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Science News Archive February 2017 - Page 9


Page 9 of 37

Researchers find association between gum disease and ischemic stroke risk

Researchers assessed 6,711 adults with periodontal disease for 15 years and found participants with mild, moderate or severe gum disease were 1.9-2.2 times more likely to suffer an ischemic stroke than those without periodontal disease. The association was strongest in cardioembolic and thrombotic stroke subtypes.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 22, 2017

How do polar bears respond to climate change, subsistence hunting?

A University of Washington project explores the effects of climate change and subsistence hunting on polar bears, while also shedding light on the cultural value of the species to indigenous peoples. The research aims to set polar bears in context as resources for others, clarifying misinformation about hunting.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateFeb 22, 2017

Study finds consumers willing to pay more for 'all-natural' labeled foods

A study published in the Journal of Food Science found that consumers expect higher quality and are willing to pay more for products labeled as 'all-natural'. The researchers used virtual reality technology to simulate a grocery store taste-test, where subjects preferred the all-natural product with a label.

SourceInstitute of Food Technologists·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateFeb 22, 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.

Ultracool dwarf and the 7 planets

Astronomers have confirmed the existence of seven small planets orbiting TRAPPIST-1, with sizes similar to Earth and temperatures comparable to those of Venus, Earth, and Mars. The inner six planets are likely rocky in composition and potentially harbor liquid water.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateFeb 22, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The value of nutrition and exercise, according to a moth

Researchers discovered that hawkmoths harness the pentose phosphate pathway to create antioxidants, reducing muscle damage from high-intensity flight. This metabolic strategy allows them to process sugary diets without succumbing to oxidative stress.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalScience·DateFeb 22, 2017

Autism risk linked to herpes infection during pregnancy

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health found that women infected with genital herpes during early pregnancy had twice the odds of giving birth to a child later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The researchers suggested that the mother's immune response to HS...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalmSphere·DateFeb 22, 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.

Cultivating cool-for-cash-crop

Researchers explored growing cool season crops in California, finding canola achieved high yields and seed oil content, while camelina displayed greater cold and drought tolerance. The study recommends further research on more varieties of both crops for optimal growing conditions.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateFeb 22, 2017
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.

Making it harder to 'outsmart' concussion tests

A new equation developed by a Nebraska researcher can correctly identify athletes who attempt to sandbag on the ImPACT test, informing better decisions about return-to-play protocols. The approach was found to be more effective than existing methods in detecting poor effort, with high accuracy rates.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·DateFeb 22, 2017

Serendipity uncovers borophene's potential

Researchers at Northwestern University successfully integrated borophene with an organic material, forming a self-assembled monolayer next to the borophene sheet. This breakthrough enables the formation of well-controlled interfaces between distinct materials, which is crucial for creating diodes and photovoltaics.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 22, 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.

Neural networks promise sharpest ever images

Swiss researchers use neural networks to challenge the resolution limit of telescopes, recovering features that were previously invisible. The technique, inspired by a generative adversarial network, achieves better results than previous methods, such as deconvolution, and has vast potential for future astronomical observations.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateFeb 22, 2017

What do your co-workers really think of you?

Researchers found that co-workers usually lack knowledge about who is competitively towards them, due to people masking their competitiveness. The study suggests a climate of friendly competition and clear boundaries can promote mutual healthy competition.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 22, 2017

tDCS combined with computer games at home reduces cognitive symptoms of multiple sclerosis

A new study published in Neuromodulation found that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with computer games significantly improved cognitive measures in patients with multiple sclerosis. The treatment showed greater gains in complex attention and response times compared to those who played computer games alone.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·DateFeb 22, 2017

Forests worldwide threatened by drought

Researchers found that tree death due to drought is consistent across environments worldwide, with denser wood and smaller leaves providing better resistance. Climate change implications include increased tree mortality and future global warming.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalEcology Letters·DateFeb 22, 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.

Popular heartburn drugs linked to gradual yet 'silent' kidney damage

A study of 125,000 patients found that more than half with chronic kidney damage took PPIs without acute problems, highlighting the need for vigilance in monitoring kidney function. Doctors advise caution and only prescribe when necessary due to significant risks of kidney deterioration.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalKidney International·DateFeb 22, 2017

Science versus the 'Horatio Alger myth'

A new study uses condensed matter theory to investigate the role of personal initiative in overcoming inequality. The researchers find that, under certain conditions, sufficient individual initiative can lead to reduced inequality, but this effect is short-lived due to the disappearance of frustration.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 22, 2017

We read emotions based on how the eye sees

Researchers found that narrowed eyes are associated with discrimination-related emotions like disgust and suspicion, while widened eyes convey information sensitivity. The study suggests our facial expressions communicate complex emotions through emotional embodiment.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 22, 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.

What is high lipoprotein(a), and should I be concerned?

A new study reveals that high lipoprotein(a), a form of cholesterol, is responsible for 1 in 14 heart attacks and 1 in 7 cases of aortic valve disease. Researchers hope to raise awareness about the risk and stimulate development of new therapies to lower this form of cholesterol.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·DateFeb 22, 2017

Asthma drugs could prevent prevent deadly form of pneumonia, research suggests

Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System found that asthma drugs Accolate and Singulair may prevent severe pneumonia by blocking the infection of alveolar air sacs. Early treatment with these drugs could potentially reduce mortality rates from influenza pneumonia, which can be deadly.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateFeb 22, 2017
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.

Respiratory syncytial virus vaccine enters clinical testing

A Phase 1 clinical trial is underway to test the safety and tolerability of an RSV vaccine in healthy adults. The study aims to assess the vaccine's ability to prompt an immune response and reduce the burden of this important disease.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 22, 2017

Personalized skin lotions keep disease-causing bacteria at bay

Researchers discovered two new antibiotics in harmless skin bacteria that effectively fought off Staphylococcus aureus, a common cause of skin infections. Personalized lotions with these friendly bacteria prevented colonization in patients with Atopic Dermatitis, offering a potential solution to frequent skin infections.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 22, 2017

Transplanting good bacteria to kill Staph

Researchers isolated and grew good bacteria with antimicrobial properties to treat atopic dermatitis. The treatment successfully reduced Staphylococcus aureus on the skin, offering a new approach to managing the condition.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 22, 2017
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Scientists decipher the nanoscale architecture of a beetle's shell

Researchers have revealed the nanoscale architecture of a beetle's exoskeleton, composed of chitin fibers with unique twisting patterns. The discovery could lead to the development of lighter, stronger materials for various applications, including reducing drag in vehicles and airplanes.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateFeb 22, 2017

Researchers uncover brain circuitry central to reward-seeking behavior

In a groundbreaking study, UNC School of Medicine scientists have uncovered the brain circuitry behind reward-seeking behavior, revealing two distinct populations of prefrontal neurons that promote or suppress motivation. The research has major implications for understanding addiction, depression, and other neuropsychiatric disorders.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature·DateFeb 22, 2017

Fighting malnutrition with education

Scientists propose three main areas to fight malnutrition: Basic Nutrition focusing on nutrient science, Applied Nutrition on population health and wellbeing, and Clinical Nutrition on diagnosis and treatment. The goal is a better integration of knowledge in healthcare professionals' daily practice.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·DateFeb 22, 2017

Headache far more common stroke symptom in children than adults

A new study reveals that headaches are a far more frequent symptom of stroke in children than adults. Headache was reported in 6% of children under age 3 and 46% of those 3 or older, according to the research presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2017.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 22, 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.

Measuring patients' muscles to predict chemotherapy side effects

A tool developed at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center can help doctors identify patients at high risk for toxic side effects from chemotherapy. Researchers found that low measures of muscle quality and quantity are linked to serious side effects, including hospitalizations.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateFeb 22, 2017

Northwestern anthropologist receives grant to measure water insecurity

A new £250,000 grant will support the development of a cross-cultural scale to assess household water insecurity globally. The researchers aim to create a reliable method to measure how many people are affected by not having enough water for daily activities, with potential impacts on mental and physical health, economic productivity, ...

SourceNorthwestern University·DateFeb 22, 2017

What's the buzz on bee parasites?

The genome of the parasitic mite Tropilaelaps mercedesae has been sequenced to better understand its interaction with honey bees and develop effective control strategies. The study revealed specific features in the mite genome shaped by its parasitic life history, highlighting the need for new targets in controlling the mites.

SourceGigaScience·JournalGigaScience·DateFeb 22, 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.

First detection of an artemisinin-resistant malaria parasite contracted in Africa

Scientists have detected an artemisinin-resistant malaria parasite originating from West Africa for the first time in Africa, posing a significant threat to malaria control efforts. The finding confirms that the parasite carries a new mutation in the Kelch13 gene, which is the primary driver of resistance in Southeast Asia.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 22, 2017

Innovative treatment for depression in older people is effective

Researchers at the University of York developed a Collaborative Care intervention to help older people with lower-severity depression. The study found that this simple and low-cost approach reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and improved quality of life in those who received it.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 22, 2017

In rare disorder, novel agent stops swelling before it starts

A novel agent has significantly reduced episodes of swelling in patients with a rare genetic disorder. The drug, lanadelumab, works by suppressing the production of bradykinin, which causes swelling, and has been shown to be well-tolerated in a phase 1b clinical trial.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 22, 2017

BIDMC scientists survey the state of sleep science

Researchers have discovered neural circuits regulating sleep/wake cycles, providing new targets for therapies. The brain's complexity remains a major medical mystery, with ongoing research aiming to develop drugs that mimic orexin to wake people up and address metabolic disease and mood disorders.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 22, 2017
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Critters, plants and waste offer a more sustainable supply of catalysts

Researchers are discovering new, eco-friendly catalysts in unexpected places, such as earthworm powder and plants that absorb high levels of metals from soil and water. This shift could reduce traditional animal and plant sources, decrease mining waste, and create more sustainable production methods for medicines, fuels, and electronics.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateFeb 22, 2017

Scientists create a nano-trampoline to probe quantum behavior

Researchers developed an experiment to detect quantum events in ultra-thin films, enhancing understanding of basic phenomena in nano-sized systems. The study uses a novel 'nano-trampoline' setup to measure specific heat and demonstrate the existence of quantum criticality.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 22, 2017

Researchers aim to disrupt egg production in dengue- and Zika-spreading mosquito

A team of scientists at UC Riverside has identified five major microRNA expression peaks in the Aedes aegypti fat body following a blood meal. By disrupting these miRNAs, researchers hope to control mosquito reproduction and prevent the spread of diseases transmitted by these mosquitoes. The study provides insight into the regulatory g...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 22, 2017

Study finds prolonged sleep may predict dementia risk

A study found that people who sleep for over nine hours each night have smaller brain volumes and double the risk of developing dementia in ten years. Early detection of cognitive impairment and dementia can lead to better healthcare decisions and improved quality of life.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalNeurology·DateFeb 22, 2017

Inflammatory disease trigger revealed

Researchers have identified interleukin-1 beta (IL-1) as the trigger for inflammation during necroptosis, a recently described form of cell death. This discovery could lead to new treatments for inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease by targeting IL-1.

SourceWalter Reed Army Institute of Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 22, 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.

Antimicrobial substances identified in Komodo dragon blood

Scientists have detected antimicrobial protein fragments in Komodo dragon blood that help resist deadly infections. Eight peptides from the plasma showed significant potency against bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, offering a potential lead for new therapeutics.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateFeb 22, 2017

Wintering ducks connect isolated wetlands by dispersing plant seeds

A study by Utrecht University reveals that wintering mallards play a crucial role in dispersing plant seeds between isolated wetlands. The daily movement patterns of these birds are highly predictable from the landscape they inhabit, and their foraging behavior helps maintain connections between otherwise disconnected plant populations.

SourceUtrecht University·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateFeb 22, 2017

Obesity reprograms muscle stem cells

A new study reveals that obesity reprograms muscle stem cells through DNA methylation changes, impairing insulin sensitivity and metabolism in fully developed muscle cells. The research, conducted by doctoral student Cajsa Davegårdh at Lund University, found that pro-inflammatory genes like IL-32 play a crucial role in this process.

SourceLund University·JournalBMC Medicine·DateFeb 22, 2017