Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive March 2017 - Page 27


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.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 13, 2017

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.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 13, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Photonics·DateMar 13, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalVaccine·DateMar 13, 2017
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·DateMar 13, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 13, 2017

Accountable Care Organizations reduced medical costs without increasing drug costs

The Accountable Care Organization (ACO) model successfully saved Medicare $345 per person in medical costs without driving up prescription drug coverage costs. Providers' payments are aligned with performance in improving quality and reducing costs, leading to integrated care and effective treatments.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalMedical Care·DateMar 13, 2017
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.

Antibiotics not effective for clinically infected eczema in children

A recent study published in Annals of Family Medicine found that oral and topical antibiotics have no meaningful benefit for milder clinically infected eczema in children. Topical corticosteroids and emollient treatment led to rapid resolution of symptoms.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 13, 2017

Some genetic variations difficult to evaluate using current stem cell modeling techniques

A recent study conducted at The Mount Sinai Hospital found that certain genetic mutations are challenging to recreate in laboratory-produced stem cells. This limitation may hinder neuropsychiatric research, highlighting the need for researchers to carefully check for retained genetic elements in newly created stem cells.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateMar 13, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalThorax·DateMar 13, 2017
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.

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.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMar 13, 2017

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.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 13, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalToxins·DateMar 13, 2017

Researchers predict crime knowledge states in the human brain

Brain imaging can determine whether someone is acting knowingly or recklessly during criminal activity, according to a new study. The discovery has implications for the emerging field of neurolaw and could inform punishment decisions.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 13, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 13, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 13, 2017

Enzyme-free krebs cycle may have been key step in origin of life on Earth

Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute demonstrate a network of chemical reactions mimicking the Krebs cycle, a crucial process in cellular life. The findings suggest an enzyme-free metabolic pathway could have emerged four billion years ago, sparking the development of life on Earth.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 13, 2017

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.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 13, 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.

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.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 13, 2017

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.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateMar 13, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·DateMar 13, 2017

UTHealth awarded $1.5 million to increase HPV vaccinations in medically underserved areas

Researchers at UTHealth aim to increase HPV vaccination rates among minority youth in medically underserved areas by launching a three-year project. The initiative includes a parent-focused social marketing campaign and comprehensive school-based vaccination clinics to educate parents and adolescents about the vaccine's importance.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·DateMar 13, 2017
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateMar 13, 2017

'Good' bacteria is potential solution to unchecked inflammation seen in bowel diseases

Researchers found that adding back beneficial bacteria can help end a cycle of unchecked inflammation, suggesting a new treatment for inflammatory bowel disease. The study suggests targeting the inflammation downstream of NLRP12 with anti-inflammatory drugs or feeding specific beneficial bacteria to potentially lead to treatments.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalNature Immunology·DateMar 13, 2017

Stanford scientists map seawater threat to California Central Coast aquifers

Researchers mapped saltwater intrusion in the Monterey Bay coastline using ERT, providing a cheaper alternative to drilling 'sentinel' wells. The study aims to improve groundwater models and help local water managers make informed decisions about pumping groundwater.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Hydrology·DateMar 13, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 13, 2017

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.

SourceInstituto de Medicina Molecular·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMar 13, 2017

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.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMar 13, 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.

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.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateMar 13, 2017

No evidence that 2014 insurance expansions strained access to primary care

Researchers found no decline in primary care availability despite the millions of newly insured individuals. Appointment rates and wait times remained stable or increased slightly in some states, supporting the possibility that primary care capacity was sufficient to absorb the new patients.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 13, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 13, 2017

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJAMA·DateMar 13, 2017

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.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 12, 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.

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.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·DateMar 12, 2017

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.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics·DateMar 12, 2017

Rapid blood pressure drops in middle age linked to dementia in old age

Research suggests that temporary episodes of dizziness upon standing may cause lasting damage to the brain, increasing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Middle-aged individuals with orthostatic hypotension were 40% more likely to develop dementia than those without it.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·DateMar 10, 2017

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.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 10, 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.

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 10, 2017

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 10, 2017

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.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 10, 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.

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.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateMar 10, 2017

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.

SourceLinguistic Society of America·JournalLanguage·DateMar 10, 2017

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.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 10, 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.

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.

SourcePeter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University·JournalMaterials & Design·DateMar 10, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalJournal of Technology and Innovation·DateMar 10, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalJournal of Technology and Innovation·DateMar 10, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateMar 10, 2017

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.

SourceEMBO·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateMar 10, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 10, 2017
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.