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Science News Archive December 2017 - Page 14


Page 14 of 33

Music streaming sites benefit indie singers at the expense of top 100 artists

A new study reveals that Spotify significantly increases exposure and access to lesser-known indie artists while decreasing consumption of top 100 artists. The study monitored the music consumption habits of over 5,000 users for 2.5 years, finding a 62% increase in unique artists listened to within two weeks of joining Spotify.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·DateDec 14, 2017

Action video games to fight dyslexia

Researchers found that action games enhance visual and reading attention in players, potentially aiding those with dyslexia. The study suggests that specific components of action games can be used to create new software to combat the disorder.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 14, 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.

Hydrogen production: Protein environment makes catalyst efficient

Researchers analyzed protein shell and active center interaction in green algae enzymes, improving understanding of biocatalyst efficiency and informing chemical catalyst development. Hydrogen bonds between H-cluster and protein environment significantly influence electrochemical properties and catalytic direction.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 14, 2017

How defeating THOR could bring a hammer down on cancer

A team of researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center identified a novel gene called THOR that plays a role in cancer development. Knocking out THOR was found to halt tumor growth, while overexpressing it led to increased cell proliferation.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCell·DateDec 14, 2017

Engineers program tiny robots to move, think like insects

Cornell University engineers have developed event-based algorithms mimicking neural activity for tiny robots, enabling greater autonomy and adaptability. The technology aims to improve micro-robots' ability to navigate complex environments without increasing their weight or power consumption.

SourceCornell University·DateDec 14, 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.

First-of-its-kind chemical oscillator offers new level of molecular control

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have created a first-of-its-kind chemical oscillator using DNA molecules, enabling precise molecular control and complex behaviors. The discovery opens doors to creating molecular machines that can perform sophisticated tasks such as communication and signal processing.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScience·DateDec 14, 2017

New research linking cancer-inhibiting proteins to cell antennae

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a new mechanism by which cancer-inhibiting proteins regulate signaling molecules. The study found that primary cilia, or cellular antennae, play a crucial role in balancing PDGFRα signaling, preventing excessive receptor activation that can lead to brain and gastrointestinal t...

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateDec 14, 2017

Exercise does not seem to increase bone marrow edema in healthy people

A recent study found that intense physical activity did not significantly increase bone marrow edema in healthy people, challenging previous hypotheses about the role of mechanical stress in rheumatic diseases. MRI lesions were present in a significant proportion of healthy active individuals, regardless of exercise intensity.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalRheumatology·DateDec 14, 2017

Cancer immunotherapy may work better in patients with specific genes

Research at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that cancer patients with more versions of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes respond better to checkpoint inhibitors. The study also showed that certain HLA patterns affect survival and may be relevant for understanding side effects observed with immunotherapy.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalScience·DateDec 14, 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.

Computational strategies overcome obstacles in peptide therapeutics development

Researchers have developed a new method to design ordered peptide macrocycles with high accuracy, solving long-standing problems in peptide therapeutics development. The approach uses natural amino acids and their mirror opposites to improve pharmacological properties and provide a diverse range of shapes.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalScience·DateDec 14, 2017

A model of Mars-like protoplanets shed light on early solar activity

A study on Mars- and Venus-sized planet formation suggests that low solar activity helped Venus retain its atmosphere. The model indicates that Mars lost its atmosphere due to low gravity and high stellar EUV luminosity, while Venus retained its atmosphere in scenarios with moderate radiation.

SourceSiberian Federal University·JournalIcarus·DateDec 14, 2017

Clinical trial does not support the use of bortezomib for kidney transplant recipients

A randomized clinical trial of bortezomib in late antibody-mediated kidney transplant rejection found no improvement in transplanted kidney function or prevention of immunologic tissue injury. The treatment was also linked with adverse effects, ruling out its potential as a therapeutic option for this condition.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 14, 2017
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.

A better way to weigh millions of solitary stars

Astronomers have developed a novel method to measure the masses of solitary stars with an accuracy of 10-25 percent. This technique combines light fluctuations and parallax data to infer surface gravity and diameter, providing critical information for understanding star formation, evolution, and planetary systems.

SourceVanderbilt University·DateDec 14, 2017

Children's screen-time guidelines too restrictive, according to new research

A new study found that limiting digital device use in young children may not improve their wellbeing, but rather lower positive affect. The researchers suggest that the quality of parental engagement and social interaction with technology may be more important for children's psychological wellbeing.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalChild Development·DateDec 14, 2017

One in 5 patients report discrimination in health care

A national survey found that 20% of Black patients and 17% of White patients reported experiencing health care discrimination. Socio-economic status interacted with reported discrimination differently for Whites and Blacks.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateDec 14, 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.

High-intensity exercise delays Parkinson's progression

A randomized clinical trial found that high-intensity exercise three times a week slows worsening of Parkinson's symptoms, while moderate intensity workouts have no effect. The study suggests that high-intensity exercise may be an effective treatment for delaying disease progression.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateDec 14, 2017

Probing Alzheimer's at both ends of the spectrum

Researchers are investigating genetic variations that offer protection against Alzheimer's disease in elderly Amish individuals. They will also explore the causes of rapidly progressing late-onset Alzheimer's disease, which is characterized by a faster rate of cognitive decline and death compared to typical cases.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateDec 14, 2017

Study finds graspable objects grab attention more than images of objects do

Researchers found that real objects exert a stronger influence on attention and manual responses compared to computerized images of the same objects. This effect was observed even when stimuli were out of reach or behind a barrier, suggesting that the potential for action plays a key role in attention allocation.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Reno·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 14, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Baylor study: Bosses who 'phone snub' their employees risk losing trust, engagement

A new study from Baylor University finds that supervisors who constantly check their phones while meeting with employees lose their trust and lead to decreased employee engagement. The research reveals that this behavior can lead to a 5% decrease in employee engagement and lower levels of psychological meaningfulness, availability, and...

SourceBaylor University·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateDec 14, 2017

Intervention offered in school readiness program boosts children's self-regulation skills

A daily self-regulation intervention added to a summer kindergarten readiness program significantly improved children's self-regulation skills and early academic skills. The intervention, co-developed by OSU researcher Megan McClelland, uses music and games to help preschoolers learn and practice self-regulation skills.

SourceOregon State University·JournalEarly Childhood Research Quarterly·DateDec 14, 2017

Single-stranded DNA and RNA origami go live

Researchers have developed a novel approach to design complex single-stranded DNA and RNA origami that can autonomously fold into diverse, stable structures. This enables the production of large nanostructures at low cost and high purity, opening opportunities for applications in drug delivery and nanofabrication.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience·DateDec 14, 2017

Survival rates are improving for individuals with kidney failure

Survival rates for individuals with kidney failure have improved significantly over the past 22 years, with decreases observed across all age groups. Improvements in dialysis care, organ transplantation, and clinical practice guidelines may be contributing factors to these advancements.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 14, 2017

Research highlights need for new approach to crippling horse disease

Researchers have made significant strides in understanding equine laminitis, a painful condition affecting horses' hooves. The study's findings indicate that insulin regulation is the primary cause of the disease, leading to new diagnostic and treatment approaches.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalThe Veterinary Journal·DateDec 14, 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.

Do bullies have more sex?

A study by Provenzano found that adolescents with lower 'Honesty-Humility' scores tend to use bullying tactics to pursue more sexual partners. They may strategically manipulate others to display traits like strength and dominance, attracting the opposite sex and gaining an advantage in intra-sexual competition.

SourceSpringer·JournalEvolutionary Psychological Science·DateDec 14, 2017

Climate change made Harvey rainfall 15 percent more intense

A recent study by World Weather Attribution found that climate change increased the likelihood of extreme rainfall events like Hurricane Harvey. The research suggests that storms like Harvey are now three times more likely in today's climate.

SourceRice University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateDec 14, 2017

Genetics may play role in chronic pain after surgery

A study found that genetic variations account for 7-12% of chronic postsurgical pain cases, while clinical risk factors like age and sex contribute to 3-6%. Patients under 65 years old, males, and those with a prior history of chronic pain were at increased risk.

SourceAmerican Society of Anesthesiologists·JournalAnesthesiology·DateDec 14, 2017

High success rate reported for diabetic Charcot foot surgery

A Loyola Medicine study found nearly four out of five diabetic patients with severe Charcot foot were able to walk normally after surgery. The study used a stricter standard for treatment success, with 77.6% of patients meeting the criteria, and Dr. Pinzur's Ilizarov circular external fixator technique showed promising results.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalFoot & Ankle International·DateDec 14, 2017

Drug discovery could accelerate hugely with machine learning

A new machine-learning model can accurately predict protein-drug interactions based on a few reference experiments or simulations, accelerating the screening of candidate molecules thousands of times over. The algorithm can also tackle materials-science problems, revolutionizing materials and chemical modeling.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 14, 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.

Little understood cell helps mice see color

Scientists discovered a complex color vision circuit in mice involving the M5 cell, which may process color information and lead to new treatments for humans. This finding expands our understanding of color vision and its relationship with other types of vision.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNeuron·DateDec 14, 2017

Your smartphone's next trick? Fighting cybercrime

A University at Buffalo-led team of researchers has discovered a way to identify smartphones using just one photo, which could lead to new authentication methods and deter cybercrime. The technology analyzes pattern noise in digital images to create a unique identifier for each smartphone camera.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·DateDec 13, 2017

Eruptions explosive and effusive

Rhyolitic magmas exhibit varying viscosities, influencing eruption styles. The Munich researchers found minor chemical constituent variations impact viscosity and destructiveness.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature·DateDec 13, 2017

Creating surfaces that repel water and control its flow (video)

Researchers created a new coating technology that allows for better control over the flow of water on superhydrophobic materials. By etching paths into coatings, scientists were able to guide water droplets along designated paths without leaving behind a wet trail.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateDec 13, 2017
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.

Doing without dark energy

Three mathematicians argue that Einstein's General Relativity theory predicts cosmic acceleration due to an instability, contradicting the need for dark energy. The unstable Friedmann space-time exhibits accelerating local space-times with similar cosmic accelerations as dark energy theories.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateDec 13, 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.

Study reveals high relationship quality in same-sex couples

A new study of 25,348 individuals in the UK and 9,206 in Australia found similar levels of relationship quality among gay/lesbian couples as heterosexual counterparts. The study provides evidence against common misconceptions about same-sex relationships being conflictual or unhappy.

SourceWiley·JournalFamily Relations·DateDec 13, 2017

Bringing 'Avatar'-like glowing plants to the real world

Researchers have successfully infused watercress and other plants with luminescent properties using nanoparticles, creating a glowing effect similar to 'Avatar.' The glowing plants emit light without any external power source and can be turned off by adding a compound.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 13, 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.

Modulating immune responses

Loss of Roquin leads to autoimmune disorders due to imbalance in Treg functions. Inactive Roquin primarily affects regulatory T cells' ability to control T cell activation.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalImmunity·DateDec 13, 2017

Lyme study uses drug discovery methods that have fueled cancer breakthroughs

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center are using drug discovery methods that have fueled cancer breakthroughs to identify alternatives to antibiotics for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. By targeting vulnerable areas of disease-causing bacteria, they aim to develop new therapies that spare the normal gut microbiome.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateDec 13, 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.

2017 WRIB White Papers & Decennial Index Published

The 2017 WRIB White Papers cover topics such as LCMS small molecules, hybrid LBA/LCMS biotherapeutics, and immunogenicity assays. An interactive Decennial Index of the White Papers provides a decade-long overview of recommendations on bioanalysis and biomarkers.

SourceFuture Science Group·JournalBioanalysis·DateDec 13, 2017

How well will the flu vaccine work this winter?

The current flu vaccine is predicted to be effective against the majority of H3N2 flu viruses in the US, but may not protect against minority groups. Scientists have identified a mutation that can shift the vaccine virus to the minority group, potentially decreasing its effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalF1000Research·DateDec 13, 2017

Healthy eating linked to kids' happiness

A study published in BMC Public Health found that healthy eating is associated with better self-esteem and fewer emotional problems in children, regardless of body weight. The study analyzed data from over 7,600 children in eight European countries and found that adherence to healthy dietary guidelines was linked to improved wellbeing.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateDec 13, 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.

Catching radical molecules before they disappear

Researchers from the Institute for Basic Science synthesized four new kinds of stabilized radicals with ferromagnetic properties, opening doors to applications in rechargeable batteries and molecular spintronics. The oxime radicals were stabilized using N-heterocyclic carbenes, a breakthrough in synthesizing organic radicals.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 13, 2017