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Science News Archive December 2017


Page 18 of 33

MRI scans predict patients' ability to fight the spread of cancer

Researchers developed a simple MRI technique to analyze brain tumors, finding that immune reactive cells around the tumor are associated with longer patient survival. This non-invasive method could provide an easier way for doctors to prescribe the most appropriate cancer treatment.

Mathematicians crack 44-year-old problem

Zilin Jiang and Alexandr Polyanskii have proved László Fejes Tóth's zone conjecture, solving a 44-year-old problem in discrete geometry. The proof shows that a unit sphere can be covered with zones of combined width π, enabling new problems to be formulated and having practical applications in coding, data transmission, and logistics.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UNIST researchers develop silicon chip-based quantum photonic devices

Researchers from UNIST and University of Maryland developed a core technology for quantum photonic devices using silicon chips. They integrated quantum dots with silicon photonic technologies to create single photon emitters, paving the way for innovative applications in quantum computing and communication.

Cancer gene plays key role in cystic fibrosis lung infections

A new study from Columbia University Irving Medical Center reveals that cancer gene PTEN works with CFTR to keep lung tissue free of potentially dangerous infections. The findings may explain why cystic fibrosis patients have a higher risk of GI cancer.

Teaching antibiotics to be more effective killers

Research from UIC suggests that antibiotics' ability to kill bacteria depends on their bond duration, not binding tightness. Bactericidal antibiotics, which can cure infections better than bacteriostatic ones, work by dissociating faster from the ribosome.

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.

Privacy policies affect quantity of genetic testing

A new study by MIT professor Catherine Tucker reveals that policies emphasizing patient control of genetic data lead to an increase in the number of tests performed, while those focusing on privacy risks result in a reduction. Researchers found that guarantees about data use had no effect.

Time of day affects severity of autoimmune disease

Research in Nature Communications shows that immune responses and regulation of autoimmunity are affected by the time of day when activated, with master circadian gene BMAL1 playing a key role in sensing and acting on time-of-the-day cues to suppress inflammation.

Humans, unlike monkeys, turn competitive situation into cooperative one

A study published in the Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization found that humans can find a mutually beneficial solution in a competitive game by alternating between playing 'Fight' and 'Yield'. This unique ability sets humans apart from monkeys and other primates, who struggle to achieve the same cooperative outcome.

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.

Perking up and crimping the 'bristles' of polyelectrolyte brushes

Researchers discovered that polyelectrolyte brush bristles collapse due to the addition of powerful electrolytes but can be restored with gentler ions. This study increases understanding of these chemical brushes, which have potential applications in medicine and industry, including lubrication and medical devices.

Scientists designed an instrument to identify unexploded artillery shells

Researchers at the University of Helsinki designed an instrument that can detect and identify explosive materials in unexploded artillery shells using prompt gamma neutron activation analysis. The instrument achieves a precision better than 1% within 30 minutes, allowing for non-destructive detection.

NASA analyzes short-lived Bay of Bengal cyclone

A short-lived tropical cyclone in the Bay of Bengal produced moderate to heavy rainfall along northeastern India's coastline. The analysis used data from NASA's IMERG mission showed that more than 508 mm of rain fell in the Bay of Bengal, with storm tops reaching heights of over 11.5 km.

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.

Discovery deepens understanding of brain's sensory circuitry

A study at Brown University reveals a previously unknown set of matching barrel structures in the cortex, providing insight into how sensory information is processed. The discovery suggests that layer six may play a greater role than previously realized in communicating with the thalamus.

HIV-1 regulation via protective human leukocyte antigen (HLA) haplotypes

Researchers identified Nef MY9 and Pol IY11 as immunodominant epitopes for HLA-C*12:02 haplotype, showing its ability to supplement HLA-B's control over HIV-1 replication in infected individuals. The study adds knowledge to the AIDS research puzzle, highlighting a potential protective mechanism against the virus.

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.

Searching for the CRISPR swiss-army knife

Researchers have visualized the atomic structures of Cpf1 and Cas9 proteins to analyze their properties and identify ideal tools for different applications in gene modification. The study suggests that Cpf1 is more suitable for inserting DNA fragments due to its ability to produce staggered complementary ends.

Trust in e-cigarette safety varies by worldview, source of messaging

A recent study by Georgia State University's School of Public Health found that trust in e-cigarette safety differs depending on an individual's worldview and the source of the message. People with hierarchical and individualistic worldviews tend to be less trusting of health experts and more trusting of tobacco companies.

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.

Telescopes team up to study giant galaxy

Researchers used two radio telescopes and several optical telescopes to study the complex mechanisms fueling jets in Centaurus A, a nearby radio galaxy. They found evidence of a galactic wind and stars existing further out than previously thought.

Study: Suburban ponds are a septic buffet

A new study by Yale University researchers found that human waste is a significant source of nutrients in suburban ponds. The study analyzed the nitrogen stable isotope composition of different pond organisms and discovered that many received up to 70% of their nitrogen from septic wastewater.

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.

Life's building blocks observed in spacelike environment

Researchers create simulated space environments where small organic molecules form under radiation, potentially offering an alternative explanation for the origin of life. The study used advanced techniques to analyze icy films containing methane and oxygen, producing a variety of complex organic molecules.

UNIST professor receives IEIE award

Professor Franklin Bien, a renowned expert in integrated circuits, has received the 2017 IEIE Award for his groundbreaking work on wireless power transmission and communication technology. His research has led to numerous international patents and collaborations with major companies.

Three Duke biomedical engineers join National Academy of Inventors

Duke University's Department of Biomedical Engineering faculty members Joseph Izatt, Nimmi Ramanujam and Tuan Vo-Dinh have been elected to the National Academy of Inventors for their work on optical imaging, spectroscopy and photonics-based health technologies. Their research has led to significant advancements in medical diagnostics, ...

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.

Scientists discover path to improving game-changing battery electrode

Researchers at Stanford University and national labs uncover mechanism behind voltage loss in lithium-rich cathodes, paving the way for optimized performance. The discovery could enable batteries to store more energy, allowing electric cars to travel longer distances between charges.

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.

Medical marijuana for children with cancer? What providers think

A study found that 92% of pediatric oncology providers are willing to help children with cancer access medical marijuana, but lack of standards is a major barrier. Providers were more cautious about recommending it due to federal prohibition and institutional policies.

Injured troops could receive better care and benefits with new research

Researchers are developing a hands-free system that documents battlefield injuries to improve medical care and ensure troops receive due benefits. The system uses audio and video recordings automatically transcribed to provide relevant information to doctors, helping them decide on proper care.

Hot vibrating gases under the electron spotlight

Researchers at The University of Tokyo's Institute of Industrial Science used advanced TEM to study gas dynamics and vibrational changes in simple gases at high temperatures. They found that some gases vibrated faster with increasing temperature, while others did not, highlighting the importance of chemical bonding in these processes.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Study examines medicinal compound in plant roots

Xanthones, antimicrobial compounds found in St. John's wort roots, are produced and stored in specific cell layers. The study's findings may aid in understanding xanthone biosynthesis and manipulating them for medicinal purposes.

NREL develops novel method to produce renewable acrylonitrile

Researchers at NREL have created a novel catalytic process to produce renewable acrylonitrile using 3-hydroxypropionic acid, achieving unprecedented yields and eliminating production of hydrogen cyanide. The new method offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional petroleum-based production processes.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Researchers develop test that can diagnose two cancer types

Researchers at Georgia State University have developed a blood test that can diagnose two types of cancer, lymphoma and melanoma, using mid-infrared spectroscopy. The test has shown promising results in differentiating between healthy mice and those with tumorous conditions, and could potentially be used for screening humans.

African genetic diversity to unlock disease susceptibility

Researchers sequenced the genomes of 24 South African individuals from different ethnolinguistic origins, revealing high levels of genetic diversity. The study found measurable genetic differences between Nguni and Sotho-Tswana speakers, as well as varying proportions of admixture in Coloured individuals.

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.

Drug blocks Zika, other mosquito-borne viruses in cell cultures

Researchers at Stanford Medicine have discovered a new antiviral drug, NGI-1, that blocks the replication of multiple mosquito-borne flaviviruses, including Zika, dengue, and yellow fever. The drug targets the host's oligosaccharyltransferase complex, reducing the need for high concentrations and minimizing harm to human cells.

The public fear sharks less when they understand their behaviour: Study

Researchers at the University of Sydney conducted an experiment involving over 500 aquarium visitors, showing a decrease in shark fear and blame after understanding shark behavior. The study challenges perceived public support for lethal measures, advocating for a conservation focus instead.

Technology detecting RNase activity

A KAIST research team developed a new technology to detect RNase H activity using catalytic hairpin assembly, overcoming limitations of existing methods. The technology amplifies detection signals, enabling more sensitive assays and potential screening for inhibitors.

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.

Glass with switchable opacity could improve solar cells and LEDs

Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh developed glass with high levels of haze and light transmittance, making it suitable for improving solar cell efficiency. The glass can be switched from hazy to clear by applying water, potentially leading to cost-effective smart windows.