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Science News Archive February 2017 - Page 21


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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 14, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalOrthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine·DateFeb 14, 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.

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.

SourceKyoto University·JournalBiomaterials·DateFeb 14, 2017

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 14, 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.

New guideline provides clinical recommendations for specific insomnia drugs

A new clinical practice guideline provides comprehensive analysis of individual agents used in treating chronic insomnia disorder. The guideline recommends specific medications for sleep onset and maintenance insomnia, emphasizing the importance of sound clinical judgment in patient care.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateFeb 14, 2017

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.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·DateFeb 14, 2017

People can 'suppress' hay fever with three years of pollen pills or injections

A new study published in JAMA found that a three-year course of treatment with immunotherapy using grass pollen extract can effectively reduce severe hay fever symptoms for several years, but a two-year course is not enough. The research bolsters previous findings that more time is needed to achieve lasting benefits.

SourceImperial College London·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 14, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateFeb 14, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAmerican Antiquity·DateFeb 14, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 14, 2017

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 ...

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalJournal of Financial Stability·DateFeb 14, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalActa Neuropathologica·DateFeb 14, 2017

'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.

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateFeb 14, 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.

Tumor-targeting system uses cancer's own mechanisms to betray its location

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new tumor-targeting system that harnesses cancer cells' metabolism to deliver targeted treatments. The system, led by Jianjun Cheng, uses small-molecule sugars called azides to mark cancer cells and deliver therapeutic agents.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateFeb 14, 2017

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.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 14, 2017

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.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateFeb 14, 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.

Astronomers propose a cell phone search for galactic fast radio bursts

Scientists suggest a global network of cell phones or small radio receivers could 'hear' nearby Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs). A free smartphone app could monitor appropriate frequencies, sending data to a central facility.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateFeb 14, 2017

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 14, 2017
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

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 ...

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalPractical Radiation Oncology·DateFeb 14, 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.

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 14, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalEuropean Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics·DateFeb 14, 2017

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 14, 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.

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.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalTechnologies·DateFeb 14, 2017

Avoiding medications that promote weight gain when managing obesity

A new report from Weill Cornell Medicine emphasizes the importance of evaluating medication side effects and interactions in obesity treatment. Physicians are advised to prescribe alternatives that limit weight gain or aid in weight loss for patients with obesity.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateFeb 13, 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.

American College of Physicians issues guideline for treating nonradicular low back pain

The American College of Physicians issues a guideline for treating nonradicular low back pain, recommending non-drug therapies such as superficial heat, massage, and acupuncture. For chronic low back pain, the ACP suggests exercise, multidisciplinary rehabilitation, and mindfulness-based stress reduction as initial treatment options.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 13, 2017

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.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateFeb 13, 2017

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.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 13, 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.

Climate change increases lethal dehydration risk in desert songbirds

A study published in PNAS finds that climate change will increase the risk of lethal dehydration and mass die-offs of songbirds during heat waves. Small species are particularly susceptible to lethal dehydration due to their high water loss rates.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Reno·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 13, 2017

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.

SourceDove Medical Press·JournalClinicoEconomics and Outcomes Research·DateFeb 13, 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.

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.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateFeb 13, 2017

Accelerated chlorophyll reaction in microdroplets to reveal secret of photosynthesis

Researchers found that chlorophyll demetallation reacts a thousand times faster in microdroplets without enzymes, suggesting a new mechanism for photosynthesis control. This discovery could lead to better understanding of photosynthesis and contribute to more efficient photosynthesis research.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalQuarterly Reviews of Biophysics·DateFeb 13, 2017

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.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateFeb 13, 2017

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.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateFeb 13, 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.

Testosterone therapy provides protection against cardiovascular disease in men with low testosterone

A new study found that long-term testosterone therapy improves vigor and vitality, while reducing the risk of death due to cardiovascular disease in men with hypogonadism. The research suggests that testosterone therapy is an effective approach for secondary prevention in hypogonadal men with a history of cardiovascular events.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics·DateFeb 13, 2017

Microbiomes more in flux in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease exhibit highly fluctuating gut microbiomes, unlike healthy individuals, who display more consistent microbial communities over time. The research highlights the dynamic nature of IBD and its relationship to the human gut microbiome.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Microbiology·DateFeb 13, 2017

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.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateFeb 13, 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.

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.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalNature Microbiology·DateFeb 13, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 13, 2017