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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 97


Page 97 of 461

An architect gene is involved in the assimilation of breast milk

A mutated Hoxd3 gene affects intestinal development and absorption, contributing to certain types of intestinal insufficiency in premature infants. The discovery provides a potential diagnostic tool for this disease, which remains unknown until now.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 16, 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.

Chemical treatment improves quantum dot lasers

Los Alamos National Laboratory researchers have developed a new method to create quantum dots that emit laser light more efficiently, using less power. The treatment involves adding extra electrons to the dots, allowing them to produce laser light without external stimulation.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateOct 16, 2017

Nidoviruses redundantly express genes and encode more proteins than previously believed, study finds

Researchers discovered 96 transcription regulatory sequences (TRSs) used by arterivirus Simian hemorrhagic fever virus to produce subgenomic messenger RNAs, exceeding the previously reported nine TRSs. The study found that multiple TRSs are involved in producing structural proteins and alternative reading frames.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 16, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Invasive ladybird species threatens other ladybirds in England

A long-term study reveals a significant decrease in the numbers of the 2-spot ladybird on lime trees due to the invasion of harlequin ladybirds. The invasive species accounts for up to 70% of all recorded ladybirds and may drive population changes through predation.

SourceWiley·JournalInsect Conservation and Diversity·DateOct 16, 2017

Bolstering fat cells offers potential new leukemia treatment

Researchers at McMaster University have discovered that bolstering fat cells in the bone marrow can suppress leukemia cells while also regenerating healthy red blood cells. This innovative approach presents a new potential therapeutic strategy for treating acute myeloid leukemia, which often leads to anemia and infection.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateOct 16, 2017

A new target for marijuana

A study published in JNeurosci found that chronic exposure to THC may alter inhibitory function in GABA neurons, increasing dopamine levels and promoting addictive qualities. This discovery could lead to a new target for treating cannabis use disorder.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateOct 16, 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.

Toward efficient high-pressure desalination

A recent study from MIT found that pressurization doesn't exacerbate membrane fouling in reverse osmosis (RO) systems. Researchers devised a method to isolate pressure's effects and discovered no impact on fouling rates or cleaning outcomes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Membrane Science·DateOct 16, 2017

Healthy lifestyle reduces cardiovascular risk after gestational diabetes, NIH study shows

Researchers analyzed data from over 90,000 women and found that adopting a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising moderately, and not smoking can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease after gestational diabetes. Women who failed to adopt a healthy lifestyle had a 43-percent-higher risk for cardiovascular disease.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·DateOct 16, 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.

Gravitational waves shed first light on mergers of neutron stars

The LIGO-Virgo Collaboration observed the merger of two neutron stars, producing gravitational waves and a gamma-ray burst, marking the birth of multi-messenger astronomy. This discovery confirms kilonova formation, providing insight into the universe's heaviest elements.

SourceCNRS·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 16, 2017

Rice's Laurence Yeung named 2017 Packard Fellow

Laurence Yeung, a geochemist at Rice University, has been awarded a 2017 Packard Fellowship to support his research on the atmospheric system. He plans to use the grant to take risks and explore new ideas in his field, including the development of a compact device for isotopic measurements.

SourceRice University·DateOct 16, 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.

New UTSA study describes how dopamine tells you it isn't worth the wait

A new study by Matthew Wanat found that more dopamine is released when waiting for a reward, highlighting the importance of timing in decision-making. The research could provide valuable insights into understanding drug addiction, which hijacks brain regions where dopamine is released.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 16, 2017

Skimping on sleep may contribute to gestational diabetes

A new study found that pregnant women who get less than 6 hours of sleep per night have a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes. Average sleep duration of less than 6 hours was associated with a 1.7 fold increase in the risk of being diagnosed with gestational diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalSleep Medicine Reviews·DateOct 16, 2017

Rice U. study: Vibrating nanoparticles interact

Rice University researchers have found that placing gold nanodisks into groups can selectively alter their vibrational frequencies, a discovery that could lead to new ways of converting light energy into mechanical energy. The study's findings show promise for applications in secure communications, sensing, and other fields.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 16, 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.

Spinning strands hint at folding dynamics

Researchers at Rice University have created a platform to study polymer folding dynamics using magnetic beads. The new method allows for the observation of complex behaviors, such as bending and coiling, in semiflexible fibers like actin and DNA.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review Fluids·DateOct 16, 2017

First observations of merging neutron stars mark a new era in astronomy

Astronomers have made the first-ever observations of a merging neutron star, detecting both gravitational waves and a brilliant explosion of visible light. The discovery has opened a new window into understanding neutron star physics and could resolve a long-standing question about the origins of heavy elements.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalScience·DateOct 16, 2017

Integration of smoking cessation within CT lung cancer screenings shows life-saving results

A study integrating smoking cessation programs with low-dose CT lung cancer screenings found that this approach can decrease mortality rates while being relatively cost-effective. The research suggests that adding a robust smoking cessation intervention to an organized LDCT screening program could result in significantly fewer deaths, ...

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·DateOct 16, 2017

Marketing study examines what types of searches click for car buyers

Researchers analyzed survey data on automobile purchases between 2002 and 2012 to compare time spent on internet sources with time spent on offline sources. The study found that those who searched more online tend to spend more time at dealerships, while consumers older than 50 spend less time searching and are less likely to be satisf...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalJournal of Interactive Marketing·DateOct 16, 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.

Insurance plays significant role in breast cancer disparities

A new study found that insurance disparities account for a substantial proportion of the excess risk of death from breast cancer faced by black women. Improving access to care could address much of the existing black/white disparity in breast cancer mortality.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateOct 16, 2017

Biopsy specimen found to be reliable for evaluating DLL3 expression in small cell lung cancer

A study published at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) conference found that biopsy specimens are a reliable material for evaluating DLL3 expression in small cell lung cancer. High levels of DLL3 expression were correlated with poor survival trends, smoking history, and neuroendocrine differentiation.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·DateOct 16, 2017
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Sound and color

Researchers are developing a system to alert ships to the proximity of whales using acoustic monitoring, thermal imaging, and big data analytics. The goal is to reduce fatal collisions between ships and whales, particularly in the Santa Barbara Channel where important feeding grounds overlap with busy shipping lanes.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·DateOct 16, 2017

Early palliative care provides no quality of life benefits for recently diagnosed MPM patients

A study published in the IASLC 18th World Conference on Lung Cancer found that early specialist palliative care for recently diagnosed malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) patients does not impact quality of life. Researchers concluded that there is no role for routine early referral to palliative care, regardless of symptoms.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·DateOct 16, 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.

Whales and dolphins have rich 'human-like' cultures and societies

A new study found that cetaceans have sophisticated social and cooperative behavior traits, including complex alliance relationships, social transfer of hunting techniques, and vocal mimicry. The research suggests a link between brain size and cultural complexity in these marine mammals.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateOct 16, 2017

Major advance in nanopore detection of peptides and proteins

Researchers at the University of Groningen create a funnel-shaped nanopore that can detect polypeptides differing by one amino acid. The technology uses electro-osmotic flow to pull polypeptides into the pore, producing a unique 'fingerprint' for each.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 16, 2017

Endogenous infection marker guides antibiotic therapy

A new meta-analysis shows that procalcitonin reduces relative mortality by 14% and antibiotic side effects by 25% in patients with respiratory infections. This biomarker can help medical experts diagnose infectious diseases and tailor treatment strategies.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateOct 16, 2017

Study suggests oysters offer hot spot for reducing nutrient pollution

Researchers discovered that oyster shells contain unique microbial communities with higher denitrification activities than sediments. This finding has important implications for oyster restoration efforts, which may reduce nutrient levels in coastal waters by leveraging the shell microbiomes' active removal of fixed nitrogen.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 16, 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.

Long nanotubes make strong fibers

Researchers at Rice University have advanced the art of making nanotube-based materials by characterizing and purifying long nanotube wires and films. The study found that longer nanotubes yield stronger and more conductive fibers, with an average tensile strength of 2.4 GPa and electrical conductivity of 8.5 megasiemens per meter.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 16, 2017

A kite that might fly

Researchers have identified the most favorable areas for harnessing high-altitude wind energy in the Middle East, where abundant and reliable winds are available. The study's findings suggest that regions over Saudi Arabia and Oman could be ideal locations for airborne wind-energy systems.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 16, 2017

Flu vaccine failed to protect young leukemia patients during cancer treatment

A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that young leukemia patients who received the flu vaccine were still susceptible to flu infections, highlighting the need for additional measures to protect vulnerable individuals. Researchers emphasize the importance of hand washing and other precautions.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateOct 16, 2017

Brain training shows promise for patients with bipolar disorder

Researchers at McLean Hospital discovered a unique brain training program that improves cognitive skills in individuals with bipolar disorder. The study found significant improvements in cognitive performance, memory, and visual learning, with sustained benefits six months after treatment.

SourceMcLean Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateOct 16, 2017

Sleep duration may affect the integrity of sperm DNA

A study of 796 male volunteers found that shorter or longer sleep durations were associated with lower High DNA Stainability in sperm. Volunteers sleeping 6.5 hours or less had 30% lower DNA stainability compared to those sleeping 7-7.5 hours.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Sleep Research·DateOct 16, 2017
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

NASA sees Hurricane Ophelia lashing Ireland

NASA's Suomi NPP satellite provided detailed thermal and precipitation data on Hurricane Ophelia, showing extreme heavy rainfall rates of over 8.4 inches per hour. The hurricane was downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone but expected to bring hurricane-force winds to Northern Ireland.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 16, 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.

Think laterally to sidestep production problems

KAUST researchers have created a new method for producing solar cells using lateral p-n heterojunctions, which achieve greater power conversion efficiency than traditional methods. This breakthrough simplifies the production process and enables cheaper solar tracking systems to become redundant.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 16, 2017

Einstein researchers share $9 million grant to find anti-aging therapies

Einstein researchers have been awarded a $9 million grant to study the genetic differences between healthy centenarians and people with no family history of extreme longevity. They aim to identify rare gene variants that contribute to longevity and develop drugs that mimic these effects, potentially leading to longer, healthier lifespans.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·DateOct 16, 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.

Family members play important role in managing chronic illness

A family approach to managing chronic illnesses can lead to improved health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs. By working together on lifestyle changes such as healthier eating habits and regular exercise, family members can help patients stay on track with their treatment plans.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Psychologist·DateOct 16, 2017

Astronomers detect colliding neutron stars for first time

For the first time, scientists have detected the collision of two neutron stars using both gravitational waves and light. The historic discovery ushers in a new era in astronomy with multi-messenger astronomy, confirming theoretical predictions and providing new mysteries to understand.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 16, 2017

Germ-free hatching eggs: An alternative to formaldehyde application

Researchers have successfully tested a pre-industrial laboratory scale method using microorganisms as natural antagonists to eliminate up to 99.6% of germs from hatching eggs. The bacteria producing pyrazines demonstrated efficiency comparable to that of formaldehyde fumigation.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 16, 2017

Shaping animal, vegetable and mineral

Scientists from Harvard SEAS develop a technique to grow any target shape from any starting shape using a bilayer of elastic materials. The researchers demonstrate the system by modeling the growth of various shapes, including a flower petal and the face of Max Planck.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 16, 2017