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Science News Archive March 2017


Page 21 of 41

Cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder discovered

The absence of protein SPRED2 alone can trigger excessive grooming behavior in mouse models. The study identifies the Ras/ERK-MAP kinase cascade as a key signaling pathway involved in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Administering an inhibitor to this pathway improves OCD symptoms, suggesting new potential treatments.

Treating cocaine addiction by reducing our appetite for drugs?

A new study in Biological Psychiatry suggests that blocking hypocretin signaling may provide a new avenue for treating cocaine addiction. The study found that blocking hypocretin signaling reduced cocaine intake in rats allowed long access to cocaine, and restored the normal GABAergic system.

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.

Deep learning and stock trading

Researchers used deep learning and machine learning techniques to analyze S&P 500 data, achieving statistically significant and economically substantial returns. The findings challenge the efficient-market hypothesis and suggest AI can excel in times of high volatility.

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.

The repulsion trick: A self-solving puzzle for organic molecules

Researchers at Forschungszentrum Jülich develop a method to mix molecules with opposing intermolecular interactions, creating tailored surface structures. The technique enables the controlled production of active layer systems, which are crucial for organic electronics applications.

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.

Having athletic trainers could benefit youth football organizations

The presence of a certified athletic trainer at youth football practices and games can enhance player safety through improved injury awareness, prevention, and assessment. This was found in a study published in Athletic Training & Sports Health Care, which reported a decline in injuries from 25 to 14 over two seasons.

A preference for casual sex increases risk of harassment

Adolescents who fantasize about casual sex and have had casual relationships are more likely to be harassed. Researchers found that those who have been sexually harassed also prefer casual sex, highlighting the need for better communication scripts among young people.

The recipe for especially efficient stomata

Researchers discovered a unique transcription factor, MUTE, responsible for the superior function of stomata in grasses. Engineered Brachypodium plants lacking this protein grew poorly, highlighting its importance in enhancing photosynthetic capacity and water use efficiency.

New center to address antimicrobial drug development challenge

A new research center, Centre for Antimicrobial Pharmacodynamics (CAP), will be established at the University of Liverpool to accelerate the development of new antibiotics. The facility will provide access to pharmacodynamics research expertise, facilities, and training, addressing a significant gap in UK capability.

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.

Genetic association with aggressive prostate cancer discovered

A genetic connection to aggressive prostate cancer has been discovered, increasing the risk by threefold for men with a specific gene variant. The study's findings may lead to the development of a blood test to predict disease severity and aid in targeted treatment.

Review confirms link between drug use and poor dental health

A systematic review of 28 studies found that dental patients with substance use disorders have more tooth decay and periodontal disease than the general population. The lifestyle associated with problematic drug use also affects oral health through factors like dry mouth, malnutrition, and poor hygiene.

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.

Electro-optical switch transmits data at record-low temperatures

A silicon optical switch developed at Sandia National Laboratories can transmit up to 10 gigabits per second of data at temperatures near absolute zero. The device operates by using light traveling through an optical fiber, reducing heat and increasing efficiency.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Earth's first example of recycling -- its own crust!

Scientists have found evidence of Earth's first example of recycling, where its own crust was reworked and reused over 4 billion years ago. The discovery uses neodymium isotope analysis to study variations in the element's abundance, indicating that ancient rocks were compositionally similar to younger basaltic oceanic crust.

How plankton cope with turbulence

Researchers discovered how plankton cope with turbulent layers in the ocean. Plankton cells change their shape from asymmetric to egg-shaped structures, allowing them to swim downwards and avoid damage. This adaptation provides an evolutionary advantage for the population, as only half of the cells are affected by turbulence.

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.

Some veggies each day keeps the stress blues away

A longitudinal study of over 60,000 Australians found that eating 3-4 daily servings of vegetables lowers stress risk by 12% and eating 5-7 daily servings of fruit and vegetables reduces stress risk by 14%. Women who eat more veggies have a lower stress risk compared to men.

Dark matter less influential in galaxies in early universe

A team of astronomers found that distant galaxies were dominated by normal matter, with dark matter playing a smaller role. The study used the KMOS and SINFONI instruments to measure galaxy rotation velocities and created an average rotation curve, which also showed a decreasing velocity trend away from the centers of the galaxies.

Copper-bottomed deposits

Scientists at Université de Genève studied over 100,000 combinations to establish a model predicting the amount of copper present in deposits. The researchers found that factors such as magma depth and duration determine the quantity of copper, with optimal conditions ranging from 20 km depth and 2 million years injection time.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Scientists mobilize as bleaching resumes on Great Barrier Reef

Coral bleaching reappears on the Great Barrier Reef for the second year in a row, with scientists conducting aerial and underwater surveys to measure damage. The study reveals that past exposure to bleaching does not make corals more tolerant, and global warming is the primary threat to the Reef's resilience.

The genes and neural circuits behind autism's impaired sociability

Researchers identified a gene link to impaired sociability in autism and found its neural circuit mechanism. The study suggests a 'toggle switch' that can be turned on or off to regulate sociability, potentially leading to new treatments for patients with autism. Seizures were also found to impair sociability by repressing specific genes.

Changing temperatures and precipitation may affect living skin of drylands

A USGS study reveals that changes in temperature and precipitation patterns may cause desert surfaces to become lighter, altering energy exchange between the planet and its atmosphere. This could lead to increased albedo, slowing the earth's warming rate, but also resulting in soil erosion and decreased fertility.

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.

Global climate change worsens winter haze in China

A new study found that global climate change is linked to severe winter haze in eastern China, with Arctic sea ice loss and extensive snow contributing to poor ventilation conditions. The 2013 'airpocalypse' event was exacerbated by these factors, highlighting the need for stringent emission reductions to mitigate future haze events.

More IV fluids, fewer c-sections

A new study by Thomas Jefferson University found that women who received IV fluids at a higher rate during labor were less likely to need a cesarean section and had shorter labors. The study pooled data from seven small clinical trials involving over 1,200 women.

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.

Mapping the effects of crystal defects

A team at MIT has developed a new mathematical approach to analyzing phonon-dislocation interactions, resolving longstanding mysteries about how dislocations affect material properties. The findings could inform future efforts to develop thermoelectric devices and other electronic systems.

New driver, target in advanced mucosal melanoma

Researchers have identified mutations in the SF3B1 gene present in 37% of mucosal melanoma samples, which could lead to novel therapies. The study highlights the potential of targeting this gene in patients with advanced mucosal melanoma.

Quantum key system could make mobile transactions far more secure

Researchers have demonstrated a prototype device that can send unbreakable secret keys from a handheld device to a terminal, enabling secure mobile transactions. The system uses ultra-fast LEDs and moveable mirrors to transmit keys at a rate of over 30 kilobytes per second.

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.

Pharmacists with greater role in care prevent repeat hospital visits

A study at Kern Health Systems found that pharmacists with expanded roles can reduce readmission rates for high-risk patients by up to 28% and 32%. The program, which included post-discharge counseling and medication management, also showed promise in reducing long-term hospital readmissions.

China's severe winter haze tied to effects of global climate change

Researchers at Georgia Tech found that changes in atmospheric circulation, caused by Arctic sea ice loss and increased Eurasian snowfall, contribute to stagnant air conditions over China. This leads to the buildup of pollution, exacerbating winter haze problems in regions like Beijing. The study suggests that global climate change will...

The strangeness of slow dynamics

Researchers have discovered significant deviations in dynamic phase transitions that occur when dynamics is slow, unlike conventional thermodynamic phase transitions. These findings suggest a distinct difference between DPTs and TPTs, highlighting the importance of studying non-equilibrium dynamic phenomena.

Brain-aging gene discovered

A common genetic variant, TMEM106B, accelerates normal brain aging by up to 12 years in people aged 65+, highlighting potential new targets for preventing age-associated brain disorders like Alzheimer's disease. Researchers also identified another variant associated with brain aging within the progranulin gene.

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.

Civil society participation key in international forestry programs in Laos

The study highlights the importance of civil society organizations in Laos' REDD+ and FLEGT programs, emphasizing their potential to bring valuable local insight and enhance fairness and transparency. However, limitations pose a challenge, including a restricted political system that hinders independent civic society.

Life origination hydrate theory

The LOH-Theory suggests that amino-acids and primitive organisms arose in semi-liquid water systems saturated with functional organic substances, allowing for exothermal and thermodynamically feasible syntheses. The theory is supported by analyses of available literature and paleontological data on the origins of life on Earth.

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.

Fossil or inorganic structure? Scientists dig into early life forms

Researchers found that inorganic chemicals can self-organize into complex structures resembling ancient fossils, raising questions about distinguishing life from non-life. This discovery challenges the identification of Earth's earliest microfossils and redefines the search for life on other planets.

Refugees with PTSD regulate stress differently

A new Michigan State University study found that refugees diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have an overactive gene associated with mental health that disrupts their stress defense system. This causes the body to overreact to stress, leading to increased symptoms of PTSD.

Some bed bugs are better climbers than others

Researchers found that tropical bed bugs can climb out of smooth-walled traps more effectively than US common bed bugs due to unique adaptations. This discovery has significant implications for monitoring and managing bed bug infestations.

Like elephants, large working proteins have small handlers

Researchers have developed a mathematical foundation to explain the role of small molecules in promoting proper protein folding. This understanding has important implications for developing future therapies based on pharmacological chaperones to treat misfolding diseases.

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.