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Science News Archive March 2017


Page 27 of 41

Making resistant superbugs sensitive to antibiotics

Researchers have discovered a new way to restore antibiotic susceptibility in multidrug-resistant (MDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli strains. By identifying genes essential for survival of MDR superbugs in the presence of antibiotics, the team developed innovative drugs that can defeat resistant bacteria.

Canadians with cystic fibrosis live a decade longer than American patients

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that Canadians with cystic fibrosis have a significant survival advantage over American patients, with a median age of survival of 50.9 years compared to 40.6 years in the US. The difference is attributed to better healthcare coverage and nutrition in Canada.

Ultrashort light pulses for fast 'lightwave' computers

The team successfully controlled the peaks of laser pulses and twisted light, moving electrons faster and more efficiently than electrical currents. This achievement brings us closer to developing fast 'lightwave' computers that can process information up to 100,000 times faster than current electronics.

Vaccines do work for pandemic flu, says study

A study led by University of Nottingham researchers found that pandemic flu vaccines are effective in reducing the number of patients hospitalized due to the illness. However, vaccine effectiveness varies depending on age, with children being more protected than adults, especially those over 50 years old.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Diving with the sharks

A new study by University of California - Santa Barbara researchers found that sharks can interact with humans without long-term behavioral impacts. The research used video surveys to monitor shark abundance and behavior at sites with and without a history of scuba diving, revealing no significant differences.

Early Earth had a hazy, methane-filled atmosphere

A study suggests that long ago, Earth's atmosphere spent about a million years filled with a methane-rich haze, clearing the way for massive amounts of oxygen. The transformation resulted in an atmosphere much like the one that sustains life on Earth today.

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.

Phage therapy shown to kill drug-resistant superbug

Scientists at the University of Liverpool have shown that phage therapy can kill drug-resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common cause of chronic lung infections in Cystic Fibrosis patients. The study suggests that phage therapy could be a valuable addition to treatment options for these hard-to-treat infections.

Hodgkin lymphoma survivors at high risk of second cancers

Patients cured of Hodgkin lymphoma are at a significantly increased risk of developing a second type of cancer, particularly if they have a family history of the disease. The risk remains high even 30 years after treatment, and is higher in those with specific genetic markers or a history of certain cancers.

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.

Taking B vitamins may reduce epigenetic effects of air pollution

A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that B vitamins can increase plasma concentrations of folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12, reducing the impact of air pollution on the epigenome. The results have significant public health implications for regions with frequent PM2.5 peaks.

How cobras developed flesh-eating venom

A University of Queensland-led study reveals how cobras evolved their potent flesh-eating venom alongside distinctive hoods and warning colors. The research found that cobras' venom is used both for predation and defense, with increased potency linked to warning strategies.

Flowering times shift with loss of species from a grassland ecosystem

Researchers found that reducing the number of species in a grassland ecosystem can cause remaining species to flower earlier, similar to the effects of climate change. The study suggests that future changes in biological timing could be much bigger than expected, with potential cascading effects on ecosystem dynamics.

New method enables creation of better therapeutic antibodies

Researchers have developed a new method to create antibodies with consistent sugar groups, enhancing their ability to signal the immune system. This breakthrough could lead to more effective therapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases, with the potential for customized antibody production.

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.

A new study provides a solid evidence for global warming

The new study reconstructs historical ocean subsurface temperature change with improved accuracy, revealing larger ocean energy accumulation and increased confidence in climate change assessments. This advances our understanding of global warming driven by the Earth's energy imbalance.

Solid metal has 'structural memory' of its liquid state

Scientists have discovered a phenomenon where solid metal bismuth retains structural motifs from its liquid predecessor, even when cooled back to solid. This effect, known as 'structural memory', is correlated with changes in magnetic properties and has potential applications in electrical engineering.

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.

Marian Wright Edelman chosen for 2017 Inamori Ethics Prize

Case Western Reserve University awards Marian Wright Edelman the 2017 Inamori Ethics Prize for her life's work as a fierce advocate for children's rights, poverty alleviation, and access to education. The founder of the Children's Defense Fund has championed policies to protect vulnerable populations and ensure their well-being.

Study examines causes of earthquakes originating deep below earth's surface

A new research project aims to explore the mechanisms causing earthquakes in the lower crust, accounting for 30% of intracontinental seismic activity. By combining geological and satellite observations with laboratory work, scientists hope to increase knowledge of geological processes and mitigate the dangers posed by such activity.

How cells communicate to move together as a group

Researchers discover Fat2 and Lar proteins trigger leading and trailing edge movements during epithelial migration, enabling coordinated tissue movement. This process is crucial for embryonic development, wound healing, and cancer progression.

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.

Genetic key to salt-tolerance discovered in tilapia fish

Researchers identified short DNA segments influencing tilapia's internal body chemistry in response to salinity stress, paving the way for targeted studies on gene regulatory networks. This discovery may help enhance stress tolerance in fish, critical for management practices preventing species extinction.

Tick tock: Time to sleep? Sleeping parasite has own internal clock

A team of researchers discovered that the parasite Trypanosoma brucei has an internal clock, enabling it to adjust its composition and functions according to the day-night cycle. This finding could lead to more efficient treatment with chronotherapy, a concept already applied in other diseases.

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.

Atomic map of malaria drug gives it new life

Researchers have created a precise atomic map of the frontline antimalarial drug mefloquine, showing how its structure could be changed to make it more effective. The study provides a route to develop new treatments with fewer resources and potentially reduced side effects.

Thinking outside the power box: Matthias Preindl takes converters virtual

Researchers at Columbia University are developing virtual power conversion systems that use interchangeable converter modules and software to control the converter function, reducing size, cost, and increasing reliability. These systems could lead to 20-30% reductions in Volt-Ampere rating for electric vehicle drivetrains.

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.

Yes, she's smiling: Mona Lisa's facial expression

Researchers found that the original Mona Lisa painting is often seen as happy, and participants identified happy faces more quickly and with greater certainty. The study suggests that our brain has a bias towards positive facial expressions.

More transparency at FDA needed, researchers say

A group of researchers recommends increased transparency at the FDA, including disclosure of regulatory information, analysis, and study data. This would enhance understanding of existing therapies, pharmaceutical pipelines, and innovative product development.

Convenient and easy to use glucose monitoring and maintenance

A research group has developed a sweat-based glucose monitoring and maintenance device that allows rapid glucose measurement and precise multistep drug delivery. The system features a disposable strip sensor, enables precise and timely drug delivery, and offers a painless blood glucose monitoring method to control blood glucose levels.

Joint efforts towards treating paralysis

Scientists at Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne are developing intelligent neuroprosthetics that can decode brain signals and stimulate spinal cord muscles to facilitate walking movements. Clinical trials are currently underway to test the feasibility of these devices on patients with partial paralysis.

Longer deadlines make people donate more money

A study by Aarhus University found that longer deadlines increase charitable donations. The researchers sent emails and text messages with varying deadlines to approximately 53,000 Danes who had previously donated money. As a result, the donations increased when the deadline was longer.

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.

New nanofiber marks important step in next generation battery development

Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed a nanofiber catalyst that improves the efficiency of rechargeable batteries and hydrogen production. The new catalyst, made from double perovskite nanofibers, shows significantly enhanced oxygen evolution reaction capability compared to existing materials.

NASA sees wind shear affecting Tropical Cyclone 11S

Tropical Cyclone 11S has been stretched out due to moderate vertical wind shear, according to NASA satellite imagery. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center expects the storm to strengthen before encountering stronger wind shear and cooler sea surface temperatures.

NASA's aerial survey of polar ice expands its Arctic reach

Operation IceBridge's ninth year in the Arctic will be its most extensive campaign yet, with two new research flights based out of Svalbard to survey the Eurasian sector. The mission aims to collect valuable data on polar ice changes and improve snowfall accumulation models.

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.

Researchers find a gene that causes Opitz C syndrome

A team of researchers has identified a gene that causes Opitz C syndrome in the only patient diagnosed with this ultra-rare disorder in Catalonia. The study used DNA massive sequencing techniques to identify the altered genes in each patient, providing new insights into the genetic basis of this disease.

The environmental state of Moscow was assessed in a new way

Scientists at Lomonosov Moscow State University developed a new approach to monitor environmental status in Moscow, using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. The method detects novel pollutants and expands the list of hazardous substances, posing potential threats to human health and ecosystems.

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.

The hazards of English spelling

A new study by Kristian Berg and Mark Aronoff found that English suffix patterns can categorize words into grammatical categories, such as adjectives. The researchers analyzed a large sample of written English documents over 1,000 years, discovering consistent spellings for common suffixes like -ous and -ic.

Measurements by school pupils paved way for key research findings

A study published in Scientific Reports found that water temperatures generally remain low despite rising air temperatures, helping to curb greenhouse gas emissions. The research, conducted by Uppsala University, involved nearly 3,500 schoolchildren taking measurements and samples from lakes across Sweden.

New application of the selective laser melting method

Researchers at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University and Delft University of Technology created a technology for obtaining gradient microstructures in metals, combining properties of two metals for high performance characteristics.

Benefits of university seed cap programs

University-based startups can benefit from university-funded seed capital programs, which provide expanded funding opportunities, entrepreneur development, and economic growth. These programs also help faculty members and students develop their entrepreneurial skills and support the commercialization of innovative technologies.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Building on the foundations of innovation

The National Academy of Inventors conference highlights the importance of creating innovation ecosystems and overcoming biases against women in science. The issue also explores the role of technology transfer in universities and its potential to benefit society.

Halting nearsightedness epidemic goal of UH vision scientist

Earl Smith's research seeks to determine how visual experience affects refractive development and explore new pharmaceutical approaches to eliminate myopia. The goal is to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children, addressing a growing global epidemic that affects over two billion people.

A closer look at brain organoid development

Researchers have characterized cerebral organoids, showing they recapitulate human brain developmental processes and involve forebrain organizing centers. These findings advance our understanding of normal organoid development and are essential for modeling human developmental diseases.

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.

Organic is only one ingredient in recipe for sustainable food future

A new UBC study examines the environmental and socioeconomic performance of organic farming, finding that its benefits are context-dependent. Organic farming's yield is often lower than conventional methods, but it has an important role to play in promoting sustainable agriculture.