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Science News Archive January 2017 - Page 26


Page 26 of 35

$10 million CDC grant funds center to fight vector-borne diseases

The Cornell University-led Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector Borne Diseases aims to educate a cadre of vector biologists and public health practitioners through new courses and a master's program. The center will conduct applied research to prevent, control, monitor, track and respond to vector-borne disease outbreaks.

SourceCornell University·DateJan 10, 2017

High-sugar diet programs a short lifespan in flies

Researchers found that a high-sugar diet programmed flies' genes for longevity, causing long-term effects even after a healthy diet. The study suggests that dietary history has a lasting impact on health and may have implications for human lifespan.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 10, 2017

Airborne thermometer to measure Arctic temperatures

Researchers from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology create a precise method for measuring ocean temperature using Raman spectroscopy, enabling accurate tracking of thermal energy flows in the Arctic. The technique's accuracy is comparable to current direct measurements, opening up new possibilities for monitoring sea surface te...

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalOptics Letters·DateJan 10, 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.

How to reap the benefits of exercise: It's in the genes

Researchers discovered the TFEB gene plays a central role in regulating muscle metabolism and energy use during exercise. Overexpressing TFEB improved mitochondrial health and increased energy production in mice, suggesting potential new treatments for diseases like diabetes and obesity.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJan 10, 2017

Rapid Arctic warming has in the past shifted Southern Ocean winds

New University of Washington research reveals that rapid Arctic warming events cause a shift in Southern Hemisphere winds, which can impact global rainfall patterns and climate feedbacks. The study uses chemical clues from an Antarctic ice core to support the findings.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 10, 2017

Supporting actors take lead role as our brains age

Researchers found that glial cells, which support neurons, undergo significant changes with aging, particularly in brain regions damaged by neurodegenerative diseases. This discovery suggests a new approach to understanding and treating dementia, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's diseases.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 10, 2017

Americans more in control of their long-term care

The US has shifted from institutional to community-based long-term care, allowing individuals to choose services at home and in the community. Self-directed care programs improve participant well-being and cost containment, according to The Gerontological Society of America's Public Policy & Aging Report.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·JournalPublic Policy & Aging Report·DateJan 10, 2017

National VA effort reduced risky opioid prescriptions for veterans, study finds

A new study finds that the Veterans Health Administration's Opioid Safety Initiative reduced high-dose opioid prescribing by 24% and very-high-dose prescribing by 21%, resulting in 331 fewer patients per month receiving prescriptions above 100 MEQ. The initiative also led to a 21% decrease in patients receiving both opioids and sedatives.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPain·DateJan 10, 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.

A research framework for tracing human migration events after 'out of Africa' origins

The study provides an expanded framework for researchers to study human origins, drawing upon extensive DNA sampling from modern and archaic hominid populations. It suggests a major eastern-western population split once modern humans left Africa, dating back to at least 45,000 years ago.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateJan 10, 2017

Daily folic acid supplementation remains important for prevention of birth defects

According to a new report from the USPSTF, nearly a quarter of reproductive-age women have sub-optimal folate levels, highlighting the importance of daily folic acid supplements. The FDA has also announced plans to fortify corn masa flour with folic acid, targeting Hispanic women at higher risk.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJan 10, 2017

Glia, not neurons, are most affected by brain aging

Researchers found that glial cells experience bigger changes than neurons as people age, with astrocytes and oligodendrocytes shifting their regional gene expression patterns upon aging. The study provides a tool to understand how aging in the brain may be linked to the causes of age-related disorders.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 10, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Mass. General-led team identifies gene mutations behind lack of a nose

A team led by Massachusetts General Hospital has identified gene mutations associated with a rare congenital condition involving the absence of a nose, often accompanied by defects in eye and reproductive systems. The SMCHD1 gene was previously linked to muscular dystrophy, but not craniofacial abnormalities.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 10, 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.

New species of ground beetle described from a 147-year-old specimen

A new species of ground beetle, Bryanites graeffii, has been described from a 147-year-old specimen found in the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle in Paris. The discovery sheds light on the impact of human activity on ecosystems and highlights the extinction of native insect species due to colonization by non-native species.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZoosystematics and Evolution·DateJan 10, 2017

How to control the unknown: Novel method for robotic manipulation

A novel control scheme is proposed to control unknown nonlinear systems without exact knowledge of system dynamics. The method uses an observer-based approach with a neural network to observe the system at multiple time scales and update its information.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateJan 10, 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.

Close to half of adults and one quarter of kids in the US regularly consume artificial sweeteners

A recent study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics reveals that 41% of adults and 25% of children in the US regularly consume artificial sweeteners. This represents a significant increase from data reported in 1999-2000, with consumption rates reaching 54% among adults and 200% among children.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateJan 10, 2017

Retroviruses 'almost half a billion years old'

New research reveals that retroviruses, including HIV, have been present on Earth for at least 450 million years, originating together with vertebrate hosts in the early Paleozoic era. This finding sheds light on the evolutionary history of these medically important viruses and their ongoing interactions with host immunity.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 10, 2017

Next-generation optics offer the widest real-time views of vast regions of the sun

A new optical device has provided the most precisely detailed, real-time pictures to date of solar activity occurring across vast stretches of the star's surface. The system corrects images distorted by atmospheric turbulence, allowing researchers to analyze magnetic events and forces that propel the star's magnetic fields.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateJan 10, 2017

Study reveals best states for lovers

A nationwide study found that states like Mississippi, Utah and Wisconsin scored low on attachment anxiety and avoidance, while having high marriage rates and fewer isolations. The top states for lovers also had lower temperatures and more regional charm.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Research in Personality·DateJan 10, 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.

Review shows limited progress in digitizing NHS records

A review of NHS electronic record implementation found limited progress made in the past 25 years, with challenges including confusion over policy funding and complex IT system integration. The study calls for more guidance on IT implementation to help hospitals make informed decisions about digitizing patient records.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalBritish Medical Bulletin·DateJan 10, 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.

Why is asthma worse in black patients?

Research reveals that African Americans are more likely to experience eosinophilic airway inflammation, making them less responsive to standard asthma treatments. This study highlights the need for personalized therapies tailored to individual airway inflammation patterns.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJan 10, 2017

Endocrinologists want training in transgender care

A new study found that most endocrinologists have never received formal training on caring for transgender individuals, despite growing demand for such services. The Endocrine Society is now developing guidelines to address the need for education and training in this area.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 10, 2017
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

New study finds postdocs don't yield positive labor market returns

A new study finds that postdoctoral positions do not provide a positive return on investment for biomedical scientists, with the median annual starting salary being $44,724 compared to $73,662 for those directly entering the workforce. The researchers recommend changes to postdoc science positions, such as hiring staff research scienti...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJan 10, 2017

2-D materials enhance a 3-D world

Researchers have discovered a way to overcome the limitations of 2D materials in photovoltaics by adding a plasmonic metasurface, increasing absorption and efficiency. This innovation has huge implications for the future of optoelectronics, potentially revolutionizing the marketability of devices.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 10, 2017

New active filaments mimic biology to transport nano-cargo

A team of researchers has created a fully biocompatible motility engine using synthetic active filaments, outperforming conventional methods in transporting tiny cargo. The design's efficiency and speed capabilities have significant implications for targeted drug delivery, insemination, and therapeutic interventions.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJan 10, 2017

An ordered route to improved performance

Researchers used bright X-rays to observe the one-step solution-coating process of perovskite material, identifying a crucial intermediate solid state. This discovery highlights the importance of solvent-solute interactions in halide perovskites, which significantly impacts film formation behavior and solar cell performance.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 10, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Innovative imaging and surgery treats lymph condition in adults

Researchers developed new imaging tools to diagnose abnormal pulmonary flow of lymphatic fluid in adults with plastic bronchitis. The procedure involves catheterization and treatment with glue and coils to halt lymphatic fluid flow, resulting in complete or partial resolution of symptoms in six out of seven patients.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateJan 10, 2017

The weather's not to blame for your aches and pains

Research reveals weather plays no part in the symptoms associated with back pain and osteoarthritis, contrary to long-held beliefs. Higher temperatures slightly increase lower back pain risk but not clinically important.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalPain Medicine·DateJan 10, 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.

The importance of the glutamine metabolism in colon cancer

A study by Osaka University reveals that colorectal cancer cells can survive under glucose-depletion conditions by maintaining TCA cycle activity and ATP production. Key proteins GLUD1 and SLC25A13 play pivotal roles in nutritional stress and are associated with tumor aggressiveness.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 10, 2017

Gravitational biology

Researchers found immediate changes in gene expression of osteoblasts and osteoclasts in medaka fish exposed to microgravity. The study suggests a new area of research in gravitational biology, exploring the molecular mechanisms behind bone structure changes.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 10, 2017

Neurons modulate the growth of blood vessels

Researchers at KIT found that nerve cells dynamically regulate the density of blood vessel networks through fine modulation of sFlt1 and VEGF. This process is crucial for vascular development, particularly during early stages of embryonic growth.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 10, 2017

New transplant technique restores vision in mice

A new transplant technique has successfully restored vision in mice with inherited retinal degeneration. The technique uses 3D retinal sheets derived from mouse embryonic stem cells, which develop normal structure and connectivity, allowing the growth of functional photoreceptors that connect to host cells and send visual signals.

SourceRIKEN·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateJan 10, 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.

Criminology study links NFL players' misbehavior on, off field

A new UT Dallas study found a correlation between NFL players' disciplinary infractions and their arrest records. The research discovered that those who received the most penalties were more likely to have multiple arrests, with some players averaging over 1.5 arrests per game.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalDeviant Behavior·DateJan 10, 2017

Hubble captures 'shadow play' caused by possible planet

Astronomers have discovered a shadow sweeping across the face of a vast pancake-shaped gas-and-dust disk surrounding a young star, possibly caused by an unseen planet gravitationally pulling on material. The twisted inner disk is casting its shadow onto the outer region.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 10, 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.

Identification of autophagy-dependent secretion machinery

A team of researchers at Osaka University has discovered a novel autophagy-dependent secretory system that facilitates the secretion of inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-1 beta and leaderless proteins such as ferritin. This finding opens new therapeutic avenues for diseases related to autophagy.

SourceOsaka University·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateJan 10, 2017

NASA study finds a connection between wildfires and drought

A recent NASA study found a significant correlation between wildfires and drought in northern sub-Saharan Africa. The research, led by Charles Ichoku, used satellite records to analyze the impact of fires on water cycle indicators, revealing that burning suppresses precipitation in the region.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJan 10, 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.

Killing time: Study sheds light on phages and precision cell destruction

A study published in PNAS details a mathematical model of the timing of phage-induced cell death, revealing high precision and counterintuitive insights into regulatory mechanisms. The research has implications for medicine and broader applications in chemical kinetics, ecological modeling, and statistical physics.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 10, 2017

Physicists awarded funding to enhance our understanding of the universe

Researchers at University of Plymouth receive funding to build on existing work exploring phenomena within Standard Model and Beyond, with aim to develop new ideas using supercomputers. The grant will fuel efforts to push boundaries in particle physics research and identify possible candidates for universe's remaining mass-energy content.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·DateJan 10, 2017

New categorization of food scares will prevent food chain being compromised

Researchers from the University of Surrey propose a new comprehensive categorisation of food scares to address consumers' distrust in the food supply chain. The system differentiates between scares caused by wilful deception and transparency issues, enabling risk management teams to develop effective strategies.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalBritish Food Journal·DateJan 10, 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.