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Science News Archive February 2017


Page 21 of 37

Sugar, salt, and fat taxes could save billions in health care costs

A new study suggests that implementing taxes on unhealthy foods like sugar, salt, and saturated fats could save Australia $3.4 billion in healthcare costs over the lifetime of its population. The study found that combining these taxes with subsidies on fruits and vegetables would lead to significant health gains and cost savings.

Youth flag football may not be safer than tackle football

A recent study published in the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine found that injuries are more likely to occur in youth flag football than in youth tackle football. The research team compared over 3,800 participants and found no significant difference in severe injuries and concussions between the leagues.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A nanofiber matrix for healing

A new nanofiber-on-microfiber matrix enables the scalable expansion of human pluripotent stem cells, resulting in high-quality cells with robust growth. The innovative system allows for easy exchange of nutrients and reduces stress on the cells, making it suitable for large-scale production.

NASA to launch Raven to develop autonomous rendezvous capability

Raven will test foundational technologies for autonomous rendezvous, enabling spacecraft to find and secure targets without human involvement. The system aims to mature for future NASA missions, including the Restore-L servicing mission and potential use on Journey to Mars.

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.

More serotonin, less motivation? It depends on the circumstances

A new study in mice reveals that serotonin affects motivation, but only when animals are exploring their environment. Increasing serotonin levels transiently reduces locomotive speed, while long-term stimulation triggers a second effect leading to increased global activity.

Tiny magnetic implant offers new drug delivery method

Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed a magnetic drug implant that can deliver precise doses of medication on demand. The device uses a magnet to trigger the release of drugs into surrounding tissue, offering a potential alternative to traditional pill or injection-based treatments.

Study rewrites the history of corn in corn country

Researchers refuted the notion that Indian corn was cultivated hundreds of years before its widespread adoption at around 1000 A.D. in the American Bottom region. The study used accelerated mass spectrometry to directly date plant fragments, revealing that corn was not widely consumed until 900 or later.

Don't kill the messenger RNA

Researchers at Salk Institute use mRNA therapy to deliver instructions for clotting protein, achieving normal clotting and minimal immune response in mice. The therapy shows potential as a cost-effective and safer alternative to existing treatments for hemophilia B and other genetic diseases.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Birmingham's early warning system flags global financial crises

Researchers at the University of Birmingham have developed a new 'early warning system' that can forecast sovereign debt crises more accurately than existing systems. The system takes into account differences between developed and developing countries, providing policymakers with valuable insights to mitigate damage associated with an ...

Evidence of brain damage found in former soccer players

A study has identified CTE pathology in four former soccer players, exceeding the average background rate of CTE found in a previous survey. All six brains also showed signs of Alzheimer's disease, highlighting a potential link between playing football and degenerative brain pathologies.

'Field patterns' as a new mathematical object

University of Utah mathematicians introduce 'field patterns,' a theoretical framework that describes how disturbances move through materials under varying conditions. This new object exhibits characteristics of both propagating waves and localized particles.

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.

Scientists show 'matchmaker' role for protein behind SMA

Researchers found that the SMN protein acts as a 'molecular chaperone,' helping RNA transport into cells and promoting interactions with processing proteins. This discovery sheds light on SMA's causes and could inform optimization of treatments like nusinersen.

Mind the (osteoporosis treatment) gap!

A new review identifies four main themes addressing gaps in osteoporosis care, including public awareness, reimbursement, and epidemiology. The authors stress the need for increased implementation of systematic approaches to prevent secondary fractures and improved management of patients with medicines negatively affecting bone health.

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 contrast agent for MRI

Researchers have developed new iron oxide nanoparticles with zwitterion coating that can produce similar MRI contrast to gadolinium-based agents without the risk of adverse effects. The particles are water-soluble, compact and biocompatible, making them a potential safer substitute for current contrast agents.

Radiation therapy continues to be gold standard to palliate painful bone metastases

The updated clinical guideline from the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) underscores the safety and effectiveness of palliative radiation therapy (RT) for treating painful bone metastases. The guideline recommends optimal RT dosing schedules, including options for re-treatment, to provide pain relief, with a single 8-Gy ...

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

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.

NASA and MIT Collaborate to develop space-based quantum-dot spectrometer

Researchers are developing a space-based quantum-dot spectrometer that could miniaturize instruments, enabling higher-spectral resolution and more efficient data analysis. The technology uses quantum dots as filters to absorb different wavelengths of light, allowing for precise control over instrument calibration.

Lipid nanoparticles for gene therapy

Lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) have shown increased effectiveness in delivering nucleic acids, with advantages including protection against degradation and boost to transfection process. Researchers are exploring their application in treating various diseases, including degenerative disorders of the retina, infectious diseases, and cancer.

Extending VCSEL wavelength coverage to the mid-infrared

A team of German researchers has developed a buried tunnel junction VCSEL with a single-stage type-II active region to extend the wavelength coverage of electrically pumped VCSELs into the mid-infrared range. This achievement demonstrates the potential for low-power, battery-operated gas sensors in various industries.

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.

Just press print: New study shows how 3-D printing at home saves big bucks

A recent study published in Technologies found that consumers can save big bucks by investing in a low-cost 3-D printer and printing household items. After analyzing the cost of printing 26 everyday items, researchers found an average savings of 98.65%, with some items saving over $12,000 after five years.

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.

Potential new treatment combats COPD and other lung diseases

A new treatment targeting COPD and other lung diseases has been identified in a study published in The FASEB Journal. FPS-ZM1, a RAGE antagonist compound, reverses the inflammatory response and has a protective role in COPD, according to researchers.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Mediterranean diet with virgin olive oil may boost 'good' cholesterol

A Mediterranean diet rich in virgin olive oil improves HDL function, including reverse cholesterol transport, antioxidant protection, and vasodilator capacity. Only the control diet reduced total and LDL cholesterol levels, while the Mediterranean diets had no significant impact on HDL levels but improved overall cardiovascular health.

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.

What are the financial barriers to adherence to treatment in neurology?

A new study found that financial barriers significantly impact medication adherence in neurology patients, with the majority of nonadherence cases attributed to costs. The study suggests that tailored strategies are needed to identify and address these issues, particularly among cognitively- and socioeconomically vulnerable populations.

Ovarian hormones awaken newly discovered breast stem cells

A team of researchers has identified a long-lived type of stem cell in the breast that grows mammary glands during pregnancy and may be linked to high-risk breast cancer. The discovery reveals new insights into how cancers arise from long-lived stem cells.

Simulated ransomware attack shows vulnerability of industrial controls

Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed a new form of ransomware that can take over control of simulated water treatment plants, highlighting vulnerabilities in industrial control systems. The attack demonstrates the potential for attackers to compromise programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and hold critical systems hostage.

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.

Scientists predicted new high-energy compounds

Researchers predicted unusual nitrides of hafnium and chromium with high-energy groups, potentially usable as powerful explosives at relatively low pressures. They also discovered a range of new compounds with unique properties, including high hardness and electrical conductivity.

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.

Are drones disturbing marine mammals?

Researchers have found that drone noise does not travel far into the water, posing little threat to marine mammals. The study suggests that UAVs can be used safely in marine environments with proper permits and guidelines.

New protein discovery may lead to new, natural antibiotics

Scientists have discovered a new protein that regulates gene expression and is frequently found next to antibiotic-producing gene clusters. The discovery, known as LoaP, expands the basic knowledge of processive antitermination and demonstrates its widespread presence among bacteria.

UBC scientists create mouse that resists cocaine's lure

Researchers at the University of British Columbia genetically engineered mice with higher levels of cadherin to resist cocaine addiction. The study found that extra cadherin prevents synapses from strengthening and forms pleasurable memories, thereby preventing addiction.