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Science News Archive January 2017


Page 3 of 35

Prior DUIs predict future criminal activity among firearm owners

A study published by UC Davis Violence Prevention Research Program found that prior DUIs and other alcohol-related convictions among legal handgun owners in California significantly increased the risk of arrest for violent or firearm-related crimes. The increase was fourfold to fivefold, independent of other risk factors.

Researchers shed light on how viruses enter the intestine

A recent study has provided the first details of how enteroviruses, which cause millions of infections worldwide annually, may enter the body through the intestine. The researchers used a mini-gut model to demonstrate that echovirus 11 induced significant damage to intestinal cells, facilitating passage into the bloodstream.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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'Mini-guts' offer clues to pediatric GI illness

Enteroviruses cause millions of infections worldwide, with infant fatality rates approaching 20 percent. A new study uses a miniature gut model to reveal how these viruses enter the intestine, targeting specific cells and facilitating bloodstream entry.

Temple launches Center of Excellence to address opioid use in pregnancy

The Temple Wedge Opioid (TWO) Treatment Program provides state-of-the-art care to pregnant women and their partners, addressing the growing issue of maternal opioid use. The Center of Excellence offers comprehensive treatment options, including medication-assisted treatment and psychiatric evaluation.

Scientists uncover possible therapeutic targets for rare autism spectrum disorder

Researchers have discovered 30 genes as potential therapeutic targets for reversing Rett syndrome, a severe form of an autism spectrum disorder affecting approximately 15,000 girls and women globally. The study, led by Dr. Antonio Bedalov at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, aims to reactivate the silenced MeCP2 gene in affected individuals.

Computer work dominates physician workday

A recent study by the American College of Physicians found that physicians spend significantly more time on computer activities than direct patient interaction, taking up about half their workday. This has led to concerns over physician satisfaction, patient education, and increased malpractice risks.

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.

New study looks at LGBT allies in college sports

A new study assesses the ally behaviors of college athletes, revealing that female athletes are more likely to identify as LGBT allies. The research also highlights the crucial role that non-LGBT identified athletes play in creating a safe environment for LGBT student-athletes, which can positively impact team cohesion and performance.

People infected with HIV may be more susceptible to diabetes

Research suggests that people infected with HIV may be more susceptible to developing diabetes, with a prevalence nearly 4% higher than the general public. Despite obesity being a key risk factor, the study found that HIV positive adults are at heightened risk of diabetes at younger ages and in its absence.

Online database aims to collect, organize research on cancer mutations

The CIViC knowledgebase is an open-access resource that allows anyone to contribute information on cancer mutations. Experts in the field curate and moderate submissions, providing a valuable resource for clinicians to identify important mutations and connect genetic errors with targeted drugs.

NASA's Fermi discovers the most extreme blazars yet

Astronomers discover five new gamma-ray blazars with massive black holes, challenging current ideas on their formation and growth. The discoveries suggest that these objects could have formed rapidly in the universe's early history.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

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Study tallies extra calories Americans consume in their coffee, tea

A new analysis found that over half of US adults consume excessive calories in their daily coffee or tea by adding sugar, cream, or other calorie-dense additives. The study also reveals that drinking black coffee reduces total daily calories by nearly 69 compared to those with added sweeteners.

A new path to fixing genes in living organisms

Researchers developed a new gene-editing method called homology-independent targeted integration (HITI) that efficiently inserts DNA into genes in dividing and non-dividing cells of living rats. The technique uses the CRISPR-Cas9 tool to cut DNA at a specific location, followed by the NHEJ repair pathway for insertion.

Prediction of large earthquakes probability improved

Scientists have developed a new modification to the Gutenberg-Richter law to better predict large earthquakes. This improved model takes into account the finite size of the Earth and provides more accurate estimates of seismic risk. The researchers hope their findings will be useful in evaluating economic losses from potential disasters.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

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World Heritage sites getting hammered by human activities

A recent study found that more than 100 natural World Heritage sites are being severely damaged by encroaching human activities, with many at risk of irreversible damage. The study highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these globally important assets.

Cell-tracking agents get a boost

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new compound of bismuth and carbon nanotubes that improves upon existing cell-tracking agents. The improved Bi4C@US-tubes show up strongly on X-rays taken with computed tomography (CT) scanners, allowing for more efficient tracking of stem cells in the body.

Where the cladocerans came from

Researchers from Lomonosov Moscow State University discover that Cladocerans originated from the north and spread throughout the Palearctic region via Beringia, a land bridge that closed and reopened multiple times. The study uses molecular genetic analysis to shed light on the evolution and dispersal of these small crustaceans.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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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.

A glitch in 'gatekeeper cells' slowly suffocates the brain

Researchers discovered that abnormality with gatekeeper cells, which surround blood vessels in the brain, leads to neuron deterioration and possible influence on Alzheimer's disease. Pericyte degeneration restricts blood flow and oxygen supply to active areas of the brain.

Super-sizing world's nature havens would add people to valued species list

A group of scientists is recommending giving the world's nature reserves a makeover to defend not only flora and fauna but also people. The authors propose clusters of nature reserves that would foster connectivity and permit human activity, potentially garnering more local and national support for protected areas.

First-ever GPS data release to boost space-weather science

Researchers now have unprecedented access to space-weather data from 23 GPS satellites, measuring charged particles and their impact on satellite operation. This data helps answer key questions about space weather events, enabling improved forecasting models.

Anticancer properties of mono/di-halogenated coumarins

Researchers synthesized mono/di-halogenated coumarins and evaluated their anticancer activity against UACC-62, MCF-7, and PBM cell lines. The test compounds CMRN1-CMRN7 strongly suppressed cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in cancer cells.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Vitamin B12: Power broker to the microbes

Scientists have found that vitamin B12 controls 41 different proteins in a bacterium, regulating folate, ubiquinone, and methionine metabolism. This discovery highlights the importance of B12 in shaping microbial communities and their impact on human health.

Unraveling the mystery of why cancer cells survive and thrive

Researchers at Jackson Laboratory have identified a newly discovered telomere maintenance mechanism that enables cancer cells to survive and thrive. The study found that most cancer cells reactivate telomerase through TERT transcription, but the exact mechanisms behind this process remained unclear until now.

Bag-like sea creature was humans' oldest known ancestor

A microscopic, bag-like sea creature called Saccorhytus, discovered in China, is believed to be the earliest known step on an evolutionary path that led to humans. Its primitive features, including a large mouth and absence of an anus, have provided new insights into human evolution.

Kidney function in stroke patients associated with short-term outcomes

A study found that patients with renal dysfunction upon admission are more likely to die while hospitalized and have lower chances of being discharged home. Those with normal kidney function have better short-term outcomes, according to the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) test.

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Fighting age-related fibrosis to keep organs young

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have identified a potential therapeutic solution for age-related fibrosis by pinpointing the gene responsible for the condition. Deletion of the PAD4 gene has been shown to curb fibrosis in mice, reducing organ dysfunction and improving heart function.

Engineered intrinsically disordered proteins provide biomedical insights

Researchers have engineered biomimetic structures from mysterious class of disordered proteins, enabling controlled self-assembly and disassembly. This breakthrough will facilitate thorough studies of these proteins and their cellular function, leading to new opportunities for biomedical applications.

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.

Preventing blood clots with a new metric for heart function

Researchers developed a new metric to predict blood clots in the left ventricle, which is more accurate than current methods. The E-wave propagation index can be calculated using standard diagnostic tools and clinical procedures, and has been validated with data from patients who experienced post-heart attack blood clots.

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 reveals substantial evidence of holographic universe

Researchers have found substantial evidence supporting a holographic explanation for the universe's irregularities, as much as there is for traditional theory of cosmic inflation. A holographic universe is one where all information is contained in a 2D surface on its boundaries.

Natural World Heritage Sites hammered by human activities

A University of Queensland-led study warns that over 100 Natural World Heritage Sites are being destroyed by encroaching human activities, with 63% experiencing increased Human Footprint over the past two decades. The most impacted sites were found in Asia, including India and Indonesia, which have suffered significant deforestation.

Low back pain in school-aged children a common occurrence

School-aged children experience low back pain due to musculoskeletal overuse or trauma, with a correlation between competition level and risk. Preventive measures include pre-season sports conditioning programs and rest, helping reduce injuries and long-term risk of low back pain.

New ocean observations improve understanding of motion

Researchers have discovered that geostrophic balance becomes invalid at smaller scales, making sea level data unreliable for calculating ocean circulation. At high resolution, sea level can accurately calculate circulation in areas with persistent eddies, but not in areas dominated by internal waves.

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.

Gulf shrimp prices reveal hidden economic impact of dead zones

A new Duke-led analysis reveals that hypoxic dead zones in the Gulf of Mexico drive up the price of large shrimp relative to smaller sizes, causing economic ripples for consumers, fishermen, and seafood markets. The study provides the first evidence linking Gulf hypoxia to economic impacts.

Heart failure survival rates show no improvement

A new study published in Family Practice found that heart failure survival rates have not improved since 1998. The research team analyzed medical records from over 54,000 patients with heart failure and found varying survival rates based on age, gender, health conditions, and blood pressure.

Practice makes perfect, and 'overlearning' locks it in

A Brown University study finds that overlearning visual perception tasks strengthens learning and prevents interference, while a longer break between tasks allows for similar performance on both. The study suggests that a temporary shift in neurotransmitter balance is key to the effect of overlearning.

How X-rays in matter create genetoxic low-energy electrons

Researchers at Tohoku University identified a new mechanism producing low-energy free electrons from X-ray absorption in matter. The process, known as Electron Transfer Mediated Decay, involves rapid charge redistribution over multiple atomic sites.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Too many Bambi are bad for the forest

Researchers found that areas with high deer numbers tend to have fewer birds that rely on forest shrubs for nesting and hunting. This is because white-tailed deer eat away at these plants, leading to a decline in songbird populations such as the Hooded Warbler and Prairie Warbler.

Milestone for the analysis of human proteomes

A major milestone in proteomics research has been achieved with the creation of a vast library of over 330,000 synthetic peptides representing all canonical human proteins. This achievement is expected to enhance protein identification and quantification by alleviating current issues in this field.

Antibiotics can boost bacterial reproduction

Researchers at the University of Exeter found that antibiotics can boost bacterial reproduction in E.coli, leading to increased resistance and faster mutation rates. The study discovered that mutated bacteria reproduced faster than before encountering antibiotics and formed populations three times larger due to mutations.

Epigenetic diversity in childhood cancer

Researchers found that Ewing sarcoma tumors display unique DNA methylation patterns, which influence gene activity and can lead to different outcomes. The study's results provide insights into the biology of Ewing sarcoma and may lead to personalized therapies with fewer side effects.

How to to bring lithium-air batteries closer to practice

Researchers from Lomonosov Moscow State University have found that electrochemical oxygen reduction in lithium-air batteries is plagued by side reactions, limiting recharge cycles. The team identified defect sites in carbon electrodes as a key factor in the reaction's progression.

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.

Patient study suggests broader genetic testing for colorectal cancer risk

A recent study among over 1000 colorectal cancer patients found that about 10% carry mutations associated with increased cancer susceptibility. The research recommends genetic testing for all patients to identify these risks and prevent future cases. This expanded approach could also benefit at-risk family members by providing earlier ...

Trials examine immune drug's potential to treat different forms of vasculitis

Researchers investigated the use of abatacept, an immune cell modulator, in treating two rare forms of vasculitis: giant cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu's arteritis. The studies found promising results for GCA patients, with improved relapse-free survival rates and longer duration of remission compared to placebo.