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Science News Archive April 2017


Page 6 of 37

Longer-lasting pain relief with MOFs

Researchers have developed MOFs that can load and deliver ibuprofen, resulting in twice as long-lasting pain relief compared to commercial formulations. The compounds reach the bloodstream quickly and could be used for delivering other drugs orally.

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.

Barley genome sequenced

A team of researchers has completed the sequencing of barley's complete genome, providing new insights into gene families key to the malting process. The breakthrough could aid in breeding and optimizing genetic diversity in crops like rice and wheat.

Virtual humans help aspiring doctors learn empathy

Researchers developed a virtual reality program to teach medical students advanced communication skills, including delivering difficult news and managing patient reactions. The study found that the simulation was an effective tool in teaching these skills, which transferred to real-life clinical situations.

Saturn spacecraft toting CU Boulder instrument starts swan song

Cassini-Huygens mission has fostered dazzling discoveries, including in-depth studies of Saturn's rings, methane lakes on Titan, and hot water plumes from Enceladus. The spacecraft will enter Saturn's atmosphere and vaporize after final ring-dive on September 15.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Human forebrain circuits under construction -- in a dish

Researchers created 3D brain organoids that replicate human forebrain circuitry, revealing the role of cell migration in autism. They successfully corrected defective neuron migration using a drug, paving the way for personalized treatments.

Early blood signatures of vaccine immunogenicity

Researchers have identified early plasma cytokine signatures that correlate with and predict the immunogenicity and reactogenicity of vaccines based on living viruses. This breakthrough can inform and accelerate rational development of new vaccines, especially during outbreaks and epidemics.

No, complex is not complicated, it is rather simple

Researchers at Bilkent University have designed the simplest experimental system to date, revealing that particles can form autocatalytic aggregates with rich complex behaviors. The study employs only two parameters: laser power and beam position, allowing for controlled emergence of complexity.

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.

New method to ensure reproducibility in computational experiments

A new method has been developed to ensure reproducibility in computational experiments, addressing a major challenge in science. Nextflow, a workflow management system, provides a standardized framework for managing computational workflows and integrating resources such as data repositories and cloud computing.

New insights on triggering muscle formation

Researchers have identified a previously unrecognized step in muscle regeneration, highlighting the molecular mechanisms that impair muscle stem cells with age. The study also provides insight into the connection between accelerated muscle stem cell aging and muscular dystrophies.

New interface allows more efficient, faster technique to remotely operate robots

A new interface designed by Georgia Institute of Technology researchers enables more efficient and faster robot operation, particularly for non-expert users. The point-and-click method resulted in significantly fewer errors and allowed participants to perform tasks quicker and reliably than the traditional ring-and-arrow technique.

Elevated biomarker following surgery linked to increased risk of death

A study published in JAMA found that patients undergoing noncardiac surgery with high-sensitivity troponin T levels after surgery were at higher risk of death within 30 days. The study analyzed data from over 21,800 participants and showed a significant association between elevated biomarkers and increased mortality.

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.

Battling infectious diseases with 3-D structures

An international team of scientists has determined the 3-D atomic structure of over 1,000 proteins that are potential drug and vaccine targets. The experimentally determined structures have been deposited into the World-Wide Protein Data Bank, freely available to the scientific community.

A more than 100 percent quantum step toward producing hydrogen fuel

Researchers have developed a quantum dot photoelectrochemical cell that achieves quantum efficiency for hydrogen gas production exceeding 100%, enabling more efficient solar energy conversion. This breakthrough has significant implications for the future of producing 'green' fuel.

Enzyme treatment reduces alcohol-induced liver damage in mouse models

A Massachusetts General Hospital research team found that oral doses of intestinal alkaline phosphatase prevented the development of fatty liver in mouse models of binge drinking and chronic alcohol consumption. The study also provided evidence of an expanded role of the liver's stellate cells in alcoholic liver disease.

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.

Understanding the correct architectures of IMM proteins

The team developed a new chemical tool to reveal the topology of IMM proteins in live cells, confirming 58 topologies and determining 77 previously uncharacterized ones. This breakthrough will help speed the development of mitochondria-targeted therapeutics for various human metabolic diseases.

Study of transgender preschoolers assesses preferences and identity

A study of transgender preschoolers found they have similar preferences and a strong sense of gender identity as non-transgender children. Differences were observed in beliefs about the stability of gender, with transgender children tending to believe their gender could change between childhood and adulthood.

Novel mode of antidepressant action may help patients unresponsive to SSRIs

Researchers at Osaka University have identified a novel mode of action for an antidepressant activator that functions independently of SSRIs and increases nerve cell growth in the hippocampus. The activator shows faster response times than fluoxetine, offering new hope for patients with depression who do not respond to current medication.

New method for early screening of colorectal cancer

Researchers have developed a highly sensitive method to detect even earlier stages of colorectal cancer by analyzing metabolites in blood plasma. The new screening method exceeds 96% sensitivity and specificity, confirming its effectiveness even for early-stage patients.

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.

'Diet' products can make you fat, study shows

Researchers found that rats fed high-sugar diets experienced increased body fat mass, liver damage, and brain inflammation. A balanced diet was shown to mitigate these effects, highlighting the potential risks of sugar-laden diet products.

Studying a catalyst for blood cancers

TET2 mutations are found in various blood cancers, including myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia. The enzyme plays a crucial role in controlling gene expression, and its loss allows other genes to mutate, creating conditions for cancer to thrive.

When Hollywood met neurosurgery

A team of neurosurgeons, engineers, and Hollywood special effects experts created a realistic 3D simulator for practicing endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) procedures. The simulator's effectiveness was evaluated in early tests, showing improved accuracy and safety compared to traditional cadaver-based training.

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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

'Whispering' keeps humpbacks safe from killer whales, study finds

Researchers discovered that newborn humpback whales communicate with their mothers using intimate grunts and squeaks to avoid being overheard by killer whales. The study found that these quiet calls help mother-calf pairs stay together in murky waters, reducing the risk of attracting male humpbacks.

Childhood obesity quadruples risk of developing type 2 diabetes

A large-scale UK study has found that children with obesity face four times the risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those in the normal BMI range. The study examined data from over 369,000 children and found no association between obesity and increased incidence of type 1 diabetes.

Link between alcohol consumption and cardiac arrhythmias

A study published in the European Heart Journal found that higher alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiac arrhythmias. The research, which monitored participants as they drank, found that even moderate drinking can lead to abnormal heart rhythms.

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.

Estrogen alters memory circuit function in women with gene variant

Research reveals that fluctuations in estrogen can trigger atypical functioning in a key brain memory circuit in women with a common version of the gene, NIMH scientists have discovered. This finding may help explain individual differences in menstrual cycle and reproductive-related mental disorders linked to fluctuations in the hormone.

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.

Decrease in cardiovascular diseases benefits persons with diabetes

A Swedish study reveals a significant decrease in cardiovascular disease incidence among individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, with reductions of up to 50% compared to the general population. The study attributes this improvement to advances in diabetes care and prevention strategies.

Environmental enrichment triggers mouse wound repair response

A study reveals that cognitive stimulation and social interactions increase lifespan in mice with colon tumors through a wound repair response. Environmental enrichment also reduces inflammation, improves tumor vasculature, and promotes immune cell activity to defend against cancer.

Political left, right similarly motivated to avoid rival views

A new report from social psychologists at the University of Illinois Chicago reveals that people on both sides of the political aisle are motivated to dismiss opposing ideas and information. Approximately two-thirds of respondents declined a chance to win extra money to avoid reading statements that didn't support their position.

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.

What the age of your brain says about you

Using neuroimaging techniques and multivariate statistical models, researchers found that people with older-than-chronological-age brains are more likely to experience deteriorating conditions and early death. Combining brain-predicted age with DNA-related epigenetic biomarkers improves mortality predictions.

Vitamin A + high-fat diet = increased risk for obesity, diabetes

Research suggests that vitamin A within a high-fat diet can negatively affect liver gene expression associated with glucose and fat metabolism. Rats fed with normal and deficient vitamin A levels showed significant differences in body mass, liver fat content, and insulin signaling pathways.

Managing disease spread through accessible modeling

The study explores disease-control measures using a simplified SIR model with low computational requirements, and proposes a platform for public-health collaborators to use and provide feedback on models. The research aims to improve disease-related decision making by providing quantitative estimates of outbreak trajectories.

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.

Chemotherapy drug may increase vulnerability to depression

A chemotherapy drug used to treat brain cancer may increase vulnerability to depression by stopping new brain cells from growing, a study suggests. The findings highlight the importance of protecting brain stem cells or building up a reserve before cancer treatment.

Movie research results: Multitasking overloads the brain

Researchers found that changing tasks frequently interferes with brain activity, leading to worse results than focusing on one task at a time. Brain areas like posterior temporal and dorsomedial prefrontal cortices work more efficiently when dealing with one task.

A novel form of iron for fortification of foods

A novel form of iron, combining protein fibers and iron nanoparticles, has been discovered to fortify food and drinks with iron. This new compound has been shown to cure iron deficiency in rats and is easily digested.

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.

What's coming next? Scientists identify how the brain predicts speech

Researchers have discovered how individual neurons coordinate to anticipate events in the brain's auditory cortex. This process is impaired in neurological and psychiatric disorders such as dyslexia and ADHD. By understanding these mechanisms, scientists hope to develop new models for studying predictive signals in the brain.

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.