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Science News Archive December 2017 - Page 10


Page 10 of 33

Intestinal microbiota and cancer immunotherapy

Researchers found that Bifidobacterium administration reduced weight loss and inflammatory cytokine levels in mice with colitis, while preserving antitumor immunity. This suggests a potential role for intestinal microbiota in cancer immunotherapy.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 18, 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.

Theorists propose conditions needed to search for new form of matter

Physicists Alexei Tsvelik and Oleg Yevtushenko provide a theoretical roadmap for discovering a 'chiral spin liquid,' a magnetically ordered state without a global direction of magnetic moments. The material must be a layered metal with specific properties, including strong response to non-uniform magnetic fields.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 18, 2017

Viruses can transfer genes across the superkingdoms of life

New research reveals that viruses can transfer genes to organisms from different superkingdoms, including bacteria and complex organisms like plants and animals. This discovery suggests that viruses may have originated from primitive cells and could be a source of new genes for cellular organisms.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateDec 18, 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.

UCLA researchers create skeletal muscle from stem cells

Researchers at UCLA have successfully created skeletal muscle from human pluripotent stem cells, a major step towards developing a cell replacement therapy for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The study uses natural human development as a guide to mature muscle cells in the lab and restore dystrophin-producing muscle fibers.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateDec 18, 2017

Sugar-coated world

Glycans are complex structures composed of sugar molecules that play vital roles in cell communication, immunity, and inflammation. Researchers have created a library of enzymes to study glycans' functions, revealing their importance in health and disease. This discovery may lead to new diagnostics and therapeutics for various conditions.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateDec 18, 2017

From the omelette to the egg: Reversing protein aggregations

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have identified a novel form of protein aggregation that is both reversible and has positive physiological consequences for cells. This discovery may lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateDec 18, 2017

New vaccine technology shows promise as a tool to combat the opioid crisis

Researchers developed an experimental heroin vaccine that induces antibodies blocking the drug's effects, preventing euphoria and addictive properties. The vaccine appears to dampen the impact of heroin at high doses, potentially preventing overdose. Antibodies induced by the vaccine do not cross-react with therapies for opioid misuse.

SourceThe U.S. Military HIV Research Program (MHRP)·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateDec 18, 2017

China's one-child generation not so selfish after all

A study by Hiroshima University challenges the stereotype that China's one-child generation is selfish and individualistic. The research found that this generation is just as cooperative as preceding generations of Chinese workers, with an average score of 3.86 on a five-point scale for willingness to cooperate in the workplace.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalJournal of the Asia Pacific Economy·DateDec 18, 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.

Is Chinese massage an effective and cost-effective treatment for chronic neck pain?

A new study evaluated the effectiveness of Chinese massage, tuina, in patients with chronic neck pain. The results showed a clinically relevant decrease in mean neck pain intensity and improved function among those who received tuina treatment. Tuina was found to be a cost-effective alternative to no treatment.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateDec 18, 2017

Achieving sustainable resource use attainable through science of cooperation

A new theory explains how cooperation can lead to sustainable resource use by fostering tight-knit groups under high pressure to preserve resources. This is illustrated through the examples of Maine's lobster and blueberry industries, where cooperation has helped maintain populations and livelihoods.

SourceUniversity of Maine·JournalSustainability Science·DateDec 18, 2017

MiNT protein a fresh target to attack disease

A team of researchers at Rice University has detailed the structure of MiNT protein, which balances forces in cells' mitochondria. This discovery could provide a new target to treat cancer, diabetes and other diseases by regulating iron and reactive oxygen species.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 18, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The shrinking moose of Isle Royale

A 40-year study on Isle Royale moose reveals a 16% decline in skull size, indicating smaller individuals and shorter lives, likely linked to climate warming. The population's growth may be an imbalance in the predator-prey dynamics, with wolves' decline contributing to malnutrition.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateDec 18, 2017

Researcher uses Westminster Abbey windows to shine light on glass myth

A team of researchers has found that cathedral glass transitions to a liquid much faster than previously thought, contradicting the long-held myth that it is thicker at the bottom due to viscosity. The discovery could have significant implications for our understanding of glassy materials and their properties.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of the American Ceramic Society·DateDec 18, 2017

Thinking about germs makes people concerned about how they look

Research in Psychological Science finds that thinking about potential infection activates the behavioral immune system, leading individuals to focus on their own physical appearance. Germ-averse participants reported more insecurity and interest in appearance-related behaviors and products after reading scenarios about potential pathog...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 18, 2017

Making larvae count

Researchers used genetic barcoding to identify and quantify fish larvae in a coral reef ecosystem, revealing species distribution and dispersal patterns. The study solved several mysteries, including the invasion of a puffer fish into the Mediterranean, and provided new insights into the ecology of the reefs.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateDec 18, 2017
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.

Fish to benefit if large dams adopt new operating approach

Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a method to tailor water releases from dams to promote the success of native fish species while controlling invasive non-native species. This approach, known as designer flows, can benefit both humans and freshwater ecosystems in arid regions where water is scarce.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 2017

How teens learn about others

A new study reveals that teenagers are slower to learn about their peers' preferences due to underdeveloped brain regions. The fusiform cortex and medial prefrontal cortex, responsible for understanding mental states, show ongoing development during adolescence, which may explain these differences.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateDec 18, 2017

Fast flowing heat in layered material heterostructures

Researchers detected graphene's out-of-plane heat transfer in van der Waals heterostructures, with implications for ultra-fast photodetectors and optoelectronic device design. The phenomenon relies on hot electrons and hyperbolic phonons in the hBN layer.

SourceGraphene Flagship·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 18, 2017

Juggling bills may be key at-risk indicator for food insecurity

A new study from the University of Illinois reveals that people who are juggling bills and using financial coping strategies may be at risk for food insecurity. The researchers used data from the Hunger in America 2014 survey to show that these strategies can help identify individuals who are very food insecure or at risk.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Consumer Affairs·DateDec 18, 2017
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.

Designer nanoparticles destroy a broad array of viruses

Researchers designed nanoparticles that mimic a cell surface protein to bind and destroy viruses, including herpes simplex virus and human papillomavirus. The new nanoparticles have shown irreversibility binding and lethal deformations to various viruses in vitro experiments.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature Materials·DateDec 18, 2017

Researchers repurpose immune-activating cytokine to fight breast cancer

Researchers have discovered that interferon-β can impair the migration and formation of tumors in triple-negative breast cancer cells, suggesting a potential new treatment option for patients. Elevated interferon-β levels in breast tissue correlate with extended patient survival and lower cancer recurrence rates.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 18, 2017

For stroke patients, rating scales predict discharge destination

A systematic review of nine studies found that standardized outcome measures like the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) can predict stroke patients' discharge destinations. Patients with higher scores on these scales are more likely to be discharged home, while those with lower...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Neurologic Physical Therapy·DateDec 18, 2017

The 'ship of the desert'

The project investigates the camel's ability to conserve water in a desert environment, using a molecular dialogue between the brain and kidney. By analyzing the camel's genome and gene expression, researchers aim to understand how animals adapt to deserts and climate change.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·DateDec 18, 2017

No interventions proven to prevent late-life dementia

A comprehensive review of published research found no proven intervention for preventing late-life dementia. Physical activity, prescription medications, cognitive training, and over-the-counter supplements were tested, but none showed significant effectiveness.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 18, 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.

Altered brain development, cognitive abilities in preemies

A recent study published in JNeurosci found that premature babies undergoing painful procedures exhibit abnormal thalamic development and cognitive/motor impairments. Minimizing painful procedures could help promote brain health and improve outcomes in this vulnerable population.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateDec 18, 2017

New study shows how birds work to sing together

Researchers discovered that songbirds may coordinate both vocally and visually to boost the effectiveness of their singing partners' responses. The study found that coordination of vocal and visual components of the Australian magpie-lark's audio-visual display enhances the receiver's responses.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalBehavioral Ecology·DateDec 18, 2017

People with Type 2 diabetes need more support, say researchers

A new study suggests that providing healthy food and regular support is crucial for helping people with Type 2 diabetes control their condition. The research found that three specific behaviour change techniques - problem solving, feedback on behavior, and social comparison - can be effective in supporting individuals.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalDiabetes Care·DateDec 18, 2017

Negative portrayals of shooting victims lead to victim blaming

A new study by researchers at Duke University found that negative portrayals of shooting victims can lead to victim blaming and sympathize with the shooter. The study showed that participants favored lighter sentences for the shooter when given a negative biographical sketch about the victim, regardless of their race.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Social Issues·DateDec 18, 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.

Researchers find racial disparities in intensity of care at the end of life

Researchers discovered significant racial disparities in hospital admission, emergency department visits, and hospice disenrollment among African American and white patients at the end of life. Black patients were more likely to experience higher-intensity care, which may negatively impact their quality of life and caregiver burden.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateDec 18, 2017

Using gold nanoparticles to destroy viruses

Researchers at EPFL have developed gold nanoparticles that can attract and destroy a range of viruses, including HIV, dengue, and Ebola, by using pressure to deform them. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of broad-spectrum antiviral drugs.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Materials·DateDec 18, 2017

Alien object 'Oumuama was a natural body visiting from another solar system

Researchers at Queen's University Belfast led an international team that studied the mysterious `Oumuamua object, finding it has a dry crust similar to icy bodies covered with carbon-rich material. The team discovered this coating could have protected the object's icy interior from vaporizing, even when passing close to our sun.

SourceQueen's University Belfast·JournalNature Astronomy·DateDec 18, 2017

Human societies evolve along similar paths

A new study reveals that human societies have evolved in predictable ways, becoming more complex over time despite surface differences. The Seshat database captures this trend, showing a single dimension of complexity that structures global variation in social organisation.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 18, 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.

Star mergers: A new test of gravity, dark energy theories

The neutron star collision has challenged existing theories of dark energy and gravity, ruling out a class of dark energy theories that modify gravity. The observation also supports the simplest theories, suggesting that the timing between gravitational waves and light is crucial in understanding these phenomena.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 18, 2017

Tracking effects of a food preservative on the gut microbiome

A UMass Amherst study found that a commonly used food preservative, epsilon-polylysine, temporarily altered the diversity of microbes in mouse gut but caused no lasting damage. The researchers observed that the gut microbiome returned to normal within 15 weeks

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateDec 18, 2017

Can brain lesions contribute to criminal behavior?

Research reveals that brain lesions affecting a specific network involved in moral decision-making are more common among individuals exhibiting criminal behavior. This finding highlights the potential link between brain dysfunction and crime, but also emphasizes that genetic, environmental, and social factors play important roles.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 18, 2017
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.

Spectral broadening in clouds is affected by turbulence

Research on turbulent broadening of cloud droplet size distributions and warm rain initiation has made significant progress in recent years. The study highlights the effects of turbulence on spectral broadening and collision-coalescence processes, with Chinese scientists playing a key role.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateDec 18, 2017

Flower or flesh? Genetics explain mosquito preference

Researchers have identified genetic differences between mosquitoes that prefer plants and those that consume blood. The study suggests that the shift from blood to plant-based diet may be driven by reduced risks of predation and stress associated with consuming blood meals.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 18, 2017

NASA solves how a jupiter jet stream shifts into reverse

A NASA-led team has identified that gravity waves are the primary driver of Jupiter's equatorial jet stream's reversal, with convection in the lower atmosphere producing waves that travel up to the stratosphere. The findings could help scientists better understand the dynamic atmosphere of Jupiter and other planets.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 18, 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.

Dengue 'Achilles heel' insight offers hope for better vaccines

Researchers have identified an antibody that can block entry to the host cell, providing a basis for safe and broad-spectrum anti-dengue therapy. The study also revealed the structural basis of the antibody binding to individual dengue viruses, which could help explain why some vaccines may not work.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalStructure·DateDec 18, 2017

Fossil evidence of early Archaea

Researchers have discovered fossil evidence of early Archaea life forms in Western Australia's Apex chert formation, dated to approximately 3.5 billion years ago. The findings suggest that methane cycling between producer and consumer organisms was a significant component of the early biosphere.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 18, 2017

Thermally activated delayed photoluminescence from semiconductor nanocrystals

Felix Castellano and Cédric Mongin discovered a thermally activated delayed photoluminescence mechanism in CdSe quantum dots, which can be controlled by adjusting the size of the nanoparticle and temperature. This process enables unique photoluminescent properties and could be useful for optoelectronic applications.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateDec 18, 2017

Minorities don't receive same health benefits of college completion as white peers

A new study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill reveals that black and Hispanic young adults from disadvantaged childhoods face worse physical health risks despite completing college. College completion is linked to improved mental health, but not necessarily better physical health outcomes for minority individuals.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 18, 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.

How fungi helped create life as we know it

University of Leeds scientists find fungi essential for establishing breathable atmosphere by transferring phosphorus to plants. The amount of phosphorus transferred could have dramatically altered the ancient atmosphere, influencing the timing of oxygen generation.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateDec 18, 2017

Amygdala and memory

Researchers used electrical stimulation to activate the amygdala, a brain region involved in prioritizing memories, and found improved memory recognition for participants. The study has implications for developing memory enhancement therapies.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 18, 2017

Researchers compute their way to the center of the Earth

A team of researchers used JUQUEEN supercomputer to simulate the structure of silicate glasses at ultra-high pressures, gaining insights into the Earth's formation and its impact on our surface. They found that oxygen atoms are more compressible than silicon atoms under high pressure, leading to different glass structures.

SourceGauss Centre for Supercomputing·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 18, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Scientists Discover unexpected side effect to cleaning up urban air

Reduced nitric oxide levels over Los Angeles are triggering the formation of organic hydroperoxides, a potentially harmful class of airborne chemicals. These compounds can form when hydrocarbons react with themselves due to low nitric oxide concentrations, posing unknown health risks.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 18, 2017