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Science News Archive March 2017


Page 8 of 41

Unique wheat passes the test

Scientists developed a unique type of wheat that can increase the digestibility of phosphorus and other minerals, improving health for undernourished populations. The new wheat, HIGHPHY, was tested in broilers and demonstrated improved digestion coefficients for calcium and phosphorus.

Transport of molecular motors into cilia

Dynein motors are actively transported into cilia via the intraflagellar transport system and adaptor protein ODA16. The crystal structure of ODA16 shows how it recognizes dynein motors and binds the IFT complex, enabling their import into cilia.

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.

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 rice strain could help farmers predetermine harvest time

Scientists have developed a new rice strain that flowers within a certain period after being sprayed with commercial chemicals, enabling farmers to control harvest timing. The research, led by Professor Takeshi Izawa at the University of Tokyo, uses a genetic approach to manipulate flowering time in cereal crops.

Protein transport: The quickest route to the tip

A new theoretical model suggests that proteins diffuse most of the way and 'hop on the bus' to reach their destinations faster. The study found that steric hindrance between motor proteins reduces active transport rates, leading to traffic congestion and slower progress.

Requirements for AEDs in US schools need improvement

The American College of Cardiology analysis found that over half of US states have no requirements for AEDs in schools, leaving nearly 35 million public elementary and secondary students at risk. Only 5 states offer funding for purchasing AEDs, highlighting the need for comprehensive implementation plans.

'Medicinal food' diet counters onset of type 1 diabetes

A diet high in short-chain fatty acids produced by gut bacteria has been found to protect against the onset of type 1 diabetes. The study, published in Nature Immunology, suggests that this special diet can improve immune tolerance and reduce inflammation.

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.

Group investigates how phototherapy combats neuropathic pain

Researchers found that phototherapy improved behavioral responses and recovered myelin sheaths in rat models of diabetic neuropathy. The treatment also reduced the migration of astrocytes to the site of injury, which release inflammatory mediators.

Subtle steric differences reveal a model for Ni cross-coupling success

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a predictive model for Ni cross-coupling success based on subtle steric differences in ligand parameters. The study found that remote steric hindrance enhances reaction yields, which could help explain why Pd-based ligands are less effective on the smaller Ni atom.

Scientists discover mechanism that causes cancer cells to self-destruct

Researchers at Tel Aviv University find that modifying specific proteins during cell division unleashes a natural killing mechanism that targets rapidly proliferating cancer cells. The discovery may lead to the development of new treatments for aggressive cancers, including pancreatic and triple negative breast cancer.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tracking real-time proton induced radiation chemistry in water

Researchers use picosecond time resolution to investigate ultrafast radiation chemistry occurring immediately after protons interact with water. The new approach allows for high detail capture of rapid chemical evolution, revealing a delay in the formation of absorption bands after proton exposure.

New finding could lead to earlier liver cancer diagnosis

Researchers at MIT have developed a way to detect aflatoxin exposure by sequencing DNA of liver cells, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment. The technique can identify rare mutations caused by aflatoxin long before tumors form.

ERC Advanced Grant for Sitta von Reden

Von Reden plans to develop a comprehensive model of exchange between ancient empires, investigating economic systems, cultural exchange, migration, and border regions. Her project aims to avoid eurocentricity and challenge existing historical narratives.

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.

Renewable energy has robust future in much of Africa

The study suggests that choosing wind sites to match electricity demand reduces system costs and enhances equitable distribution of renewable energy. Countries can save hundreds of millions to billions of dollars per year by pursuing low-cost, accessible, and environmentally friendly solar and wind farms.

Liver fully recovers from a low protein diet

Researchers found that a 65% decrease in liver volume and 46% reduction in hepatocyte size occurred in mice on a low protein diet. The liver's ability to regenerate itself was demonstrated after reintroducing a normal protein diet, with an 85% increase in liver volume.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Friction shapes zebrafish embryos

Researchers found that friction between moving tissues generates force that shapes the nervous system of zebrafish embryos. This force is a key mechanism for regulating morphogenesis during embryo development. The study's findings indicate a previously unrecognized mechanism underlying birth defects in humans.

Graphene-based neural probes probe brain activity in high resolution

Researchers created graphene-based neural probes to record brain activity in high resolution while maintaining a high signal-to-noise ratio. The devices successfully detected small electrical signals associated with brain activities, such as sleep and visual light stimulation, without inducing inflammation or toxicity.

How do some opioids cause severe itching?

UNC School of Medicine scientists pinpoint MRGRPX2, a receptor protein on mast cells, as the key to understanding opioid-induced itching. The researchers created a chemical probe to interact with this receptor, potentially leading to the development of an antagonist to reduce itching side effects.

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.

Implementing large-scale teleretinal diabetic retinopathy screening program

A new article published by JAMA Internal Medicine describes the successful implementation of a large-scale primary care-based teleretinal diabetic retinopathy screening program in Los Angeles County. The program eliminated the need for over 14,000 specialty visits and reduced wait times for screening by 89.2%.

Researchers crack structure of key protein in Zika virus

Researchers at UC Riverside have determined the crystal structure of the Zika virus NS5 protein, enabling a better understanding of its replication mechanism. The discovery provides a strong basis for developing potential inhibitors against ZIKV infection.

The economic case for wind and solar energy in Africa

A new assessment by the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory finds that wind and solar resources in Africa are plentiful, low-impact, and cost-effective. The research highlights the importance of strategic siting and grid interconnections to reduce system costs and impacts.

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.

New insight into superfluids reveals a storm at the surface

Mathematicians from Newcastle University discovered a new 'storm' layer in superfluid Helium that 'sticks' to surfaces like ordinary fluid. The layer is created by mini tornadoes tangling together, slowing the flow. This finding changes past assumptions about superfluids and their use as coolants and precision measurement devices.

A big leap toward tinier lines

A team of researchers at MIT and University of Chicago has developed a self-assembly technique to produce narrow wires on microchips, breaking through fundamental limits in manufacturing processes. The new method uses block copolymers and could be scaled up for mass manufacturing with standard equipment.

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.

Stars born in winds from supermassive black holes

Astronomers have observed stars forming within powerful outflows of material blasted out from supermassive black holes. The discovery provides new insights into galaxy properties and evolution, shedding light on how galaxies obtain their shapes and become enriched with heavy elements.

Insight into cause of brain disorders may aid quest for treatments

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh discovered molecular details of Rett syndrome and related intellectual disabilities by studying protein interactions. The study sheds light on how flaws in key proteins can prevent brain function, paving the way for new treatments.

The electric sands of Titan

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology found that Titan's non-silicate granules become electrically charged when kicked up by wind, causing them to cling together and resist further motion. This property helps explain the formation of large sandy dunes on Titan's surface, which are unlike anything seen on Earth.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Improving memory with magnets

Scientists at McGill University used magnetoencephalography and electroencephalography to study the relationship between theta waves and auditory memory. They found that applying transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) at the same frequency as natural theta waves improved memory performance, while arrhythmic TMS had no effect.

Cookbooks give readers (mostly) bad advice on food safety

A recent study found that bestselling cookbooks offer little useful advice on reducing food-safety risks. Only 89 out of 1,497 recipes provided relevant and safe cooking temperatures. Recipes often perpetuate unreliable methods such as checking for juices to run clear or using subjective indicators like cooking time.

Transgenic plants against malaria

Researchers from CRAG and Sequentia Biotech have developed transgenic plants that produce twice as much artemisinin as traditional plants. The study identifies the AaMYB1 gene involved in artemisinin synthesis and trichome formation, offering a potential solution to reduce production costs and make antimalarial drugs more accessible.

Nitrogen foraging ability of plants relies on mobile shoot-root hormone signal

Research at Nagoya University reveals that phloem-specific polypeptides act as mobile descending shoot-to-root signals in response to nitrogen status, triggering compensatory nitrogen uptake by roots. This sophisticated signaling system enables plants to maximize nutrient efficiency and improve fertilizer application.

New international banking rules would not prevent another financial crisis

Researchers argue that new international banking regulations would not be effective in reducing the risk of financial crises. Instead, they propose restructing financial networks to increase resilience while avoiding efficiency loss. A state-of-the-art model suggests capital surcharges are insufficient to control systemic risk.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Saint Louis University researchers predict Zika hot spots in the US

Saint Louis University researchers identified high-risk areas for Zika transmission in the US, including the Mississippi delta, southern states, and California. The study projected up to 41.7 million people at risk of contracting the virus, with pregnant women being the highest at-risk group.

NASA sees tiny Tropical Cyclone Caleb fading

NASA's Aqua satellite captures last burst of strength from Tropical Cyclone Caleb before it weakens and dissipates. The storm had strong thunderstorms with cloud top temperatures as cold as -56.6 degrees Celsius.

Mouse in the house tells tale of human settlement

Researchers found that human settlement led to the dominant presence of house mice in the Middle East around 15,000 years ago. The populations of house mice rose and fell based on human mobility patterns, out-competing wild mice in some areas.

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.

New genetic risk factors identify 2 distinct glioma subtypes

Researchers have identified two distinct glioma subtypes associated with specific genetic markers, expanding the understanding of glioma susceptibility. The study found that these genetic markers increase the risk of developing brain tumors, but each marker only provides a modest increase in risk.

More than 100 years of flooding and erosion in 1 event

A study by Colorado State University researchers found that an extreme flooding event in 2013 eroded over 500,000 cubic meters of sediment, equivalent to 115 years of weathering products. The flood also discharged large amounts of organic carbon and wood into reservoirs, affecting water storage capacity.

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.

Rocks that tell our industrial history

Scientists have discovered beachrocks along the Biscay coast with records of human activity, including industrial waste, trapped within their matrix. This finding provides evidence for the Anthropocene epoch and offers valuable insights into climate change.