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Science News Archive January 2017


Page 4 of 35

Both push and pull drive our galaxy's race through space

A new study confirms that galaxies are being pushed away from a previously unknown region of low density, called the Dipole Repeller. This region exerts a repelling force on our Local Group of galaxies, suggesting that push and pull forces are equally important.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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Deciphering the emergence of neuronal diversity

Neuroscientists at the University of Geneva have identified three main sub-groups of inhibitory interneurons in the cortex by analyzing cell-type specific genes and their expression patterns. These findings will aid in understanding neuro-developmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.

URMC drug extends effectiveness of HIV therapy

A new drug developed at the University of Rochester Medical Center extends HIV therapy effectiveness by unleashing a cell's protective machinery on the virus. When combined with nanoformulated antiretroviral drugs, URMC-099 lifts the brakes on autophagy, allowing cells to digest any remaining virus.

Animal genetics: The bovine heritage of the yak

Genomic analyses reveal that Mongolian yaks are derived from cattle, with a genetic heritage of about 1.5% of their genome coming from domesticated cattle. The study also found that yak breeders selected for polledness in the early stages of domestication, leading to the loss of horns and exploiting this trait worldwide.

High-altitude living decreases the risk of heart disease

A study published in Frontiers in Physiology found that people living at higher altitudes (457-2297 meters) had a lower risk of developing Metabolic Syndrome, which contributes to heart disease and diabetes. The research suggests that high-altitude living may help improve heart and lung function, insulin sensitivity, and weight loss.

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.

Where are the tools for scientific writing?

Researchers face challenges in scientific writing due to lack of support for highly specialized areas. A recent study surveyed common tools and identified key features that could be used to construct a system for production engineering.

Viral protein transforms as it measures out DNA

Researchers discovered a viral protein that transforms its structure when interacting with DNA, acting like a sensor to measure out appropriate lengths. This finding reveals a potential drug target for human herpesviruses and offers a new therapeutic strategy.

Scientists unravel the process of meltwater in ocean depths

Researchers found that Earth's rotation affects meltwater behavior, keeping it at depths of several hundred meters. The team measured turbulence in meltwater as it flowed out of a cave beneath the Pine Island Glacier and used a VMP23 to detect subtle fluctuations in water.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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Kids should pay more attention to mistakes, study suggests

A new study by Michigan State University researchers found that children with a growth mindset tend to focus more on their mistakes and improve their performance after errors. In contrast, children with a fixed mindset can also recover from mistakes if they pay close attention to the errors.

A better way to farm algae

A new technology for energy-efficient cultivation and harvesting of microalgae has been developed by Bendy Estime, improving growth rates up to 10 times larger than traditional methods. The Tris-Acetate-Phosphate-Pluronic medium allows algae to grow in clusters without sticking to container walls, eliminating the need for constant stir...

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.

We dislike hypocrites because they deceive us

Research shows people prefer those who openly admit bad behavior over hypocrites who condemn it, as the former provides genuine moral insight. Participants viewed hypocritical characters more positively when they condemned bad behavior without direct information about their moral behavior.

School bullying linked to lower academic achievement, research finds

A long-term study tracked hundreds of children from kindergarten through high school, finding that chronic bullying was related to lower academic achievement and less engagement in school. Some children were able to recover from bullying if it decreased, revealing a hopeful message.

Don't be so hard on yourself! UBC study on first-year student stress

A UBC study found that students with higher levels of self-compassion felt more energetic and optimistic during their first semester. Self-compassion interventions can help mitigate psychological stress by enhancing autonomy, competence, and relatedness, leading to improved well-being.

Nature-based sunscreens

Scientists have introduced a new family of UVA and UVB filters inspired by natural sunscreen substances found in algae and cyanobacteria. These molecules are highly stable, enhance commercial sunscreen effectiveness, and offer improved sun protection factor.

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.

Unique mapping of methylome in insulin-producing islets

Scientists have mapped the entire methylome in pancreatic islets, revealing correlations between DNA methylation and impaired insulin function. The study found altered methylation in 25,820 genome regions, including changes in the PDX1 gene linked to type 2 diabetes.

Liverpool to coordinate £14 million drug safety research project

The University of Liverpool is coordinating a £14m European research project, TransQST, to improve drug safety by leveraging public and private data. The project aims to develop novel computational models to address off-target reactions and minimize harm from adverse drug reactions.

Engineers create artificial skin that 'feels' temperature changes

Engineers at Caltech and ETH Zurich developed artificial skin that senses temperature changes, similar to pit vipers' prey-sensing organs. The material can detect tiny temperature changes and has a responsivity two orders of magnitude larger than existing electronic skins.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

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Sharks show novel changes in their immune cancer-related genes

A new genomics study of shark DNA reveals unique modifications in immunity genes that may underlie rapid wound healing and possibly higher resistance to cancers. The research found modified legumain and Bag1 genes, which have counterparts in humans where overexpression is associated with cancers.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers identify earliest known protein needed for cell division

A team of researchers has identified the earliest-acting protein needed for cell division, which is critical for organizing cell division in animals. The discovery, made using roundworms, revealed a key advance in understanding centriole duplication, a process vital to cell division and cilia function.

Roots of Alzheimer's disease can extend as far back as the womb

Research from the University of British Columbia found that a vitamin A deficiency in the womb or early infancy can increase production of amyloid beta and lead to cognitive impairments. Providing supplements after birth may help slow the degenerative brain disease.

The ancient Indus civilization's adaptation to climate change

Researchers analyze how ancient South Asian population coped with changing environmental conditions using lake records and speleothem data. They found that the civilization developed in a diverse environment where water was critical for survival, and its populations were well-adapted to varying climate conditions before urbanization.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

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'Survival gene' stops strains of TB mutating into deadly 'superbugs'

Researchers have identified a key gene called NucS that reduces mutation rates in mycobacteria, the infectious microbe causing tuberculosis. This discovery has important implications for understanding antibiotic resistance and could help predict and prevent the development of drug-resistant TB strains.

A systems biology perspective on molecular cytogenetics

The article discusses the importance of considering genome context (karyotype) in systems biology and molecular cytogenetics. It highlights the need for a new genome-based conceptual framework to integrate these fields, which will mutually benefit both disciplines.

Artificial intelligence uncovers new insight into biophysics of cancer

Researchers used AI to predict a trio of reagents that generated a never-before-seen cancer-like phenotype in tadpoles, demonstrating its potential in controlling complex biological systems. The study showcases how AI can help human researchers achieve new outcomes in fields like oncology and regenerative medicine.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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Both accelerator and brake are required for normal movement

Research at Lund University found that both neural pathways in the striatum, called direct and indirect pathway, work together to control movements, not independently. This discovery may lead to new treatments for movement disorders like Parkinson's disease by targeting both pathways.

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: Multi-drug resistant bacteria in China

A recent study found the mcr-1 gene has spread to a wide variety of Escherichia coli strains in China, raising concerns about the emergence of multi-drug resistance. The introduction of colistin in clinical settings is crucial, but caution must be exercised due to risk factors for its spread.

Chronic sleep deprivation suppresses immune system

Researchers discovered that the twin with shorter sleep duration had a depressed immune system compared to their sibling. The findings suggest that chronic short sleep shuts down programs involved in immune response, leading to lower antibody responses and increased susceptibility to illnesses.

Evaluating the benefits of health insurance on cancer care

A Dartmouth study found that health insurance reduces cancer disparities, but does not eliminate them. Patients from disadvantaged communities showed a larger benefit from health insurance, highlighting the need for improved access to care.

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.

Physics: Toward a practical nuclear pendulum

Scientists from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Munich have successfully measured the lifetime of an excited state in an unstable element, paving the way for the development of nuclear clocks. The research team has characterized the energy transition in the 229Th nucleus and achieved a breakthrough in this field.

Antibodies as 'messengers' in the nervous system

A study at Technical University of Munich found that antibodies can activate human nerve cells within milliseconds, modifying their function. This knowledge improves understanding of illnesses associated with certain types of cancer and paraneoplastic syndromes, which occur when the body's autoimmune reaction attacks its own cells.

Sciences for art

Researchers propose using portable instruments, spectroscopic techniques, and weathering cells to develop strategies for better artwork preservation. Non-invasive techniques like X-ray radiography, infrared photography, and X-ray fluorescence enable the detailed investigation of historical paints' chemical composition.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Beetles born on the edge make invasion faster

Researchers found that generations born on the leading edge of an invasion can push forward more than those born further back due to evolutionary advantages. This discovery has implications for agriculture and natural resource management as invasive species spread faster and farther.

Researchers explore how protein production gets distorted in skin cancer

A new study reveals that changes in translation play a crucial role in the development of skin cancer. The researchers found that eIF2A, a protein involved in translating genetic instructions, is overexpressed in certain types of cancer and can serve as a potential therapeutic target for treating the disease.

Climate changes may lead to more poisonous mercury in plankton

Research at Umeå University found a sevenfold increase in methylmercury in zooplankton due to altered food web structures. Climate change scenarios predict similar increases, highlighting the need for considering effects on ecosystems and human exposure.

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.

Nanoparticles hitchhiking their way along strands of hair

Researchers demonstrate that massaging hair can increase the delivery of nanoparticles to hair follicles by creating channels for particle transport. The ratchet mechanism enhances particle speed and diffusion when massaged parallel to the resting surface.

Old enzyme, new role

A team of researchers at UD has discovered a new function for an enzyme involved in bacterial metabolism. They found that the enzyme plays a major role when generating sugars from non-sugar substrates and facilitates 'back-flow' even when sugar is being consumed.

Stem cell secretions may protect against glaucoma

Researchers have discovered that stem cell secretions, called exosomes, can promote survival of retinal ganglion cells in rats, which could lead to potential therapies for glaucoma. The study found that exosome-treated retinal ganglion cells maintained function and lost fewer cells after optic nerve injury.

Small but mighty: Fruit fly muscles

Researchers discovered that fruit fly steering muscles are divided into two types, with tonic muscles always in use for fine-tuned adjustments and phasic muscles used for rapid movements. This unique organization enables efficient flight control.