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Science News Archive August 2017 - Page 6


Page 6 of 41

Weightlessness affects health of cosmonauts at molecular level

A study of Russian cosmonauts found significant changes in their bodies due to spaceflight, affecting all major cell types and organs. The research revealed that the human body lacks mechanisms to rapidly adapt to such extreme changes, leading to widespread physiological responses.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 29, 2017

Asian dust and acute myocardial infarction: Prediction and prevention

A new prediction tool has been developed to identify elderly patients at greatest risk of acute myocardial infarction during Asian dust storms. The tool, based on a simple scoring system, takes into account various pre-existing conditions and can help prevent AMI in high-risk patients.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 29, 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.

In the face of climate change can our engineers keep the trains running on time?

Climate change creates extreme conditions that impact railway bridge maintenance, requiring new solutions to mitigate track deterioration and reduce carbon emissions. The study evaluates the effectiveness of eight mitigation measures, recommending elastic rail pads, soft baseplates, and under ballast mats for short-span bridges.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Built Environment·DateAug 29, 2017

New mini tool has massive implications

Researchers at Brigham Young University have developed a miniaturized mass spectrometer capable of analyzing chemicals with high sensitivity. This portable device has significant implications for applications such as detecting chemical weapons, explosives in airports, and forensic investigations.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry·DateAug 29, 2017

How parents, siblings can become teachers for special needs children

A study by Michigan State University found that parents and siblings can improve their ability to communicate with special needs children using an online training program. The training provides interactive strategies for offering communication opportunities, commenting on activities, and waiting for responses. The researchers tested th...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalCommunication Disorders Quarterly·DateAug 29, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Unraveling Alzheimer's: New study documents how brain cells go bad

Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have discovered a damaging cascade of events inside brain cells that contribute to Alzheimer's disease. The study shows that amyloid beta protein can trigger an inflammatory response in immune cells, leading to the formation of bead-like structures filled with abnormal tau protein.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 29, 2017

HPV vaccination rates especially low among childhood cancer survivors

A new study found that HPV vaccination rates are significantly lower among childhood cancer survivors compared to the general population. Most participants lacked a healthcare provider's recommendation, highlighting the need for increased communication and awareness about HPV vaccination.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateAug 29, 2017

Inattentive kids show worse grades in later life

A study found that inattentiveness is linked to worse academic performance up to 10 years later, even when accounting for intellectual ability. Inattentiveness can have significant adverse effects on the academic performance of children with and without ADHD.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateAug 29, 2017

UMass Amherst biochemists simulate a protein-folding chaperone's functional dance

Researchers at UMass Amherst have characterized the functional dance of a protein-folding chaperone's interdomain linker. The study used computational techniques to simulate the movement of the linker and revealed its role in facilitating proper function, including binding sites for potential therapeutic targets.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 29, 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.

How new blood vessels sprout

Researchers at IBS and KAIST found that YAP/TAZ promotes cytoskeleton remodeling and junction formation in endothelial cells, essential for normal as well as pathological angiogenesis. Overexpression of YAP/TAZ leads to excessive blood vessel growth, while removal results in vision impairment and internal bleeding.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 29, 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.

Doping in sports: Official tests fail to pick up majority of cases

A new study found that at least 30-45% of athletes surveyed at top events acknowledged using banned doping techniques, while official biological tests only detected 0.5-3.6% of cases. The study used a randomized response method to ensure anonymity and honesty from respondents.

SourceMcLean Hospital·JournalSports Medicine·DateAug 29, 2017

Electrical nerve-block research aims at asthma, heart failure

Case Western Reserve researchers refine an electrical nerve-block implant to treat asthma and heart failure, focusing on blocking unwanted nerve impulses in the autonomic nervous system. The technology aims to provide a reliable, rapid, and reversible nerve block as an alternative to surgery or drugs.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateAug 29, 2017

Obesity prevention guidelines are not followed for preschool children

A study of nearly 400 preschool children found that only one adhered to the 5-2-1-0 guidelines for a full 24-hour period. The study suggests room for improvement in dietary intake, physical activity, and screen time among young children.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalPreventive Medicine Reports·DateAug 29, 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.

Severity of psoriasis linked to increased risk of death

Researchers found patients with psoriasis covering 10% or more of their body surface area are at almost double the risk of death. The study used an objective measure of disease severity to analyze the relationship between psoriasis severity and mortality.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateAug 29, 2017

Where's the line? Managing extreme speech on social media

A new study by University of Missouri researcher Brett Johnson found that while people dislike extreme speech, there is less support for outright censorship, instead advocating for clear policies promoting healthy public discourse.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalInternet Research·DateAug 29, 2017

New antibodies target protein structures common to several neurological diseases

Researchers have designed a new kind of antibody that targets toxic protein structures common to Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and related conditions. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of these antibodies in removing toxic forms without triggering immune toxicity.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 29, 2017

Drought response in global crops may be as complex as day and night

Researchers have identified a set of genes that help control early drought response in Brassica rapa, a popular global crop. The study sheds light on how plants respond to water stress throughout the day-night cycle, revealing potential mechanisms for improving drought resistance and fertilization efficiency.

SourceDartmouth College·DateAug 29, 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.

Caspian Sea evaporating as temperatures rise, study finds

The Caspian Sea has been slowly evaporating over the past two decades, with water levels dropping nearly 7 centimeters per year from 1996 to 2015. This increase in evaporation is linked to rising surface air temperatures associated with climate change.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 29, 2017
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.

New findings on the past and future of sea ice cover in the Arctic

Researchers found evidence of sea ice at the North Pole during the last interglacial period, contradicting previous hypotheses. The study suggests that the Arctic Ocean may be free of ice in summer within 250 years if CO2 levels rise, highlighting the complexity of climate change processes.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 29, 2017

A milestone in aquatic toxicology

The publication marks a significant milestone in aquatic toxicology with the release of the first generation of annotations for the fathead minnow genome. The data will enhance the utility of this species for ecotoxicology research and open up new avenues for studying its effects on ecosystems.

SourceSociety of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateAug 29, 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.

Single-nucleus RNA sequencing, droplet by droplet

Researchers developed DroNc-Seq, a method merging sNuc-Seq with microfluidics for parallel measurement of gene expression in complex tissues. The technique enables identification of unique expression signatures for cell types, including rare ones, and differentiation between closely related subtypes.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature Methods·DateAug 28, 2017

Oil and gas wells as a strong source of greenhouse gases

New study reveals that methane leaks around North Sea boreholes could be a major source of greenhouse gases, with up to 17,000 tonnes released per year. Scientists estimate that about one third of the over 11,000 wells drilled in the North Sea are leaking methane.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateAug 28, 2017

Cutbacks in foreign aid for HIV treatment would produce great harm, generate few savings

A 33% cutback in U.S. foreign aid for HIV treatment and prevention programs in South Africa and Côte d'Ivoire would result in devastating health and economic consequences, including over 500,000 additional cases of HIV and 1.6 million more deaths in the next decade. The study suggests that such cuts would produce proportionally greater...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 28, 2017

Combination of conventional and new drugs enhances tumor cell death

Researchers found that combining CDKs' inhibitors with conventional anti-cancer drugs like cisplatin increases tumor cell death. However, treating cells with 5-FU can lead to decreased death rates and resistance. This study suggests a promising approach for developing new anti-cancer treatments.

SourceD'Or Institute for Research and Education·JournalTranslational Oncology·DateAug 28, 2017
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.

Largest Ichthyosaurus was pregnant mother

The largest ever recorded Ichthyosaurus was a pregnant adult female, estimated to be 3-3.5m long, and is an important discovery for the field of palaeontology. The specimen, found in a museum collection, has provided valuable insights into the size range of the species and the presence of embryos.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalActa Palaeontologica Polonica·DateAug 28, 2017

Nursing home use and costs in United States

According to an 18-year analysis, 56% of individuals aged 57-61 are likely to spend time in a nursing home, with high out-of-pocket costs for some. Lifetime spending averages $7,300, but some face expenses over $47,000.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 28, 2017

How low should LDL cholesterol go?

Researchers found that ultra-low LDL cholesterol levels (below 10 mg/dL) significantly reduced cardiovascular event risk by over 40%. No adverse effects on cognition or safety endpoints were reported. The study suggests achieving low LDL cholesterol levels beyond current treatment targets may further reduce cardiovascular risk.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 28, 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.

VLA reveals distant galaxy's magnetic field

Scientists used a giant cosmic lens to study a star-forming galaxy nearly five billion light-years away, providing clues about the origin of galactic magnetic fields. The analysis revealed a large-scale, coherent magnetic field similar to those in nearby galaxies.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalNature Astronomy·DateAug 28, 2017

Nagoya-led team flips the switch on ferroelectrics

Researchers at Nagoya University have created a way to manipulate the domain structure of lead zirconate titanate films, a crucial step for future electronic and electro-mechanical devices. By controlling the switching of domains, they can potentially accelerate the development of next-generation technologies.

SourceNagoya University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 28, 2017
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

New member of NAS reveals how animals select good microbes, reject harmful ones

Researchers discovered that ciliated tissues in mammals selectively recruit beneficial microbes called symbionts and clear out toxic molecules. This mechanism provides insight into the basic function of cilia surfaces and may aid development of ways to foster beneficial bacterial partners.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 28, 2017

Drug breakthrough for mosquito virus outbreaks

A team of researchers discovered a way to treat severe inflammation from mosquito-borne diseases like Chikungunya and Ross River virus. They developed an NLRP3 inhibitor drug MCC950, which provided significant relief from inflammation and disease in infected mice.

SourceGriffith University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateAug 28, 2017

Mimicking birdsongs

A team of researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences has created a simple device that mimics the complex songs of birds, including Zebra and Bengalese finches. The study suggests that birds may have exploited the physical properties of soft materials to produce their distinctive vocalizations.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalInterface·DateAug 28, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

It's not a rat's race for human stem cells grafted to repair spinal cord injuries

Researchers found that human neural stem cells retained an intrinsic human rate of maturation despite being placed in a traumatic rodent environment. The study's findings suggest that clinical outcome measures for future trials need to focus on long time points after grafting, as success may take time.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 28, 2017

Americans' risk of needing nursing home care is higher than previously estimated

A new study by the RAND Corporation found that 56% of people aged 57-61 will stay in a nursing home at least one night during their lifetime, contradicting previous estimates of 35%. The study analyzed 18 years of data and found that most people can afford nursing home care, with costs averaging $7,300 over a lifetime.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 28, 2017

New technique to aid IVF embryo selection

Researchers develop a new imaging technique to assess early-stage embryo quality, improving IVF outcomes. The hyperspectral imaging method measures metabolic differences in embryos, providing an objective measure of viability.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateAug 28, 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.

Unifying statistics, computer science, and applied mathematics

The Lehigh project aims to build bridges between optimization experts, learning theorists, and statisticians to advance machine learning. With a $1.5 million grant, the team will develop innovative educational pathways and state-of-the-art mathematical tools for data science, promoting long-term research and training activities in the ...

SourceLehigh University·DateAug 28, 2017

Optical control of magnetic memory -- New insights into fundamental mechanisms

Researchers have made an important step toward understanding optically controlled magnetic storage devices, finding that laser light plays a key role in toggling magnetisation alignments. The study reveals the formation of a ring-shaped region around the tiny laser spot and its impact on the material's temperature distribution.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 28, 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.