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Science News Archive August 2017


Page 29 of 41

A metabolic pathway that feeds liver cancer

A little-studied gene SLC13A5 may explain how liver cancer cells obtain energy to proliferate. Suppressing SLC13A5 in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines resulted in slower growth and division of cancer cells.

Innovative way to understand nature of an entire tiny particle

Researchers from UNH developed a novel method to estimate the extent of small particles in 3D models, enabling more accurate assessments of their properties. This innovation has practical applications in modeling volcanic ash clouds, sediment transport, and blood test development.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Link between biological clock and aging revealed

A UCI-led study found that a low-calorie diet helps maintain efficient energy processing in cells, which is linked to younger aging. The researchers also discovered that calorie restriction can rejuvenate the biological clock and prevent tissue aging in stem cells.

Four ORNL researchers receive DOE early career funding awards

The Department of Energy's Office of Science Early Career Research Program has awarded funding to four Oak Ridge National Laboratory researchers. The selected researchers will study exotic nuclei, simulate magnetically confined fusion plasmas and investigate the role of symbiotic relationships between plants and microbes.

Consistent backswing crucial in helping sportspeople produce optimum results

A study published in Scientific Reports found that consistent lead-in motions enable faster learning of new techniques, with participants perfecting their skills twice as quickly when executing consistent movements. The research has implications for skill learning and movement rehabilitation following neurological conditions.

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.

First winged mammals from the Jurassic period discovered

Fossil discoveries of Maiopatagium furculiferum and Vilevolodon diplomylos reveal ancient gliding behavior among extinct mammalian ancestors. These Jurassic mammals lived 100 million years before modern mammal fliers, with adaptations allowing them to thrive in a dinosaur-dominated landscape.

The ethics of animal research

A new review examines the evolution of animal experimentation ethics, providing strategies for teaching and alternatives like tissue cultures and computer modeling. Practical approaches are offered to improve ethical practices in animal research.

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.

Spying on malaria parasites at -196 Celsius

Researchers used X-ray fluorescence microscopy and soft X-ray tomography to study malaria parasites in liquid nitrogen, gaining insights into their ravaging mode of operation. The findings suggest a potential mechanism controlling the speed of hemoglobin digestion and crystallization, which could be targeted with new medication.

Report confirms 2016 was another warm year

A new report confirms 2016 as the second-warmest year on record, with global temperatures reaching 1°C above pre-industrial levels due to human-induced climate change and El Niño events.

2017 Massry Prize honors microbiome research pioneers

The 2017 Massry Prize recognizes the groundbreaking research of Knight, Gordon, and Pace on the human microbiome. Their work has led to a deeper understanding of microbes' role in human health and disease, with applications in fields such as medicine and environmental science.

New 13-million-year-old infant skull sheds light on ape ancestry

A newly discovered infant ape skull from 13 million years ago provides insights into the evolution of human ancestors. The fossil, nicknamed Alesi, reveals a brain cavity, inner ears, and unerupted teeth that indicate it belonged to a new species, Nyanzapithecus alesi.

Rewired taste system reveals how flavors move from tongue to brain

A study by Charles Zuker and colleagues has shown that the taste system wires itself through a process of cellular reconnection, allowing flavor information to flow from tongue to brain. The researchers found that specific chemical signals in newborn taste receptor cells can pull the right nerve cell connections towards them.

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.

Biochar shows benefits as manure lagoon cover

Researchers found that biochar can absorb nutrients from manure, reducing nutrient runoff and water pollution. Biochar also demonstrated significant reductions in ammonia emissions, a primary contributor to manure odors.

Salk neuroscientist receives new NSF award to model the brain

Terrence Sejnowski will use advanced modeling techniques to understand how the brain stores information and how diseases like schizophrenia and Parkinson's affect it. The project aims to create a layered control system model of the brain, testing its accuracy with human tasks requiring fast reflexes and long-range planning.

1 in 12 doctors accepts payment from pharmaceutical companies related to opioids

A new study found that nearly one in five family medicine physicians accepted payments from pharmaceutical companies related to opioids, while anesthesiologists received the most total annual payments. The study suggests that pharmaceutical companies may have a stronger hold on how doctors prescribe opioids than previously known.

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 battery-inspired strategy for carbon fixation

Researchers in Japan and China create a way to isolate solid carbon dust from gaseous carbon dioxide, yielding a promising approach to fix carbon in a stable form. The method also shows potential for treating atmospheric CO2 and scrubbing other harmful gases.

The color of people's clothing affects lizard escape behavior

A study found that western fence lizards preferentially flee from dark blue T-shirts over other colors, suggesting they respond to the color itself rather than its detectability. The researchers suggest that this could have implications for animal conservation and ecotourism, where human clothing color may affect animal behavior.

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.

People with mental illness reoffend less if on specialty probation

A study led by the University of California, Berkeley, found that people with mental illness reoffend less if placed on specialty probation, a program using individualized treatment-oriented approaches. Specialty probationers had a 52% recidivism rate over two years compared to 29% for traditional probationers.

Marijuana associated with three-fold risk of death from hypertension

Research published in European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found a significant association between marijuana use and an increased risk of death from hypertension. Marijuana users had a three-fold higher risk of dying from hypertension compared to non-users, with the risk increasing with each additional year of use.

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.

Hepatitis A vaccination for Alaskan children has wiped out the virus

Alaska's comprehensive hepatitis A vaccination program, established in the 1990s, has dramatically reduced the virus's presence among native peoples. The program's success is attributed to widespread vaccination requirements for school entry, resulting in an 88% decline in imported cases since 2008.

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.

Study on religious development continues

Researchers are studying how people's beliefs change over time, comparing German and American respondents. They will analyze questionnaire data and conduct in-depth interviews to document changes in religiosity and worldviews.

Pioneering immunotherapy shows promise in type 1 diabetes

A clinical trial has observed noticeable changes in the behavior of immune systems of type 1 diabetes patients treated with peptides. The treatment has a noticeable effect on the immune system and suggests a potential way to protect remaining beta cells.

Dutch and Canadian researchers detail one of the biggest proteins ever found

Researchers from Eindhoven University of Technology and Queen's University have detailed the structure of a 600-nanometer protein in an Antarctic bacterium, revealing its role in gripping onto ice surfaces. The discovery has potential applications in preventing pathogenic bacteria from attaching to human cells.

How the tongue keeps its tastes straight

Scientists discovered that molecules help the tongue communicate with the brain to identify the correct taste. By rewiring the taste-system of mice, researchers found that taste receptor cells determine their own connectivity by providing instructive signals to neurons.

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.

Lunar dynamo's lifetime extended by at least 1 billion years

Researchers from MIT and Rutgers University found evidence of an active lunar dynamo that generated a magnetic field lasting at least 1 billion years longer than previously thought. The study suggests two possible mechanisms that powered the moon's ancient core, shedding new light on the phenomena that produced the lunar dynamo.

Researchers look to improve detection of skin cancer lacking pigment melanin

A recent study published in JAMA Dermatology identified key features linked to amelanotic melanoma, including the absence of moles on the back, multiple freckles, and sun-sensitive traits. These characteristics may trigger doctors and patients to pay attention to pink spots that could be indicative of this type of skin cancer.

Why massive galaxies don't dance in crowds

A study of over 300 galaxies found that heavier galaxies spin more slowly due to their mass, contradicting earlier theories. The research used the Sydney-AAO Multi-object Integral field spectrograph to measure galaxy rotation rates.

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.

Researchers examine contaminants in hunted wildlife

A recent study analyzed feral pigs, gray squirrels, and waterfowl from uncontaminated and contaminated habitats to assess environmental contamination. Many waterfowl tissues exceeded safe consumption levels, posing health concerns for both birds and humans.

Engineers find better way to detect nanoparticles

Researchers create whispering gallery mode resonator to detect nanoscale objects, improving performance with smaller target objects, and opening doors for biomedical devices, electronics, and biohazard detection.

Reversing a genetic mutation to restore your smile

A team led by Dr. Rena D'Souza aims to identify the relationship between PAX9 and WNT pathways in permanent tooth formation. The goal is to develop new therapies that reestablish normal interaction between genes and pathways to restore tooth development.

Increases in alcohol use, especially among women, other groups

Alcohol use disorder increased in the US population from 65.4% to 72.7%, with significant growth among women, older adults, racial/ethnic minorities, and those with lower educational levels and family income. High-risk drinking also rose by 29.9% over two decades.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

The mystery of the pulsating blue stars

A team of Polish astronomers identified a new class of variable dwarf stars with shorter oscillation periods and higher surface temperatures than known classes. The newly discovered BLAPs are hotter and more compact than previously thought, posing an enigma in the field of astronomy.

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.

A personalized approach to Alzheimer's disease prevention

Researchers found that brain-stimulating activities, physical activity, and a healthy lifestyle can reduce AD risk by up to 65 percent. Addressing known risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and depression can also prevent up to 30 percent of AD cases.

Men, not women, may be having fewer strokes

A recent study suggests that men may be experiencing a decline in stroke rates, with the rate decreasing by 31% for men compared to no change for women. The study, published in Neurology, analyzed data from 1.3 million adults and found that overall stroke rates declined significantly for men, but not for women.

Environmental policy, pollution and economic growth

A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that environmental regulations can reduce pollution emissions from urbanization without hindering economic growth. The study used annual data on air quality and economic indicators to assess the impact of stricter pollution standards, finding no negative effect on GDP.

The benefits -- and potential pitfalls -- of urban green spaces

Researchers warn of potential pitfalls in urban green space management, including the risk of creating ecological traps that lack native species support. Urban green spaces will still play a vital role in promoting healthy ecosystems and connecting citizens with nature.

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.

Landscapes give latitude to 2-D material designers

Rice University researchers have developed a method to control defects in 2-D materials, which can enhance their electronic, magnetic and optical properties. By growing atomic-thin sheets on curved substrates, they can manipulate the appearance of grain boundaries, which are critical in determining material behavior.