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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 83


Page 83 of 461

Pharma gifts to providers result in more branded, expensive prescriptions

Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center found that physicians who received pharmaceutical gifts prescribed more branded drugs and had higher costs per claim. The study, which analyzed data from Medicare Part D prescriber reports, suggests that even small gifts can influence prescribing behavior.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 25, 2017

Skin found to play a role in controlling blood pressure

Scientists found that skin helps regulate blood pressure and heart rate in response to changes in oxygen availability. In mice genetically modified to lack certain HIF proteins, the response to low-oxygen conditions was altered, affecting heart rate, blood pressure, and overall activity.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·DateOct 25, 2017

Flu forecasting tool uses evolution to make earlier predictions

A new flu forecasting tool combines data on virus spread with evolutionary analysis to predict the severity of upcoming seasons. By factoring in how much the virus has changed compared to recent years, the model can generate disease forecasts before the season begins, significantly earlier than existing tools.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 25, 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.

Researchers find immune cells help rebuild damaged nerves

A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience reveals that neutrophils, a type of immune cell, play a significant role in clearing debris from damaged nerves. Without this cellular clearance mechanism, nerves cannot properly regenerate after injury.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateOct 25, 2017

Stirling leads £1.1 million trial into pelvic organ prolapse

A £1.1 million trial led by the University of Stirling will investigate whether a self-management programme can help women with pelvic organ prolapse manage their symptoms more effectively. The trial will compare standard care with self-management, focusing on women's quality of life and cost implications.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·DateOct 25, 2017

Laser beams for superconductivity

A team of scientists has found that applying a brief laser pulse to the C60 bucky-ball material creates superconducting properties up to 100 degrees above the critical temperature. The discovery sheds light on the unusual physical phenomena and offers potential for manufacturing electronic devices with adjustable properties.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalNature Physics·DateOct 25, 2017

Sexual function concerns not always reflected in prostate cancer treatment choices

A recent study by UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers found that more than half of men with prostate cancer prefer preserving sexual function, but this preference was not strongly linked to the choice of treatment strategy. Active surveillance is widely recognized as the best option for preserving sexual function, ye...

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 25, 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.

It's all about the mix

Researchers from NIST have developed a new material mix that combines metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with 3-D printer plastic, showing promise for sensing and storage applications. The mixture retains more than 50 times more hydrogen than plastic alone, suggesting the MOFs are still functioning effectively while inside the plastic.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPolymers for Advanced Technologies·DateOct 25, 2017

Continuing scourge of microplastics in water to be gauged by new research

Researchers at the University of Kansas are launching a three-year study to identify how microplastics enter US waters, with goals to engage municipalities and create a publically accessible database. The study aims to quantify plastics release from municipal wastewater treatment plants and estimate national release estimates.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·DateOct 25, 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.

Determining when humans started impacting the planet on a large scale

Researchers applied high-resolution mass spectrometry to investigate synthetic chemical contamination in two lakes in Central Europe, capturing the past 100 years of sediment layers. The analysis revealed concentrations of industrial chemicals starting in the 1950s, marking the beginning of large-scale human impact on the environment.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateOct 25, 2017

Researchers developing home test kit for lupus nephritis flares

A team of engineers is creating a smartphone-based test kit to detect kidney inflammation in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. The test uses glow-in-the-dark nanoparticles to measure protein levels in urine, offering a non-invasive and quantitative solution for patients.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateOct 25, 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.

Technique offers advance in testing micro-scale compressive strength of cement

Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a micropillar compression technique to characterize the micro-scale strength of cement, allowing for the development of stronger, more sustainable materials. The study provides precise measures of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) compressive strength in cement mixtures.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Nanomechanics and Micromechanics·DateOct 25, 2017

New method helps rule out heart valve infection

Researchers developed a risk assessment system, HANDOC, to identify patients with streptococcal bacteria who need echocardiography for potential heart valve infection. The system showed good reliability in distinguishing high and low-risk patients.

SourceLund University·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateOct 25, 2017

UCLA neuroscientists improve human memory by electrically stimulating brain

Researchers found that low-current electrical pulses targeting the right side of the entorhinal area significantly improved patients' ability to recognize specific faces. The study builds on previous research demonstrating that electrically stimulating the brain's entorhinal cortex can strengthen human memory.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·DateOct 25, 2017

New evidence for dark matter makes it even more exotic

Recent study finds that galaxy clusters' density is smaller than predicted, and brightest cluster galaxies wobble, indicating a shallower central density. This suggests the existence of exotic forms of dark matter.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 25, 2017

UNIST researchers introduce novel catalyst for rechargeable metal-air batteries

The study presents a novel catalyst for metal-air batteries with excellent electrochemical performance, close to that of precious metal catalysts. The new catalyst, PBSCF-NF, exhibits high surface areas and improves the bi-functionality of oxygen reduction reaction and oxygen evolution reaction.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 25, 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.

UNIST professors, selected to Samsung's future tech fostering projects

UNIST researchers have been consistently chosen by Samsung Electronics to develop innovative futuristic technologies. The latest selection includes Professor Jeong Min Baik in the School of Materials Science and Engineering, who will receive follow-up support for his project on developing high power generators.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·DateOct 25, 2017

Comet mission reveals 'missing link' in our understanding of planet formation

Researchers from Germany's Technische Universität Braunschweig uncovered a crucial link between the formation of cometary 'dust pebbles' and planet accretion. The study, based on Rosetta mission data, reveals that these pebbles are concentrated by solar instability, leading to collapse and the birth of comets.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 25, 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.

First white-box testing model finds thousands of errors in self-driving cars

Researchers from Lehigh University and Columbia University have developed a new testing approach for deep learning platforms used in self-driving cars, malware-detection, and other systems. Their method, called DeepXplore, exposes thousands of unique incorrect corner-case behaviors, enabling faster identification and fixing of errors.

SourceLehigh University·DateOct 25, 2017

Discovery lights path for alzheimer's research

A probe invented at Rice University has identified a specific binding site on the amyloid beta peptide, which is suspected to cause Alzheimer's disease. This discovery could lead to the development of photodynamic therapy for Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalChem·DateOct 25, 2017

Aitape skull likely belongs to world's oldest tsunami victim

A 6,000-year-old human skull discovered in Papua New Guinea has been confirmed as the world's oldest known tsunami victim. The skull was analyzed using scientific techniques to determine its age and environmental context, which revealed a violent tsunami that struck the coast around 6,000 years ago.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 25, 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.

Anti-pancreatic cancer drug in research focus

Scientists have successfully synthesized a promising anticancer molecule, BE-43547A(2), which shows unprecedented activity against pancreatic cancer stem cells. The compound reduces cancer stem cell proliferation by 21-fold and abolishes tumor-initiating capability.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 25, 2017

New study: 'Double decker' antibody technology fights cancer

A new class of antibody-drug conjugates, dubbed dual variable domain antibodies (DVD-ADCs), have been developed using a versatile double-decker technology. These pharmaceuticals selectively deliver drugs to cancer cells without harming healthy cells and tissues.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 25, 2017

Now we know why babies shouldn't sleep face down

Research discovered a developmental abnormality in babies' brains that increases risk of SIDS when sleeping on their front. The abnormality affects the control of breathing, heartbeat, and responses to oxygen deprivation.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 25, 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.

Brain tumors share common tricks to survive

Researchers discovered that different types of brain tumors and brain cancer cells share common energy production processes, enabling them to adapt and grow in the brain. This study aims to identify new targets for treatment and potentially develop drugs specifically designed to target these survival mechanisms.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 25, 2017

Volkswagen Foundation funds project on model theory

The project aims to develop a literary model theory to review narratives in technical and scientific models. It will improve energy research models and promote 'hermeneutic change' in technology assessment.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·DateOct 25, 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.

Conservation spending predicts rise and fall of global biodiversity

Research finds that increased conservation spending is effective in reducing biodiversity loss, with countries like Brazil experiencing fewer threats and Chile facing more. A new measurement assigns percentage of responsibility to protect threatened species based on their range within a country.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalNature·DateOct 25, 2017

Invasive species jeopardize already threatened island animals

A study identified 1,189 highly threatened vertebrate species on 1,288 islands with invasive species, which may endanger their survival. Conservation efforts, including biosecurity and funding strategies, are crucial to protect native animals on islands with invasive species.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 25, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Discovery of a new structure family of oxide-ion conductors 'SrYbInO4'

Scientists at Tokyo Tech have synthesized a new material, SrYbInO4, which exhibits high oxide-ion conductivity and is the first example of pure oxide-ion conductors with a CaFe2O4-type structure. The material has a lower activation energy for oxide-ion conductivity compared to CaFe2O4.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateOct 25, 2017

A strong case for limiting climate change

BIOACID research reveals ocean acidification affects ecosystems and services, including climate regulation, food provision, and biodiversity. Reducing carbon emissions by mid-century is crucial to reach Paris climate targets and limit global warming.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·DateOct 25, 2017

Genome sleuthing tracks the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Researchers tracked MRSA transmission through detailed genome sequencing and epidemiological data, finding clusters of closely related bacteria linked to specific individuals and hospital transfers. The study reveals MRSA strains thought to be strictly hospital-associated are spreading in the general community.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 25, 2017

Large declines seen in teen substance abuse, delinquency

Researchers found significant decreases in both substance-use disorders and delinquent behaviors among teens from 2003 to 2014. The study suggests that changes in adolescent behavior are driving these declines, rather than policies alone.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateOct 25, 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.

'Scars' left by icebergs record West Antarctic ice retreat

Thousand-year-old iceberg marks in Pine Island Bay show how West Antarctic Ice Sheet retreated rapidly as it balanced on sloping ground. Researchers warn that similar instability may occur again due to global warming, triggering rapid ice retreat and sea-level rise.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·DateOct 25, 2017

Household with mother (-in-law) means fewer kids

Researchers analyzed records of over 2.5 million women from 14 countries, finding that living with a mother-in-law actually results in lower family sizes. Women who live with either their own or husband's mother have fewer children compared to those who only live with their spouse.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateOct 25, 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.

Cerebral palsy survey in Uganda fills knowledge gap

A new study published in The Lancet Global Health found that cerebral palsy is more common and has higher mortality in Uganda compared to high-income countries. The study, which analyzed data from over 30,000 children, suggests that cerebral malaria is a major cause of brain damage in infants.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateOct 25, 2017

Insights from a rare genetic disease may help treat multiple myeloma

Scientists have found that a rare genetic disease known as NGLY1 deficiency could hold the key to understanding resistance to cancer drugs. Dampening this enzyme may allow proteasome inhibitors to continue killing cancer cells, providing hope for new treatments.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateOct 25, 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.

China's out of control 'silent killer' affects one-third of adults

A recent study found that over one-third of Chinese adults have high blood pressure, with fewer than 1 in 20 having the condition under control. The study also revealed that many primary care pharmacies in China do not stock anti-hypertensive medications, and that higher-cost alternatives are often prescribed.

SourceYale University·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 25, 2017

Why arched backs are attractive

A study published in Evolutionary Psychological Science found that small changes in a woman's back angle influence attractiveness ratings. The results suggest an arching of the back signals female receptivity, which may explain why high heels are considered attractive.

SourceSpringer·JournalEvolutionary Psychological Science·DateOct 25, 2017