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Science News Archive June 2017 - Page 8


Page 8 of 40

Discovery of a new mechanism for bacterial division

Researchers have found that some pathogenic bacteria use an undulating 'wave-pattern' to mark future sites of division, instead of conventional biological systems. This discovery provides new insights into how these bacteria divide and could lead to new ways to fight them.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJun 26, 2017

New tool offers snapshots of neuron activity

Researchers developed a new tool called FLARE to label neurons during specific tasks, providing greater temporal precision than current cell-labeling techniques. This approach could offer significant insights into neuron function and be used to study learning and memory, emotions, and diseases like Alzheimer's.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 26, 2017

Thwarting metastasis by breaking cancer's legs with gold rods

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a new treatment that prevents cancer cells from migrating and spreading, known as metastasis. The treatment uses locally administered gold nanorods heated by a low-energy laser to target and destroy cancer cells' leg-like protrusions, effectively halting their migration.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study: Most families in low-income countries don't have soap at home

A new study reveals that most families in low-income countries lack access to soap at home, with significant disparities across regions. The research underscores the importance of improving handwashing behavior and access to soap in impoverished areas, particularly for children vulnerable to preventable diseases.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateJun 26, 2017

Creating a personalized, immersive audio environment

Researchers are using head-related transfer functions (HRTFs) to personalize audio in mixed and virtual reality. By capturing a person's unique acoustic fingerprint, the technology can create an immersive sound environment that simulates spatial hearing.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateJun 26, 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.

New insights into the toxin behind tetanus

Researchers at Stockholm University have determined the three-dimensional structure of the entire tetanus toxin protein, revealing its exact atomic positions. The discovery sheds light on how the toxin interacts with nerve cells and causes life-threatening muscle cramps and spasms.

SourceStockholm University·JournalEMBO Reports·DateJun 26, 2017

NASA sees quick development of Hurricane Dora

Hurricane Dora formed on June 25 as a tropical storm and strengthened into the first hurricane of the season by June 26. The storm is currently located near latitude 16.7 degrees North and longitude 105.3 degrees West, moving towards the west-northwest at 13 mph.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 26, 2017

Young American Latinos report the most discrimination

A recent study by Penn State researchers found that young, U.S.-born Latino males report the highest levels of discrimination in both interpersonal and institutional contexts. The study, published in the Social Science Research journal, suggests that this group's higher expectations for inclusion and awareness of unfair treatment contr...

SourcePenn State·JournalSocial Science Research·DateJun 26, 2017

A little place for my stuff

A new study published in Current Biology found that bacterial cells are limited by their ability to produce fat, which affects their growth and size. The research, conducted at Washington University in St. Louis, used a novel approach to understand the role of biosynthesis in cell-size regulation.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 26, 2017

Skin cell model advances study of genetic mutation linked to heart disease, stroke risk

Researchers have developed a new skin cell model to study the genetic mutation ACTA2-R258C, which is linked to early-onset aortic aneurysm and moyamoya-like cerebrovascular disease. The study found that the mutation disrupts cytoskeleton functions, leading to impaired smooth muscle contraction and increased risk of heart disease.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 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.

Ultra-compact phase modulators based on graphene plasmons

Researchers at ICFO have developed a phase modulator using graphene plasmons, enabling ultra-compact light modulation with a device footprint of only 350 nm. The discovery has potential applications for on-chip biosensing and two-dimensional transformation optics.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Photonics·DateJun 26, 2017

Mitochondrial flash signals long-term memory at neuronal synapse

Researchers discovered that dendritic mitochondrial flash, also known as 'mitoflash,' is essential for converting short-term memories into long-term ones. The study revealed that mitoflash facilitates the transition from short-term to long-term synaptic potentiation through a bi-directional interaction between mitochondria and synapses.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 26, 2017

Dementia patients may die sooner if family caregivers are mentally stressed

A new study from the University of California, Berkeley found that dementia patients tend to die sooner when cared for by family members with depression or anxiety. The study tracked 176 patients and their caregiver mental health over several years, revealing a strong link between patient survival and caregiver well-being.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 2017

'Own-point-of-view' video method leverages power of perception to improve emergency care

Researchers developed a novel technique that combines a micro-camera with a subjective re-situ interview to better understand physician decision-making in emergency medicine. The study found that this approach provided a more authentic understanding of clinical decision-making compared to traditional external perspectives.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateJun 26, 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.

Hot cities spell bad news for bees

A study from North Carolina State University found that common wild bee species decline as urban temperatures rise. The researchers used a lab test to predict how whole populations will fare at higher temperatures in urban areas, finding that the least heat-tolerant species are most affected.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalBiology Letters·DateJun 26, 2017

UT-ORNL to shepherd US-China Transdisciplinary Environmental Research Network

The UT-ORNL led US-China Transdisciplinary Environmental Research Network will identify transdisciplinary research opportunities and collaborations for scientists in the US and China. The project aims to enhance sustainable use of natural resources, address global issues involving food, energy, and water systems.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateJun 26, 2017

How many adverse events are reported to FDA for cosmetics, personal care?

A study analyzed 5,144 reported adverse events from 2004 to 2016, with a significant increase in hair care product-related incidents between 2015-2016. The findings highlight the need for better cosmetic surveillance due to limited FDA reporting obligations and potential consumer attributions of serious health outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 26, 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.

Endocrine Society issues Scientific Statement on obesity's causes

The Endocrine Society issued a Scientific Statement on obesity's causes, emphasizing the need to understand underlying mechanisms that make it difficult to maintain weight loss. The statement highlights the complex interplay between genetics, developmental influences, and the environment in contributing to obesity.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalEndocrine Reviews·DateJun 26, 2017

Early antiretroviral therapy linked with bone loss in patients with HIV

A new study found that starting HIV treatment early is associated with accelerated bone loss of about 2-4%, which can increase the risk of fragility fractures. Despite this, the benefits of antiretroviral therapy in preventing HIV transmission and adverse health outcomes prevail.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateJun 26, 2017

Mechanism shown to reverse disease in arteries

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation reveals a mechanism to reverse disease in arteries by targeting an immune reaction. Researchers at NYU Langone Health discovered that certain immune cells can switch from promoting inflammation to healing, which can lead to reduced plaque growth and improved cardiovascular health.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 26, 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.

Significant racial disparities persist in hospital readmissions

A new study found that black patients on traditional Medicare are 33% more likely to be readmitted after surgery, while those enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans are 64% more likely. The authors suggest lower quality care, follow-up support, and social factors may contribute to the disparities.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJun 26, 2017

Scientists use algorithm to peer through opaque brains

Researchers developed an algorithm to capture neural activity within mouse brain tissue, enabling them to track hundreds of individual neurons in a single recording. The technique, combined with light field microscopy, allows for real-time monitoring and alteration of stimuli based on brain activity.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature Methods·DateJun 26, 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.

Ten million tons of fish wasted every year despite declining fish stocks

A new study found that nearly 10% of the world's total catch in the last decade was discarded due to poor fishing practices and inadequate management. The discarded fish could have been put to better use, highlighting the need for improved fisheries management and new technology to reduce waste.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalFish and Fisheries·DateJun 26, 2017

Gene mutation linked to retinitis pigmentosa in Southwestern US Hispanic families

A study has identified a common gene mutation linked to retinitis pigmentosa in Hispanic families from the Southwestern US, with over 70 genes now known to cause the disease. The researchers found that a dominant mutation in the arrestin-1 gene is responsible for 36% of cases, offering hope for future treatments and therapies.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateJun 26, 2017

Biodiversity loss from deep-sea mining will be unavoidable

International scientists warn that deep-sea mining will inevitably harm biodiversity due to the scale and depth of operations. The Clarion-Clipperton Zone in the Pacific Ocean is at risk of severe damage, with some projects covering over 83,000 square kilometers.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJun 26, 2017

Pulling the tablecloth out from under essential metabolism

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have caught primary metabolism in the act of evolving, revealing a novel form of an enzyme that produces tyrosine. This breakthrough could lead to increased production of essential compounds, such as vitamin E and opioids.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJun 26, 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.

Glycans as biomarkers for cancer?

Scientists have developed a bioorthogonal labeling approach to identify sialylated glycoproteins in prostate cancer tissue, which could serve as tumor markers. The method allows for direct assessment of tumor metabolism in its natural environment, providing insights into cancer biology.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 26, 2017

Novel platform uses nanoparticles to detect peanut allergies

Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have developed a novel platform using nanoparticles to detect peanut allergies. The technology mimics natural allergens and evaluates the potency of allergic responses using antibodies from patient blood samples.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 26, 2017

Panda love spreads to benefit the planet

A recent Michigan State University study reveals that panda conservation in China has far-reaching benefits for the environment, including increased biodiversity and carbon sequestration. The research found that nature reserves created to protect pandas are also benefiting other plant and animal species.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEcosphere·DateJun 26, 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.

New tool to identify and control neurons

Researchers have developed a new technique called Cal-Light to visualize and control neuronal activity. This tool allows for the observation of specific populations of cells implicated in particular behaviors, enabling precise manipulation and dissection of complex neural circuits.

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 26, 2017

Could this strategy bring high-speed communications to the deep sea?

Researchers at Berkeley Lab found a way to pack more data in single acoustic beams for underwater communications, increasing information transmission rates. They demonstrated this by encoding binary data onto an acoustic signal, effectively increasing the amount of information that can be transmitted.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 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.

Predicting future outcomes in the natural world

A study reveals how individual-based modeling can help researchers predict the long-term effects of introduced herbivores on invasive species, such as melaleuca. The model suggests that introducing a native beetle can reduce melaleuca growth by 83% and its reproduction by 49% over 20 years.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalLandscape Ecology·DateJun 26, 2017

Animals, not drought, shaped our ancestors' environment

Researchers from the University of Utah analyzed oxygen isotope data from herbivore teeth and tusks to understand climate dynamics in the Omo-Turkana basin. The findings suggest that fluctuations in rainfall timing and interactions between plants and animals, rather than long-term drought, drove changes in the region's ecosystem.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 2017

Night shifts may hinder body's ability to repair DNA damage

Research suggests that night shift work impairs the body's ability to repair DNA damage caused by normal cellular processes. Suppression of melatonin, a hormone regulating the internal clock, is thought to be a key factor in this impairment. This may result in higher levels of DNA damage and potentially carcinogenic effects.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateJun 26, 2017

Previously unknown extinction of marine megafauna discovered

A recent study reveals that a third of marine megafauna disappeared around three to two million years ago, leading to a significant reduction in species diversity. The loss of functional entities resulted in an erosion of ecological functions, with 17% of total diversity disappearing and 21% changing.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJun 26, 2017

Monitoring changes in wetland extent can help predict the rate of climate change

A new study suggests that monitoring wetland extent can better predict the release of methane from thawing permafrost. Researchers found that decomposition of new organic matter is the main source of methane released, not previously frozen carbon. This knowledge can help improve predictions and understanding of climate change impacts.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJun 26, 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.

Hunting microbes or smelling poison: A matter of evolution

Researchers at UNIGE show that Fprs, present on immune cells, also bind to molecules linked to pathogens in the nose of mice, indicating an evolutionary shift towards olfaction. This innovation resulted from two genomic 'accidents' occurring millions years apart during rodent evolution.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 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 class of 'soft' semiconductors could transform HD displays

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have discovered a new type of semiconductor that can emit multiple bright colors from a single nanowire, challenging traditional quantum dot displays. The 'soft' semiconductors use ionic bonds instead of covalent bonds, making them easier to reconfigure and produce.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 2017

Water exists as two different liquids

Researchers at Stockholm University have found that water can exist as two different liquids at low temperatures, with large differences in structure and density. The discovery was made possible through experimental studies using X-rays, which revealed the existence of these two liquid phases.

SourceStockholm University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 2017

When kids talk to robots: Enhancing engagement and learning

Researchers found that pre-school children respond well to simple interactions, while older children engage with robots that reference previous conversations. Interactive storytelling also boosts vocabulary and cognitive development in young children, suggesting that collaborative technology can be an effective tool for education.

SourceDisney Research·DateJun 26, 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.

New method to rapidly map the 'social networks' of proteins

Researchers have developed a new high-throughput technique to determine protein interactions, generating massive libraries and revealing over 8,000 interactions in Arabidopsis transcription factors. This approach enables faster study of fundamental biological interactions and potential treatments for metabolic dysfunction.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Methods·DateJun 26, 2017

NAWI Graz researchers measure light fields in 3-D

The NAWI Graz researchers have developed a method to measure plasmon fields in three dimensions, enabling the focus of light at the nanoscale. This breakthrough could lead to new applications in sensor technology, photovoltaics, and computer storage.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 26, 2017