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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 80


Page 80 of 461

Taking a tip from mussels to make materials both strong and flexible

Researchers created a polymer-based material with enhanced strength and elasticity by mimicking a mussel's adhesive qualities. The material, which is 770 times stiffer and 92 times tougher than its untreated precursor, offers potential applications in structural, biomedical, and aerospace materials.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 26, 2017

A new player helping viruses hijack their hosts

Scientists have identified a new player in viral infection, revealing how certain long noncoding RNAs can aid viruses in hijacking host cells. The discovery highlights the importance of understanding host-virus interactions to develop effective antiviral strategies.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 26, 2017

CNS awards Lithuanian professor for the paradigm shift in neurology

A Lithuanian professor has been awarded the Paper of the Year by The Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) for his groundbreaking research on severe traumatic brain injury. The study found that longer durations of cerebrovascular autoregulation impairment events significantly correlate with worse patient outcomes.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalNeurosurgery·DateOct 26, 2017

Pregnancy poses no greater risk to breast cancer survivors

A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute indicates that pregnancy does not incur a greater risk of relapse for survivors of breast cancer. The study found no significant difference in breast cancer recurrence rates among pregnant and non-pregnant women with a history of ER-positive breast cancer.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 26, 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.

Researchers use a pump-induced disease to define underlying molecular mechanism

A study published in Journal of General Physiology investigated the functional effects of specific mutations in Na/K pumps found in tumors that induce primary aldosteronism. The researchers found that impaired sodium and potassium transport is a common mechanism behind the pathology, contradicting previous 'gain-of-function' proposals.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of General Physiology·DateOct 26, 2017

BU receives prestigious ACS award

The American Cancer Society has awarded Boston University School of Medicine with a three-year, $270,000 Institutional Research Grants program award to support early-stage cancer research by junior faculty. This funding will provide grants per year and is valued for its opportunity to establish proof-of-concept.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateOct 26, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientific evaluation of rhino diets improves zoo

A study by San Diego Zoo Global found that changing diets for southern white rhinos to low phytoestrogen levels improved reproductive success. The switch resulted in two females becoming pregnant and giving birth to healthy calves.

SourceSan Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance·DateOct 26, 2017

Mending hearts in three dimensions

A Kyoto-Osaka team uses hiPSCs to develop biodegradable aligned nanofibers as a scaffold for culturing cardiomyocytes, forming robust and functional cardiac tissue-like constructs. These CTLCs show excellent operability leading to favorable heart function recovery in injured rat hearts.

SourceKyoto University·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateOct 26, 2017

Doctors need cultural training

A Norwegian study reveals that general practitioners lack cultural competency when dealing with patients from diverse backgrounds. Researchers emphasize the need for mandatory cultural training in medical education to address these gaps.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalFamily Practice·DateOct 26, 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.

Sonic Hedgehog at the center of Parkinson's research at CCNY

Researchers at City College of New York are exploring Sonic Hedgehog as a potential treatment for Parkinson's Disease. They have found that dopamine neurons secrete SHH, which can help reduce symptoms like dyskinesia, and are now testing Smoothened agonists in both mice and macaques.

SourceCity College of New York·DateOct 26, 2017

The oceans were colder than we thought

A study by EPFL and European researchers found that past ocean temperatures may have remained relatively stable over the past 100 million years. This challenges decades of paleoclimate research and raises concerns about current levels of climate change.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 26, 2017

Scientists detect comets outside our solar system

A team of scientists and amateur astronomers have detected six exocomets, the smallest objects yet found outside our solar system, using transit photometry. The detection marks the first time an object as small as a comet has been identified using this technique.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 26, 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.

Russian scientists have found flaws in popular theories of gravity

Researchers at Ural Federal University found that a popular theory of gravity is flawed when applied to real-world astrophysical conditions. They propose new Horndeski models to stabilize black holes, addressing modern physics prerequisites and inconsistencies. The study aims to develop a new theory of gravity meeting all requirements.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalClassical and Quantum Gravity·DateOct 26, 2017

Smell sensitivity varies with circadian rhythm, study suggests

Researchers found that smell sensitivity peaks in the late evening and varies over the course of a day, influenced by internal circadian rhythms. This discovery has implications for assessing a patient's sense of smell and may affect food choices and eating behaviors among teens.

SourceBrown University·JournalChemical Senses·DateOct 26, 2017

Knowledge of larval fish just a drop in the ocean

A year-long survey of Red Sea fish larvae found varying stock levels through the seasons, with higher abundance at near-shore sites during colder months. The study also identified differences in community structure, with deeper-adapted species prevalent at offshore sites.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 26, 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.

Geobiologist receives prestigious Packard Fellowship

Magdalena Osburn, a Northwestern University geobiologist, has been awarded a $875,000 Packard Fellowship to study 'microbial dark matter', or unknown microbes that have evaded cultivation in the lab. Her research will explore how these microorganisms interact with their environments and produce chemical signatures.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateOct 26, 2017

The sea turtle that refused to be beaten by the storm

Researchers discovered that adult sea turtles like Eleanor can survive and even thrive during tropical storms. The study found that sea turtles like Eleanor drastically change behavior when the storm strikes, using more energy than usual but still surviving without injury.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateOct 26, 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.

Mutation in fallopian tube lesions may help catch ovarian cancer years earlier

Researchers discovered that tumor cells in the fallopian tubes of women at high-risk for ovarian cancer can be detected years before they develop into the disease, providing a potential window of time for early detection and intervention. The study identified TP53 gene mutations as an early indicator of ovarian cancer development.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 26, 2017

Is Alzheimer's disease a disorder of energy metabolism?

Researchers found impaired mitochondrial metabolism and increased glycolysis in LOAD cells, indicating failing mitochondria. The study suggests that bioenergetics changes may contribute to the risk and pathophysiology of late-onset Alzheimer's disease.

SourceMcLean Hospital·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 26, 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.

A new weapon against malaria

Researchers have identified two proteases essential for the malaria parasite's survival and dissemination, as well as a molecule capable of inhibiting them. This discovery could lead to the development of drugs blocking not only the parasite's development in humans but also its transmission to mosquitoes.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience·DateOct 26, 2017

Novel technology provides powerful new means for studying neural circuits

A new Brown University-developed technology called trans-Tango allows scientists to visualize neural connections in fruit flies, revealing previously unmapped gustatory circuits. The technology enables circuit tracing and has the potential to control circuit functions, expanding its applications in neuroscience.

SourceBrown University·JournalNeuron·DateOct 26, 2017

Cowpea protected from a devastating pest, free for smallholder African farmers

Scientists have engineered cowpea to produce a Bacillus thuringiensis protein that protects against the Maruca pod borer. The resulting Bt cowpea variety can yield up to 25% more than traditional varieties, making it an attractive option for smallholder farmers in Africa.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·DateOct 26, 2017

Sidetracked by a donut?

A recent study published in Psychonomic Bulletin & Review found that calorie-dense foods are more distracting than low-calorie foods or everyday objects, even if they are not related to food. The researchers used a distraction paradigm to test how participants' thoughts and cognition relate to their eating habits.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateOct 26, 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.

Manipulating mitochondrial networks could promote healthy aging

Researchers found that restricting diet or using genetic manipulation to mimic it can maintain youthful mitochondrial networks, increasing lifespan. These youthful networks also improve fat metabolism by communicating with peroxisomes.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 26, 2017

Late Triassic terrestrial ecosystem changes

The Norian Chinle Formation provides a snapshot of an ancient terrestrial ecosystem with plant and vertebrate remains. A new extinction event occurred between 213-217 million years ago, leading to a shift towards drier conditions.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateOct 26, 2017

Bat poop: A reliable source of climate change

Researchers from University of South Florida use bat guano to study climate change in east-central Europe since the Medieval Warm Period. Isotopes found in bat guano provide a near annual record of winter precipitation for the region.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 26, 2017

Fly hunter has described 30 new species

A Norwegian PhD candidate has discovered 30 new species of non-biting midges, using DNA barcoding to confirm the identities of the insects. The research provides significant contributions to the knowledge of this insect group and highlights the importance of DNA barcoding in understanding biodiversity.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalInsect Systematics & Evolution·DateOct 26, 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.

Citizen scientist spots comet tails streaking past distant star

A citizen scientist has discovered a comet's tail streaking past a distant star using data from the Kepler Space Telescope. The discovery marks the first time an object as small as a comet has been inferred by observing dips in a star's light.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 26, 2017

UC San Diego researchers solve mystery of oxygenation connections in the brain

Scientists at UC San Diego have discovered how brain blood vessels dynamically regulate oxygen levels across large distances, shedding light on the mechanisms behind resting-state connectivity. This breakthrough has significant implications for human health and medicine, including the development of higher resolution imaging methods.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNeuron·DateOct 26, 2017

The Bakhshali manuscript: The world's oldest zero?

A team of historians refutes Oxford's findings on the Bakhshali manuscript, dating its zero to a later period. The manuscript contains 'true' zero with calculations and proves early Sanskrit author thought about zero numerically.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalHistory of Science in South Asia·DateOct 26, 2017

Virtual coasts improve understanding of possible coastal planning outcomes

The new immersive visualization allows users to experience changes to an area through a first-person perspective, increasing appreciation for marine environment protection efforts. The tool helped people understand trade-offs between aesthetics and functionality, as well as the importance of preserving natural habitats.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateOct 26, 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.

Scientists find a role for Parkinson's gene in the brain

Researchers found that LRRK2 is necessary for the survival of dopamine-containing neurons in the brain, which are affected by Parkinson's disease. The study could alter treatment approaches against the disease.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNeuron·DateOct 26, 2017

Small droplets are a surprise: They disappear more slowly than they 'should'

Researchers discovered that small droplets evaporate more slowly than predicted by current models, affecting climate modeling and internal combustion engine design. The equation developed can be used to create more accurate climate models and design more efficient cooling units.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalSoft Matter·DateOct 26, 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.

Outpatient antibiotics raise risk for acquiring C. difficile infection in the community

A new study confirms outpatient antibiotic use is a primary risk factor for acquiring C. difficile infection in the community, and recent emergency department visits may also pose a risk. The study found that patients with community-associated C. difficile infections were more likely to have prior health care visits and taken antibiotics.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalOpen Forum Infectious Diseases·DateOct 26, 2017

Biologists discover bacteria's 'sense of touch'

Researchers at Indiana University discovered bacteria's 'sense of touch' by observing how they detect and cling to surfaces. The study revealed the role of ultra-thin hair-like appendages called pili in forming biofilms, which contribute to up to 65% of human infections.

SourceIndiana University·JournalScience·DateOct 26, 2017

UBC researcher prescribes specific exercise dosage for those with spinal cord injury

Researchers developed exercise recommendations for adults with spinal cord injuries, including moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic exercise and strengthening exercises. The guidelines aim to improve fitness and reduce mortality rates among people with SCI, addressing leading causes of death such as cardiovascular disease and obesity.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalSpinal Cord·DateOct 26, 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.

How much does life weigh?

Researchers have created a novel cell scale that enables measuring the mass of living cells with high resolution and monitoring their weight changes over time. This allows tracking of fluctuations during the cell cycle, substance influence on cell mass, and viral infection effects.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateOct 26, 2017

Learning from mussels

A team of UCSB researchers created a dry polymeric system that maintains its stretchiness while becoming stiffer and tougher with the addition of iron coordination bonds. The material has potential applications in coatings and impact-resistant materials.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience·DateOct 26, 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.

TGen-USC study finds 'Precision Medicine' may not always be so precise

A recent study by TGen-USC reveals that Precision Medicine in oncology is less precise for individuals with Latin American, African and Asian ancestry. A new genomic tool called LumosVar has been developed to help identify genetic variants, but more research is needed to overcome population differences.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalBMC Medical Genomics·DateOct 26, 2017

Should keeping reptiles and amphibians as pets be restricted?

Experts weigh in on whether keeping reptiles and amphibians as pets should be restricted due to public health and animal welfare concerns. A team from Ghent University argues that with proper information and care, these animals pose no greater burden than traditional pets.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalVeterinary Record·DateOct 26, 2017

NIH study identifies new targets for anti-malaria drugs

Researchers have identified two essential proteins, plasmepsin IX and X, which play critical roles in the life cycle of malaria parasites. Targeting these proteins could lead to the development of effective anti-malaria drugs.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalScience·DateOct 26, 2017