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Science News Archive December 2017 - Page 30


Page 30 of 33
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Genes identified that distinguish mammals from other animals

Researchers have identified 6,000 families of genes exclusive to mammals, which play a crucial role in defining their unique characteristics. These genes are involved in the structure of skin, mammary glands, and defense against pathogens.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateDec 4, 2017

A new way to deliver multiple sclerosis drugs to the brain

Researchers develop targeted delivery vehicles for multiple sclerosis drugs using extracellular vesicles, offering a potential treatment breakthrough. The new method uses naturally occurring vesicles to deliver small molecules of RNA that boost myelin production in oligodendrocytes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateDec 4, 2017

MACHOs are dead, WIMPs are a no-show -- say hello to SIMPs

Recent observations of four colliding galaxies in the Abell 3827 cluster suggest that SIMPs, strongly interacting massive particles, may be a new candidate for the universe's elusive dark matter. SIMPs would interact strongly with themselves via gravity but weakly with normal matter, overcoming a major failing of WIMP theory.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateDec 4, 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.

Despite city tree benefits, California urban canopy cover per capita lowest in US

A recent study found that California's urban forest canopy cover per capita is the lowest in the US, despite providing significant ecosystem services valued at $8.3 billion annually. The state's arid climate and high population density may contribute to this result.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Southwest Research Station·JournalUrban Forestry & Urban Greening·DateDec 4, 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.

Research team quantifies blind spots on the protein maps

A research team has quantified blind spots in protein function, revealing that 30% of proteins with unknown functions are enzymes. This discovery has significant implications for understanding rare genetic diseases and could lead to a better insight into the onset and triggers of inherited metabolic diseases.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateDec 4, 2017

New approach to predict respiratory allergy in early childhood

A new study identifies a handful of regional allergen molecules that predict the onset and persistence of respiratory allergic diseases. The findings suggest a potential for developing individualized risk prediction charts and could accelerate preventive strategies and novel treatments.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalEBioMedicine·DateDec 4, 2017

Discovery of key molecules involved in severe malaria

A research group at Osaka University has identified key molecules involved in severe malaria. The study found that RIFIN proteins expressed on infected erythrocytes suppress the host immune response by binding to an inhibitory receptor, contributing to the pathogenesis of severe malaria.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature·DateDec 4, 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.

A new role for an old protein in breast cancer

A recent study by the University of Kent has identified Myosin VI as a key protein involved in the production of specific genes linked to breast cancer cell growth. This discovery may lead to new diagnostic clues and therapeutic targets for patients with oestrogen-sensitive breast cancer.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 4, 2017

Research shows a technique to offset the worry of waiting

Research by University of California, Riverside expert Kate Sweeny finds that mindfulness meditation can help individuals cope with waiting for potentially bad news. The study, published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, found that mindfulness reduced the stress associated with waiting, particularly when compared to other ...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateDec 4, 2017

Nature's toughest substances decoded

Researchers decode interactions between materials and structures in nature-inspired composites like nacre and tooth enamel. The model reveals key factors influencing composite properties and provides insights into designing lightweight, multifunctional structural composites.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids·DateDec 4, 2017

Important foraging hotspots for loggerhead turtle rookery identified

Researchers have identified two key locations to protect sea turtles: the waters off eastern Central Florida and the Great Bahama Bank. The study found that females who eat in southern areas tend to have more offspring, highlighting the importance of understanding where they forage.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 4, 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.

Blood pressure declines 14 to 18 years before death

Researchers found blood pressure declines were steepest in patients with dementia and heart failure, but also occurred without diagnoses. The study highlights the importance of reevaluating treatment for hypertension in older patients.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateDec 4, 2017

Diagnosing jaundice in resource-limited settings

Researchers developed a point-of-care device to diagnose and monitor neonatal jaundice in low-resource settings. The device, using disposable lateral flow cards, measures total serum bilirubin levels with high accuracy, suggesting a potential solution for resource-limited settings.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 4, 2017

How to keep students in science

The SEA-PHAGES program has been shown to significantly impact students' attitudes towards science, leading to increased persistence and confidence among underrepresented groups. By providing authentic research experiences, the program has been found to be more effective in developing key traits that influence students' intent to persis...

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 4, 2017

One in six patients with PAD who undergo revascularization readmitted within 30 days

A study of nearly 62,000 hospitalizations found that 17.6% of PAD patients were readmitted within 30 days after revascularization procedures, with complications being the primary cause of readmission for 30% of cases. Strategies to prevent readmissions focus on high-risk patients with PAD and improving post-procedure care.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 4, 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.

Thyroid hormone therapy heals lung fibrosis in animal study

A Yale-led study shows that thyroid hormone therapy significantly resolves fibrosis in the lungs of mice, leading to increased survival. The researchers found that normalizing mitochondria function in epithelial cells protects them from damage and allows resolution of fibrosis.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Medicine·DateDec 4, 2017

Marijuana use may not aid patients in opioid addiction treatment

A new study from Washington State University found that frequent marijuana use can strengthen the relationship between pain and depression and anxiety in patients with opioid addiction. This suggests that marijuana may not be an effective treatment for managing these symptoms.

SourceWashington State University·JournalAddictive Behaviors·DateDec 4, 2017

Medicare shift to quality over quantity presents challenges

A new study found that even large physician practices struggle with the new payment system, and those that don't report data face significant financial penalties. The researchers suggest improving infrastructure to support smaller practices and reducing the burden on reporting performance data.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalHealth Affairs·DateDec 4, 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.

Collisions after moon formation remodeled early Earth

Researchers simulated massive collisions after the Moon's formation, finding that moon-sized objects delivered significantly more mass to the young planet. This late accretion period lasted for hundreds of millions of years and had important consequences for the earliest evolution of Earth.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalNature Geoscience·DateDec 4, 2017

Kidney disease diagnosis may benefit from DNA sequencing

A new study from Columbia University Medical Center suggests that DNA sequencing may offer real clinical value in diagnosing and managing patients with chronic kidney disease. The researchers analyzed 92 adults with kidney disease, yielding a diagnosis in 22 participants, including 13 individuals whose cause of kidney failure was unknown.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 4, 2017

Understanding the climate impact of natural atmospheric particles

A recent study published in Nature Geoscience suggests that natural atmospheric particles can cool the planet and offset some of the temperature rise due to climate change. The research highlights the need for complex interactions to be well-represented in climate models.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Geoscience·DateDec 4, 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.

US provides most development assistance for health, but lags behind others in per person spending

A new study finds that while the US consistently provides more funding for development assistance for health than any other country, some high-income European nations have surpassed the US's assistance in per capita and expenditure measurements. The US ranking fifth at $714 contributed to DAH for every $1 million in national income.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalHealth Affairs·DateDec 4, 2017

Parental attention can reduce risk of drug abuse in adolescence

A survey of over 6,000 Brazilian teenagers found that parental attention and responsiveness can significantly reduce the risk of drug abuse in adolescence. The study also revealed that well-off students are more likely to engage in binge drinking and polydrug use.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateDec 4, 2017

New immunotherapy targets misshapen protein in rare childhood brain cancer

A new treatment aims to direct an immune response against a misshapen protein found exclusively on cancer cells, offering hope for children with deadly diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma. The protein target is a neoantigen that can be used to develop more selective and potent immunotherapies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateDec 4, 2017

MSU scholar lands $2.7 million to improve undergraduate STEM education

A Michigan State University researcher has received three grants totaling $2.7 million to study how reforms to institutional policies, practices, and teaching can be leveraged to help undergraduates succeed in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The project aims to explore how universities improve STEM education when the...

SourceMichigan State University·DateDec 4, 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.

New robots can see into their future

Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a robotic learning technology called visual foresight, enabling robots to predict and manipulate objects they've never seen before. This breakthrough allows for autonomous learning of complex skills without human supervision or prior knowledge.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateDec 4, 2017

Planetesimal core formation through percolation

Melt drainage through percolation continues even with low melt fractions, suggesting all but 1-2% of melt can be drained. This process enables planetesimal core formation.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 4, 2017

Opioid crisis: Criminal justice referrals miss treatment opportunities, study suggests

A new study found that under 5% of those referred for opioid treatment from the criminal justice system were directed to medication-assisted programs, while 40% of clients referred by other sources attended these programs. This referral gap highlights a missed opportunity for effective treatment among at-risk groups.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateDec 4, 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.

Neutron stars on the brink of collapse

A team of scientists used computer simulations based on recent observations to determine the radius of neutron stars. The calculations suggest a minimum radius of 10.7 km for these dense objects.

SourceHeidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS)·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateDec 4, 2017

Helping hands guide robots as they learn

Researchers at Rice University have refined a method to train robots to collaborate with humans through gentle physical feedback. The approach allows robots to adjust their trajectory in real-time and learn from human interaction, enabling more efficient and effective collaboration.

SourceRice University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Robotics·DateDec 4, 2017

New estimates of modern contraceptive use in the world's poorest countries

The study found that the number of women using modern methods increased by 28.8 million between 2012 and 2017, but progress varies widely across countries. Countries like Kenya, Mozambique, and Malawi made rapid strides in increasing modern contraceptive use, exceeding pre-FP2020 expectations.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalThe Lancet·DateDec 4, 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.

Replicating peregrine falcon attack strategies could help down rogue drones

Peregrine falcons use proportional navigation guidance similar to guided missiles, which could be applied to small drones. This method relies on line-of-sight information and doesn't require target speed or distance data. The research may also provide insights into pursuit behaviors of other predatory species.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 4, 2017

UMMS scientists identify gene associated with metastatic melanoma

A study by UMMS researchers has identified a protein called GDF6 as a primary role in metastatic melanoma, found to be expressed in 80% of human melanomas and correlated with increased melanoma growth and spread. The findings offer new therapeutic potential for treatment-resistant skin cancer.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 4, 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.

Research reveals how cells rebuild after mitosis

New research from the University of Bristol demonstrates that cells use F-actin to reshape their nucleus and reorganise their genome after cell division. This process is essential for life, but was poorly understood until now.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateDec 4, 2017

NEST360º's low-cost jaundice detector passes first test in Africa

A clinical study validated the effectiveness of NEST360°'s low-cost jaundice detector, BiliSpec, which accurately diagnoses bilirubin levels with comparable accuracy to expensive laboratory tests. The device's affordability could bring testing for jaundice within reach for cash-strapped hospitals in sub-Saharan Africa.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 4, 2017
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

New Alzheimer's animal model more closely mimics human disease

Researchers created an animal model that closely replicates the human form of Alzheimer's disease, including pathological tau protein and amyloid plaques. This breakthrough allows for testing of new therapies targeting both pathologies.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateDec 4, 2017

Diagnosing iron and vitamin A deficiency

A rapid diagnostic test has been developed to detect iron and vitamin A micronutrient deficiencies, providing results in under 15 minutes. The test achieved high sensitivity and specificity for both conditions, making it a valuable tool for healthcare professionals.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 4, 2017

High-stress childhoods blind adults to potential loss

Researchers found that adults who experienced high stress in childhood have difficulty attending to cues that indicate a potential loss or punishment, leading to poor decision-making. This biological response may be linked to an underactive brain region responsible for processing risk and reward.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 4, 2017

Pigeons can discriminate both space and time

Researchers found that pigeons process space and time in ways similar to humans and other primates, using a common neural coding mechanism. This suggests that abstract concepts are not processed separately and that lower-order animal species can exhibit high-level decision-making abilities.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 4, 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.