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Science News Archive July 2017 - Page 26


Page 26 of 37

Stress can worsen effects of toxic chemical exposure

A recent study found that stress can amplify the health effects of toxic chemical exposure, leading to higher risks of low birth weight babies. The research suggests that poverty-related stress may make people more susceptible to environmental health hazards, highlighting an important consideration for policymakers and regulators.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 12, 2017

RNA molecules live short lives

Researchers at University of Basel developed a new method to measure RNA molecule half-life, revealing most RNAs are short-lived, living less than 2 minutes. This challenges conventional methods and underlines importance of accurate measurements for cell cycle studies.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 12, 2017

Antibiotic nanoparticles fight drug-resistant bacteria

Researchers developed nanoparticles packaging an antimicrobial peptide that effectively reduced Pseudomonas aeruginosa in mice, showing potential for targeted treatment of pneumonia and other bacterial infections. The approach combines concepts from cancer nanotechnology to deliver drugs selectively to bacterial targets.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 12, 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.

Rice team developing flat microscope for the brain

Rice University engineers are building a flat microscope to monitor and stimulate neurons on the surface of the brain. The goal is to provide an alternate path for sight and sound to be delivered directly to the brain, compensating for loss of vision or hearing.

SourceRice University·DateJul 12, 2017

Why you might trust a quantum computer with secrets -- even over the Internet

A new technique allows users to hide both data and program from the quantum computer, even with classical communication. The scheme uses entangled qubits and measurement-based computing to create ambiguity, making it difficult for the computer to determine the true calculation.

SourceCentre for Quantum Technologies at the National University of Singapore·JournalPhysical Review X·DateJul 12, 2017

New biofuel technology significantly cuts production time

Researchers at UBC Okanagan have developed a new biomass pretreatment technique that significantly reduces production time for biofuels, making them safer and more efficient. The new method can produce methane 172 per cent faster than traditional processes using forestry waste products like Douglas fir bark.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalWater Research·DateJul 12, 2017

Making two out of one

Researchers at FAU have developed a detailed model of the singlet fission process, which could lead to a 50% increase in solar cell performance. By analyzing intermediate phases, they identified key steps in the process and provided new insights into molecule design.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 12, 2017
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.

Common strength 'genes' identified for first time

A study led by the University of Cambridge identified sixteen common genetic variants linked to muscle strength, revealing biological insights into complex traits. The findings suggest that genetic variation in genes related to muscle function may influence differences in strength in the general population.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 12, 2017

Rice scientists simplify the incorporation of nitrogen into molecules

Researchers at Rice University have simplified the synthesis of electrophilic aminating agents, which can incorporate nitrogen atoms into molecules in a single efficient step. This breakthrough process eliminates the need for transition metals or high temperatures, making it an environmentally friendly alternative.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 12, 2017

Data analysis in the kitchen

A study published in Frontiers analyzed traditional cuisines' flavor networks to develop a new principle behind cooking, called food-bridging. The research found regional clusters with distinct flavor patterns, and its mathematical representation, semi-metricity, may be applied to predict successful ingredient combinations.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in ICT·DateJul 12, 2017

Nanomedicine opens door to precision medicine for brain tumors

A proof-of-concept study demonstrates the potential of nanoparticles in delivering molecules that target specific genetic markers in glioblastoma brain tumors. The therapy stops tumor growth and extends survival when administered continuously through an implanted drug infusion pump.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 12, 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.

Should we screen for cirrhosis?

Liver specialists recommend screening high-risk patients for cirrhosis due to its growing prevalence as a cause of death, but others argue that the test's accuracy and cost-effectiveness are questionable. Implementing widespread screening could lead to disinvestment in other interventions and risks population health.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJul 12, 2017
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.

Children's visual engagement is heritable and altered in autism

A NIH-funded study suggests that children's visual engagement is heritable and altered in autism, with identical twins showing synchronized eye movements and reduced attention to face regions. Researchers found that genetic factors influence social behaviors, which can help identify new treatments for autism.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalNature·DateJul 12, 2017

MPFI scientists probe function of cerebellar interneurons with new technique

Researchers at MPFI have developed a novel technique to selectively target cerebellar interneurons, which are crucial for regulating motor behavior and learning. This breakthrough allows scientists to manipulate the activity of these cells, providing new insights into the role of interneurons in cerebellar function.

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 12, 2017

Surgery for early prostate cancer may not save lives

A 20-year study found that surgery for early-stage prostate cancer did not prolong life and often caused serious complications. Most men with early prostate cancer are more likely to survive with limited or no treatment.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 12, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Barrier to autoimmune disease may open door to HIV, study suggests

Researchers found that breaking a barrier to autoimmune disease also enables the production of antibodies capable of neutralizing HIV-1. The study, published in The Journal of Experimental Medicine, suggests a potential new approach for developing an HIV vaccine.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 11, 2017

A new system to estimate the duration of a walk in the countryside

Researchers at University of Seville developed an algorithm to estimate walk time based on length and gradient, achieving better results than current systems. The new method has practical applications for route management, emergency response, and urban planning.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalGeografisk Tidsskrift-Danish Journal of Geography·DateJul 11, 2017
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.

The fork in the road to DNA repair

Researchers at Osaka University have discovered a key role for protein SCAI in selecting between DNA repair mechanisms, NHEJ and HR, in response to damage. The study found that SCAI promotes the recruitment of HR proteins by binding to 53BP1.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 11, 2017

Hospital management practices may put women at risk for C-sections during childbirth

A study of 53 hospitals found certain management practices in labor and delivery units associated with higher cesarean delivery rates and maternal complications. Women receiving care at hospitals with proactive unit culture management had a higher risk of cesarean delivery, postpartum hemorrhage, and prolonged hospital length of stay.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateJul 11, 2017

Antibody against carcinogenic substance deciphered

Researchers at TUM have identified an antibody that tightly binds benzo[a]pyrene, a widespread environmental toxin linked to cancer. This breakthrough discovery may lead to the development of antibodies against other PAHs and improved methods to separate contaminants from drinking water.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 11, 2017

Eye microbiome trains immune cells to fend off pathogens

A resident ocular microbiome, including bacteria like Staphylococci and Corynebacterium mastitidis, trains the developing immune system to fend off pathogens. This microbe induces the production of interleukin-17, a signaling protein critical for host defense.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalImmunity·DateJul 11, 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.

Preeclampsia: New study documents its enormous economic and health burden

A new study documents preeclampsia's alarming rise, with the condition costing $2.18 billion in healthcare expenditure in the first 12 months after birth. Mothers and infants affected by preeclampsia face increased risks of adverse health events, including cardiovascular disease and respiratory distress syndrome.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateJul 11, 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.

Depression affects the brains of males and females differently

Researchers found that depression impacts brain activity uniquely in adolescent girls and boys, particularly in regions like the supramarginal gyrus and posterior cingulate. This highlights the need for sex-specific treatment strategies to address depression in adolescents.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·DateJul 11, 2017

Lip-syncing Obama: New tools turn audio clips into realistic video

Researchers developed a new algorithm that can turn audio clips into highly-realistic videos of people speaking, using available public domain video footage. This technology has potential applications in improving video conferencing and creating realistic virtual reality experiences.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateJul 11, 2017

Contaminants in food: Identifying and assessing risks as early as possible

The Bundesgesundheitsblatt special issue explores the assessment strategies for possible health risks posed by contaminants in food, including dioxins, PFAS, nano and micro materials, and metals. The study highlights the need for regular updates to understanding the risks due to changing environmental conditions and industrial processes.

SourceBfR Federal Institute for Risk Assessment·JournalBundesgesundheitsblatt·DateJul 11, 2017

High burden of traumatic brain injuries in the EU and China

Two studies published in PLOS Medicine reveal a high burden of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in the European Union and China. In the EU, 17,049 TBI deaths occurred in 2013, translating into 374,636 years lost to life. Similarly, in China, age-adjusted TBI mortality increased from 13.23 per 100,000 population in 2006 to 17.06 in 2008, ...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 11, 2017
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.

Generous people live happier lives

A recent study by UZH neuroeconomists found that generosity increases happiness, regardless of the amount. The researchers discovered that intent alone can trigger a change in brain activity, making people happier before they take action. The study provides insight into the interplay between altruism and happiness.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 11, 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.

Key immunological mechanism for regulating intestinal flora discovered

Researchers at IMIM have found that immunoglobulin M plays a crucial role in regulating the diversity of intestinal flora, including beneficial microorganisms. The study highlights IgM's participation in an immunological memory system, enabling organisms to adapt to their microbial environment.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalImmunity·DateJul 11, 2017

News laser design offers more inexpensive multi-color output

A Northwestern University study has engineered a cost-effective laser design that outputs multi-color lasing, offering potential benefits in optical fibers, medical imaging, and sensing applications. The new technology allows for stable multi-modal nanoscale lasing with fine control over color and intensity.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 11, 2017

Simulating splash at the microscopic level

Researchers used a lattice-Botzmann method to simulate the impact of microdroplets on dry surfaces, revealing distinct physics at the microscopic level. They found that droplet sizes in spray cooling are three orders of magnitude smaller than previously studied millimeter-size droplets, and that this affects their dynamics.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateJul 11, 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.

Breakthrough tool predicts properties of theoretical materials

Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill developed a new methodology called PLMF to predict properties of new metals and materials using machine learning. The tool was able to fill in missing values for existing materials, allowing scientists to test new ideas before synthesis.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 11, 2017

Alien ice on Earth

Researchers at Stanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences have captured the freezing of water into a strange, dense form called ice VII, which can be found naturally in otherworldly environments. This discovery could reveal how water and other substances undergo transitions from liquids to solids.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 11, 2017

Immune system may keep body from neutralizing HIV-1 virus

Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus discovered a process protecting against autoimmune disease also prevents the body from creating antibodies that can neutralize HIV-1. By temporarily relaxing immunological tolerance, scientists believe they may be able to elicit protective antibodies with vaccination.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 11, 2017

Prosthetic knee type may determine cost of care for amputees

A new study by Mayo Clinic researchers examines the direct medical costs of falls in adults with a transfemoral amputation, finding that high-functioning patients are often denied more expensive prosthetic knee technologies. The study aims to provide evidence for policymakers to evaluate the value of these advanced technologies.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalProsthetics and Orthotics International·DateJul 11, 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.

Warmer Arctic linked to weaker vegetation growth in North America

Research by Jin-Soo Kim and Professor Jong-Seong Kug found that warmer Arctic temperatures trigger cooler winters and springs in North America, weakening vegetation growth and lowering carbon uptake capacity. This can lead to greater damages to ecosystems due to cold and dry spells.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 11, 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.

Ants build sinking Eiffel Towers when trying to escape

Fire ants construct bell-shaped structures that aid in their survival by evenly distributing weight among group members. The towers gradually sink due to constant movement, with the ants continually rebuilding and replacing their surface.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJul 11, 2017

Marine vessels are unsuspecting hosts of invasive species

Researchers found that half of ships passing through Israel's Mediterranean coast carry damaging ascidians, which can harm marine biodiversity and ecosystem services. Dr. Noa Shenkar recommends regular maintenance to prevent ascidian infestations and emphasizes the importance of monitoring marine vessels for early detection.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·DateJul 11, 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.

Easter Island not victim of 'ecocide', analysis of remains shows

A team of researchers from Binghamton University analyzed human and faunal remains to find that around half the protein in diets came from marine sources, contradicting previous estimates. The findings suggest the Rapa Nui population had extensive knowledge to overcome poor soil fertility and create a sustainable food supply.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateJul 11, 2017