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Science News for June 2, 2017


Frailer patients at much greater risk of institutional care and death after discharge from hospital

A recent study found that frail patients are almost twice as likely to die in the year following critical care admission, with nearly 40% dying within one year. Additionally, frail patients were more than twice as likely to need institutional care and become increasingly dependent after discharge from hospital.

SourceThe European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC)·DateJun 2, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Fertility preservation for children with differences of sex development

Children with DSD may be able to preserve fertility using experimental techniques, but this raises concerns about cost, insurance coverage, and transmission to offspring. The procedure also presents complex ethical dilemmas, particularly regarding gender dysphoria and autonomous decision-making.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateJun 2, 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.

Understanding a river's 'thermal landscape' may be the key to saving it

A new study in BioScience explores the role of thermal landscapes in rivers, shedding light on how humans affect water temperature patterns. The research highlights the importance of fine-scale data and models to restore ecological balance and prevent degradation of riverine ecosystems.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateJun 2, 2017

Low-dose THC can relieve stress; more does just the opposite

A study by researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago found that low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) reduce stress, while slightly higher doses cause increased anxiety. The study used a dose-dependent approach to investigate the effects of THC on stress in healthy volunteers.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateJun 2, 2017

Forensic chemical analysis of wood could stop illegal logging

Researchers developed a method to identify imported wood using its chemical fingerprint, distinguishing between two separate populations of Douglas-fir trees with high accuracy. The technique has the potential to help law enforcement tackle illegal logging by accurately tracing the origin of wood samples.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateJun 2, 2017

Chemical 'dance' of cobalt catalysis could pave way to solar fuels

Researchers have discovered a crucial step in the water-splitting process, enabling the creation of clean solar fuels. The study reveals the characteristics of cobalt catalysts and their role in facilitating the formation of oxygen-oxygen bonds.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 2, 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.

Bone loss is another hidden pathology caused by malaria infection

Long-term malaria infections can cause chronic inflammation in the bone marrow, leading to increased bone resorption and substantial bone loss. Oral supplementation with alfacalcidol may reverse this side effect, suggesting a potential treatment strategy for improving bone health in malaria-infected individuals.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience Immunology·DateJun 2, 2017

Tumor induction from a distance

A study by researchers at the University of Freiburg found that activation of FOXO can induce tumors in stem cells without initial DNA damage. The team discovered that signals inducing this cancer come from surrounding tissues, including epidermis.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJun 2, 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.

Details of Lassa virus structure could inform development of vaccines, therapies

A 10-year Lassa virus research project has yielded structural and functional details of a key viral surface protein, which could help advance development of Lassa vaccines. The study provides the first detailed view of the Lassa glycoprotein precursor complex bound to a human neutralizing antibody.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalScience·DateJun 2, 2017
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.

STD treatment for 2?

Researchers found that disease incidence in states with prohibitive EPT legislation grew significantly faster than in states where EPT was allowed. States with EPT laws may see reduced rates of chlamydia infections, with an average increase of 14.1 cases per 100,000 people.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalSexually Transmitted Infections·DateJun 2, 2017

New mechanism behind Parkinson's disease revealed

Researchers at OIST Graduate University have identified the precise toxic mechanism of alpha-synuclein, a key causative agent in Parkinson's development. The protein inhibits vesicle endocytosis, critical for neurotransmission, leading to its devastating effects on motor control and cognitive function.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·DateJun 2, 2017

DIY crystal-makers get refurbished online cookbook

Materials scientists at Duke University have resurrected an online cookbook of crystalline structures, featuring 288 entries with data on symmetry, properties, and unit cells. The revamped website provides a flexible platform for researchers to explore and create new materials.

SourceDuke University·JournalComputational Materials Science·DateJun 2, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Researchers receive $7.7 million grant to study West Nile and Zika viruses

A Georgia State University researcher has received a $7.7 million federal grant to develop three-dimensional human brain models called organoids for studying West Nile and Zika virus infections. The study aims to understand the differences between these two neurotropic viruses, which have distinct disease effects in humans.

SourceGeorgia State University·DateJun 2, 2017

Study of kids with autism identifies hospitalization risk factors

A new study led by Giulia Righi identified key factors that put young people with autism at high risk of seeking inpatient psychiatric care. Disrupted sleep and mood disorders were found to be significant predictors, while adaptive functioning had a slightly protective effect.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateJun 2, 2017

Eco-label in exchange for less chemicals on rice fields

Rice farmers in Taiwan value eco-labels more than financial incentives, according to a study by the Technical University of Munich. The study found that offering an eco-label can encourage farmers to reduce chemical fertilizers and adopt sustainable cultivation methods.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalLand Use Policy·DateJun 2, 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.

New catalytic converter composite reduces rare earth element usage

Researchers have developed a new composite catalyst that reduces the use of rare earth elements, such as Cerium, in catalytic converters. The catalyst showed improved oxygen storage and release capabilities compared to traditional catalysts, providing better buffering effects during fuel-rich and lean exhaust conditions.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry Research·DateJun 2, 2017

Combination therapy targets genetic mutation found in many cancers

A study found that combining therapies targeting polyADP ribose polymerase (PARP) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK) inhibitors showed promise in treating RAS-mutant cancers. The combination therapy was effective in multiple tumor models, regardless of mutations in tumor suppressor genes.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 2, 2017

Gene therapy could 'turn off' severe allergies

Researchers have successfully 'turned off' the immune response that causes allergic reactions in animals using gene therapy. The treatment, which targets specific immune cells, has shown promise in de-sensitizing the immune system to proteins, potentially treating severe allergies like asthma and peanut allergies.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalJCI Insight·DateJun 2, 2017

For older adults, antibiotics may not be appropriate treatment for some UTIs

Older adults with UTIs often don't show symptoms, but antibiotics can still cause harm. New research suggests that natural microorganisms in the body may help prevent UTIs. However, certain groups like pregnant women and those undergoing surgery may benefit from antibiotic treatment.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJun 2, 2017
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

NIH scientists try to crack the brain's memory codes

Scientists at the NIH discovered that each memory is encoded by a unique firing pattern of individual neurons in the brain. The studies also found that the brain replays memories faster than they are stored.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·DateJun 2, 2017

Follistatin is a key player in embryo implantation

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that follistatin promotes decidualization and supports embryo implantation. In a mouse model, female mice lacking follistatin produced fewer pups and failed to attach embryos to the uterine wall.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 2, 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.

Specific long-term therapy may not prevent fractures in older women

A recent study found that long-term bisphosphonate therapy did not significantly reduce the risk of bone fractures in older women. The research team examined data from over 5,000 women and discovered that those taking bisphosphonates for 10-13 years had higher fracture rates compared to shorter-term users.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJun 2, 2017

Bacteria used as factories to produce cancer drugs

Researchers have created a method to produce P450 enzymes in bacterial cell factories, which are also involved in the biosynthesis of active ingredients used in cancer drugs. The process could facilitate large-scale production of these enzymes, allowing for more efficient treatment of diseases such as cancer and psoriasis.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalBiotechnology and Bioengineering·DateJun 2, 2017

UQ physicist builds on Einstein and Galileo's work

Researchers applied novel method to test 'Einstein's equivalence principle' using rubidium atoms in quantum superposition states, confirming its validity with high precision. The study has potential applications in navigation, time measurements, and searching for mineral deposits.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 2, 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.

Scientists design molecular system for artificial photosynthesis

Researchers have designed a molecular system that incorporates individual components specialized for light absorption, charge separation, and catalysis into a single supramolecule. The seven-metal system with six Ru centers produces more hydrogen and remains stable for longer periods than the four-metal system with three Ru centers.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 2, 2017

Observation of the phase transition of liquid crystal defects for the first time

KAIST researchers directly observed the phase transition of topological defects formed by liquid crystal materials for the first time. The defect structures have radial, circular, or spiral shapes centering on a singularity and can be easily observed with an optical microscope.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 2, 2017

Penn's David Dinges honored with Distinguished Service Award

David F. Dinges, a renowned expert in sleep research, has been awarded the Nathaniel Kleitman Distinguished Service Award for his contributions to advancing sleep science. The award recognizes his extensive work on sleep restriction, circadian biology, and its impact on human physiology and behavior.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateJun 2, 2017

Citizen scientists uncover a cold new world near Sun

A team of citizen scientists using a new tool discovered a previously unknown brown dwarf, about 100 light years away from the Sun. The object was confirmed via an infrared telescope and published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 2, 2017
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.

Radiocarbon dating of phytolith traces rice domestication to 10,000 years ago

Phytolith dating suggests rice domestication occurred at Shangshan in China around 9,400 cal yr BP, or possibly earlier. The study found that rice bulliform phytoliths with more than nine fish scales were present in early occupation stages, indicating the beginning of rice domestication.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 2, 2017

One in 3 hospitalized patients experience symptoms of depression, study shows

A study by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that one in three hospitalized patients experience symptoms of depression. Depressive symptoms can delay recoveries, increase hospital stays, and lead to readmissions. The study emphasizes the importance of initiating a depression screening program in hospitals.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJournal of Hospital Medicine·DateJun 2, 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.

Hubble 'traps' a vermin galaxy

Astronomers study properties of debris disk around sun-like star by analyzing light passing through it. The transit allows scientists to infer characteristics of the disk and potentially discover analogues in our Solar System.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 2, 2017

Recreational running benefits hip and knee joint health

A systematic review of 25 studies found that recreational running is not associated with osteoarthritis, but competitive running increases the risk. Recreational runners are less likely to develop knee and hip osteoarthritis compared to sedentary individuals.

SourceJOSPT, Inc. d/b/a Movement Science Media·JournalJournal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy·DateJun 2, 2017

Dairy products a good dietary source of some types of vitamin K

A new study from Tufts University's Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging has found that dairy products, including milks, yogurts, and cheeses, contain appreciable amounts of vitamin K in two natural forms: phylloquinone (PK) and menaquinones (MK).

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalCurrent Developments in Nutrition·DateJun 2, 2017
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.

Census shows which mammals survive in forests surrounded by sugarcane plantations

A census of medium and large mammals found in 22 forest remnants surrounded by sugarcane plantations in São Paulo State, Brazil revealed that 90% of expected species were recorded. The study found rare animals such as the giant armadillo not present, but generalist species like white-eared opossums adapted to disturbed environments.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBiological Conservation·DateJun 2, 2017