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Science News Archive February 2017


Page 1 of 37

Type 2 diabetes diagnosis in youth leads to increased health complications

A new study found that adolescents and young adults with type 2 diabetes experience more than double the health complications compared to those with type 1 diabetes. Health complications include retinopathy, diabetic kidney disease, peripheral neuropathy, arterial stiffness, and high blood pressure.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateFeb 28, 2017

Sleep trackers can prompt sleep problems

A study found that sleep-tracking devices can be misleading, leading to increased anxiety and poor sleep habits. While these devices may have benefits when used correctly, they can also hinder efforts by therapists to assist patients with sleep disorders.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateFeb 28, 2017

Major funding boost to develop healthcare and extreme environment robotics

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council has announced a major funding boost to develop robotics and artificial intelligence technologies for healthcare and hazardous environments. The £17.3 million investment will support research projects in surgical micro-robotics, autonomous systems, and extreme environments.

SourceEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council·DateFeb 28, 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.

Unlocking the secrets of the Achilles' heel

Scientists discover a tissue layer with extremely thin protein fibers at the interface between tendons and bones, explaining why athletes can withstand tremendous loads without damaging the bond. This breakthrough could lead to innovative connections in material research and tumour surgery.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 28, 2017

FSU researcher to lead US-Russia project on health, space travel

A Florida State University researcher is leading a joint US-Russia project to study the effects of space travel on astronauts' vision and cardiovascular problems. The $750,000 grant will fund research using male mice sent to space, examining changes in lymphatic and vascular functions to understand the impact on vision.

SourceFlorida State University·DateFeb 28, 2017

Rare proteins collapse earlier

A team of researchers led by Paola Picotti found that only a small fraction of key proteins denature at high temperatures, contradicting previous assumptions. This discovery has implications for understanding protein stability and potentially improving the performance of heat-resistant bacteria for industrial processes.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateFeb 28, 2017

Nonsurgical treatment can correct congenital ear malformations in infants

Researchers found that the EarWell system is highly successful in eliminating or reducing the need for surgery in most congenital ear malformations, with 97% of ears showing good to excellent results. Treatment must begin early, ideally within three weeks after birth, and should be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateFeb 28, 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.

Recent investigations on human group II pyridoxal 5'-phosphate decarboxylases

These enzymes play essential roles in neurotransmitter synthesis and various physiological processes. A review highlights the importance of specific residues and regions for catalytic competence, including a mobile catalytic loop that undergoes an open-to-close conformational change upon coenzyme binding.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Medicinal Chemistry·DateFeb 28, 2017

Climate research needs greater focus on human populations

Climate change research needs to focus on how changing population structures will affect future human wellbeing. Global scenarios already include demographic data, but this is not being fully utilized. A new conceptual model, 'demographic metabolism,' can account for the replacement of generations and their impact on vulnerability.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Climate Change·DateFeb 28, 2017

Mammography trends show improved cancer detection, more biopsies

New study reveals improved cancer detection rates with digital mammography, but also increased abnormal interpretation rates leading to more unnecessary biopsies for benign conditions. The study highlights the need for quality improvement initiatives to address these trends.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateFeb 28, 2017

Calculating recharge of groundwater more precisely

A team of international researchers has developed a new approach to calculate groundwater recharge rates, significantly improving estimates for 560 million people in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. By accounting for subsurface heterogeneity, their model produces more realistic estimates than existing global models.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 28, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Concerns over inconsistent palliative care provision across England

A study reveals significant variation in palliative care services across England, with some regions failing to provide standardised information and patient choice being hindered. Experts recommend a national framework to ensure fair access to palliative care, citing the Welsh Palliative Care Strategy as a best practice model.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Supportive & Palliative Care·DateFeb 28, 2017

A minimally invasive tool to measure muscle impairment

Researchers developed a minimally invasive tool to measure muscle impairment using fiber-optic technology. The technique accurately assesses muscle properties, enabling personalized treatment plans for patients with movement disorders.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateFeb 28, 2017

Miniature organisms in the sand play big role in our ocean

Research by Jeroen Ingels reveals that meiofauna, small organisms living in sediment, contribute to food production, nutrient cycling, and waste breakdown. These tiny creatures help regulate the Earth's system, impacting marine ecosystems and human life.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalJournal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology·DateFeb 28, 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.

As radiation therapy declined so did second cancers in childhood cancer survivors

A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that a decline in radiation therapy for childhood cancer treatment led to a reduction in the development of second cancers among young survivors. The study, which included over 23,000 five-year survivors, suggests that efforts to reduce late effects of treatment are paying off.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 28, 2017

UNC Lineberger launches innovative cellular immunotherapy program

Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center have launched clinical trials testing genetically engineered immune cells to fight cancer. The early-stage trials aim to improve treatment options for patients with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·DateFeb 28, 2017

Tanning devices cost US healthcare $343 million a year

A recent study estimates that indoor tanning-related skin cancers in the US cause over 263,600 cases and cost $343.1 million in medical costs each year. The diseases also result in a total economic loss of $127 billion over the lifetime of those affected.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Cancer Policy·DateFeb 28, 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.

Hospital floors may pose a larger health risk than previously thought

A recent study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that hospital floors can be contaminated with harmful pathogens such as MRSA, VRE, and C. difficile. The researchers cultured floor sites from 159 patient rooms and discovered that 41% had high-touch objects in contact with the floor, highlighting the need for ...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateFeb 28, 2017

Another step in understanding antipsychotic medication

A recent study by Radhika Joshi at NCBS Bangalore has shown that environmental factors can modulate the sedative side effects of antipsychotics. Mice without the 5-HT2A receptor were less affected when given Clozapine in novel cages or with new objects, suggesting a potential strategy for managing these side effects.

SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·JournalEuropean Neuropsychopharmacology·DateFeb 28, 2017

From heroin addiction to alcohol-related problems

Long-term opioid substitution therapy reduces heroin and cocaine consumption among patients with heroin addiction. However, frequent alcohol consumption among these patients has increased, posing a significant health risk due to liver infections like hepatitis B and C.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateFeb 28, 2017

Colleen's Dream Foundation awards $30,000 to TGen ovarian cancer research

TGen researchers will test triptolide as a potential drug targeting SCCOHT, an aggressive form of ovarian cancer that affects mostly girls and young women. The grant aims to improve the understanding of ovarian cancer biology and potentially develop new treatments for this devastating disease.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·DateFeb 28, 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.

Aggression disorder linked to greater risk of substance abuse

Research from the University of Chicago Medical Center found that people with intermittent explosive disorder are five times more likely to develop substance abuse problems. Early psychological intervention and treatment can delay or prevent substance abuse in adolescents with IED.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateFeb 28, 2017

Liver tumor growth in mice slowed with new chemo-immunotherapy treatment

Researchers developed a new treatment combining chemotherapy and immunotherapy to slow liver tumor growth in mice, with tumors growing 11 times smaller than in control groups. The study suggests that this approach could be translated to benefit patients with hepatocellular cancer, potentially extending and improving their quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateFeb 28, 2017

New approach to treating Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at UNIST developed a metal-based substance that hydrolyzes amyloid-β proteins, reducing their toxicity. The cobalt-based complex has the potential to penetrate the brain-vascular barrier and directly interact with the protein in the brain.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 28, 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.

New target for Parkinson's disease identified by Emory researchers

Researchers discovered a connection between the SV2C protein and dopamine release in the brain, suggesting that drug therapies targeting SV2C may be beneficial for PD patients. The study found altered SV2C levels only in PD brains among patients with various neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 28, 2017

Optical generation of ultrasound via photoacoustic effect

A team of University College London researchers created a method for generating ultrasound via the photoacoustic effect by tailoring optoacoustic surface profiles. They used 3D printing to create samples with specific shapes, allowing them to control where sound fields would focus and even create continuous shapes.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 28, 2017

CHLA researcher awarded $1.7 million to study heart regeneration

Children's Hospital Los Angeles researcher Ching-Ling Lien will investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms of coronary vessel development and revascularization using zebrafish as a model system. The goal is to determine how the heart regenerates after injury and potentially design therapeutic approaches for humans.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·DateFeb 28, 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.

Transgender and gender-fluid teens left with few safe harbors

A new study from the University of California, Berkeley, reveals that transgender and gender-fluid teens face widespread abuse, including child abuse, physical assault, bullying, and cyberbullying. The study found that up to 70% of trans and gender-fluid teens reported being exposed to multiple forms of aggression.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·DateFeb 28, 2017

Study shows how information sources affect voters

A new study by MIT scholars found that voters in the US heavily rely on their pre-existing views when deciding if politicians' statements are true or not. The study used Trump's statements during the 2016 presidential primaries to examine how partisanship and prior beliefs interact with evaluations of objective fact.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateFeb 28, 2017

American Gastroenterological Association releases Obesity Practice Guide

The AGA has created an Obesity Practice Guide to guide and personalize innovative obesity care for safe and effective weight management. The program includes a framework focused on business operational issues related to the management of obese patients, published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateFeb 28, 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.

Treatment of malignant brain tumor in children gets closer

Researchers have made a major step forward in understanding the molecular mechanisms of Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a rare and aggressive brain tumor in children. They identified a possible method for treating this type of tumour using an EZH2 inhibitor, which has shown efficacy in mouse models and human cell lines.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 28, 2017

Study explores HPV vaccine acceptability in sexual minorities

A study led by UC Riverside's Brandon Brown explores HPV vaccine acceptability among Peruvian men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TW), finding widespread acceptance despite barriers such as access and stigma. The research aims to inform HPV vaccine implementation globally.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 28, 2017

Did seaweed make us who we are today?

According to Professor Ole G. Mouritsen, seaweeds were a crucial source of essential nutrients for early Homo sapiens brain development. These nutrients include taurine, magnesium, zinc, vitamin B12, iodine, and poly-unsaturated fatty-acids (PUFAs), which are also healthy for modern humans.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalJournal of Applied Phycology·DateFeb 28, 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.

Happy notes, happy memories

Researchers found that musical cues with high arousal and positive emotion triggered the recall of clear, vivid memories, while those with negative emotions led to less specific recollections. The study's findings suggest that emotional content of musical cues influences the type of memories accessed.

SourceSpringer·JournalMemory & Cognition·DateFeb 28, 2017

New test distinguishes 'tigers' from 'pussycats' in prostate cancer

Researchers developed a new framework to classify human prostate cancer using mathematical approach Latent Process Decomposition (LPD), identifying a novel 'poor prognosis' category called DESNT. This distinction helps target therapy to men with significant cancers, avoiding unnecessary treatments and side effects.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEuropean Urology Focus·DateFeb 28, 2017

Cells adapt ultra-rapidly to zero gravity

Researchers found that mammalian cells can respond to changes in gravitational conditions extremely quickly, recovering full function within 42 seconds. This rapid adaptation challenges previous assumptions about cell behavior in space, providing good news for manned space flight.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 28, 2017

Secrets of the calcerous ooze revealed

Researchers have developed a new method to analyze the carbon content of ancient coccolithophore shells, providing insights into past CO2 levels and climate sensitivity. The study uses mathematical modeling and laboratory experiments to understand the biology of ancient creatures and their impact on the environment.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 28, 2017
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

WSU looks for practices to thwart antimicrobial resistance

Researchers identified cultural factors influencing transmission of antimicrobial resistant bacteria from livestock to humans in Tanzania. The study found Maasai households were less likely to follow withdrawal periods, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

SourceWashington State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 28, 2017

Banded mongooses go to war over sex and territory

Researchers observed banded mongooses fighting over food and territory, often resulting in serious injury and death. However, they found that pregnant females were less likely to lose their litters after conflicts, suggesting a possible strategy to maintain pregnancy and increase group competitiveness.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateFeb 28, 2017

Sustainable ceramics without a kiln

Material scientists at ETH Zurich have developed a method to manufacture ceramics without heat, using calcium carbonate nanoparticles compacted with water. The resulting material is stronger than concrete and as stiff as stone, with potential applications in sustainable construction and energy storage.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 28, 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.

A better way to measure the stiffness of cancer cells

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new laser technique to measure the stiffness of individual cancer cells, which is correlated with cellular disorder. This technique has the potential to enable high-throughput screening for early cancer detection, allowing for rapid and accurate diagnosis.

SourceDuke University·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateFeb 28, 2017

Adolescents with autism four times more likely to visit emergency department

A study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that adolescents with autism are four times more likely to visit the emergency department than their non-autistic peers. The research suggests that youth with autism may need better access to primary care and specialist services.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateFeb 28, 2017

Exploring the mysteries of supercooled water

Physicists at Roma Tre University developed a computer-based simulation to study the interactions of water molecules in supercooled conditions. The study reveals that a specific property of the water network can be used to determine changes in entropy, offering insights into unusual thermodynamic facets of water's activity.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateFeb 28, 2017

Genetic variant linked to overactive inflammatory response

Researchers at Cardiff University discovered a genetic link between Ifitm3 and the immune system's inflammatory response. The study found that individuals with a specific gene variant may experience an overactive immune response to viral infections, making anti-inflammatory drugs a potential treatment option.

SourceCardiff University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 28, 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.

Existence of a new quasiparticle demonstrated

Researchers have demonstrated the existence of a new quasiparticle called angulon, which forms when a rotating object interacts with its surrounding environment. The angulon theory can explain 20 years of observations and offers a quick and simple description for rotation of molecules in solvents.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 28, 2017