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Science News for July 9, 2017


Purpose in life by day linked to better sleep at night

A Northwestern University study finds that having a purpose in life is associated with improved sleep quality, reduced sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome in older adults. The research suggests that cultivating purpose through mindfulness therapies could be an effective drug-free strategy to improve sleep.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalSleep Science and Practice·DateJul 9, 2017

New research offers hope to neuro-tumor patients

Scientists from the University of Plymouth have discovered that cellular prion protein is over-produced in schwannoma cells, contributing to tumor growth and patient prognosis. The study identified existing drugs that could manage this protein overproduction and potentially lead to an effective therapy for neurofibromatosis 2 patients.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalOncogene·DateJul 9, 2017

Study reveals new insights into rare chronic pain condition

A study reveals that individuals with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) process visual information from the affected side of their body more slowly than the unaffected side. This suggests a possible change in brain mechanisms that normally allow us to process information at different locations.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalBrain·DateJul 9, 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 force measurement platform provides window to study cardiovascular disease

Researchers from Virginia Tech and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have developed a new method to study the role of biomechanical forces in diseased pathologies. The technique, called nanonet force microscopy (NFM), measures single cell-fiber forces under both passive conditions and disease conditions.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalMolecular Biology of the Cell·DateJul 9, 2017

Blood vessels are not designed to fight infection

Researchers discovered that endothelial cells lining blood vessels are not as effective at removing invading bacteria via xenophagy, a process used by epithelial cells. The study suggests that targeting the ubiquitination pathway could lead to new approaches for fighting infections like GAS.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 9, 2017

Going to extremes to predict natural disasters

Researchers at KAUST have developed a systematic method for comparing the accuracy of different types of simulation models for predicting extreme events. The study found that nonparametric methods are more flexible but limited to small dimensions, while parametric methods can handle higher-dimensional problems but are sensitive to errors.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalStatistics and Computing·DateJul 9, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Detailed structure of the sweat gland revealed

The study sheds light on the functions of sweat gland components, revealing key roles for myoepithelial cells and nerve interactions. The findings have implications for treating disorders of the perspiratory system and could lead to new treatments for heatstroke.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 9, 2017