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Science News Archive June 2017 - Page 26


Page 26 of 40

Acting and thinking -- are they the same for our brain?

Researchers propose that a single neural network, the fronto-parietal network, relies on 'emulation' to perform various cognitive tasks. This process creates an abstract dynamic image of movements, enabling the brain to strengthen motor skills and construct precise representations.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateJun 12, 2017

Mass. General report outlines strategies to address racial, ethnic health care disparities

The report identifies five essential domains for successfully addressing disparities: knowing who to involve, shaping organizational culture, creating urgency and a vision, engaging the organization and audience, and harnessing the power of a collaborative network. These strategies were developed by participants in the Massachusetts Ge...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJun 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.

Rattling DNA hustles transcribers to targets

New simulations reveal DNA's constant motion enables rapid transcription factor diffusion, contradicting the long-held assumption of rigid DNA. The findings have significant implications for understanding cell processes and potentially boost speed and accuracy in biological and medical research.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJun 12, 2017

OSU researcher part of $14 million NSF program for improved genomic tools

A $1.875 million EDGE program award will help Virginia Weis study the microscale mechanisms behind coral-algal symbiosis, a key component of coral reef ecosystems threatened by environmental stress and climate change. The project aims to develop new genomic tools and techniques for understanding coral health and stress.

SourceOregon State University·DateJun 12, 2017

Iqaluit could start running out of fresh water by 2024

Climate change and increased demand will outstrip freshwater supply in Iqaluit, even with stagnant population growth. Researchers predict the city may run out of fresh water by 2024 unless alternative sources are found to extend the water supply.

SourceYork University·JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research·DateJun 12, 2017

Study: New approach to destroying deadly brain tumors

A new strategy for treating glioblastoma, a difficult-to-treat brain tumor, has shown promising results in mice by combining medications that disable two proteins. This approach could potentially extend or save the lives of patients diagnosed with this lethal form of cancer.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJun 12, 2017

Motor vehicle crash risk for teens with ADHD much lower than previously reported

A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that adolescents with ADHD have a 36% higher crash risk than other newly licensed teens, but this risk is still relatively low. The study suggests that evidence-based training and education for teens with ADHD who want to drive may help manage their risk.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJun 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.

NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP sees a disorganized Tropical Depression 3E

Tropical Depression 3E is a disorganized storm system approaching southwestern Mexico, with periodic bursts of thunderstorm development near its center. The National Hurricane Center forecasts locally heavy rainfall and dangerous mudslides, with total rainfall accumulations expected to reach 5-10 inches in some areas.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 12, 2017

HbA1C overestimates mean glucose in black persons compared with whites

Researchers found that HbA1C levels are higher in blacks compared with whites for a given mean glucose level, suggesting racial differences in glycation of hemoglobin. This discrepancy highlights the need for clinicians to individualize care based on blood glucose levels rather than relying solely on HbA1C levels.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 12, 2017

Vegetarian diets almost twice as effective in reducing body weight, study finds

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that vegetarian diets are more effective than conventional low-calorie diets in reducing body weight. Vegetarian diets also improve glucose and lipid metabolism, which is particularly important for people with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of the American College of Nutrition·DateJun 12, 2017

Regenerating damaged nerves with 'Pac-Man' cells

Macrophages, known as the Pac-Man of the immune system, promote healing by regrowing severed nerves in rats, offering a promising alternative to current treatments like autografts. The approach uses biological signals to recruit younger, undifferentiated cells destined to become pro-healing macrophages.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 12, 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.

Major study heralds new era in treatment of type 2 diabetes

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that canagliflozin significantly reduced the risk of both cardiovascular disease and kidney disease in people with type 2 diabetes. The drug was shown to lower blood sugar levels and also provide protection against heart failure and renal decline.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 12, 2017

Low levels of vitamin A may fuel TB risk

Research found that individuals with low vitamin A levels are 10 times more likely to develop tuberculosis than those with high levels. Vitamin A supplementation may be an effective way to prevent TB in people at high risk of disease.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJun 12, 2017

Lab on a chip could monitor health, germs and pollutants

The new technology uses electronically barcoded microparticles to test for biomarkers, bacteria, viruses, air contaminants and more. It aims to enable true labs on chips, smaller than a USB flash drive or an Apple Watch, for real-time health monitoring and diagnosis.

SourceRutgers University·JournalLab on a Chip·DateJun 12, 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.

Islands and coastal regions are threatened the most

The study found that the highest number of alien species can be found on islands and in coastal regions, with Hawaii leading the way. The researchers also discovered that densely populated areas and economically developed countries are particularly vulnerable to the introduction of new species.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJun 12, 2017

Uncovered: 1,000 new microbial genomes

The U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute has released 1,003 phylogenetically diverse bacterial and archaeal reference genomes, which will aid in understanding the functions of genes, enzymes, and metabolic pathways with wide applications in bioenergy, biomedicine, agriculture, and environmental sciences.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 12, 2017

A way to objectively measure residents' surgical skills? No sweat

A recent study at the University of Missouri School of Medicine found that electrodermal activity, measured through skin perspiration, can provide an objective evaluation of resident physicians' surgical skills. As training progressed, resident responses to stress during surgery decreased in relation to their experience level.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Surgical Education·DateJun 12, 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.

Global hotspots of established alien plants and animals revealed

Researchers found high numbers of invasive species in island and coastal regions, particularly in the Hawaiian Islands, New Zealand's North Island, and Indonesia. The study highlights the need for effective measures to prevent further introductions of alien plants and animals into vulnerable ecosystems.

SourceDurham University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJun 12, 2017

Blue Brain team discovers a multi-dimensional universe in brain networks

Researchers from the Blue Brain Project used algebraic topology to discover structures in the brain with up to eleven dimensions. These high-dimensional structures and spaces arise when a group of neurons forms a clique, generating precise geometric objects that can never be produced by chance.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Computational Neuroscience·DateJun 12, 2017

Smeal research helps assess humanitarian response capacity in disasters

A new study led by Penn State Smeal College of Business researchers assesses the capacity of humanitarian response systems following disasters. The research proposes new metrics based on optimization models to guide individual decisions toward system improvement and aid in real-time assessment of stockpile capacity.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Operations Management·DateJun 12, 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.

Study shows drug lowers levels of biomarker linked to ALS

A new study has found that a decades-old malaria drug can safely lower levels of a toxic protein linked to familial ALS. The research suggests the drug could potentially slow disease progression in patients with genetic mutations.

SourceHospital for Special Surgery·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateJun 12, 2017

Artificial cartilage under tension as strong as natural material

Researchers at UC Davis have successfully grown lab-grown tissue similar to natural cartilage, demonstrating its potential to treat joint disease. The new material exhibits similar composition and mechanical properties as native cartilage, showing great promise for implantation into damaged joints.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 12, 2017

Study identifies potential biomarker for Alzheimer's disease

Researchers discovered anthranilic acid as a circulating compound associated with the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The study identified promising findings in new biological pathways and potential drug targets for prevention.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateJun 12, 2017

Concentration spans drop when online ads pop up

Researchers found that online ads decrease brain activity in frontal/prefrontal cortical areas, indicating a drop in concentration levels. The presence of ads also affects the frontal/prefrontal asymmetry index, with some subjects experiencing increased and others decreased activity.

SourceSpringer·JournalCognitive Processing·DateJun 12, 2017

Scientists unravel the interdecadal variability of the Afro-Asian summer monsoon system

The Afro-Asian summer monsoon is projected to intensify and shift northwards following the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) warm phase since the mid-1990s. Precipitation in the Huanghe-Huaihe River valley increased in the late 1990s, marking a significant change in the region's climate.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJun 12, 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.

Learning with light: New system allows optical 'deep learning'

A team of MIT researchers has developed a new approach to deep learning computations using light instead of electricity, potentially improving speed and efficiency for certain applications. The new programmable nanophotonic processor uses multiple light beams to carry out complex calculations with zero energy and near-instant results.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Photonics·DateJun 12, 2017

Ontarians still skeptical of flu shot

A new study from the University of Waterloo found that half of those who avoid flu shots do so due to concerns over vaccine effectiveness and personal immune systems. The study also revealed that moral and religious reasons, as well as past poor vaccine experiences, contribute to avoidance.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Health Communication·DateJun 12, 2017

Winning climate strategy demands details

Scientists at Michigan State University found that examining daily climate minutia provides a better understanding of variable land climates, crucial for policy-making. The study reveals dramatic swings in northern China's climate, affecting agriculture and economic development.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 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.

ASTRO issues guideline for use of stereotactic radiation in early-stage lung cancer

The new clinical guideline provides evidence-based recommendations on the use of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer. For medically inoperable patients with high-risk clinical scenarios, SBRT is recommended as an alternative to surgery or salvage therapy.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalPractical Radiation Oncology·DateJun 12, 2017

E-cigarettes less addictive than cigarettes, PATH study shows

Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine found that e-cigarette users are relatively less dependent on their product compared to traditional cigarette smokers. The PATH study analyzed responses from over 30,000 young people and adults, showing that e-cigarettes cause less nicotine dependence than cigarettes.

SourcePenn State·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateJun 12, 2017

Healthy diet? That depends on your genes

A Cornell University study reveals genetic adaptations to plant-heavy diets led to increased frequency of FADS1 gene variants, crucial for omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid production. This discovery has implications for personalized dietary recommendations based on individual genetic backgrounds.

SourceCornell University·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateJun 12, 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.

New carbon nitride material coupled with ruthenium enhances visible-light CO2 reduction in water

A new nanomaterial capable of reducing CO2 with high selectivity and turnover number has been developed by Tokyo Tech. The material consists of carbon nitride nanosheets combined with a metal structure known as binuclear ruthenium(II) complex, resulting in unprecedented binding of RuRu' to the nanosheet surface.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 12, 2017

Technology unlocks mold genomes for new drugs

Scientists have developed a systematic approach to screen for molecules produced by molds, finding 17 new natural products in three species. The technology, called FAC-MS, uses genomics and data analytics to identify gene clusters that produce valuable chemicals.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJun 12, 2017

New study finds more than 2 billion people overweight or obese

A new study reveals that 30% of the world's population is affected by weight problems, resulting in over 4 million deaths attributed to excess body weight. The study found that nearly 40% of these deaths occurred among people with a BMI below the threshold for obesity, highlighting the risks associated with being overweight or obese.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 12, 2017

Study: Floodplain farm fields benefit juvenile salmon

A new study reveals that Central Valley farm fields can create environmental benefits for California's salmon populations. Researchers transplanted small hatchery-reared salmon to a 5-acre field, where the fish grew at an exceptionally high rate due to the availability of abundant zooplankton and nutrients.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 12, 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.

Researchers find a surprise just beneath the surface in carbon dioxide experiment

A team of researchers from Caltech and Berkeley Lab found that tiny amounts of oxygen beneath the copper catalyst's surface play a critical role in activating carbon dioxide for conversion to ethanol. The discovery sheds light on the atomic-level details of the reaction, enabling scientists to predict ways to improve efficiency.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 12, 2017

Musical mystery: Researchers examine science behind performer movements

Musicians can predict each other's moves without verbal cues through subtle body sway, according to a McMaster University study. The findings improve understanding of nonverbal communication and could lead to better techniques for individuals with autism or dementia.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 12, 2017

Researchers find cellular sweet spot in skin-cancer battle

A team of NYU researchers has pinpointed a sugar modification in cells that spurs the spread of skin cancer, specifically melanoma. The study reveals that silencing FUT8 enzyme suppresses cancer onset and tumor dissemination in laboratory mice.

SourceNew York University·JournalCancer Cell·DateJun 12, 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.

How bile duct cancer develops and how it can be prevented

Researchers identified a key signaling pathway causing bile duct cancer and found possibilities to interrupt it. High ROS levels and TNF production promote tumor growth, but antioxidants and JNK inhibitors can stop tumorigenesis.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalCancer Cell·DateJun 12, 2017

Do mast cells contribute to more severe disease in dengue infection?

Research reveals mast cells can contribute to severe dengue disease by increasing vasculature permeability, providing insights into pathogenesis and potential treatments. Mast cell activation mechanisms also affect local immune responses during dengue transmission.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalDNA and Cell Biology·DateJun 12, 2017

Zig-zagging device focuses high-energy radiation emissions

Physicists have developed a way to control high-energy particle emissions in an undulator device, which could potentially be used as a source of radiation for cancer treatment or nuclear waste processing. The new device produces a much higher level of radiation than traditional ones.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateJun 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.

Burden of physical health conditions linked to increased risk of suicide

A new study found that 17 physical health conditions are associated with an increased risk of suicide, with traumatic brain injury and sleep disorders representing a greater than twofold increase. Targeted interventions in primary care and specialty care may be key to preventing suicides.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJun 12, 2017

Moffitt researchers identify inhibitor that overcomes drug resistance in prostate cancer

Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center identify novel inhibitor (R)-9bMS that targets epigenetic modification of the androgen receptor gene, blocking growth in resistant prostate cancer cells. The discovery offers a new therapeutic option for castration-resistant prostate cancer patients who do not respond to enzalutamide.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalCancer Cell·DateJun 12, 2017

Evaluating greenhouse gas emissions in an irrigated cropping system

Researchers found that a new type of nitrogen fertilizer, SuperU, can significantly reduce nitrous oxide emissions from irrigated crops by up to 53% compared to traditional granular urea. However, the effect depends on crop rotation, with yields remaining unaffected when used in corn production.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateJun 12, 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.

AI that can shoot down fighter planes helps treat bipolar disorder

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati developed a genetic fuzzy logic AI that predicted treatment outcomes for bipolar patients with 100% accuracy, surpassing conventional models. The AI, called LITHIA, can analyze vast amounts of data to identify the best treatment options, offering new hope for those affected by bipolar disorder.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalBipolar Disorders·DateJun 12, 2017

UH geochemist searches for answers on the sea floor

Researchers are still unsure how organic compounds form in hydrothermal vents on the sea floor, a key area of study as it may hold clues to the origin of life. A new NSF-funded project aims to bridge this gap by simulating conditions and generating compounds from inorganic components.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateJun 12, 2017