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Science News Archive March 2017 - Page 40


Page 40 of 41

From mother to baby: 'Secondhand sugars' can pass through breast milk

A new study found that even small amounts of fructose in breast milk are associated with increased body weight and muscle content in babies. The study, published in the journal Nutrients, involved 25 mothers and infants and provided preliminary evidence for the risks of 'secondhand sugars' on infant health.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNutrients·DateMar 1, 2017

UVA, Virginia Tech seek ways to assist drivers with autism

Researchers are studying novice drivers with autism to determine if specialized training can improve their driving skills and reduce collisions. They will use a high-tech driving simulator and on-road driving to compare the performance of drivers with and without autism.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·DateMar 1, 2017

Autoimmune disease may be linked to heightened dementia risk

A large-scale study found a significant association between autoimmune diseases and increased risk of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's. People admitted to hospital for autoimmune diseases were 20% more likely to be readmitted for dementia compared to those with other conditions.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateMar 1, 2017

Study identifies strategies to improve knee replacement outcomes in patients with obesity

Researchers identified key strategies to enhance total knee replacement outcomes for patients with obesity, including managing chronic conditions and nutritional deficiencies. Excess soft tissue during surgery can obstruct visibility, leading to difficulty achieving proper alignment and implant fixation.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateMar 1, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Ovarian cancer target molecule may be key to blocking its spread

Research at the University of Illinois Chicago found that blocking a protein on ovarian cancer cells can prevent its spread to other organs. The study's lead researcher believes this discovery could be a key to developing new treatments for the disease.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalOncogene·DateMar 1, 2017

Neither increased access to surgery nor reduced costs achieved in states that 'opt-out' of requiring physician supervision for anesthesia

A recent study published in Health Economics Review found that opting out of requiring physician supervision for anesthesia does not increase access to surgery or reduce costs. In fact, the study suggests that working without physician supervision may lead to higher costs related to inpatient surgical care.

SourceAmerican Society of Anesthesiologists·JournalHealth Economics Review·DateMar 1, 2017

How can we predict whose MS will worsen?

A preliminary study found that individuals with relapsing-remitting MS who experience fatigue and limited leg function are at higher risk of progressing to secondary progressive MS. The study suggests that tailored treatments may be more effective for these patients, providing valuable insights into predicting MS progression.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateMar 1, 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.

Couples may miss cues that partner is hiding emotions, study suggests

A study from Washington University in St. Louis found that even happy couples can be clueless about spotting emotional suppression and reappraisal tactics in their partners. Women tend to overestimate their partner's ability to see the bright side of an issue, while men are more likely to use suppression with their partners.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Personality·DateMar 1, 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.

Study defines global burden of skin disease

A study published in JAMA Dermatology ranks the top 10 most disabling skin diseases globally, with dermatitis and acne at the top. The research also highlights the disproportionate impact of non-cancer skin conditions on global health.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateMar 1, 2017

Benefits of physical activity may outweigh impact of obesity on cardiovascular disease

Research published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that physical activity is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease regardless of age. For middle-aged and elderly people, the benefits of physical activity may outweigh the impact of overweight and obesity on cardiovascular disease.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateMar 1, 2017

The Lancet Psychiatry: Experts ask: Can cannabis be made safer?

The Lancet Psychiatry experts argue that cannabis use can be made safer through various strategies, including regulating potency, reducing tobacco use, and exploring the effects of CBD modification. The authors also highlight the need for more research on the harms posed by different levels of THC and CBD content.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateMar 1, 2017

Humans have three times more brown body fat

Researchers at Technical University of Munich found a significant proportion of human bodies contain brown fat, which burns energy at an extraordinary rate. This discovery may lead to more effective obesity and diabetes medications that target brown adipose tissue.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateMar 1, 2017
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.

New drug lead identified in fight against TB

Researchers at the University of Sydney have discovered a new compound that could translate into a new drug lead for tuberculosis. The compound, which is derived from soil bacteria compounds, has been shown to be effective against the bacterium causing TB in containment laboratory tests.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 1, 2017

Desk jobs are bad for your heart and your waist

A new study by the University of Warwick found that workers with desk-bound jobs have bigger waists and increased risk of heart disease. To avoid these risks, researchers suggest spending at least seven hours a day on your feet or walking seven miles.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·DateMar 1, 2017

NIFA announces $320,000 for sustainable community projects

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is awarding $320,000 to develop and deliver educational programs for at-risk youth. These programs aim to equip young people with skills necessary for leading productive and contributing lives, addressing early childhood needs and promoting holistic family well-being.

SourceNational Institute of Food and Agriculture·DateMar 1, 2017

Forest degradation in the tropics

A recent study found that 90% of village communities in tropical regions have reported declining availability of forest resources, including timber and firewood. The researchers attribute this decline to excessive consumption and clearance by large companies and local populations.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMar 1, 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.

New Merian Center not just on but also in Latin America

The new centre will address social crises from four perspectives: socio-ecological transformation, social inequalities, violence and conflict resolution, and identity and region. It aims to carry out research together with academics from Latin America and promote the internationalization of the humanities.

SourceBielefeld University·DateMar 1, 2017

Jackfruit seeds could help ease looming cocoa bean shortage

Scientists have identified compounds in jackfruit seeds that mimic chocolate's distinct aroma and flavor, offering a potential solution to the impending cocoa bean shortage. These findings suggest that jackfruit seeds could be used as a substitute for cocoa powder or chocolate manufacturing.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMar 1, 2017

Vickery Meadows requests strategic plan from UTA's Institute of Urban Studies

The UTA Institute of Urban Studies is formulating a strategic plan for Dallas' Vickery Meadows, aiming to rebrand the area as a center for innovation and counter negative community perceptions. The plan will emphasize physical improvements and a branding effort highlighting the neighborhood's diverse international character.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateMar 1, 2017

Aging can be good for you (if you're a yeast)

Research in yeast reveals increased adaptability with age, benefiting growth on alternative food sources like galactose. This study challenges the notion of aging as an inevitable process, suggesting potential benefits and ancient mechanisms that may be conserved in more complex organisms.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalAging Cell·DateMar 1, 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.

Allergies? Probiotic combination may curb your symptoms, new study finds

Researchers found that a probiotic combination of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria may alleviate mild seasonal allergy symptoms by increasing tolerance to hay fever. Participants who took the probiotic reported improvements in quality of life, including fewer nose symptoms and increased comfort during daily activities.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMar 1, 2017

Tweaking electrolyte makes better lithium-metal batteries

Researchers found that adding a small amount of lithium hexafluorophosphate to an electrolyte makes rechargeable lithium-metal batteries stable, charge quickly, and have high voltage. The additive also helps create a protective layer on the battery's anode, preventing unwanted side reactions.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·DateMar 1, 2017

World's oldest fossils unearthed

Researchers uncovered evidence of life at least 3,770 million years old from iron-rich deep-sea hydrothermal vents on Earth. The discovery provides direct proof of one of the oldest life forms on the planet.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature·DateMar 1, 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.

Study examines pesticides' impact on wood frogs

A new study examines neonicotinoid pesticides' effect on wood frog development, finding slight delays that may not be detrimental. Additional studies are needed to investigate the indirect effects of these pesticides on amphibian populations.

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateMar 1, 2017

Teens drive more safely in the months after a crash

Research shows teens exhibit safer driving behavior after involvement in a severe collision, with risk levels decreasing by up to 34% in two months. The study tracked data from over 250 teens and found that elevated acceleration events, such as rapid turns or stops, were higher among those who later crashed compared to those who did not.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 1, 2017

Study: Physicians not prepared for male patients who perpetrate intimate partner violence

A study found that family medicine physicians are unprepared to intervene with male patients known to have perpetrated intimate partner violence (IPV). Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine and Public Health conducted interviews with primary care physicians who reported experiences with such cases. The findings highligh...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine·DateMar 1, 2017

African elephants may be the shortest-sleeping mammals

Researchers tracked two African elephant matriarchs for 35 days and found they slept an average of 2 hours a day, with some periods lasting up to 46 hours without sleep. This unique sleep pattern raises questions about when elephants experience REM sleep.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 1, 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.

JAX receives NIH grant to improve CRISPR-Cas9 accuracy

The Jackson Laboratory is developing a high-throughput approach to improve the efficiency of targeted nuclease-mediated HDR for genome editing. The goal is to significantly enhance the reliability and accuracy of CRISPR-Cas9 technology, enabling faster and more cost-effective therapeutic delivery.

SourceJackson Laboratory·DateMar 1, 2017

Racial gap in children's asthma linked to social inequality

A new study from Rice University found that African-American and poor children in Houston have a higher proportion of asthma due to social inequalities in their neighborhoods. Children living in poor neighborhoods, regardless of race, are more likely to develop asthma compared to those in middle-class or affluent areas.

SourceRice University·JournalMaternal and Child Health Journal·DateMar 1, 2017

Concurrent heat waves, air pollution exacerbate negative health effects of each

A new study from UCI researchers finds that prolonged hot spells and poor air quality combine to worsen health impacts. The study analyzed 15 years of surface observations in the eastern US and Canada, finding a significant increase in adverse health effects when these factors overlap.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2017

Adults with autism overcome childhood language challenges

Researchers found that adults with autism process unrelated words similarly to those without the disorder, using distinct learning strategies. The study suggests that adults with autism use an alternative mechanism to process language, resulting in a different pattern in the brain.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateMar 1, 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.

Fred Hutch announces 2017 Harold M. Weintraub Graduate Student Award recipients

Thirteen outstanding graduate students in biological sciences were recognized for their exceptional work and diversity of research topics, ranging from evolvability to mitochondrial disease. The award recipients will receive a certificate, travel expenses, and honorarium, and have the opportunity to present at an award symposium on the...

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·DateMar 1, 2017

Asian pollution, heat waves worsen US smog, Princeton-NOAA study shows

A Princeton-NOAA study reveals that Asian pollution is driving the persistence of smog in western US regions, despite laws curbing emissions from tailpipes and factories. The study highlights the importance of maintaining domestic emission controls on motor vehicles, power plants, and other industries.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateMar 1, 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.

Women less likely to have their heart health checked

A new report highlights a significant gender divide in the screening of patients for cardiovascular disease, with women being less likely to receive targeted screenings and treatments. The study found that younger women at high risk of CVD were 37% less likely than their male counterparts to have appropriate medications prescribed.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalHeart·DateMar 1, 2017

Highly prevalent gene variants in minority populations cause kidney disease

A preclinical study has established a link between gene variants in African American populations and kidney disease risk. The G1 and G2 APOL1 variants, found almost exclusively in West African descent individuals, cause human-like kidney disease when expressed in filtering cells.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 1, 2017

Nanoinjection increases survival rate of cells

Physicists at Bielefeld University develop new nanoinjection method that increases survival rate of cells to 92%, surpassing traditional microinjection's 40% success rate. The technique enables precise delivery of fluorescent molecules into living cells, opening up new possibilities for cellular research and experimentation.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 1, 2017

The ultimate power nap

Researchers tracked elephant sleep using Fitbits and found they slept mostly in the early morning, with environmental conditions influencing timing. The study suggests elephants may not dream daily like humans do, but rather every few days.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 1, 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.

How to monitor urine in pools -- by testing sweetness

Researchers use artificial sweetener acesulfame potassium to estimate urine presence in pools and detect potential health hazards, finding high concentrations in swimmers' urine, exceeding tap water levels.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateMar 1, 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.

Magic cover crop carpet?

Researchers found that letting cover crops grow longer produces the best results in suppressing weeds while also retaining soil moisture. The optimal timing is crucial, as over-flattening can lead to unwanted seed production, while under-flattening may regrow the cover crop.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateMar 1, 2017