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Science News Archive August 2017


Page 13 of 41

Fatal attractions for disease-carrying mosquitoes

Researchers have developed several innovations to stop mosquito-borne diseases like malaria by exploiting their behavior and biology, including attracting and killing them before they suck blood or reproduce. These breakthroughs use pheromones and other attractants to manipulate mosquitoes without harming the environment.

Lego proteins revealed

Researchers have discovered that self-assembling protein complexes can form long, stiff filaments through a single mutation. This phenomenon has implications for both biological research and nanoscience, as it may indicate that Lego-like assemblies are more common than previously thought.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

USC researcher identifies a new way to treat HIV

A USC researcher has identified a novel protein variant that can be targeted to prevent the human immunodeficiency virus from harming HIV-positive individuals. This approach differs from traditional methods of targeting viruses and may offer a more effective solution to treating acute HIV infection.

Spinning plant waste into carbon fiber for cars, planes

A team of researchers has successfully transformed lignin, a component of plant cell walls, into strong and durable carbon fibers. The new material, made by blending lignin with polyarylonitrile, shows promise for reducing the carbon footprint of the automobile industry.

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.

Death rates from rheumatic heart disease falling since 1990

The risk of dying from rheumatic heart disease has dropped globally over the last 25 years, but progress is uneven, particularly in the world's poorest countries. An estimated 347,500 deaths occurred in 1990 and 319,400 in 2015, with a 48% decrease in death rates.

Brain activity may be predictor of stress-related cardiovascular risk

A new study found that specific brain activity patterns can reliably predict the size of blood pressure and heart rate reactions to mental stress tests. The findings suggest that brain imaging could be a useful tool to identify people at risk for heart disease or who may benefit from stress-reducing interventions.

High-resolution modeling assesses impact of cities on river ecosystems

A new study uses high-resolution geospatial modeling to quantify the effects of urban infrastructures on US rivers and streams. The research found that urban land transformation and electricity production together affect seven percent of U.S. streams, influencing habitats for over 60 percent of North American freshwater fish species.

Development of games prevents cognitive decline in elderly people

A nine-month research project involved a control group and two groups of older people who learned to play video games or developed their own games. The results showed that the game developers performed significantly better than the control and player groups in terms of mental health, quality of life, cognition, and functional capacity.

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.

Allergies? Exhausted regulatory T cells may play a role

Researchers found that loss of liver kinase B1 (LKB1) in regulatory T cells disrupts cell metabolism and function, leading to functional exhaustion. This may contribute to allergic reactions and autoimmune disorders like asthma, multiple sclerosis, and lupus.

Discovery fuels hope for Rett syndrome treatment

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have developed a small molecule compound that works like the dimmer switch in an electrical circuit, relieving symptoms of Rett syndrome in mice. The study provides further evidence that a drug may be possible to treat this rare neurodevelopmental disorder in females.

Best ever image of a star's surface and atmosphere

A team of astronomers has created the first two-dimensional velocity map of a star's atmosphere using ESO's Very Large Telescope Interferometer. The study reveals turbulent, low-density gas much further from the star than predicted, challenging current theories on convection.

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.

Don't multitask while you read this

Researchers conducted two experiments with UCLA students to test the impact of multitasking on memory. They found that divided attention impairs memory recall but does not affect focus on critical information.

New understanding of how muscles work

A new technique developed at McGill University has made it possible to study the behavior of individual sarcomeres in muscles. The researchers found that neighboring sarcomeres adjust to the activation of one single sarcomere, leading to a cooperative mechanism that is crucial for understanding muscle contraction.

New drug targets for a rare kidney and liver disease

Researchers have identified new potential drug targets for a rare kidney and liver disease by studying the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease. The study found that a protein complex, FPC, plays a key role in the development of cysts, fibrosis, and hypertension associated with ARPKD.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Climate game changer

Research identifies Nitrospira inopinata, a microbe that can outcompete others in oxidizing ammonium, potentially reducing greenhouse gas effects and improving environmental balance. The discovery has significant implications for climate change research and may lead to practical applications such as wastewater treatment and soil purifi...

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.

Scientists develop modern Medical Terms to enhance precise Chinese Medicine

Researchers have developed a new system of medical terms based on the Twenty-four Solar Terms (24-STs), allowing for more precise and location-specific treatments in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The system uses geographically dependent timings to optimize treatment effectiveness, making it a significant contribution to the field.

Pheromone genes could dictate colony structure of the red fire ant

Research at Queen Mary University of London found that odorant binding proteins encoded by social chromosome genes determine red fire ant colony structure. These proteins may play a role in the production or perception of pheromones, influencing queen recognition and society organization.

Parenting style reduces kids' distress in war

Researchers found that mothers' authoritative parenting styles and warmth helped protect children from mental health symptoms after exposure to war. Maternal permissive or authoritarian styles were associated with more severe internalizing and externalizing symptoms.

A song's structure can be linked to its popularity

A new study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience has found that the harmonic structure of pop songs is linked to their placement in the Billboard Top 100 charts. The research analyzed chord-by-chord transcriptions of 545 songs and found that rare chords and surprising harmonies are key factors in a song's popularity.

Is MRI needed in children with a sports-related concussion?

A recent study of over 5 years of pediatric patients treated for sports concussion found that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed structural changes to the brain related to persistent symptoms. However, the study indicated that MRI in children with persistent symptoms after concussion rarely identified brain injury.

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.

Peas that like it hot

A new study reveals genetic insights into heat tolerance in peas, identifying two key traits: longer flowering duration and higher pod numbers. These traits can help breed more resilient pea varieties for warmer climates.

Artificial intelligence helps with earlier detection of skin cancer

Researchers developed an AI system to analyze skin lesion images and detect melanoma biomarkers, reducing unnecessary biopsies and improving early detection of deadly skin cancer. The technology provides objective data on eumelanin and hemoglobin levels, helping doctors rule out melanoma before invasive action.

On the other hand, the immune system can also cause cancer

A University of Colorado Cancer Center paper describes a mechanism linking viral infection and cancer caused by APOBEC3 enzymes, which are part of the immune system's response to viruses. The research suggests that targeting these enzymes could prevent or treat certain types of cancer.

The breaking point

Researchers developed a new theory to understand how cracks propagate, revealing a nonlinear relationship between forces and material response near the crack's edge. This discovery may lead to better understanding of material failures and development of new strategies for protecting the environment.

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.

Bacterial infection stresses hematopoietic stem cells

Recent research reveals that bacterial infections activate hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow, inducing proliferation but also causing stress and reduced ability to produce blood. This finding suggests a link between bacterial infections and dysregulated hematopoiesis, highlighting potential prevention methods for blood diseases.

Canadian children's nutrition suffers during school hours

A new UBC study found that Canadian children consume approximately one-third of their daily calories during school hours, but intake of dairy products and key nutrients is lower, while less nutritious foods like sugar-sweetened beverages are relatively higher.

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.

Smokers in clinical studies who say they've quit often haven't

A nationwide US study found that over 40% of participants who claimed to have quit smoking failed an objective test for cotinine, a chemical measure of nicotine exposure. The study highlights the importance of verifying claims of quitting using objective measures in clinical trials.

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.

You and some 'cavemen' get a genetic checkup

A recent study by Georgia Institute of Technology reveals that genetic risks to health, such as cardiovascular disease, may be rising in modern humans. This contradicts the long-term trend of decreased genetic risk found in ancient ancestors.

Test reveals potential treatments for disorders involving MeCP2

A team of researchers has developed a strategy to identify potential treatments for patients with MECP2 duplication syndrome by normalizing altered levels of MeCP2 in animal models. The study found that drugs inhibiting phosphatase PP2A partially rescued motor abnormalities in mice, offering hope for future treatments.

Development of screening tests for endocrine-disrupting chemicals

The Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program uses a tiered testing strategy to assess the potential of pesticides and environmental contaminants on hormone systems. The finalized test method is a result of collaborative efforts between EPA scientists and Japanese colleagues.

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.

Could nicotine reduction help curb addiction?

A study published in JAMA Psychiatry suggests that reducing nicotine content in cigarettes can decrease their addictiveness in vulnerable populations. The research team found that low-nicotine dose cigarettes could serve as economic substitutes for higher-dose commercial-level nicotine cigarettes when the cost of the latter was greater.

Less REM sleep tied to greater risk of dementia

A new study published in Neurology suggests that people who get less rapid eye movement (REM) sleep may have a greater risk of developing dementia. The researchers found a link between lower percentages of REM sleep and an increased risk of dementia, with every percent reduction resulting in a 9% increase in dementia risk.

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.

11 minutes of mindfulness training helps drinkers cut back

A new UCL study finds that brief mindfulness training can help heavy drinkers cut back on alcohol consumption by 9.3 fewer units in a week. Mindfulness practising teaches heightened awareness of feelings and bodily sensations, allowing participants to tolerate cravings without acting on them.

The science of fluoride flipping

Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have developed a new imaging technique using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to visualize RNA structure and motion over time. This discovery opens up new avenues for developing drugs that target RNA, crucial for understanding health and disease.

Religious affiliation impacts language use on Facebook

A study of 12,815 U.S. and U.K. Facebook users found that religious affiliation is associated with the use of positive emotion and social words, while non-religious individuals use more negative emotion and cognitive processes. The researchers also discovered that non-religious people make more frequent mention of the body and death th...

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.

NIST study suggests frailty makes elderly more likely to die in home fires

A new NIST study reveals that frailty, particularly among the elderly, significantly increases the risk of death from home fires. The research suggests that communities should evaluate and address home fire risks based on age demographics to maximize effectiveness in preventing fire deaths and injuries.