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Science News for January 20, 2017


Discovered one of the brightest distant galaxies so far known

Astronomers have discovered one of the brightest non-active galaxies in the early universe, BG1429+1202, located 11.4 billion light-years away. The galaxy's high luminosity was made possible by a gravitational lensing effect caused by a massive elliptical galaxy along the line of sight.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJan 20, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Finding a needle in the ocean

Xia emphasizes that big data is about more than just numbers and requires new mathematical methods to analyze. Researchers in mathematics, signal processing, and computer science must develop these new tools to unlock the full potential of big data.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalIEEE Signal Processing Magazine·DateJan 20, 2017

Oceanographic analysis offers potential crash site of MH370

Researchers used buoys' trajectories to simulate debris motion, finding areas with high probability for MH370 crash. The analysis is consistent with recently confirmed aircraft debris finds, highlighting the importance of sustained ocean observations.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalJournal of Operational Oceanography·DateJan 20, 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.

MicroRNAs shown to improve hyperglycemia

Researchers at Tohoku University identified two new types of microRNA that improved hyperglycemia in a mouse model of diabetes. These miRNAs were shown to promote insulin-producing cell proliferation and regeneration, offering potential for therapeutic beta-cell regenerative therapies.

SourceTohoku University·JournalEBioMedicine·DateJan 20, 2017

Provocative prions may protect yeast cells from stress

Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine and Georgia Tech found that the yeast protein Lsb2 forms a 'metastable' prion in response to elevated temperatures as a protective mechanism against stress. This discovery suggests that prions may play an adaptive role in cell survival.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 20, 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.

Children with asthma are more likely to become obese, USC study finds

Children with asthma were 51% more likely to become obese due to respiratory problems and potential weight gain from medication. Using asthma inhalers reduced this risk by 43%. The study suggests early diagnosis and treatment may help prevent childhood obesity.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 20, 2017

Snap, digest, respire

The Venus flytrap captures insects to extract nutrients and energy. Researchers found that the plant produces additional energy by oxidizing amino acids from its prey.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNew Phytologist·DateJan 20, 2017

Can the comorbidity of depression and psychopathy be the devil's work?

A survey of over 1,000 participants found strong evidence that individuals with depression and psychopathy are attracted to satanic practices for magical power. This correlation yields new perspectives on early-onset depression and highlights the need for verification in psychiatric hospitals.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalOpen Theology·DateJan 20, 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.

When non-adherence to guidelines is a good thing: Study on COPD yields surprising results

A study on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) found that 44% of patients were under-treated, while only 19% received recommended medication regimens. Patients who were under-treated had fewer exacerbations, indicating that ignoring guidelines may be beneficial in certain cases.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalInternational Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease·DateJan 20, 2017

To find disease risk, genetics provides mother of all shortcuts

Researchers use genetic correlation to link disease risks, including heart health and diabetes, using data from a long-standing cohort and electronic health records. The method provides opportunities to answer epidemiological questions in weeks rather than decades.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·DateJan 20, 2017

Humans, not climate change, wiped out Australian megafauna

A recent study published in Nature Communications suggests that humans, not climate change, led to the extinction of Australian megafauna around 45,000 years ago. The researchers analyzed ancient poop and sediment cores, finding a significant decline in megafaunal populations during this period.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 20, 2017

Calabrese says mistake led to adopting the LNT model in toxicology

A UMass Amherst researcher argues that a historical investigation error led to the adoption of the LNT model, which challenged fundamental beliefs about ionizing radiation effects. The corrected research supports a threshold rather than linear dose response for carcinogens.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateJan 20, 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.

Cholesterol -- good for the brain, bad for the heart

Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center found that mice with reduced brain cholesterol suffer neurological damage and behavioral abnormalities. The study suggests that cholesterol may play a role in the development of Alzheimer's disease in people with diabetes.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2017

Stop smoking services may boost mental health of people with depression

Researchers found that successful quitters had a considerable improvement in their depression and 66.3% described no or minimal symptoms during a one-year follow-up. Stop smoking services can be effective in supporting people with depression, particularly with increased visits.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateJan 20, 2017

Children with asthma may be at higher obesity risk

A study of over 2,000 children found that those with asthma were 51% more likely to become obese than their non-asthmatic peers. The use of asthma rescue medications was shown to reduce the risk of obesity by 43%.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 20, 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.

Electrocatalysis can advance green transition

Researchers explore electrocatalysis to transform atmospheric molecules into useful products, such as hydrogen and chemicals, for a sustainable future. Effective catalysts are needed to drive the process, but advancements in theory and experiments hold promise.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalScience·DateJan 20, 2017

Study reveals areas of the brain impacted by PTSD

Researchers found disruptions in brain network communication affect memory regions in individuals with PTSD, linked to avoidance symptoms. The study suggests treatments targeting enhanced communication may improve PTSD symptoms.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateJan 20, 2017

ACOs serving high proportions of minority patients lag in quality performance

A new study by The Dartmouth Institute finds that Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) with a high proportion of minority patients tend to perform worse on quality-of-care measures. ACOs serving these populations often struggle to offer essential services like routine specialty care and palliative care.

SourceThe Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJan 20, 2017

A new principle for epigenetic changes

Researchers at Uppsala University have found a new principle for epigenetic changes, involving the tryptase enzyme that cleaves histone tails. This mechanism is crucial for maintaining cellular identity and preventing uncontrolled cell proliferation.

SourceUppsala University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJan 20, 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.

System for handling database caching yields faster websites

A new system was presented at the Association for Computing Machinery's Symposium on Principles of Programming Languages that automatically handles database caching in web applications written in Ur/Web. This system offers twofold to 30-fold speedups in experiments involving two websites.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJan 20, 2017

US and Brazilian researchers study toxic stress in children

Children living in slums in Brazil and East Lubbock, Texas, experience similar cognitive and behavioral effects due to toxic stress. The research project aims to identify chronic toxic factors common to both regions and promote cross-border scientific partnerships.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateJan 20, 2017

Scientists develop first catalysed reaction using iron salts

Researchers at the University of Huddersfield have developed an efficient iron-catalysed C-C bond-forming spirocyclization cascade, providing access to new 3D heterocyclic frameworks. This breakthrough could lead to huge economic gains in pharmaceuticals and agrichemicals.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJan 20, 2017

Breakthrough by Exeter cell biologists

Researchers at the University of Exeter have discovered how peroxisomes and endoplasmic reticulum interact at the molecular level, crucial for lipid production and cell survival. Loss of this interaction leads to severe disorders, prompting hope for diagnosis and treatment.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJan 20, 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.

Bacterial discovery solves 20-year-old molecular paleontology mystery

A fatty molecule thought to be unique to flowering plants has been found in bacteria from the Adriatic Sea, solving a 20-year-old paleontological mystery. The discovery challenges the assumption that isoarborinol's presence indicates land and flowering plant life.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 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.

New design strategy for longer lasting batteries

A new computational design strategy identifies promising cathode coatings to protect lithium-ion batteries from degradation, extending device lifespan. Northwestern University researchers developed the approach using a massive materials database, ranking top candidates and accelerating experimental testing.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 20, 2017

New stem cell technique shows promise for bone repair

A new method of repairing injured bones using stem cells and a carbon material with photocatalytic properties has been developed, showing promising results in accelerating bone regeneration. The technique uses red-light absorbing carbon nitride sheets to activate key transcription factors associated with osteoblast differentiation.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 20, 2017