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Science News Archive February 2017


Page 30 of 37

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.

New species: Gecko with tear-away skin

Scientists have described a new species of fish-scale geckos (Geckolepis megalepis) that possess the largest scales of any gecko. These unique geckos can lose their skin at the slightest touch, making them challenging to study.

Handedness arises from genes in the spinal cords of embryos

A study found that genetic differences in the spinal cord of embryos contribute to handedness, with the left side maturing faster than the right. This early difference may trigger later brain asymmetries, including language dominance in most adults.

Method to identify bacteria in blood samples works in hours instead of days

Engineers at University of California San Diego developed a desktop diagnosis tool that detects harmful bacteria in blood samples in hours. The breakthrough uses proprietary chemistry, machine learning, and high-end imaging to identify DNA sequences from bacteria causing food-borne illnesses and pneumonia.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Amélie Juhin wins ESRF Young Scientist award

Amélie Juhin, a physicist and spectroscopist, has been awarded the ESRF Young Scientist of the Year 2017 prize for her experimental and theoretical studies on resonant X-ray scattering and X-ray dichroism. Her research focuses on probing electronic and magnetic properties of nanoparticles and molecular magnets.

New method better predicts the onset of seasonal flu epidemics

A new method developed by Joana Goncalves-Sa's group can predict the onset of seasonal flu epidemics with accuracy, allowing health services to prepare and respond more promptly. The method integrates data from various sources, including official influenza incidence rates and Google searches, to identify changes in case numbers.

Overcoming hurdles in CRISPR gene editing to improve treatment

Researchers at UMass Amherst have designed a novel nanoparticle-based delivery system to enhance CRISPR/Cas9's treatment potential for genetic diseases. The new delivery method achieved an editing efficiency of about 30 percent in cultured cells, with successful nuclear delivery in approximately 90 percent of cells.

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.

Study offers new insights into receptor that regulates Staphylococcal virulence

A recent study published in Cell Chemical Biology reveals new insights into the molecular pathway that leads to Staphylococcus aureus virulence. Researchers developed nanodiscs to observe AgrC receptor kinase activity and discovered a key regulatory hotspot, providing a starting point for designing molecules to inhibit it.

NREL research pinpoints promise of polycrystalline perovskites

Scientists from NREL found that surface recombination significantly affects the performance of polycrystalline perovskite solar cells. The study suggests that improving surface properties could lead to more efficient devices, with potential applications in photodetectors and light-emitting diodes.

Final artificial pancreas clinical trials now open

Clinical trials are now enrolling at the University of Virginia Health System to test an artificial pancreas that automatically regulates blood-sugar levels in people with type 1 diabetes. The trials will examine safety, effectiveness, and cost as well as physical and emotional health.

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.

How hydras know where to regrow lost body parts

A study published in Cell Reports found that hydras have a network of tough protein fibers called the cytoskeleton, which acts as structural memory and guides cell alignment. This allows the hydra to regrow lost body parts with remarkable accuracy.

A new immunologic and endocrine syndrome

Researchers at the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre have identified a new syndrome in mice with deleted Armc5 gene, characterized by adrenal gland abnormalities and immune system compromise. The study opens up new avenues for understanding and treating diseases linked to the ARMC5 gene.

Advanced EEG analysis reveals the complex beauty of the sleeping brain

A new approach to analyze brainwaves during sleep using multitaper spectral analysis provides objective and high-resolution depictions of brainwave activity. This technique offers a paradigm shift allowing clinicians to move away from subjective sleep staging and harness the wealth of objective information contained within EEG data.

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.

Enzyme key to learning in fruit flies

A team of scientists led by Anandasankar Ray have identified Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor 6 (HDAC6) as a regulator of learning in fruit flies. The enzyme acts like a 'dimmer switch' to increase or decrease signal across synapses, and its role in healthy neurons is less understood.

Electronic depositary of living systems created

The Lomonosov Moscow State University has created an electronic depositary of living systems, featuring a unique information system with data on biological samples from various origins. The system allows for managing and sharing information about biomaterial, including descriptions of organisms and techniques for operating with them.

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.

Mobile phone and satellite data to map poverty

Researchers developed a method to combine anonymized mobile phone and satellite data to create high-resolution poverty maps. The study found that combining these data sources produces comparable poverty predictions with significant advantages.

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.

New method improves accuracy of imaging systems

A new research provides a mechanism to detect and correct systematic errors in data and image analysis used in many areas of science and engineering. The single-pixel interior filling function (SPIFF) method can improve the accuracy of imaging systems for tracking objects on scales ranging from nanometers to astrophysical scales.

Coal ash selenium found in fish in N.C. lakes

A Duke University study has found elevated selenium levels in fish from three North Carolina lakes receiving power plants' coal ash waste, contaminating aquatic ecosystems and posing health risks. The study highlights the ongoing issue of continuous contamination of aquatic resources from hundreds of coal ash ponds across the country.

Researchers identify protein essential for healthy gut cell development

A University of East Anglia study reveals that the protein ninein is crucial for normal tissue development in the human gut. The research shows how microtubule rearrangements and the assembly of new Microtubule Organising Centres facilitate cell shape formation, nutrient uptake, and ultimately prevent cancer.

How to recycle lithium batteries

Researchers have developed a hydrometallurgical method to recycle lithium batteries, recovering cobalt and lithium with reasonable efficiency. The process involves calcination, acid treatment, and leaching, resulting in useful extraction rates for the metals.

NASA advances first-ever silicon-based X-ray optic

NASA scientist William Zhang has developed a technique to manufacture lightweight, high-resolution X-ray mirrors using single-crystal silicon, reducing costs and improving resolution. The new technology addresses performance goals that have long been unmet in the field of X-ray optics.

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.

Findings suggest a gap between need, availability of genetic counseling

A study of over 2,500 women with newly diagnosed breast cancer revealed a significant gap between the need for genetic testing and its availability. High-risk patients, particularly those from Asian backgrounds and older women, were under-tested due to lack of physician recommendation and inadequate assessment of patient risk and desire.

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.

A new way to discover structures of membrane proteins

University of Toronto scientists have discovered a better way to extract proteins from membranes, making it easier to study cell communication and human health/disease. Using a type of polymer, they stabilized proteins while keeping fatty molecules attached.

Novel tool informs women about elective egg freezing

A new model estimates the number of eggs a woman should freeze based on her age and family-building goals, providing data-driven guidance for women considering elective egg freezing. The model considers maternal age by individual year and incorporates the likelihood of embryo development to result in a live birth.

Three new uranium minerals from Utah

Researchers have identified three new uranium minerals, leesite, leószilárdite, and redcanyonite, found growing on the walls of old uranium mines in southern Utah. These minerals provide valuable insights into the chemistry and structure of uranyl compounds and their interactions with the environment.

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.

Mysterious white dwarf pulsar discovered

Researchers have identified an exotic binary star system as the first white dwarf pulsar ever discovered in the universe. The star, AR Scorpii, is a rapidly spinning, burnt-out stellar remnant that emits powerful beams of radiation and particles.

Four pivotal NIH-funded artificial pancreas research efforts begin

Four NIH-funded research projects aim to test and refine fully automated artificial pancreas systems, replacing traditional methods for managing type 1 diabetes. The studies will evaluate safety, efficacy, user-friendliness, and cost, with the goal of bringing these life-changing devices to those who need them.

How life survives: UNC researchers confirm basic mechanism of DNA repair

Scientists from UNC School of Medicine have confirmed the functions in bacterial cells of two important excision repair proteins, Mfd and UvrD, using an advanced sequencing technique. The study provides a genome-wide map of excision repair in bacteria and highlights the potential for developing novel antibiotic drugs.

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.

Dinosaurs: Juvenile, adult or senior?

Researchers estimate dinosaur age by analyzing bone structures and repair procedures, with a similar process occurring in humans. The study's findings have implications for understanding the natural life span of dinosaurs.

Santa Fe Institute researchers look for life's (lower) limits

Santa Fe Institute researchers investigated the lower bound of energy required for life and found that smallest species are most protein dense. As cell size increases, RNA concentrations grow, leading to a decrease in protein density, with larger cells eventually reaching an energy limit.

Mimicking nature's cellular architectures via 3-D printing

Scientists at Harvard and MIT have developed a new 3D printing method that can create lightweight structural materials with tunable porosity, inspired by natural cellular structures. The approach uses ceramic foam ink to produce materials with exceptional stiffness and multifunctional properties.

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.

Rapid test detects mobile resistance gene mcr-1

A rapid genotypic resistance test for colistin has been developed to detect the mobile resistance gene mcr-1, which threatens emergency antibiotics. The test demonstrated 100% sensitivity and specificity in detecting mcr-1 on plasmids.

This spiny slug blazed a trail for snails

Scientists have unearthed a 480-million-year-old creature named Calvapilosa, an early offshoot of the line leading to modern coat-of-mail shells or chitons. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of mollusks, which includes squids, octopuses, snails, and clams.

Hundreds of ancient earthworks built in the Amazon

Researchers uncovered hundreds of large, mysterious geoglyphs in Brazil's Amazon rainforest, challenging assumptions about the ecosystem. The sites were found to have been built using sustainable 'agroforestry' practices, which concentrated on economically valuable tree species.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Engineers harness stomach acid to power tiny sensors

Researchers at MIT and Brigham and Women's Hospital have designed a small voltaic cell powered by acidic stomach fluids, generating enough energy to run small sensors or drug delivery devices. This innovation could offer a safer and lower-cost alternative to traditional batteries.

A bridge to breathing

A compact respiratory assist device is being developed to replace traditional oxygenation methods as a bridge to transplant or recovery in children with lung failure. The device aims to allow patients mobility while awaiting a transplant, potentially leading to better post-transplant outcomes.

Research reveals strategy to potentially treat juvenile Batten disease

A team of researchers has discovered a novel approach to treating juvenile Batten disease by activating a protein called TFEB, which stimulates the cell to produce more lysosomes and degrade cellular waste. This breakthrough may lead to improved neurological symptoms in patients with the condition.

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.

Potential new cancer treatment activates cancer-engulfing cells

A research group at Kobe University has discovered a potential new cancer treatment that activates cancer-engulfing cells. The treatment uses an antibody to activate macrophages, which can effectively eliminate cancer cells. This discovery could lead to the development of new and more effective cancer treatments.