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Science News Archive July 2017


Page 24 of 37

Side effects not a major problem for new class of breast cancer drugs

The cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor class of oral drugs has been found to be generally well-tolerated in treating hormone receptor-positive (HR+) metastatic breast cancer. The most common side effect is a temporary and dose-dependent decrease in white blood cells, which usually returns to normal with dosage adjustments.

Vaccines protect fetuses from Zika infection, mouse study shows

A new study shows that females vaccinated before pregnancy and infected with Zika virus while pregnant bear pups who show no trace of the virus. Two vaccines provided substantial protection against Zika infection, reducing viral genetic material in fetuses and placentas.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Using a microRNA to shift the makeup of glioblastoma subtypes

A study published in Cell Reports found that altering the levels of microRNA miR-128 can induce a more homogeneous subtype of glioblastoma cells, making them more responsive to treatment. This discovery opens the door for using miR-128 as a therapeutic agent.

How selenium compounds might become catalysts

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have discovered that selenium can form bonds similar to those of hydrogen bonds, resulting in accelerated chemical reactions. The team's findings suggest that weaker bonds, such as hydrogens bonds, might be sufficient for activation or catalysis.

Building a safer lithium-ion battery

Scientists have developed a new method to track lithium ions as they travel in a battery, which could help address the safety hazard of battery failure. The researchers used fluorescence microscopy and found a fluorescent label sensitive to lithium ions, enabling them to image and track lithium ions in a battery-like environment.

Creating music by thought alone

Researchers have developed a hands-free musical instrument that can be controlled by thoughts, allowing people with motor disabilities to play music again. The Encephalophone collects brain signals and converts them into musical notes, providing a new avenue for rehabilitation and empowerment.

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.

Is a biological driver behind the need for self-fulfillment?

A new series of studies reveals that self-actualization is linked to pursuing status and esteem, which can translate into 'fitness' and passing genes to future generations. This challenges traditional assumptions about self-actualization being 'above' basic physiological and social desires.

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.

Cyber attacks can threaten public health

A recent study highlights the growing threat of cyber attacks on information systems, with 64% of organizations reporting successful medical file targeted attacks in 2016. The authors stress the need to acknowledge public health implications of information security to improve dialogue and protect patient care.

Study: After watching disturbing video, CPAP usage soars

Patients who watched videos of themselves struggling to breathe while sleeping with sleep apnea used CPAP machines three hours more per night than those who saw no video. The effect was dramatic, with patients becoming determined to fix their condition after witnessing the severity of their own sleep apnea.

New approach to leukemia can help improve successful treatment

Researchers at the University of Liverpool have developed a novel approach to treating chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), which safely increases treatment success and reduces negative side effects. The study, led by Professor Richard Clark, shows that CML patients with stable responses to treatment can reduce their medication dosage befor...

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.

HIV hijacks surface molecule to invade cell

Researchers at NIH have discovered that HIV uses a protein on the cell surface to invade cells. By blocking this step, they found it prevents HIV genetic material from entering cells. The study could lead to the development of new drugs to prevent HIV infection by targeting the transfer of phosphatidylserine.

WHO decision to downgrade Tamiflu 'comes far too late' argues expert

The World Health Organization (WHO) has downgraded the status of Tamiflu due to limited evidence. A study published in The BMJ found that oseltamivir had no significant impact on complications, hospital admissions, or mortality from influenza. This decision comes after years of stockpiling and promotion of the drug.

See-through heart tissue reveals hidden complexity

Researchers from Imperial College London have used a new technique called 'optical clearing' to image adult heart tissue in 3D, revealing intricate networks of tiny blood vessels and collagen scaffold. This breakthrough could help doctors monitor the spread of stiff scar tissue and track patient responses to treatments.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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Study explores antidepressant medication use during pregnancy

A study of 179,007 children found no association between antidepressant medication use and intellectual disability when other factors were considered. The researchers estimated a relative risk but it became statistically insignificant after adjusting for parental age and underlying psychiatric disorder.

The wiser brain: Insights from healthy elders

Researchers analyzed brain activity of 100 healthy Portuguese adults and found that those with better cognitive abilities had more stable and structured brain network states. This study provides new evidence linking brain network dynamics to cognitive performance in later life.

Tall men and obese men at higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer

Men who are tall and obese have an increased risk of high grade prostate cancer and death from prostate cancer, according to a study published in BMC Medicine. The research found that height is not associated with overall prostate cancer risk but increases the risk of high grade disease and death by 21% and 17% respectively.

NASA's SDO watches a sunspot turn toward Earth

A new sunspot group has emerged on the sun, with its dark core larger than Earth, in a video captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory between July 5-11, 2017. This is the first sunspot to appear after two days of solar spotlessness during the sun's regular 11-year cycle.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Evolution of a bacterial enzyme in green algae

Scientists have identified a phylogenetically old alga's hydrogen-producing enzyme, which shares characteristics with its bacterial counterpart. The study reveals that these enzymes are used for light-driven generation of hydrogen in green algae.

Granular media friction explained: Da Vinci would be proud

Researchers have solved the equation describing solid friction on granular materials for an arbitrary number of dimensions. Their results are in excellent agreement with numerical solutions in 2 and 3 dimensions, making the model applicable to various industries such as construction and pharmaceuticals.

Moms who breastfeed may have reduced risk of MS

Women who breastfed for 15 months or more have a reduced risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) compared to those with no breastfeeding. The study, published in Neurology, found that this association held true even when considering factors like age and ovulation.

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.

Mathematical modeling could help with personalized cancer care

Researchers used mathematical modeling to examine patterns in lung cancer metastases, revealing a preferential pattern for brain spread in patients with EGFR mutations. The findings suggest that Markov modeling could help predict metastatic spread and personalize treatment for non-small cell lung cancer patients.

Visual illusion could help you read smaller font

Researchers found that exposure to a common visual illusion enhances ability to read fine print by improving visual acuity. Participants who saw clockwise spirals showed improved performance in reading letters at smaller font sizes.

Global warming could result in losses for the European wine industry

A study in the journal Temperature found that high temperatures can lead to a 27% labor loss and 15% decrease in work time for grape-picking workers in European wine production. The research highlights the potential negative impact of global warming on the industry, which is a significant contributor to world GDP.

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.

Using the stairs just got easier with energy-recycling steps

Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed energy-recycling stairs that store energy during descent and return it during ascent, easing the impact on knees and ankles. The device reduces knee impact by 37% and ankle stress by 26%, making it easier for people to use stairs without compromising their mobility.

Watch 3-D movies at home, sans glasses

Researchers from MIT's CSAIL have developed a new system called Home3D that allows users to watch 3D movies at home without glasses. The system converts traditional 3D movies into a format compatible with automultiscopic displays, which show multiple images simultaneously.

Programs that teach emotional intelligence in schools have lasting impact

New research shows that social-emotional learning programs have immediate positive effects on children's mental health, social skills, and learning outcomes, which continue to benefit them years later. The study found higher graduation rates, lower drug use and behavior problems, and improved public health outcomes for program particip...

Firearm-safety class rates in US little changed in 20 years

A study from the University of Washington found that only about three in five US firearm owners have received formal gun training, with notable gaps in content, particularly on warning signs of suicide. The lack of standardization and education on suicide prevention in firearm trainings has significant implications for public health.

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.

Hormone replacement therapies help breast cancer grow and spread

Researchers at University of Missouri found that hormone replacement therapies can induce growth and metastasis in breast cancer by enriching specialized cancer cells like stem cells. The study suggests targeting these rare cells and immunotherapies to combat the disease.

Mulling over the aromas of wine

A new detector for acetaldehyde in wine has been developed, offering a more practical and accurate method for winemakers to monitor this critical ingredient. The device, tested on nine different wines, produced results comparable to traditional methods but with simpler operation and real-time output.

The wave nature of light in super-slow motion

Researchers in Erlangen and Jena have achieved high-precision measurement of the wave characteristics of focused, ultra-short light pulses. This will enable targeted influence on electrons and chemical reactions.

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.

Shortcut method in drug development

Researchers at Uppsala University develop a small-scale method to determine bioavailability of drugs within cells, facilitating early-stage drug development. The method takes into account how drugs 'disappear' when binding to cell components, offering a promising tool for pharmaceutical companies.

What do high school principals know about concussion?

A new study reveals that high school principals have a significant impact on creating academic policies for students recovering from concussion. While many protocols exist for returning to sports, principals can help ease students back into their normal routine with accommodations such as frequent breaks and quiet testing environments.

Synthesizing the human genome from scratch

A team of scientists is working on synthesizing a human genome from scratch, tackling the technical and ethical challenges that come with it. They have already made significant progress in building smaller genomes, such as those of microbes, but still face significant hurdles in constructing the complex human genome.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

ASHG honors Kári Stefánsson with William Allan Award

Kári Stefánsson to receive William Allan Award for his pioneering work on Icelandic population genetics and its impact on public education about genetics. His research has led to important insights into various diseases, including type 2 diabetes, prostate cancer, and schizophrenia.

OU team details foreshock activities leading up to Pawnee earthquake

A University of Oklahoma study reveals the complex relationship between wastewater injection and seismicity in Oklahoma. The research found that foreshocks correlated with wastewater injection rates and stress interactions between earthquakes, ultimately leading to the September 3, 2016, 5.8 magnitude earthquake near Pawnee, Oklahoma.

Massive iceberg breaks off from Antarctica

A nearly 2,240 square-mile iceberg broke off from Antarctica's Larsen C ice shelf between July 10 and 12. The event has reduced the ice shelf area by approximately 10 percent, sparking concerns about potential destabilization of the remaining ice shelf.

Research raises antibiotic questions

A recent study published in the British Journal of Surgery found that topical antibiotics are moderately effective but not justified due to limited information on adverse effects. The research highlights the need to fight antibiotic resistance and encourages a more cautious approach to their use.

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.

Energy-recycling stairs might make climbing stairs easier

Researchers developed energy-recycling stairs that store user's energy during descent and return it during ascent, making stair negotiation easier for elderly and disabled individuals. This technology could be a more affordable alternative to elevators and stair lifts, allowing people to retain their ability to use stairs.

Smart atomic cloud solves Heisenberg's observation problem

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a 'smart' atomic cloud that can neutralize Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle, allowing for more accurate measurements at quantum level. This breakthrough could lead to new sensors and technologies, including better understanding of gravitational waves.

Slow earthquakes occur continuously in the Alaska-Aleutian subduction zone

Researchers found near-continuous tremor activity and 1,300 low-frequency earthquakes in the region, suggesting a connection to damaging earthquakes. The study used a novel 'beam back projection' method to track slow earthquakes minute-by-minute, revealing clusters of tremor sources with distinct properties.

Online climate data benefits producers

A new web application provides historical climate data to farmers, allowing them to compare current year's conditions with past ten years. The app covers the Texas region and offers information on soil temperature, growing degree days, and precipitation.

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.