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Science News Archive January 2017 - Page 6


Page 6 of 35

Autism researchers discover genetic 'Rosetta Stone'

A new study by UC San Francisco researchers reveals that distinct sets of genetic defects in a single neuronal protein can cause either infantile epilepsy or autism spectrum disorders. The study identifies SCN2A as the human gene with the strongest evidence for a causal role in driving ASDs.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJan 26, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Feed a cold, starve a fever? Not so fast, according to Salk research

Research from the Salk Institute shows that certain bacteria, such as Salmonella Typhimurium, can block the host's appetite loss response to make themselves healthier while also promoting transmission. This discovery could have implications in treating infectious diseases and may lead to new therapies for metabolic disease.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateJan 26, 2017

Climate change helped kill off super-sized Ice Age animals in Australia

A new study suggests that climate change played a significant role in the extinction of giant Ice Age animals in Australia. The analysis of fossil teeth found that as the climate dried out and became more arid, the diets of these megafaunal herbivores shifted dramatically, reducing their ability to consume certain types of plants.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalPaleobiology·DateJan 26, 2017

Boron atoms stretch out, gain new powers

Researchers at Rice University simulated one-dimensional boron materials, which exhibited mechanical stiffness comparable to the highest-performing nanomaterials. The new findings also revealed that these materials can act as constant-force springs and display unique electronic properties.

SourceRice University·DateJan 26, 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.

First 3-D observation of nanomachines working inside cells

Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery by directly observing the structure of protein machinery in living cells, allowing them to study its functions in unprecedented detail. This breakthrough has significant implications for understanding cellular biology and developing new therapeutic strategies for diseases.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalCell·DateJan 26, 2017

Why Salmonella wants its host to have a healthy appetite

A study found that when a bacteria reduces its virulence by blocking loss of appetite, it increases mouse survival and helps the pathogen spread. Salmonella Typhimurium, a natural intestinal pathogen in mice, uses this strategy to replicate and transmit to other hosts.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJan 26, 2017

Scientists use stem cells to create human/pig chimera embryos

Researchers at Salk Institute successfully created human/pig chimeras, offering insights into early human development and potential applications for drug testing. The achievement marks an important step towards growing functional tissues and organs for regenerative medicine.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJan 26, 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.

Can myeloid derived suppressor cells subdue viral infections?

Research highlights the role of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in regulating immune responses to viral infections. These cells have been shown to directly alter the viral infectious process, posing challenges for developing antiviral therapies.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalViral Immunology·DateJan 26, 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.

High-tech maps of tropical forest diversity identify new conservation targets

Remote sensing maps reveal new regions for conservation effort in Peruvian forests, identifying previously unknown assemblages and assessing the effectiveness of current protections. The approach links biodiversity and functional diversity, providing a roadmap for detecting critical omissions in regional networks.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScience·DateJan 26, 2017

Parasite protein could help inform new anti-tuberculosis strategies

A study published in PLOS Pathogens suggests that proteins produced by the toxoplasmosis parasite may play a role in developing host-directed tuberculosis therapies. The researchers found that these proteins interact with human proteins to activate anti-tuberculosis defense mechanisms.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJan 26, 2017

Mature heart muscle cells created in the laboratory from stem cells

Johns Hopkins researchers successfully created mature heart muscle cells from human or animal stem cells by implanting them into newborn rat hearts. The host animal's biological signals and chemistry enabled the immature cells to mature, overcoming a developmental blockade.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 26, 2017

Rapid gas flares discovered in white dwarf star for the first time

Scientists have discovered incredibly rapid gas flares from a white dwarf binary star system for the first time. The unusual activity was observed at radio wavelengths in SS Cyg, one of the brightest variable stars in the constellation of Cygnus.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJan 26, 2017
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.

Globe-trotting pollutants raise some cancer risks 4 times higher than predicted

A new study reveals that tiny particles can shield pollutants like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from degradation, allowing them to travel farther and increasing lung cancer risk. The findings quadruple the estimated global lung cancer risk from a pollutant caused by combustion, exceeding World Health Organization limits.

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 26, 2017

Scientists develop new flu vaccines for man's best friend

Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have created two new live-attenuated vaccines against canine influenza viruses, which can be transmitted to humans. These vaccines provide better immune protection and longer periods of protection than existing inactivated vaccines.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Virology·DateJan 26, 2017
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.

Leprosy strain genotyped from medieval pilgrim at UK burial site

Researchers analyzed a medieval skeleton found in a leprosy hospital cemetery in Winchester, UK, and discovered the strain of leprosy it carried was genetically distinct from others, linked to South-Central and Western Asia. The findings suggest that resistance to the disease may have developed over time.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJan 26, 2017

Anti-inflammatory diet could reduce risk of bone loss in women

A new study suggests that an anti-inflammatory diet rich in vegetables, fruits, fish, and whole grains can help prevent bone loss and fractures in post-menopausal white women younger than 63. The researchers found a correlation between lower-inflammatory diets and lower risk of hip fracture in this subgroup.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateJan 26, 2017
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Examining women's bones during menopause may help head off fractures

Researchers identified distinct changes in bone mineral content and area among midlife women transitioning through menopause, contradicting previous assumptions about bone expansion. The findings suggest that individual variability in bone structure can be used to identify women at risk of fractures far in advance.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateJan 26, 2017

For immigrant mothers delivering 'the talk,' facts trump culture

Research finds that African immigrant mothers tend to focus on factual information about sex and reproduction, rather than cultural teachings or myths, when educating their daughters. This shift is attributed to increased exposure to liberal American culture and the desire for more accurate education.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Transcultural Nursing·DateJan 26, 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.

Depression is under-treated in patients receiving chronic dialysis

Patients with kidney failure receiving chronic hemodialysis often have depressive symptoms but refuse treatment. When willing, doctors commonly don't prescribe anti-depressant therapy, citing underlying reasons including physiological and psychological changes associated with kidney failure.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJan 26, 2017

How 1000 new genetic variants were discovered in blood groups

A recent study by Lund University researcher Mattias Möller has identified 1000 new genetic variants in blood group genes, which could have negative effects during blood transfusions. The discovery was made possible by developing a new computer program to process the genomes of 2504 people, providing insights into human genetic variation.

SourceLund University·JournalBlood Advances·DateJan 26, 2017

The secret of the supervolcano

Scientists at Uppsala University reveal the secret behind massive volcanic eruptions, discovering chemical clues in quartz crystals that hint at magma assimilating a local rock rich in water, leading to increased gas pressure and catastrophic eruptions.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 26, 2017

What patients say and what doctors document

A study from Michigan Medicine reveals significant disparities between patients' self-reported eye symptoms and their electronic medical records. The study analyzed 162 Kellogg patients and found that only 38 had exact agreement between their survey responses and medical records, with symptom reporting driving the inconsistencies.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateJan 26, 2017
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.

IV contrast for CT is not associated with increased risk of acute kidney injury

A recent study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found no association between intravenous contrast media and acute kidney injury. The research, which analyzed five years of records, showed that the probability of developing acute kidney injury was higher for patients receiving unenhanced CT scans.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateJan 26, 2017

Antidote for partisanship? In science, curiosity seems to work

A new study suggests that science curiosity can reduce polarization on contentious issues like climate change and fracking. Curious individuals are more willing to engage with surprising information that challenges their political predispositions, leading to a decrease in partisan divide.

SourceYale University·DateJan 26, 2017

Limited HIV testing access for Baltimore youth

A new survey found that 59% of Baltimore's youth-serving organizations do not offer HIV testing, highlighting the need for better integration of community-based services and clinical care. Organizations with HIV testing were more likely to provide general health services and referral services for sexually transmitted infections screening.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPublic Health Reports·DateJan 26, 2017

Hospital-led interventions associated with significant reduction in cesarean rate

A new study at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that hospital-led interventions significantly reduced the Cesarean delivery rate from 34.8% to 21.2% over a seven-year period. The interventions included quality improvement measures such as standardized protocols, increased provider education and revised guidelines.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalThe Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety·DateJan 26, 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.

Scientists map the genetic evolution of dinoflagellates for the first time

A four-year genetic research effort has mapped the major landmarks in the evolution of dinoflagellates, a key species in the environment. The study found that nonphotosynthetic dinoflagellates have retained vital metabolic functions and could lead to a better understanding of bioluminescence and toxic algal blooms.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 26, 2017

Terrorism research must be driven by evidence, not political agendas

Four experts propose a strategy for terrorism research that combines theoretically informed fieldwork with policy-making, aiming to protect academic integrity from politics and inform effective countermeasures. They outline the need for national institutional review boards to ensure legal and ethical standards in research, grounded in ...

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalScience·DateJan 26, 2017

Metallic hydrogen, once theory, becomes reality

Researchers successfully created atomic metallic hydrogen using diamond anvil cells at extreme pressures, offering potential applications in high-energy storage, superconductors, and rocket propulsion. The discovery could transform various industries, including energy production and space exploration.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateJan 26, 2017

Young girls less likely to attribute brilliance to their own gender

A new study found that six-year-old girls are less likely than boys to believe they themselves are brilliant. This trend is concerning given the impact of gender stereotypes on career aspirations. The research suggests girls' perceptions of school achievement and intelligence remain separate until age 7.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 26, 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.

Gene key for chemically reprogramming human stem cells

Researchers at UCL and Heinrich Heine University have discovered the OCT4 gene essential for chemically reprogramming human amniotic stem cells. The process allows these cells to be rejuvenated and function like embryonic stem cells, providing a promising alternative for therapies and research.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateJan 26, 2017

New study shows how to avoid weight gain and cardiometabolic disease

A new model for defining healthy eating is presented in a review article, taking into account caloric load, cellular respiration, and food perception. The study aims to reduce the risk of weight gain and cardiometabolic disease by understanding the complex factors involved.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalMetabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders·DateJan 26, 2017

Scientists unveil new form of matter: Time crystals

Researchers have successfully created the first time crystals, which repeat their structure in time due to periodic kicking. This breakthrough opens a new landscape of non-equilibrium matter with promise for quantum computing and memory storage.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 26, 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.

Fat shaming linked to greater health risks

A new study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine finds that internalizing negative weight stereotypes increases the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disease in obese patients. Patients who experience fat shaming are more likely to avoid exercise, consume extra calories, and develop conditions like metabolic syndrome.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalObesity·DateJan 26, 2017

Model assessment may predict obstructive sleep apnea in children with Down syndrome

A new assessment tool combines parental questionnaires and inexpensive diagnostic procedures to rule out obstructive sleep apnea in children with Down syndrome. The tool showed high accuracy in identifying participants without moderate to severe OSA, potentially reducing the need for sleep studies.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Genetics·DateJan 26, 2017

NASA observes extreme rainfall over Southern California

NASA's Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) estimated record-breaking rainfall totals over the western United States from January 17 to 24, 2017. Rainfall of almost 4 inches in one day was reported in Long Beach, California, causing flooding and mudslides.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 26, 2017
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Study reveals public perception of police and body-worn cameras

The study found that 87% of respondents agree that body-worn cameras would improve police officer behavior, while citizens with more positive views of police had the most support for BWCs. West Palm Beach residents reported less favorable perceptions on police-community encounters and issues of crime and safety.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalCriminal Justice and Behavior·DateJan 26, 2017