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Science News Archive July 2017


Page 19 of 37

Why do BRCA1 mutations cause predominantly breast and ovarian cancer?

Researchers from UT Health San Antonio found that BRCA1 mutation carriers experience higher gene expression-related stress in luminal epithelial cells, which are more prone to breast tumors. This stress is also associated with estrogen-responsive genes in the breasts and ovaries, a key site for cancer predisposition.

New gel coatings may lead to better catheters and condoms

Researchers at MIT have developed a gel-like material that can be coated onto standard plastic or rubber devices, providing a softer and more slippery exterior. The coating can also monitor and treat signs of infection, and could potentially replace common elastomers in medical devices.

Antibiotic insight may help in battle against bacterial resistance

Monash University researchers have identified a key part of the process by which a common clinical antibiotic is formed, paving the way for novel compounds to tackle bacterial resistance. By understanding this process, scientists can manipulate it to create modified compounds that could help combat superbugs.

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.

CU Boulder, Rutgers to study impacts of nuclear war

Scientists are calculating environmental and human impacts of a potential nuclear war using sophisticated climate models and supercomputers. The team aims to provide a solid scientific analysis of the issues, including impacts on agriculture, food availability, and migration activity.

Heart tissues of different origins can 'beat' in sync

Scientists successfully merged heart tissues from different species and ages, demonstrating the potential for artificial heart patches to function with host cardiac tissue. The study overcomes a major hurdle in regenerative medicine by proving electrical coupling between cells of different origins.

NASA looks at compact Tropical Storm Don in infrared light

Tropical Storm Don formed rapidly off Barbados, with a tropical storm warning issued for Grenada and St. Vincent. NASA's AIRS instrument analyzed the storm using infrared light to identify strong thunderstorms and cloud top temperatures as cold as -63 degrees Fahrenheit.

Making data-driven 3-D modeling easier

A new computational method called GRASS uses machine-learning techniques and artificial intelligence to automate the creation of plausible 3D shapes. The research paper showcases a generative recursive autoencoder for shape structures that can generate novel shapes without manual input.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Parasite revealed: New insights into dicyemida

Researchers at OIST Graduate University have decisively classified Dicyemida, a microscopic parasite in cephalopods, as part of the Spiralia clade and closest to Orthonectida. This classification sheds new light on the evolutionary history of Spiralia and the process of evolution.

New combination of anti-obesity drugs may have beneficial effects

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered a unique combination of hormone-based drugs that can produce enhanced weight loss in obese animals. The study found that cycling through different drug therapies over a month led to greater body weight loss compared to single-drug treatments.

Study: Omega-3 fatty acids fight inflammation via cannabinoids

Researchers found an enzymatic pathway that converts omega-3-derived endocannabinoids into potent anti-inflammatory molecules, which bind to receptors in the immune system. This discovery demonstrates how omega-3 fatty acids can produce medicinal qualities similar to marijuana without a psychotropic effect.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Empowering robots for ethical behavior

Researchers developed Empowerment to help robots and humans work together safely and effectively. The concept enables robots to prioritize human safety while maintaining their own autonomy.

Using omega 3 fatty acids to treat Alzheimer's & other diseases?

Researchers at LSU Health New Orleans found that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and its bioactive derivative NPD1 can reduce stroke damage and promote cell survival in the brain. DHA is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis, which is disrupted in diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Partnering cells turn off immune attack on pancreatic tumors

Researchers found that inhibiting the partnership between Tregs and dendritic cells might lead to effective immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer. Blocking this relationship may enable the immune system to target pancreatic tumor cells more effectively, potentially slowing tumor growth.

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.

Helping EU cities and regions cut carbon emissions

Researchers create interactive maps to help EU cities track and cut carbon emissions, revealing that wealthier individuals and fashion contribute to larger footprints. The study also finds regional differences in emissions linked to geography and food consumption.

AARP, GSA focus on effects of negative attitudes on aging

The new AARP-sponsored supplement issue explores the effects of negative attitudes on aging, including memory performance and healthcare use. Research finds that these perceptions can be profound for individuals, communities, and populations.

The need to understand what works in social prescribing

A health service research expert warns that social prescribing requires a nuanced evidence base to address individualisation and responsiveness to patient needs. The UK policy push to integrate social prescribing into 'new models of care' highlights the need for more research on its delivery and effectiveness.

Sequencing reveals how Porphyra thrives in a tough environment

The Porphyra genome revealed insights into its survival in extreme environments, including ultraviolet protection and thermal tolerance. The research also found a reduced cytoskeleton and unique signaling molecules that contribute to the species' small stature.

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.

Zealandia should hold answers about tectonics, past climate

Expedition 371 investigates shift in Pacific Plate movement, which formed subduction zone and altered ocean circulation patterns. Cores collected at six Tasman Sea sites will help scientists understand timing and causes of these changes and their impact on Earth's climate.

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.

Studying argon gas trapped in two-dimensional array of tiny 'cages'

Researchers at Brookhaven Lab have successfully trapped argon gas in a two-dimensional array of tiny 'cages', allowing for the detailed study of single atoms in confinement. This achievement could lead to the design of new materials for gas separation and nuclear waste remediation.

CNIC scientists find the key to improved cancer immunotherapy

Researchers found that generating an optimal immune response against cancer requires the cooperation of two types of memory T cells: those that circulate in the blood and those that reside in tissues. This discovery has the potential to improve current cancer immunotherapy strategies, especially in preventing metastasis.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Newly identified genetic marker may help detect high-risk flu patients

Researchers have identified a genetic variation that increases the risk of severe flu symptoms in patients. The variant, known as rs34481144, is linked to reduced killer T cell function and lower levels of the protective IFITM3 protein, suggesting a potential genetic marker for flu risk.

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.

Tracking the mechanisms of artery formation

Researchers found that a receptor called Notch is crucial in the process of artery formation, directing sprouting cells into developing arteries. The study provides new insights into how vascular networks are established and may lead to identifying new therapeutic approaches to stimulate growth of new arteries after organ injury.

In baby's dirty diapers, the clues to baby's brain development

Research from the UNC School of Medicine found an association between certain microbial communities and higher levels of cognitive development. Infants with high levels of Bacteroides had better cognitive scores, while those with diverse gut microbiomes performed worse.

New Fanconi anemia-causing gene identified

Researchers have discovered a new gene involved in Fanconi anaemia, a rare genetic disease affecting bone marrow and causing congenital defects. The RFWD3 gene was found to be related to DNA repair and mutations were detected in a child with the disorder.

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.

Mutation speeds up sperm of zebra finches

Researchers found that a mutation causing an inversion on the Z chromosome increases sperm velocity and morphology, leading to higher fertilization rates and reproductive success. This study provides insight into the evolutionary mechanisms underlying infertility in zebra finches.

Two new genes linked to Alzheimer's risk

Researchers at Cardiff University have discovered two new genes that increase a person's risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The findings build on previous research identifying 24 susceptibility genes and provide insights into the mechanisms underlying the disease.

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 among young teens linked to cannabis use at 18

A Seattle-focused study found that young people with chronic depression are at a higher risk of developing a cannabis-use disorder. The study suggests that preventing or reducing chronic depression during early adolescence could lead to a reduced prevalence of cannabis use disorder.

Climate impacts of super-giant oilfields go up with age, Stanford scientists say

A new Stanford study reveals that as super-giant oilfields age, the energy required to operate them increases, leading to higher greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers developed a software tool to accurately calculate these emissions, finding that some oilfields see a doubling of emissions per barrel over a 25-year operating period.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

UNIST reveals the whole genome sequences of rare red bat

Researchers at UNIST have sequenced the whole genome of the Myotis rufoniger, a critically endangered bat species, to understand its genetic basis. The study provides valuable insights into the species' demographic history, genomic diversity, and evolutionary origins.

'No solid evidence' for biopesticide-diarrhea link

A recent review by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) incorrectly linked Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a highly effective biopesticide, to diarrhoea in humans. However, Dr Ben Raymond of the University of Exeter disputes these findings, citing recent evidence that supports Bt bacteria as "very safe for humans".

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.

New assessment identifies global hotspots for water conflict

A new analysis identifies areas around the world most at-risk for hydro-political strife due to planned dams on rivers flowing through multiple nations. The Nile River in Africa is one of the more contentious areas, with Ethiopia's dam construction diverting water from countries downstream.

UNC study advances the ability to expose latent HIV

Researchers at UNC have shown that interval dosing of Vorinostat can reverse latent HIV and improve detection, paving the way for further research into clearing infection. The study's findings suggest that pairing a latency reversing agent with an antiviral immune therapy may be necessary to achieve a cure.

New study of brain circuits finds key links to symptoms of depression

Researchers at University of California San Diego have identified key brain pathways tied to distinct depressive behaviors. The study found that modifying specific neural connections in mice led to improved behavioral changes, providing insight into the interaction between multiple brain areas in depression.

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.