Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive April 2017


Page 9 of 37

Mayo research shows surgery adds years for kidney cancer patients

A recent study published in The Journal of Urology found that surgery to remove secondary tumor growths, called metastases, significantly improves survival rates for patients with late-stage kidney cancer. Patients who underwent surgery had a life expectancy of three to 12 years, compared to eight months and two years without surgery.

What can we learn from dinosaur proteins?

Researchers can extract proteins from 80-million-year-old dinosaur bones, providing information on evolution, biomaterials, and potential applications for drug development. The study also explores the age and environment of samples, as well as the functions of ancient proteins.

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.

Freezing lithium batteries may make them safer and bendable

Researchers at Columbia University developed a new method using ice-templating to create solid electrolytes for lithium batteries, which are safer, have longer battery life, and are bendable. This approach could improve energy density by replacing the graphite layer with lithium metal.

Ice plant to help fight global warming effects on bioenergy crops

A gene atlas for the ice plant will aid in finding ways to make bioenergy feedstocks more resilient to salinity and drought. The project aims to understand how environmental stress controls the expression of CAM photosynthesis, a water-conserving pathway that helps plants survive in arid climates.

Nanosponges lessen severity of streptococcal infections

Researchers develop nanosponges that capture and inactivate bacterial toxins, reducing cellular damage and disease severity. The new approach shows promise as a treatment for severe or antibiotic-resistant streptococcal infections.

Clarifying the mechanism for suppressing turbulence through ion mass

Scientists clarify relationship between ion mass and plasma performance improvement. Turbulence suppression through electron-ion collisions leads to increased confinement and particle heat management. Zonal flows play a crucial role in suppressing turbulence, grinding eddies and waves that improve plasma performance.

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.

Aerobic and resistance exercise combo can boost brain power of over 50s

Combining aerobic and resistance exercises can significantly enhance the brain power of older adults. The analysis showed that exercise improves cognitive abilities, with aerobic exercise enhancing global cognition and resistance training having a pronounced effect on executive function, memory, and working memory.

'Race tests' may be fueling segregation in white evangelical churches

A new study explores why white evangelical churches remain racially segregated despite nominally welcoming themselves. Researchers found that clergy and congregants execute 'race tests' on incoming people of color, coercing them into leaving or forcing them to serve the interests of whites.

Skin stem cells used to generate new brain cells

Researchers at UCI have developed a method to generate human microglia cells from skin stem cells, providing a powerful new approach to study and potentially treat neurological diseases like Alzheimer's. This discovery marks an important step in using induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells for targeted approaches.

New strategy produces stronger polymers

MIT researchers found a way to reduce loops in polymer networks, which weaken materials, by slowly adding components. This technique can improve material strength by up to 600 percent.

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.

From abundant hydrocarbons to rare spin liquids

Researchers at Tohoku University and the University of Liverpool have successfully created quantum spin liquids from polyaromatic hydrocarbons using alkali metals. This achievement marks a significant step towards understanding exotic phenomena in materials science, with potential applications in superconductivity and quantum computing.

Methadone may reduce need for opioids after surgery

A new study published in Anesthesiology found that methadone significantly reduces the need for opioids after spinal fusion surgery. Patients treated with methadone required less intravenous and oral opioids to manage postoperative pain, reported lower pain scores, and had improved global satisfaction.

How fear of death affects human attitudes toward animal life

A study from the University of Arizona found that reminding people of their mortality increases their willingness to kill animals. The researchers used terror management theory, which suggests that humans use self-esteem as a buffer against fear of death. When participants received a self-esteem boost, the effect of the death prime was...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Chip-based nanoscopy: Microscopy in HD quality

Researchers at Bielefeld University and the University of Tromsø have developed a photonic chip that enables superresolution light microscopy with conventional microscopes. This breakthrough method produces images with a resolution of about 20 to 30 nanometres, ten times that of conventional light microscopy.

Lyme disease researchers seek consensus as number of cases grows

Despite gaps in scientific understanding, Lyme disease researchers have identified key areas of agreement and promising strategies for controlling the disease. These include reducing deer populations to impact tick abundance and using acaricides to target host animals.

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.

UTA, UT Southwestern findings challenge current approach to Glut1 deficiency

Researchers discovered that early diagnosis and alternative dietary therapies can significantly improve patient outcomes for patients with Glucose Transporter Type 1 Deficiency. The study's results, published in JAMA Neurology, highlight the importance of addressing this disease through a comprehensive approach.

Citizens can productively change politics by taking the law to court

Research by Santa Fe Institute Omidyar Fellow Marion Dumas shows that citizen lawsuits can re-shape how policies are implemented on the ground, forging a more just and representative middle ground. This process weakens polarized lawmakers' bargaining positions, leading to legislative moves towards a middle ground.

New guideline published on uncommon risk of death in epilepsy

The American Academy of Neurology and the American Epilepsy Society have developed a new guideline to address Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), which is rare but can occur in people with epilepsy. The guideline suggests that controlling seizures, especially tonic-clonic seizures, may reduce SUDEP risk.

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.

Tiny 'cages' could keep vaccines safe at high temperatures

Researchers have created a technique to encase proteins in silica cages, keeping them intact at high temperatures up to 100°C. This method, called ensilication, has the potential to revolutionize vaccine storage and transportation, particularly for remote or resource-constrained areas.

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.

Mystery of the missing mercury at the Great Salt Lake

Researchers found that the closure of Union Pacific railway culverts led to a 88% decrease in methylmercury levels in the lake's deep brine layer and sediments. However, waterfowl carcasses showed no significant change in mercury levels, indicating that the source of methylmercury in wetlands remains unknown.

Chili peppers and marijuana calm the gut

Researchers discovered that capsaicin in chili peppers and anandamide in marijuana interact with the same receptor in the stomach, calming the immune system and reducing inflammation. The study holds promise for new therapies for diabetes and colitis, as well as understanding the relationship between the gut, brain, and immune system.

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.

3 small energy firms to collaborate with PNNL

Three small businesses will collaborate with PNNL on projects addressing technical challenges in bio-coal and hydrogen transportation. The collaborations aim to overcome critical technology hurdles and gain a global competitive advantage for advanced energy products.

Motion sickness drug worsens motion perception

A study by Massachusetts Eye and Ear researchers found that oral promethazine temporarily worsened vestibular perception thresholds by 31 percent. This increase in thresholds could lead to poorer balance performance and a higher risk of falling.

New approach to improve detection of landfill-related pollution

A new laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) approach refines detection of mercury in landfill leachate, offering rapid results without generating hazardous chemicals. The technique's sensitivity is improved through a double-pulse setup, allowing for the detection of lower mercury concentrations.

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.

Prostate cancer screening rates appear to level after recent drop

A new study by the American Cancer Society found that prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing rates among men 50 years or older have leveled off at 32.1%. This trend is notable given previous declines in PSA screening rates, which dropped from 37.8% in 2010 to 30.8% in 2013.

Early career scientist receives recognition from Microscopy Society of America

Sai Veeraraghavan, a research assistant professor at Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, has received the George Palade Award for his work on conductive behavior between heart cells. His novel analysis software, STORM-RLA, allows researchers to quickly parse through the locations of single molecules to determine protein interact...

Patients with drug-resistant malaria cured by plant therapy developed at WPI

A new and inexpensive treatment option for drug-resistant malaria has been developed using plant therapy made from dried leaves of the Artemisia annua plant. The treatment, known as DLA, was tested on 18 critically ill patients in a Congo clinic and showed a 100% recovery rate, including a five-year-old child who had lapsed into a coma.

Maternal high-fat diet may increase offspring risk for liver disease

A new mouse study found that exposure to a high-fat diet in the womb and immediately after birth may increase offspring risk for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease later in life. The offspring of pregnant mice that consumed a high-fat diet developed liver fibrosis, a type of tissue scarring that is a sign of more serious disease.

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.

How do patients, clinicians feel about collecting sexual orientation data?

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that patients are more likely to disclose their sexual orientation than previously thought, with nearly 78% of clinicians believing patients would refuse. Nonverbal self-report is the preferred method for collecting sexual orientation data, according to both patients and clinicians.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Researchers solve the century-old mystery of Blood Falls

A research team solved the century-old mystery of Blood Falls by using radar technology to detect brine feeding the famous red waterfall. They discovered that liquid water can persist inside extremely cold glaciers, challenging previous thought on this phenomenon.

Images of health risks make indoor tanning messages more effective

A new study suggests that adding images depicting the longer-term impacts of indoor tanning can be an effective health risk communication strategy. Messages with images showed greater negative emotional reactions and were perceived as more effective in discouraging tanning than text-only messages.

A cancer in the family: One spouse's diagnosis can lower household income

A study by researchers from the University of Georgia found that a spouse's cancer diagnosis results in a significant decline in household income, with men experiencing a 5% reduction and women experiencing a 9% reduction. The caregiver effect plays a crucial role in this decline, as spouses reduce their employment to support each other.

Researchers invent process to make sustainable rubber, plastics

Researchers have developed a new method to produce butadiene, a key chemical component in plastics and rubber, from biomass-derived sugars. The process, called dehydra-decyclization, uses a novel catalyst to convert sugars into butadiene with high yield and selectivity.

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.

Disney method enables more realistic hair simulation

A new innovative method developed by Disney Research makes it possible to realistically simulate hair by observing real hair in motion. The framework considers the dynamics of hair and can be used with a wide variety of simulation methods.

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.

A CSIC scientist discovers that wax worms eat plastic

A research scientist at CSIC has discovered that wax worms can quickly biodegrade polyethylene, a material difficult to break down. The worm's ability is attributed to its similarity in composition to beeswax and may involve an enzyme-based mechanism.

Mothers' relationship happiness may influence infant fussiness

Researchers discovered that higher maternal relationship happiness and general social support reduce infant colic rates. The study of over 3,000 women found stronger associations between relationship happiness and lower colic risks, even in postpartum depression cases.

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.

Study: Stressing about finances can be harmful to a baby's health

A new study suggests that financially strained pregnant women may be at a higher risk of having a low-birth-weight infant. Researchers found that pregnancy-specific distress was a key factor in this connection, and interventions such as meditation and breathing exercises could help mitigate the effects.