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Science News Archive July 2017 - Page 19


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.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 18, 2017

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateJul 18, 2017

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.

SourceMonash University·JournalChemical Science·DateJul 18, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateJul 18, 2017

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.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalBiomaterials Science·DateJul 18, 2017

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 18, 2017

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.

SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·DateJul 18, 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.

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.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalZoological Letters·DateJul 18, 2017

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.

SourceSociety for the Study of Ingestive Behavior·DateJul 18, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 18, 2017

Manmade aerosols identified as driver in shifting global rainfall patterns

Researchers at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School found that manmade aerosol particles in the atmosphere drive changes in global rainfall patterns. The study suggests that these aerosols are a primary driver of large-scale shifts in precipitation, particularly in the tropics.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 18, 2017
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

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.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·DateJul 18, 2017

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.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 18, 2017

Gamma-ray telescopes reveal a high-energy trap in our galaxy's center

A combined analysis of NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope and H.E.S.S. data suggests the galactic center contains a high-energy trap that concentrates cosmic rays, mostly protons. This results in a gamma-ray glow extending to the highest energies observed.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 18, 2017

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.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 18, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJul 18, 2017

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.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·JournalThe Gerontologist·DateJul 18, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalThe BMJ·DateJul 18, 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.

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.

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.

SourceRice University·DateJul 18, 2017

$10.8 million awarded to build resilient coastal communities in Gulf of Mexico

The Gulf Research Program and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation awarded $10.8 million to support four projects enhancing community resilience in Louisiana and Alabama. The projects will increase understanding of community attributes influencing resilience and develop tools for strengthening community capacity.

SourceNational Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine·DateJul 18, 2017

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.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 17, 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.

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.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 17, 2017
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.

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.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Medicine·DateJul 17, 2017

Canada should continue with separate medical stream after cannabis is legalized for recreational use

A commentary in CMAJ argues that a two-streamed structure is necessary to keep patients safe and support research into the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids. This structure would provide incentives for research, educational resources for healthcare practitioners, and reduce risk to patients.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 17, 2017

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.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJul 17, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJul 17, 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.

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.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 17, 2017

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.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 17, 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.

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.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 17, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalAddiction·DateJul 17, 2017

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.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJul 17, 2017

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.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 17, 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.

'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".

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFEMS Microbiology Ecology·DateJul 17, 2017

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.

SourceOregon State University·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·DateJul 17, 2017

Researchers at IRB Barcelona discover a crucial gene involved in the development of the placenta

The study reveals that TLK2 is vital for placenta and embryo viability in mice, with implications for human intellectual disabilities. The researchers found that mutations in the TLK2 gene may cause impaired placental function, leading to insufficient oxygen during development and potential neurological disorders.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalCell Death and Differentiation·DateJul 17, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 17, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell·DateJul 17, 2017