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Science News Archive April 2017


Page 27 of 37

How to mix the perfect cocktail

Researchers have developed a method to predict interactions among multiple drugs in combination, bypassing the need for astronomical measurements. The new mathematical model enables scientists to identify optimal blends for chemotherapy cocktails and potentially aid personalized medicine.

Turning down the brain to erase fearful memories

Weizmann Institute scientists have successfully erased fear memories in mice by disrupting the communication between two brain regions. The study, published in Nature Neuroscience, may one day lead to novel therapies for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other anxiety disorders.

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.

Explosive material: The making of a supernova

Researchers discovered that massive stars can exhibit instability for several months before a supernova explosion, creating a dense gas shell around themselves. This insight came from analyzing data collected by the Palomar Transient Factory telescope network.

A rusty green early ocean?

Researchers suggest ancient ocean had green rusty mineral, green rust, which could have delivered substantial proportion of iron to early ocean sediments. Green rust forms under low oxygen conditions and can transform into iron oxides over time.

In search of the wild fava bean

Researchers have identified ancient fava beans in Northern Israel, dating back 14,000 years, to understand the evolution of the crop and improve its biodiversity. The findings provide crucial clues about the time and place where wild faba plants grew naturally.

Controlling electron spin for efficient water splitting

By controlling electron spin, scientists have almost fully suppressed hydrogen peroxide formation during water splitting, paving the way for efficient solar-based hydrogen production. This breakthrough could lead to more stable and efficient photoelectrochemical cells, increasing the feasibility of using solar energy to split water.

Some stroke survivors disregard doctors' advice on medications

A study of an online stroke forum found that three in 10 stroke survivors will experience further strokes, highlighting the importance of secondary prevention medications. Despite this, patients often disregard general practitioners' advice on these medications, with some stopping treatment completely due to side effects.

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.

First oceans may have been acidic

Researchers developed a model suggesting early oceans were acidic, with pH between 6.0 and 7.5, conducive to primitive life's existence. Higher CO2 levels controlled ocean acidity, influencing chemical weathering and ion fluxes.

Grey hair linked with increased heart disease risk in men

A prospective observational study found a high association between grey hair and coronary artery disease in adult men. Researchers discovered that as age increases, so does the incidence of both atherosclerosis and hair greying due to similar biological pathways.

Obese Spanish workers take more sick leave

The study found a consistent association between overweight and obesity with sickness absence, regardless of metabolic health status. Obese workers were 37% more likely to take sick leave for non-work-related illnesses than their healthy-weight colleagues.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

From the science of learning to the art of teaching

A $4.6-million grant will investigate how students and teachers implement principles from the science of learning in educational settings. The project aims to provide students with tools to learn effectively on their own, regardless of career path.

Claude-André Faucher-Giguère receives NSF honor for young faculty

Claude-André Faucher-Giguère, a Northwestern University astrophysicist, has received a Faculty Early Career Development Program award from the National Science Foundation. The $794,304 grant will support improved galaxy formation simulations and interactive visualizations for public outreach.

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.

'Nesting doll' minerals offer clues to Earth's mantle dynamics

A team of scientists has discovered a rare sample of the mineral majorite, which originated at least 235 miles below Earth's surface. The discovery provides valuable insights into the dynamic processes occurring deep inside the Earth and its history, including the formation of mountain ranges that persist today.

ERC advanced grant for Jiri Friml

Jiri Friml, a plant biologist at IST Austria, has received an ERC advanced grant to investigate the evolution of auxin transport and polarity in plants. His research will focus on understanding how plants adapt to environmental changes through the dynamic regulation of PIN transporters.

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.

Asthma drug helps patients with skin disorder

Omalizumab, an asthma drug, demonstrates significant symptom improvements and prevention in patients with cold urticaria and symptomatic dermographism. The treatment was found to be effective in nearly half of patients with symptoms after exposure to stimuli.

Peptide acts as mediator for learning

Researchers have discovered a key peptide called DBI that promotes the production of new neurons in the hippocampus, a region critical for learning and memory. DBI binds to GABA receptors, suppressing its inhibitory effect and allowing neural stem cells to proliferate.

AGA releases best practice advice on long-term PPI use

The American Gastroenterological Association recommends a tailored approach to PPI use for different conditions, weighing benefits against risks. Long-term PPI users should have their doses reevaluated regularly to minimize side effects.

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.

New study reveals how some chickens got striped feathers

Researchers at Uppsala University discovered two independent mutations required for the development of sex-linked barring in chickens, a pattern resembling the common cuckoo's plumage. The study sheds light on the genetic mechanisms behind colour variation and pigmentation in birds.

Rice University's Cin-Ty Lee wins Guggenheim Fellowship

Cin-Ty Lee, an earth scientist at Rice University, has won a Guggenheim Fellowship to investigate how continents emerged from oceans and their effect on nutrient cycling. He will explore crystal growth and kinetics in magmatic and hydrothermal conditions.

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.

Osteoporosis drug found safe in long-term trial

A new study confirms denosumab's short-term and long-term safety in treating postmenopausal osteoporosis. Women on long-term treatment experienced no increase in adverse effects compared to those on placebo or shorter treatment durations.

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.

New medication significantly decreases involuntary movement

A recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that valbenazine can significantly reduce tardive dyskinesia symptoms in patients with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and mood disorder. The medication showed a 50% improvement rate compared to the placebo group.

Money can't buy confidence in birth services, research shows

A study found that less than 50% of eligible women in India take up the Janani Suraksha Yojana scheme due to obstacles such as poor care quality and transport challenges. Community health workers, known as ASHAs, were identified as major enabling factors in accessing delivery care.

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.

Researchers detect protein that increases effectiveness of vaccines

Researchers have discovered a protein called PorB, found on the exterior of bacteria, which can increase both antibody production and stimulate cytotoxic T cells to fight off infections. The study demonstrates the potential for this protein to enhance vaccine effectiveness against various diseases, including cancer and HIV.

ERC advanced grant for Carl-Philipp Heisenberg

Biologist Carl-Philipp Heisenberg has been awarded an ERC advanced grant to study the interplay between gene regulatory networks and physical processes in embryonic development. His research will focus on gastrulation, a critical phase of embryonic development where cells are transformed into distinct layers.

Big women have nearly threefold greater risk of atrial fibrillation

Research found that bigger women have a significantly higher risk of atrial fibrillation due to their larger body size, with those in the highest body surface area quartile having nearly three times the risk as those in the lowest. The study's findings suggest that avoiding excess weight may be beneficial for tall individuals.

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.

PET radiotracer design for monitoring targeted immunotherapy

Researchers developed new engineered PET tracers to image immune checkpoint expression in cancer cells, enabling monitoring of targeted immunotherapy. The study shows practical immunoPET radiotracer design modifications and their effects on human PD-L1 immune checkpoint imaging.

Birds to help unravel the inner working of nature's most complex societies

A team of scientists led by the University of Exeter aims to understand how individual characteristics and social relationships influence collective movements in birds. The project seeks to decipher the mechanisms behind flocking behavior, with potential implications for crowd safety, crop management, and robotics.

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.

Puffins that stay close to their partner during migration have more chicks

A new study found that puffin pairs that migrate close together have higher breeding success rates. Female winter foraging efforts also play a crucial role in determining pair breeding success. The study used geolocators to track the migratory movements of 12 pairs of Atlantic Puffins, revealing that pairs following similar migration r...

Plotting the demise of Alzheimer's

Researchers are testing an anti-amyloid drug on people with elevated amyloid levels but no cognitive decline. The goal is to identify an early stage of the disease and delay onset by five years by 2025, which could save billions in healthcare costs.

Rescue protein gives doomed cells a stay of 'execution'

Researchers have discovered a set of proteins that delays the 'executioner' machinery killing damaged or infected cells in necroptosis. The rescue treatments may prevent injuries to transplanted organs and help prevent cancer spread.

400 million years of a stable relationship

A team of scientists has identified a transcription factor called MYB1 that regulates the lifespan of arbuscules in arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. The discovery provides new insights into the molecular basis of balance in AM symbiosis and could lead to more effective symbiosis, potentially improving crop yields.

NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Ernie intensify

Tropical Cyclone Ernie strengthened into a hurricane with an eye forming in visible images captured by NASA's Aqua satellite. The storm was located near Western Australia, moving south at 5 knots with maximum sustained winds of 109 mph.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

A moldable scaffold for bone

A new bioactive foam can be molded to fit irregular skull defects, attracting bone cells to naturally regenerate bone. The foam hardens in place, providing a low-cost alternative to current bone grafts.

Volcanic arcs form by deep melting of rock mixtures

Researchers discovered a previously unknown process involving the melting of intensely-mixed metamorphic rocks, known as mélange rocks, that form through high stress during subduction. This finding changes our understanding of how volcanic arc lavas are formed and may have implications for earthquake studies and volcanic eruption risks.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Study: Warm Atlantic waters contribute to sea ice decline

A University of Alaska Fairbanks study found that warmer Atlantic water is a significant contributor to Arctic sea ice loss. Increased mixing in the Eastern Eurasian Basin allows heat from the warmer water to reach the surface, causing sea ice to melt.

Making spines from sea water

Scientists have discovered that sea urchins extract calcium ions from seawater through a process where they drink in water and manipulate the ions within their cells. This method is more energy efficient than previously thought, but presents new challenges for understanding how these cells concentrate and expel ions.

Married couples with common ancestry also share similar genes

Researchers explored genetic similarity between spouses from three generations of white people in the Framingham Heart Study. They found that individuals preferred spouses with the same ancestry, but this preference decreased over time, resulting in a more genetically diverse population.

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.

UC San Diego biologists discover timesharing strategy in bacteria

Researchers found that bacteria face with limited nutrients will enter an elegant timesharing strategy, alternating feeding periods to reduce competition. The study reveals that structured communities of bacteria use electrical signals to coordinate behaviors and optimize resource utilization.