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Science News Archive August 2017 - Page 13


Page 13 of 41

Study of homeless finds women at disadvantage for accessing disability benefits

A recent study by North Carolina State University found that homeless women are 30% less likely to have their applications approved for disability benefits compared to men. Medical records play a crucial role in the application process, with applicants who submit them being twice as likely to be approved.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPsychiatric Services·DateAug 23, 2017

Big and strong may not last as long, according to UBC professor

New UBC study finds that women have greater muscle endurance than men during dynamic exercise, with males becoming fatigued faster. The research suggests adapting exercise programs and work environments to minimize fatigue and improve productivity.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·DateAug 23, 2017

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.

SourceISCA, Inc.·DateAug 23, 2017
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.

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.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature·DateAug 23, 2017

UChicago scientists detect first X-rays from mystery supernovas

A team of UChicago scientists have detected X-ray photons from a type Ia supernova for the first time, indicating dense circumstellar material. The finding challenges current understanding of these explosions and raises questions about their formation.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 23, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 23, 2017
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.

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 23, 2017

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.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 23, 2017

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.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateAug 23, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

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.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 23, 2017

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.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateAug 23, 2017

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.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature·DateAug 23, 2017

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.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 23, 2017
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.

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.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateAug 23, 2017

So-called 'bright girl effect' does not last into adulthood, study finds

A study from Case Western Reserve University found little evidence of a relationship between women's intelligence and their mindsets. The research challenged the idea of a 'bright girl effect,' which suggests that young females limit their own progress based on their perceived intelligence.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalIntelligence·DateAug 23, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 23, 2017
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.

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 23, 2017

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.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 23, 2017

Methamphetamine use linked to heightened stroke risk in the young

A review of available evidence links methamphetamine use to a heightened risk of stroke among young people, with men twice as likely to succumb to haemorrhagic strokes. The most common type associated with taking the drug is a brain bleed rather than a clot.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·DateAug 23, 2017

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...

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalNature·DateAug 23, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

'Shapeshifter' that regulates blood clotting is visually captured for the first time

The von Willebrand factor molecule undergoes a two-step transformation to activate blood clotting in response to changes in blood flow, which can help prevent hemorrhage or life-threatening blood clots. The findings could inspire smart drugs that target only diseased areas of the body, reducing the risk of excessive bleeding.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 23, 2017

Large studies find screening reduces mortality for those with detectable type 2 diabetes but not for general population

Three large trials found that screening for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors does not reduce mortality in the general population, but individuals diagnosed with diabetes experience reduced mortality rates. The studies suggest that benefits to the general population may be increased by targeting screening to those at grea...

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateAug 23, 2017

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.

SourceScience China Press·DateAug 23, 2017
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.

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.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalEvolution Letters·DateAug 23, 2017

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.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateAug 23, 2017

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.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateAug 23, 2017

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.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateAug 23, 2017

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.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateAug 23, 2017
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·DateAug 23, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalViruses·DateAug 23, 2017

Antipsychotics common for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities

A six-year Canadian study found that 39% of Ontario adults with IDD were dispensed antipsychotic medication, with 29% not having a documented psychiatric diagnosis. The study highlights the need for better prescribing practices and monitoring to ensure appropriate use in this vulnerable population.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalThe Canadian Journal of Psychiatry·DateAug 23, 2017

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.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Physics·DateAug 23, 2017

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.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateAug 23, 2017
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.

17.6 million Americans live close to active oil and gas (and fracking) wells

A study found that 17.6 million Americans live within one mile of an active oil or gas well, correlating to increased risk of heart and neurological problems, cancers, and adverse birth outcomes. States with high percentages of residents living near active wells include West Virginia and Oklahoma.

SourcePSE Healthy Energy·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateAug 23, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·DateAug 23, 2017
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.

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.

SourceSociety for the Study of Addiction·JournalAddiction·DateAug 23, 2017

Comparing food allergies: Animals and humans may have more in common than you think

A recent position paper reveals that animals and humans exhibit similar symptoms after consuming certain foods, highlighting the need for research on molecular allergy diagnostics. An elimination diet is recommended to diagnose food intolerance in both species, which may lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalAllergy·DateAug 23, 2017

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.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalHuman Biology·DateAug 23, 2017
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.

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.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 23, 2017

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.

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateAug 23, 2017
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.

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.

SourceLarner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateAug 23, 2017

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.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateAug 23, 2017
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.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology·DateAug 23, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateAug 23, 2017

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...

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateAug 22, 2017

An AADR perspective on the 'Advancing dental education: Gies in the 21st century' project

The American Association for Dental Research (AADR) suggests that dental schools prioritize research participation, collaboration with other departments, and flexible curricula. AADR also advocates for increased funding from various sources, including the National Institutes of Health, to support dental research and training.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateAug 22, 2017
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.

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.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalInjury Prevention·DateAug 22, 2017