @ Work' project to advance research in biomechanics and materials sciences. The funding will support the development of simulation models and algorithms to diagnose and treat aortic dissections.

SourceGraz University of Technology·DateOct 30, 2017

Cobalt and tungsten -- the key to cheaper, cleaner hydrogen

Researchers have designed a new catalyst made of cobalt and tungsten that reduces the cost of electrolytic hydrogen production by splitting water molecules at very low voltages. This process avoids the use of expensive and scarce precious metals like iridium.

SourceInstitute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ)·JournalNature Chemistry·DateOct 30, 2017

White rot fungi's size explained by breadth of gene families involved

A team of researchers has sequenced the genomes of four Armillaria fungi, including A. ostoyae, to better understand its evolution and devastating impact on forests. The study reveals a vast array of gene families involved in pathogenicity and lignocellulose degradation.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateOct 30, 2017

3-D-printed device builds better nanofibers

A new 3D-printed device produces nanofiber meshes with reduced variation in diameters, making it suitable for various applications such as tissue engineering, water filtration, and body armor. The device's design flexibility and fast iteration capabilities make it a promising technology for commercialization.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNanotechnology·DateOct 30, 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.

Virtual reality reduces phantom pain in paraplegics

Researchers at EPFL used virtual reality to reduce phantom pain in paraplegics by creating an illusion of tactile stimulation on the legs. The study, published in Neurology, found that subjects who experienced this illusion reported decreased pain levels.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNeurology·DateOct 30, 2017

Smart artificial beta cells could lead to new diabetes treatment

Artificial beta cells mimic the body's natural glucose-controllers and can be subcutaneously inserted into patients or delivered via a painless skin patch. In lab experiments and animal models, they demonstrated rapid responsiveness to excess glucose levels and normalized blood glucose levels in diabetic mice.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateOct 30, 2017

Cochrane review looks at the effectiveness and side effects of mefloquine

A Cochrane review found that mefloquine is at least as effective as other options for preventing malaria, but its psychological side effects outpace those of alternatives. Common symptoms include sleeplessness, abnormal dreams, anxiety, and depression.

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·JournalTravel Medicine and Infectious Disease·DateOct 30, 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.

Food should be marketed as a 'meal' rather than a 'snack' to avoid overeating

A recent study published in the journal Appetite found that marketing food as a 'meal' rather than a 'snack' can lead to reduced consumption and overeating. Researchers discovered that participants who consumed pasta labelled as a 'snack' ate more at a subsequent taste test compared to those who had eaten it as a 'meal'. This suggests ...

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalAppetite·DateOct 30, 2017

Both the aggressor and the victim: alarming number of teens cyberbully themselves

A new FAU study reveals nearly 6% of teens anonymously posted mean things about themselves online, with boys more likely to participate than girls. Digital self-harm is linked to depression, suicidal thoughts, and a higher risk of suicide attempts, highlighting the need for social support and clinical intervention.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateOct 30, 2017

Scientists discover surprising immune cell activity that may be limiting immunotherapy

Treg cells suppress immune function, but eliminating them doesn't eliminate their effects. In fact, dying Tregs release metabolites that affect T-cells, making them unhealthy and reducing the cancer-fighting effect of immunotherapy. The study suggests a new approach to limit this function and block the suppressive activity.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Immunology·DateOct 30, 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.

Examining potatoes' past could improve spuds of the future

Researchers at Michigan State University have identified key genes that helped domesticated potatoes adapt over thousands of years. By studying the ancestors of modern North American cultivated potatoes, scientists uncovered common genes and important pathways that enabled spuds to thrive in diverse environments.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 30, 2017

Umbilical cord blood improves motor skills in some children with cerebral palsy

A phase two trial showed improved motor function in children with spastic cerebral palsy who received an infusion of their own umbilical cord blood cells. The improvements were greater than those seen in children receiving lower doses or a placebo, and exceeded expected gains from traditional therapies.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·DateOct 30, 2017

Group exercise improves quality of life, reduces stress far more than individual work outs

A study published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that group exercise significantly improved mental, physical, and emotional quality of life, with a 26% reduction in stress levels. In contrast, individual workouts had no significant impact on stress levels or quality of life.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateOct 30, 2017

Quantum dots visualize tiny vibrational resonances

Researchers have discovered a way to visualize tiny vibrational resonances using quantum dots, which could lead to the development of new sensing technologies. The technique uses light waves to drive the motion of a thin membrane, creating patterns that can be visualized through an array of quantum dots.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 30, 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.

3-D 'scaffold' map to help the search for new cancer treatments

Researchers have produced a 3D map of SgK223, a molecular scaffold that plays a critical role in the development and spread of aggressive breast, colon, and pancreatic cancers. The map will enable targeting of specific regions critical for its function, potentially leading to novel strategies for cancer treatment.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 30, 2017

NASA sees extra-tropical storm Saola moving by Japan

Extra-Tropical Storm Saola transitioned from a tropical storm and tracked southeast of Japan, moving north of Hokkaido on October 30. The storm was east of Japan's northern island of Hokkaido, with clouds stretching into the Sea of Okhotsk and northwest Pacific Ocean.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 30, 2017
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Results from the EXCEL QOL study reported at TCT 2017 and published simultaneously in JACC

Patients with left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) showed similar quality of life improvements at three years. PCI demonstrated a greater early benefit, with improved health status measures that were sustained over time.

SourceCardiovascular Research Foundation·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateOct 30, 2017

The Lancet: Health impacts of climate change already felt today, as transition to low-carbon society must gain faster pace

The Lancet Countdown report reveals that climate change is having a significant impact on health, with 125 million adults over 65 exposed to heatwaves, and an estimated 5.3% loss in labour productivity. The report also highlights the increase in mosquito-borne diseases, air pollution, and economic losses linked to extreme weather events.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 30, 2017

Scientists penetrate mystery of raging black hole beams

A team of scientists has captured the time delay between X-ray flares and optical light flashes in a stellar-mass black hole, resolving controversy over jet plasma activation. This study uses precise multi-wavelength observations to demonstrate that relativistic jets are formed by gravity and magnetic fields.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Astronomy·DateOct 30, 2017

E-cigarette use by high school students linked to cigarette smoking

A large Canadian study links e-cigarette use among high school students to later cigarette smoking. The study found that youth who used e-cigarettes were more likely to start and continue smoking cigarettes. However, the association may be due to common factors rather than a causal effect.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 30, 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.

Helping smokers quit: Payments, personalized support can work

A new study found that smokers who received financial incentives, in addition to personalized support, were nearly 10 times more likely to quit smoking after six months compared to those in the control group. The intervention also showed significant reductions in smoking rates among older participants, women, and non-white smokers.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateOct 30, 2017

Minor merger kicks supermassive black hole into high gear

A team of researchers used the Subaru Telescope to study Messier 77, revealing evidence of a hidden minor merger billions of years ago. The discovery provides crucial evidence for the minor merger origin of active galactic nuclei and sheds light on the mysterious phenomenon.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of Japan·DateOct 30, 2017

Cover crops provide bed and breakfast layover for migrating birds

Researchers found that migratory birds prefer fields with cover crops like cereal rye, providing a safe area to escape predators and increasing insect abundance. This leads to improved bird habitat and increased fueling time for migrants.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateOct 30, 2017

How flu shot manufacturing forces influenza to mutate

A new study from Scripps Research Institute reveals that egg-based production causes the virus to target bird cells, disrupting the major antibody target site on the surface. This mutation renders the flu vaccine less effective in humans, with recent vaccines proving only 33% effective against H3N2 viruses.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateOct 30, 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.

Jupiter's X-ray auroras pulse independently

Research using ESA's XMM-Newton and NASA's Chandra X-ray observatories found that Jupiter's south pole X-ray emissions pulse every 11 minutes, while north pole emissions are erratic. This behavior is distinct from Earth's auroras, which mirror each other in activity.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Astronomy·DateOct 30, 2017

Competitive divers face high risk of back, shoulder and other injuries

A Loyola Medicine sports medicine physician warns that even perfectly executed dives can lead to injuries, with a focus on back, shoulder, and elbow injuries. The athlete's intense training schedule, including frequent dry-land exercises, also contributes to the risk of injury.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalCurrent Sports Medicine Reports·DateOct 30, 2017

Neanderthal and modern human noses

Researchers analyzed nasal morphologies to infer Neanderthal soft tissue, finding that cold-adapted nasal configurations evolved independently in both species. Computational fluid dynamics simulations showed faster air warming and humidification rates in Neanderthals compared to modern humans.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 30, 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.