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Science News Archive December 2017 - Page 19


Page 19 of 33

Bacteria development marks new era in cellular design

Researchers at the University of Kent and Bristol have built a miniature scaffold inside bacteria, enabling efficient production of chemicals and biofuels. The technology, which can increase alcohol production by over 200%, has significant implications for the next generation of biofuel production.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateDec 11, 2017

WSU chemists develop novel Washington Red dye for bio-imaging

Researchers created an injectable dye that illuminates molecules with near infrared light, making it easier to track disease progression and study biological processes. The novel Washington Red dye has potential applications in various medical fields.

SourceWashington State University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateDec 11, 2017

Russian scientists developed new approaches to treating diabetes

Researchers from Ural Federal University and Russian Academy of Sciences developed new methods to treat type 1 diabetes by using anti-diabetic chemical compounds. The study showed that these compounds can help reduce glucose levels and increase insulin production in lab rats with diabetes.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalBiomedicine & Pharmacotherapy·DateDec 11, 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.

Dark side of the moon: Motorcycle deaths linked to full moons

A study published in The BMJ found that fatal motorcycle accidents increased by 5% on nights with a full moon and 32% under a supermoon, highlighting the importance of safe driving and reducing distractions. The researchers analyzed data from the United States, UK, Canada, and Australia to reach their conclusions.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 11, 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.

Major cause of dementia discovered

Researchers identify build-up of urea in brain as major cause of dementia, with potential for early diagnosis and treatment. The study suggests that high brain urea levels may be a pivotal role in all types of age-related dementias.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2017

Ben-Gurion U. researcher indicates nicotine replacement is safer for pregnant women than smoking

A new review study suggests that nicotine replacement therapy is safer for pregnant women than smoking and should be recommended to more pregnant patients who are not able to quit on their own. The therapy can improve smoking cessation rates by up to 40 percent, even if the user receives less nicotine than while smoking.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalThe Medical Journal of Australia·DateDec 11, 2017

A new weapon against bone metastasis?

Researchers developed an antibody called 15D11 that blocks Jagged1, a molecule making it easier for breast cancer cells to metastasize to bone. The antibody allows chemotherapy to keep cancer at bay by eliminating the protective effect of rebuilders in bone tissue.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalCancer Cell·DateDec 11, 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.

Midwife and signpost for photons

Researchers from the University of Würzburg have developed a new set of rules for creating optical antennas that can precisely control photon creation and emission direction. This breakthrough has the potential to enable tiny, multifunctional light pixels and reliable single-photon sources for quantum computers and optical microscopes.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 11, 2017

Drug increases speed, safety of treatment for multiple food allergies

A new clinical trial found that combining oral immunotherapy with omalizumab increased the speed and safety of treating multiple food allergies in children. The study showed significant efficacy and safety improvements, allowing patients to tolerate more foods without severe reactions.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology·DateDec 11, 2017

Electromagnetic water cloak eliminates drag and wake

Researchers at Duke University have developed a water cloaking concept that uses electromagnetic forces to eliminate an object's wake and drag. By matching the acceleration of the surrounding water to an object's movement, it is theoretically possible to greatly increase propulsion efficiency while leaving the surrounding sea undisturbed.

SourceDuke University·JournalPhysical Review E·DateDec 11, 2017

Mass. General team identifies DNA element that may cause rare movement disorder

A team of MGH researchers has identified a genetic change that may cause the rare neurological disorder XDP, which combines features of dystonia and Parkinson's disease. The discovery reveals that a DNA sequence change, including an insertion of a retrotransposon, is correlated with the age of onset for the disease.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 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.

Saturn's rings cast shadows, affect the planet's ionosphere

Cassini spacecraft data reveals Saturn's rings casting shadows in ionized particles, affecting the planet's ionosphere. The dynamic ionosphere is structured on small scales and shows surprising variability, with possible explanations including ring rain, solar radiation, or magnetic field interactions.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 11, 2017

How social networking keeps people healthy

A study suggests that online social networks can help individuals with social anxiety reach out to others without feeling overwhelmed. Participants who felt socially apprehensive were more likely to use microblogging as a means of communication.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateDec 11, 2017

A good decision is not made in one go

Scientists at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam found that averaging all estimates yields significant accuracy gains, especially when considering multiple people. Taking the average of estimates from different individuals is a more effective approach for good decision-making than relying on personal expertise.

SourceVrije Universiteit Amsterdam·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateDec 11, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Omalizumab improves efficacy of oral immunotherapy for multiple food allergies

A new clinical trial shows that combining omalizumab with oral immunotherapy increases the ability of children with multiple food allergies to safely consume allergenic foods. The treatment resulted in over 80% of children being able to eat at least two grams of two or more foods without adverse reactions.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalThe Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology·DateDec 11, 2017

Quantum effects explain changes in nanometric circuit electron flows

Researchers studied a nanometric circuit exhibiting quantum effects due to its small scale, revealing how electrons can transit directly or via a cavity, leading to peaks and troughs in conductance values. The study provides a natural explanation for observed phenomena, shedding light on the behavior of electrons in such circuits.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 11, 2017

Scientists discover new way to help nerve regeneration in spinal cord injury

A team of researchers from the University of Bristol has successfully transplanted genetically modified olfactory ensheathing cells that secrete a treatment enzyme, promoting nerve regrowth in rodent models of spinal cord injury. This approach may potentially lead to improved recovery and functional restoration for individuals with sev...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 11, 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.

Turning pathogens against each other to prevent drug resistance

Researchers found that limiting a nutrient used by malaria parasites can prevent the emergence of drug-resistant strains. This ecological approach shows promise for controlling drug resistance in infections like tuberculosis and malaria.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2017

New therapies improve outlook for bleeding and clotting disorders

Researchers report remarkable benefits from new therapies for bleeding and clotting disorders, including emicizumab's high effectiveness in preventing bleeds in children with hemophilia A. Additionally, a gene therapy treatment provides durable improvement in clotting factor levels and long-term protection from bleeds.

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·DateDec 11, 2017

A global north-to-south shift in wind power by end of century

A study predicts that global wind power resources may decrease in the Northern Hemisphere's mid-latitudes and increase in the Southern Hemisphere and tropics by 2100. However, if emission levels are mitigated, wind power production in these regions may not see a corresponding increase.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Geoscience·DateDec 11, 2017

New therapy can help schizophrenia sufferers re-engage socially

A new therapy called Social Recovery Therapy has shown promising results in helping young people with schizophrenia to reconnect and engage with the world around them. The therapy involves identifying personally meaningful goals and setting up day-to-day achievable activities, significantly increasing social interaction.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateDec 11, 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.

South Carolina & George Mason link women's sexual orientation to (un)happiness about birth

Researchers at George Mason University and the University of South Carolina found that heterosexual-discordant women are less happy about their births due to relationship pressures and societal expectations. The study highlights a gap in understanding birth happiness among sexual minority women, particularly those who prefer women.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalPerspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health·DateDec 11, 2017

Study: Too many nutrients make microbes less responsive

A new study by University of Minnesota researchers found that bacteria in lakes with high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus are less able to absorb additional nutrients, which can lead to water quality issues and climate implications. This means that excess nutrients in lakes can have a catastrophic effect on ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateDec 11, 2017

After the fire, charcoal goes against the grain, with the flow

A study by Rice University researchers found that soil charcoal behaves differently than other forms of soil carbon, becoming more patchy and concentrated in low-lying areas. Charcoal's benefits as a soil amendment include reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide and improving crop productivity.

SourceRice University·DateDec 11, 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.

CAR T-cell therapies drive outcomes in lymphoma, myeloma

CAR T-cell therapies have demonstrated durable remission and survival rates of over 59% for patients with refractory NHL. Researchers found that sustained responses were consistent across long-term follow-up analyses, suggesting potential for these therapies as the standard of care for hematologic malignancies.

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·DateDec 11, 2017

Natural route masters

Researchers tracked bumblebee flight paths and found they refined routes to reduce travel distance, providing insights into route optimization in logistics and robotics. The study's large dataset offers a unique understanding of how animals solve spatial problems.

SourceRothamsted Research·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 11, 2017

Researchers find simpler way to deposit magnetic iron oxide onto gold nanorods

Researchers from NC State University have found a simpler way to deposit magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles onto silica-coated gold nanorods, creating multifunctional nanoparticles with useful magnetic and optical properties. The new technique uses an approach called heteroaggregation, resulting in highly uniform nanoparticles that can ...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateDec 11, 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.

Palm oil sustainability certification and deforestation

Researchers studied the effect of palm oil sustainability certification on deforestation in Indonesia from 2001-2015. Certification was found to significantly reduce deforestation, but had no effect on peatland forest loss or fire activity.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2017

Battery research could triple range of electric vehicles

Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a new battery technology that uses lithium metal electrodes to increase energy storage capacity. The breakthrough enables electric vehicles to travel up to 600 kilometres on a single charge, three times the current range.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJoule·DateDec 11, 2017

High-intensity exercise delays Parkinson's progression

A new phase 2 trial found that high-intensity exercise can safely reduce worsening of motor symptoms in early-stage Parkinson's disease. Participants who exercised three times a week showed minimal decline in symptoms, while those who didn't exercise experienced significant worseness.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateDec 11, 2017

Novel framework to infer microbial interactions

Researchers developed a novel method to infer microbial interactions using steady-state data, avoiding perturbations and potential ethical concerns. The approach allows for accurate network inference without requiring population dynamics modeling, enabling better understanding of microbial ecosystems.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 11, 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.

Does prescription opioid use by one household member increase risk of prescribed use in others?

Living in a household with a prescription opioid user may increase the risk of prescription opioid use by other household members. According to a study published in JAMA Network, the one-year risk of prescription opioid use was an absolute 0.71 percent higher among people in households where another person had an opioid prescription.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateDec 11, 2017

Social media trends can predict tipping points in vaccine scares

Researchers used Twitter and Google data to analyze public perceptions on vaccines and detect early warning signals of a tipping point in vaccine coverage. They successfully predicted the 2014-15 Disneyland measles outbreak by monitoring sentiment on social media.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2017

'Black box' recorder puts surgeons' robotic surgery skills under the microscope

Researchers at Keck Medicine of USC used a custom recording tool to evaluate surgeon proficiency in robotic-assisted prostate cancer surgery. The 'black box' recorder captured data on time, distance, and camera movements, allowing experts to identify novice and expert surgeons with high accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateDec 11, 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.

LDL cholesterol, the main modifiable predictor of atherosclerosis in individuals with no risk factor

A new study by CNIC researchers found that LDL-C is the main predictor of atherosclerotic plaques in individuals with no risk factors, such as hypertension or smoking. The study suggests that reducing LDL-C levels can help prevent the appearance of atherosclerosis.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateDec 11, 2017

Human influence, climate, and fire activity

A study models historic annual fire activity across the US continental region, finding that human influence diminishes climate's role in fire activity. Climate factors vary by geography, with some regions experiencing reduced climate importance due to human presence.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2017

Researchers at Mount Sinai and Sema4 develop powerful new method for microbiome analysis

A new method developed by Mount Sinai and Sema4 researchers accurately identifies individual microbial species and strains in communities, providing a more comprehensive approach to microbiome analysis. The technique uses DNA methylation patterns as natural barcodes to discriminate between closely related species.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateDec 11, 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.

Pride does not come before a fall

A recent study published in The BMJ found that pride levels are inversely associated with the risk of falling in older adults. High levels of pride were linked to a 19% lower odds of reported falls. The researchers analyzed data from over 6,400 adults aged 60 and older, suggesting that pride may be a protective factor against falling.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 11, 2017

Updated brain cell map connects various brain diseases to specific cell types

Researchers have developed a more detailed map of the human brain's cellular diversity, identifying 35 subtypes of neurons and glial cells linked to various brain disorders. The study provides insights into genetic risk factors for diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateDec 11, 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.

Violence a matter of scale, not quantity, researchers show

The study found that societies with larger populations have smaller war groups, leading to fewer casualties. The researchers gathered data from 295 societies and 430 historical conflicts to demonstrate the scaling law guiding social organization.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2017

Eclipse 2017: Science from the moon's shadow

Researchers gathered data on Sun's atmosphere and its impact on Earth's atmosphere, revealing new insights into the Sun-Earth connection. The eclipse also provided an opportunity to test models of the ionosphere's effects on communication signals.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 11, 2017

Violence a matter of scale, not quantity, researchers show

A new study suggests that societal scale, rather than overall violence levels, is the primary driver of conflict-related casualties. The researchers analyzed data from 295 societies and 430 historical conflicts to find a deep scaling law guiding social organization, which explains trends in war group size and conflict casualties.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2017

Quality control is vital for the energy production of cells

Scientists have discovered a vital quality control mechanism in mitochondria, crucial for constructing a functional respiratory chain. A faulty enzyme can attach incorrect amino acids to transfer RNA, leading to protein synthesis errors and hereditary diseases.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateDec 11, 2017