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Science News for March 3, 2017


Assessing the impact of stress in age-related macular degeneration

Researchers assessed the connection between stress and progressive vision loss from AMD using the Perceived Stress Scale. The study found that stress-reduction approaches may improve outcomes in AMD patients, and future studies could investigate the relationship between perceived stress levels and disease progression.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalOptometry and Vision Science·DateMar 3, 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.

How to solve a problem like antibiotic resistance

Innovative ways to target antibiotic resistance include combining antibiotics with non-antibiotics, such as loperamide, which enhances effectiveness against multi-drug resistant bacteria. Rapid diagnostic tests that can quickly identify bacterial infections and their resistance to antibiotics are also crucial in reducing further develo...

SourceBiochemical Society·JournalEssays in Biochemistry·DateMar 3, 2017

Boosting the lifetime and effectiveness of biomedical devices

Researchers have developed an electrografting approach to improve PEDOT adhesion, enabling longer lifespan and better performance of biomedical devices. The breakthrough enhances communication between devices and neural tissue, paving the way for more effective health interventions.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 3, 2017

3-D printing with plants

Researchers at MIT have created a new system for 3D printing with cellulose acetate, a renewable and biodegradable alternative to traditional plastics. The new process allows for customization and functionalization of the printed parts, making it suitable for various applications including medical devices and sustainable products.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateMar 3, 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.

How to improve your freshman retention rate

Incoming college students who already feel a connection to their institution are more likely to fit in and want to remain at the school. Ethnic minority students were less likely to feel a connection during orientation but had a stronger link to feelings of fitting in if they did.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Vocational Behavior·DateMar 3, 2017

Nutrient Sensor Challenge winners announced at ASLO conference

The Association for the Sciences of Limnology & Oceanography (ASLO) announced the winners of the Nutrient Sensor Challenge, a market challenge aimed at developing affordable and accurate nutrient sensors. The Systea S.p.A. sensor won both Nitrate and Phosphate sensor categories, while the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) team receive...

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·DateMar 3, 2017

Revealing Aspergillus diversity for industrial applications

The study sequenced 10 novel Aspergillus species, more than doubling the number of sequenced species, revealing greater genomic and functional diversity. This increased understanding will aid in developing enzymes for biofuels, paper, textiles, food, feed, and pharmaceuticals.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalGenome Biology·DateMar 3, 2017

Twice weekly yoga classes plus home practice effective in reducing symptoms of depression

A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that participating in twice weekly yoga classes, combined with home practice, significantly reduces depressive symptoms. The intervention targets the parasympathetic and gamma aminobutyric acid system, providing a new avenue for treatment.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateMar 3, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Microbiome diversity is influenced by chance encounters

A new study found that chance encounters contribute to variations in human gut microbiome populations, which can influence health and disease outcomes. The researchers used genetically identical worms to model the gut's microbe communities, showing that initial colonization events can lead to dominant populations of bacteria.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 3, 2017

Ten million lives saved by 1962 breakthrough, study says

A study published in AIMS Public Health estimates that the 1962 human cell strain breakthrough saved nearly 10 million lives and prevented over 4.5 billion cases of disease globally through vaccination. The development enabled vaccines to be produced safely, leading to widespread vaccination against multiple infections.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAIMS Public Health·DateMar 3, 2017

Painkillers without dangerous side effects

Researchers at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin have discovered a new mechanism of action for painkillers that produces substantial pain relief in inflamed tissues without causing severe side effects. The prototype, NFEPP-prototype, binds to opioid receptors only in acidic environments, avoiding respiratory depression and dependency.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalScience·DateMar 3, 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.

Novel 3-D manufacturing leads to highly complex, bio-like materials

A novel 3D manufacturing method rapidly creates intricate, nanoscale architectures that mimic natural materials like wood and bone. The technique can produce porous structures with high surface area and strength, opening up possibilities for advanced battery technologies and ultrastrong materials.

SourceWashington State University·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 3, 2017

Group blazes path to efficient, eco-friendly deep-ultraviolet LED

A Cornell research group has reported progress in creating a smaller, more earth-friendly alternative to mercury-based deep-UV lamps. Using atomically controlled thin monolayers of GaN and AlN, they produced deep-UV emission with a light-emitting diode (LED) between 232 and 270 nanometer wavelengths.

SourceCornell University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 3, 2017

New insights on how pathogens escape the immune system

Researchers discovered that Salmonella typhimurium tricks the immune system into suppressing autophagy by degrading key proteins. This allows the pathogen to survive and evade the immune response. Understanding this mechanism could lead to new therapeutic strategies to enhance or manipulate autophagy in diseases like cancer.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMar 3, 2017

Athletes' symptom anxiety linked to risk of injury

Elite athletes experiencing anxiety about symptoms are five times more likely to suffer injury, according to a study. Symptoms progressing gradually before competition increase the risk by three times, compared to other athletes.

SourceLinköping University·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateMar 3, 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.

Indoor tanning, sun safety articles published by JAMA Dermatology

Two CDC studies examine indoor tanning and sun safety trends among US high school students. Indoor tanning rates dropped from 15.6% to 7.3% between 2009 and 2015, but sunburns remained common. Sun safety practices are also scarce in schools, with only 47.6% of schools implementing sunscreen application during class time.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateMar 3, 2017

Study reveals the atmospheric footprint of global warming hiatus

A recent study reveals that the global warming hiatus from 1998 to 2013 was dominated by decreasing surface latent heat flux and cloud-related processes. The researchers found that atmospheric dynamics are coupled with surface turbulent heat fluxes over lower troposphere and coupled with cloud processes over upper troposphere.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 3, 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.

Precise technique tracks dopamine in the brain

The new device, an array of tiny carbon electrodes, measures dopamine levels at millisecond timescales and can be used to monitor therapies aimed at boosting dopamine levels. The researchers found that dopamine levels vary greatly across the striatum, with implications for understanding learning and brain disorders.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalLab on a Chip·DateMar 3, 2017

Revolutionary process to create ether from esters using metal catalysts

Researchers at Waseda University developed a novel method to produce ethers by removing carbon monoxide from aromatic esters using palladium or nickel catalysts. This innovation enables the production of diaryl ethers from over 30 different kinds of aromatic esters, offering a more inexpensive and easily obtainable alternative.

SourceWaseda University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 3, 2017

Should we commit to eradicate malaria worldwide?

Bruno Moonen advocates for a global commitment to support regional elimination efforts and sustained investments in research, while Clive Shiff suggests prioritizing the management of health services rather than massive eradication efforts due to funding constraints and resource limitations.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMar 3, 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.

How low can you go? New project to bring satellites nearer to Earth

A new European Union-funded project will develop satellites that can operate at lower altitudes, revolutionizing remote sensing technology. The project aims to create smaller, cheaper satellites with improved image quality, utilizing advanced materials and electric propulsion systems.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·DateMar 3, 2017

Coffee-ring effect leads to crystallization control in semiconductors

Researchers control crystallization patterns in semiconductors by varying film thickness, enabling fine control over crystal orientation and position. This breakthrough facilitates high-quality, tailored polycrystal semiconductors for optoelectronics, photovoltaics and printed electronic components.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 3, 2017

Solar storms trigger surprising phenomena close to Earth

During solar storms, large bursts of electrons are sent into the ionosphere, but surprisingly, they also remove electrons from large areas. This phenomenon is triggered by the interaction between the Sun's magnetic field and the Earth's magnetic field, creating unstable areas in the ionosphere that can disrupt navigation systems.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalRadio Science·DateMar 3, 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.

NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite sees formation of Tropical Storm Enawo

Tropical Storm Enawo formed in the Southern Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar. The NASA-NOAA Suomi NPP satellite captured an image of the storm, showing a concentration of thunderstorms around its center. Enawo is forecast to track along Madagascar's east coast and strengthen into a hurricane in 3-4 days.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 3, 2017

Tool helps evaluate likely outcomes for elderly patients with traumatic brain injury

Researchers at Wake Forest University developed a tool to calculate the likelihood of survival and independence after hospital discharge in elderly patients with traumatic brain injury. The tool accounts for variables such as age and severity of brain injury, providing a statistical estimation of the patient's prognosis.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMar 3, 2017

Drug used to treat weak bones associated with micro-cracks

A new study by Imperial College London suggests that bisphosphonates, a commonly used treatment for osteoporosis, may increase the risk of 'micro-cracks' in bone, leading to reduced mechanical strength. The research found that patients taking the drugs had more microcracks and weaker bones than those who were not on the medication.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 3, 2017

Researchers investigate evolution of bipedalism in ancient dinosaur ancestors

Researchers discovered that ancient dinosaurs inherited bipedalism from smaller proto-dinosaurs, who developed strong tail muscles. This adaptation allowed early dinosaurs to run faster and for longer distances. However, mammals lost this trait due to the need for burrowing adaptations, which required strong front limbs and short tails.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Theoretical Biology·DateMar 3, 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.

OLYMPUS experiment sheds light on structure of protons

A seven-year experiment has confirmed that two photons are indeed exchanged during electron-proton interactions, contradicting theoretical predictions. The OLYMPUS study, led by MIT researchers, used polarized electron beams to measure the intensity of scattered electrons at different angles.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 3, 2017

Reprogrammed blood vessels promote cancer spread

Researchers found high levels of activated Notch in tumor endothelium, promoting cancer cell invasion into bloodstream and forming lung metastases. Blocking Notch with antibodies reduced metastasis and immune cell invasion.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalCancer Cell·DateMar 3, 2017

Biological system with light switch: New findings from Graz, Austria

Researchers at Graz University of Technology have made a breakthrough in optogenetics by observing molecular principles of sensor-effector coupling in a full-length structure of a red-light responsive protein. They described detailed mechanisms of signal transmission over long distances at a molecular level.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 3, 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.

Latest genomic technology uncovers secrets of immune system's response to malaria

Scientists have discovered a network of chemical conversations between different types of cells that influence T cell specialisation in the immune system. They also identified genes involved in controlling antibody production during malaria infection, such as Galectin 1, which may be targeted by drugs to boost immunity.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalScience Immunology·DateMar 3, 2017

Graphene sheets capture cells efficiently

Researchers developed a new method to capture and analyze individual cells from a small sample of blood using graphene oxide sheets. The system demonstrates high efficiency in capturing specific immune cells that are markers for certain cancers, with an estimated production cost of $5 per device.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 3, 2017

'Smart' genetic library -- making disease diagnosis much easier

Researchers at Hiroshima University developed a smart genetic reference library to determine disease-causing mutations in populations. The technique and database estimated naturally occurring rare-variants in the STAT1 gene and determined associated diseases. This will assist doctors in diagnosing primary-immunodeficiency in patients, ...

SourceHiroshima University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateMar 3, 2017

Functional brain training alleviates chemotherapy-induced peripheral nerve damage in cancer survivor

A pilot study published in the journal Cancer found that neurofeedback training reduced symptoms of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in cancer survivors. The study used electroencephalogram (EEG) neurofeedback to retrain brain activity and resulted in measurable changes in targeted brain regions.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer·DateMar 3, 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.

Genome editing: Pressing the delete button on DNA

Researchers have developed a new tool called CRISPETa, which allows for easy and efficient DNA deletion using CRISPR-Cas9. The software can design optimised pairs of sgRNAs for deleting specific regions of non-coding DNA.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMar 3, 2017

New research shows crude oil chemicals move and change more quickly than EPA standards

A recent study by Louisiana State University's Parichehr Saranjampour found that dibenzothiophene, a chemical class of PAHs not on the EPA's list, undergoes evaporation and oxidation at rates faster than previously thought. This discovery has implications for oil spill cleanup and exposure to toxic pollutants.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateMar 3, 2017

Continuous-flow, electrically triggered, single cell-level electroporation

The Rutgers team has developed a microfluidic platform that detects membrane permeabilization in cells exposed to electric fields, allowing for efficient delivery of biomolecules. The technology improves transfection efficiency and cell viability, enabling the study and engineering of fundamental cellular processes.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalTECHNOLOGY·DateMar 3, 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.

Epigenetic enzyme found to be lacking in some patients with Crohn's disease

A study published in Science Immunology reveals that a variant of the SP140 protein, an essential epigenetic reader protein, is lacking in patients with Crohn's disease. This deficiency triggers intestinal inflammation and impairs the immune system's response to microbial signals. The researchers found that patients with reduced SP140 ...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScience Immunology·DateMar 3, 2017

Importance of rare microbial species is much greater than you think

A recent study reveals that rare microbial species, making up only 1% of the community, contribute significantly to ecosystem functioning. These species hold a large reservoir of genes that can degrade organic pollutants, enabling the community to maintain stability in the face of changing conditions.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateMar 3, 2017

Can math help explain our bodies -- and our diseases?

A new framework uses math to understand how genetic information and cell interactions give rise to tissue function, potentially aiding in understanding diseases like cancer. Researchers aim to apply this approach to real-world genome and cell biology experiments to inform future work on cancer and cell reprogramming.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 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.

Frozen chemistry controls bacterial infections

Scientists at Umeå University discovered a protein interaction that slows down a key chemical reaction in the bacteria Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. This finding opens up new avenues for studying the regulation of bacterial virulence, which can help develop new treatments for infections.

SourceUmea University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 3, 2017

Professor Shiho Kawashima wins NSF Career Award

Professor Shiho Kawashima has received a $500,000 NSF CAREER Award to develop concrete systems for 3D printing, which could revolutionize infrastructure construction and repair. Her research aims to improve the processing and rheology of concrete and cement.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateMar 3, 2017

Oxford University Press to publish Journal of Crustacean Biology

The Oxford University Press will publish the Journal of Crustacean Biology, a scientific journal covering crustacean biology and marine arthropods. The journal has undergone a facelift with a new format and style, expanding article types to include Research Notes and comprehensive reviews.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJournal of Crustacean Biology·DateMar 3, 2017