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Science News Archive March 2017 - Page 13


Page 13 of 41

Research evaluates treatment of thyroid disease in pregnancy

Researchers found that treatment for subclinical hypothyroidism or hypothyroxinemia did not improve cognitive outcomes in children through five years. The findings support current ACOG recommendations against universal thyroid screening during pregnancy.

SourceCare New England·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 22, 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.

Making 'mulch' ado of ant hills

Research by Tongchuan Li found that ants create aggregate mulches in agricultural fields, which can retain water and improve soil health. The type of ant studied, Camponotus japonicus, is widespread in China and helps increase air and organic matter in soil.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateMar 22, 2017

Biopesticide could defeat insecticide resistance in bedbugs

A fungal biopesticide called Aprehend has been shown to be effective against bedbug populations with insecticide resistance. The study found that Aprehend achieved mortality rates of 95.5-99% in 14 days, compared to 16-40% for resistant strains exposed to pyrethroid insecticides.

SourcePenn State·JournalPest Management Science·DateMar 22, 2017

Scientific discovery may change treatment of Parkinsons

Researchers at the University of Turku found that SPECT imaging does not correlate with the number of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra, a key area affected by Parkinson's disease. This discovery has significant implications for future treatment development and monitoring.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalNeurology·DateMar 22, 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.

Salmon with side effects

The study found that Chilean aquacultures release large quantities of readily biodegradable compounds into rivers, altering the ecosystem and depleting oxygen levels. The waste water also contains disinfectants and antibiotics, further harming aquatic life.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 22, 2017

NASA taking first steps toward high-speed space 'internet'

NASA's Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) aims to establish a high-speed internet in space, enabling faster data rates and smaller communication systems. The technology has the potential to revolutionize space communications for missions to the moon, Mars, and beyond.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 22, 2017
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.

Does boosting 'good' cholesterol really improve your health?

A new review suggests that augmenting the function of HDL cholesterol rather than increasing its concentration is crucial for protecting against cardiovascular disease. The study highlights the importance of addressing adipose tissue-associated inflammation to support the atheroprotective role of HDL.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateMar 22, 2017

How physical activity and sedentary time affect adolescents' bones

A large study of 309 adolescent boys and girls found that moderate to intense physical activity during growth spurt years significantly increases bone mass and strength. The study suggests a balance between physical activity and recovery time is needed to enhance bone health.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateMar 22, 2017

Scientists evade the Heisenberg uncertainty principle

Researchers at ICFO have developed a new method to measure atomic spin angle and amplitude with unprecedented precision, evading the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. This breakthrough allows for more accurate measurements of atomic spins, opening the door to the development of far more sensitive instruments.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature·DateMar 22, 2017

Combating wear and tear

Researchers at the University of Utah have discovered that collagen can get unraveled at a molecular level before complete failure of connective tissues, leading to common injuries such as ligament and tendon tears. This breakthrough allows for early detection and potential treatment using the CHP probe.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 22, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

After the epigenome: The epitranscriptome

The epitranscriptome, a newly discovered regulatory layer of RNA, shows promise in understanding human diseases. Recent research reveals that RNA modifications play a crucial role in controlling its stability and function.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalCancer Discovery·DateMar 22, 2017

Male hormone plays key role in ovarian development

Researchers discovered that male hormones, specifically androgens, play a crucial role in the development of female chicken ovaries. The study found disruptions in ovarian structure when androgen receptors were suppressed, potentially affecting egg-laying rates.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalMolecular and Cellular Biology·DateMar 22, 2017

How do metals interact with DNA?

Researchers developed a protocol to detect high-precision how, where, and why drugs interact with DNA biomolecules. This method uses X-ray radiation and advanced simulations to rationalize drug preferences, revealing new insights into the mechanism of platinum-based drugs like Pt103.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMar 22, 2017

Study identifies brain cells involved in Pavlovian response

A UCLA study has identified a small cluster of brain cells that malfunction in Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and Tourette syndrome. These support cells play a crucial role in encoding Pavlovian response and may hold the key to diagnosing and treating these disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNeuron·DateMar 22, 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.

Under the Dead Sea, warnings of dire drought

Scientists have found evidence of severe droughts in the Mideast during past warm periods, with rainfall plummeting to a fifth of modern levels. The findings suggest that the region is already experiencing dire drought and may become even drier as climate warms.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateMar 22, 2017

Ultrafast measurements explain quantum dot voltage drop

Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have made breakthrough discoveries on quantum dot materials using ultrafast electro-optical spectroscopy. The study reveals the cause of a significant voltage drop in quantum dots, allowing for potential improvements in device efficiency.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 22, 2017

Charitable giving: How do power and beliefs about equality impact donations?

Wealthier individuals with a belief in social inequality are more likely to donate to charity, while less wealthy individuals who endorse greater equality make more donations. Charitable organizations can enhance their marketing efforts by understanding the relationship between power distance belief and charitable giving.

SourceJournal of Consumer Research·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMar 22, 2017

Using a smartphone to screen for male infertility

A new smartphone-based device can analyze sperm concentration and motility with high accuracy, making it a game-changer for fertility care. The device has been tested with 350 clinical semen specimens and shows promise in detecting abnormal semen samples.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 22, 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.

Visualizing nuclear radiation

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a novel imaging technique using gamma-ray spectroscopy to visualize and quantify ground-level radiation. This method enables the detection of previously unknown contamination hotspots around the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, allowing for more effective decontamination efforts.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 22, 2017

New study shakes the roots of the dinosaur family tree

A new study from the University of Cambridge and Natural History Museum proposes a major overhaul of the traditional dinosaur classification system. The researchers conclude that Ornithischia and Theropoda should be grouped together under the name Ornithoscelida, with dinosaurs potentially originating in the northern hemisphere.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·DateMar 22, 2017

People afraid of robots much more likely to fear losing their jobs, suffer anxiety

A Baylor University study found that people who fear technology, known as technophobes, are three times more likely to fear unemployment and nearly three times more likely to worry about financial instability. The study suggests that these fears may be a legitimate social concern, rather than simply a subset of fearful individuals.

SourceBaylor University·JournalSocial Science Computer Review·DateMar 22, 2017

Brain 'rewires' itself to enhance other senses in blind people

A new study led by Massachusetts Eye and Ear researchers found that the brains of blind individuals make new connections to compensate for visual information, enhancing abilities like hearing, smell, touch, memory, and language. The findings could lead to more effective rehabilitation efforts for blind individuals.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 22, 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.

Fledgling stars try to prevent their neighbors from birthing planets

Researchers at Imperial College London found that a weak star's light can cause significant material loss from a protoplanetary disc. The study of the IM Lup system revealed that the disc will lose about 3,300 Earth's worth of material over its lifetime.

SourceImperial College London·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 22, 2017

No relief in sight for those suffering from sciatica

A new study from The George Institute found that pregabalin treatment did not relieve pain but caused side effects like dizziness. Despite this, many patients reported being satisfied with the treatment, highlighting the need for alternative management options for sciatica.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 22, 2017
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Epigenetic alteration a promising new drug target for heroin use disorder

Research at The Mount Sinai Hospital found excessive histone acetylation in heroin users, leading to increased gene expression and addiction behavior. Treatment with JQ1 reduced heroin self-administration and drug-seeking behavior, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMar 22, 2017

The social costs of smell loss in older women

A new study by Monell Center researchers found that older U.S. women with poor olfactory function tend to have fewer social connections and a poorer social life score. The study suggests that maintaining a vital social life can help improve mental and physical health in older adults.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 22, 2017

Safety of autologous Schwann cell transplantation demonstrated following SCI

A Phase I clinical trial demonstrates the safety of transplanting autologous Schwann cells into a spinal cord lesion, showing no negative effects after 1 year. The study successfully determined safety and feasibility for performing peripheral nerve harvests within 5-30 days followed by intra-spinal transplantation within 4-7 weeks.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateMar 22, 2017

Weight-bearing exercises promote bone formation in men

A study published by Pamela Hinton at the University of Missouri-Columbia found that weight-bearing exercises decrease sclerostin, a protein made in the bone, and increase IGF-1, a hormone associated with bone growth, promoting bone formation and increasing bone density.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalBone·DateMar 22, 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.

Machine learning lets scientists reverse-engineer cellular control networks

Researchers have developed a machine learning model that can predict the outcome of cellular interactions and design new cancer treatments. The Stampede supercomputer enabled the team to run billions of simulations, allowing them to identify patterns in the data and create a system capable of predicting laboratory results.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 22, 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.

UC researchers help map future of precision medicine in Parkinson's disease

Researchers propose a new approach to treating Parkinson's disease by identifying specific symptoms and molecular features of individual patients. By developing biomarkers and tailoring therapies to distinct patient subtypes, scientists aim to improve treatment outcomes and potentially slow or cure the disease.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalNature Reviews Neurology·DateMar 22, 2017

Scientists discover urinary biomarker that may help track ALS

Researchers have identified a protein in urine samples as a potential biomarker for ALS, allowing for monitoring disease progression and assessing therapy effectiveness. Studies found patients with higher levels of the protein survived longer, suggesting it could be used to predict disease outcome.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNeurology·DateMar 22, 2017

Surveiling the consumer for loyalty and profit

Researchers developed a framework to help retailers assess shopper-facing technology, considering factors like intrusiveness, value, and satisfaction. The study found that retailers should prioritize shopper perceptions before measuring potential cost savings and profit enhancements.

SourceJournal of Retailing at New York University·JournalJournal of Retailing·DateMar 22, 2017

UTIA student fellows to tackle sustainable agriculture in the Rainforest

A new project led by UTIA faculty will recruit 14 undergraduate Research and Extension Fellows to explore agro-ecological farming in western Belize. The team will work with local partners to empower forest and wildlife stewardship while increasing the students' skills to become leaders in agricultural and conservation efforts globally.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateMar 22, 2017

Feeling out of control: Do consumers make practical purchases or luxury buys?

A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that consumers are more likely to buy practical products, such as cooking ingredients and household cleaners, when they feel a loss of control. This purchase behavior is driven by a desire to exert control over their lives through functional items.

SourceJournal of Consumer Research·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMar 22, 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.

Too much structured knowledge hurts creativity, shows Rotman study

A study from the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management found that giving structure to information can hinder creativity and cognitive flexibility. Participants in organized information groups displayed less creativity and spent less time on tasks compared to those working with unorganized information.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateMar 22, 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.

Words and experience matter to surrogates making end-of-life decisions

A new study reveals that both medical terminology and prior experience can impact surrogates' feelings after making life-prolonging treatment decisions. Surrogates who received 'Allow Natural Death' terminology perceived their decision as good and were more likely to sign the document.

SourceThe City University of New York·JournalHealth Communication·DateMar 22, 2017

Surprising new role for lungs: Making blood

Researchers found that mouse lungs produce over half of the body's platelets and contain a pool of stem cells capable of restoring blood production. This discovery suggests the lungs may also play a key role in human blood formation, with implications for treating diseases like thrombocytopenia.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature·DateMar 22, 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.