Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive March 2017 - Page 41


Page 41 of 41

Researchers imitate molecular crowding in cells

Chemists from the University of Basel have successfully simulated molecular crowding in artificial vesicles, offering insights into the development of nanoreactors and artificial organelles. The study reveals that the crowding effect influences enzymatic kinetics, enabling specific control over chemical reactions.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalSmall·DateMar 1, 2017

NIFA announces nearly $770,000 for canola research

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture has announced funding for fundamental and applied research on canola to increase productivity and profitability in various growing environments. This $766,000 grant program aims to develop new commercial products from canola and improve production systems.

SourceNational Institute of Food and Agriculture·DateMar 1, 2017

Dairy and vitamin D supplements protect against bone loss

Researchers found that dairy foods like milk and yogurt are associated with higher bone mineral density in the spine, reducing bone loss risk. Vitamin D supplementation stimulates calcium absorption, benefiting bone health, particularly among older adults affected by osteoporosis.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJournal of Nutrition·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.

Scientists stimulate immune system, stop cancer growth

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago report that increasing expression of cytokine LIGHT in mice with colon cancer activates the immune system's natural cancer-killing T-cells. This leads to a significant decrease in tumor burden, including primary tumors and metastatic tumors in the liver.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalCancer Research·DateMar 1, 2017

Telephone-based collaborative care program eases anxiety

A telephone-delivered collaborative care program improved health-related quality of life and anxiety symptoms in primary care patients compared to usual care. The intervention also produced significant improvements in mood symptoms, with African-Americans and men reporting the greatest levels of improvement.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMar 1, 2017

New tool, RODEO, promises to capture the breadth of microbial biosynthetic potential

Researchers developed software RODEO to identify clusters of genes indicating an organism's ability to synthesize therapeutically promising molecules. The tool uses machine learning approach to recognize predictive genomic features and has been successfully applied to a class of molecules called lasso peptides.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalNature Chemical Biology·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.

Monoclonal antibody drug superior to chemotherapy for advanced acute lymphoblastic leukemia

A Phase III clinical trial revealed that blinatumomab significantly increased overall survival and remission rates compared to standard chemotherapy in patients with advanced acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The study showed a median survival of 7.7 months for those treated with blinatumomab versus four months for those on chemotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 1, 2017

Study: Wireless stimulation may ease migraine pain as well as drugs

A new wireless patch has shown significant results in reducing migraine pain, with 64% of participants experiencing a 50% or greater reduction in pain after using the device. The study found that starting stimulation within 20 minutes of a migraine's onset was more effective in reducing pain.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMar 1, 2017

New study finds reading can help with chronic pain

A new study published in the BMJ Journal for Medical Humanities found that shared reading can be a useful therapy for chronic pain sufferers. The study compared shared reading to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and found that shared reading provided a more comprehensive approach to managing emotional pain.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·DateMar 1, 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.

Study examines burden of skin disease worldwide

A new article published online by JAMA Dermatology estimates the global burden of skin disease, with dermatitis and acne vulgaris ranking among top causes. Skin diseases accounted for 1.79% of the global burden of disease in 2013, equivalent to 41.6 million DALYS.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateMar 1, 2017

Few heart attack survivors get recommended physical activity

A recent study by researchers at Columbia University Medical Center found that only 16 percent of heart attack survivors meet the recommended amount of physical activity in the weeks following hospitalization. Clinician-supervised exercise programs have shown promise in encouraging more physical activity, but participation remains poor.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 1, 2017

Pulling the curtain back on the high cost of drugs

The high cost of drugs has soured public sentiment towards the industry. Industry experts argue that more transparency and perspective are needed to understand the complex reasons behind price hikes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·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.

First solar images from NOAA's GOES-16 satellite

The GOES-16 SUVI instrument has successfully captured its first solar images, providing valuable data on coronal plasma temperatures and emission measurements. This will enable the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center to issue early warnings for potential geomagnetic storms impacting Earth's magnetic field.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 1, 2017

Poor adolescent, early adult diet associated with increased risk for premenopausal breast cancer

A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that women who consumed a diet high in sugar-sweetened drinks and processed meats during adolescence or young adulthood had a higher risk of premenopausal breast cancer. The researchers recommend consuming a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts, seeds...

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateMar 1, 2017

The microworm of Jaén whose males have no penis

Researchers found a new species of worm in an orchard in Jaén, characterized by its penis-less males. The microworms feed on bacteria and are resistant to dehydration due to their second skin.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalZootaxa·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.

Even after treatment, brains of anorexia nervosa patients not fully recovered

Despite significant weight gain, anorexia nervosa patients' brains continue to exhibit elevated reward systems, suggesting a prolonged recovery period. The study suggests that neurotransmitter dopamine plays a key role in the disease's pathology and may require targeted treatments.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateMar 1, 2017

What happens when patients access their mental health providers' notes?

A Veterans Affairs study of mental health patients found that accessing clinician notes can foster trust through transparency and consistency. However, patients also reported concerns about errors, outdated information, and gaps in diagnoses, which erode trust.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalPsychiatric Services·DateMar 1, 2017

Absent tumor-suppressors allow melanoma to thwart immunotherapy

Researchers found that loss of tumor-suppressing genes, not mutations, leads to resistance to immune checkpoint blockade drugs in melanoma. Anti-CTLA4 treatment can prime T cells for anti-PD1 therapy, improving patient response.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 1, 2017

Game theory could improve cyberwarfare strategy

A new framework guided by game theory, known as the Blame Game, can help policymakers decide whether to retaliate against a cyber attack. The framework considers vulnerability and potential consequences of assigning blame, helping nations make informed decisions in the face of increasing cybersecurity threats.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2017
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.

Keep calm and measure cats' blood pressure!

The International Society of Feline Medicine has published consensus guidelines on the diagnosis and management of hypertension in cats. The guidelines emphasize the importance of early detection and treatment, highlighting challenges such as routine blood pressure monitoring being performed infrequently in cats.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·DateMar 1, 2017

Scientists reveal core genes involved in immunity of honey bees

An international team of researchers identified a core set of genes involved in honey bee responses to viruses and parasites. The findings provide new possibilities for breeding more resilient honey bee stocks and understanding pathogen interactions with other insects.

SourcePenn State·JournalBMC Genomics·DateMar 1, 2017

Supramolecular protein fishing with molecular baits

Histone deacetylases are an important family of proteins regulating gene expression; altering their function can induce tumors to develop. Researchers successfully isolated HDAC using SAHA as a molecular bait, paving the way for novel cancer treatments.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 1, 2017

A new cosmic survey offers unprecedented view of galaxies

The Hyper Suprime-Cam Subaru Strategic Program has released high-quality images of a large swath of the night sky, containing 100 million stars and galaxies. The data will allow researchers to search for previously undiscovered galaxies and study dark matter, which can be detected via its effects on gravity.

SourcePrinceton University·DateMar 1, 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.

Highly effective cervical cancer screening for low-income countries

Researchers found that cytology was very sensitive and consistent for detecting invasive cervical cancer even in low-resource settings. Cytology may be used to diagnose cervical cancer earlier in women at high risk, leading to improved overall survival from the disease.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalJournal of Global Oncology·DateMar 1, 2017

Food subsidies and taxes significantly improve dietary choices

A systematic review found that lowering healthy food costs increases their consumption, while raising unhealthy food costs decreases intake. This intervention strategy has the potential to prevent disease and reduce healthcare costs associated with diet-related health issues.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 1, 2017

Scientists develop spectacles for X-ray lasers

Researchers at DESY developed tailor-made corrective glasses to concentrate X-ray beams stronger than ever before. The lenses improved focus by three-quarters and reduced scattered light, enabling more precise measurements and new applications.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 1, 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.

FDG PET/CT found useful in certain lung cancer patients

A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that FDG PET/CT is a valuable imaging tool for treating lung cancer patients, especially when clinical suspicion or evidence of disease recurrence or metastasis is present. However, its routine use without clinical suspicion should be discouraged until its value fo...

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateMar 1, 2017

Shorter herceptin breast cancer treatment may produce better results

Breast cancer patients who receive nine-week Herceptin treatment experience significant increases in survival rates and quality-adjusted life-years. The study found that switching to the nine-week course could save the NHS over £100 million a year, while being just as effective as the current 12-month duration.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 1, 2017

Warming up to cryopreservation

A new study reveals that nanotechnology can be used to rapidly rewarm cryogenically treated samples without damaging delicate frozen tissues. This technology may help make organ cryopreservation a reality, eliminating transplant waiting lists and reducing rejection rates.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 1, 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.

Synthetic tooth enamel may lead to more resilient structures

The researchers created a synthetic version of tooth enamel to improve resilience in rigid structures. They successfully mimicked its properties through layering and polymerization, demonstrating that this material can absorb vibrations effectively.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature·DateMar 1, 2017

Cholesterol-processing enzyme protects from debilitating brain lesions

Researchers identified an enzyme called CYP46A1 that eliminates both cholesterol and cholestanol from the brain, reducing the formation of debilitating brain lesions. The discovery could inform clinical trials to test the enzyme's potential as a therapeutic target for these diseases.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 1, 2017

Portable nanofiber device offers precise, point-and-shoot capability

Harvard researchers developed a portable, handheld device to fabricate nanofibers with precise control over fiber orientation. The pull spinning method uses only one processing parameter to regulate nanofiber diameter, making it easy to use and flexible.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalMacromolecular Materials and Engineering·DateMar 1, 2017

2017 forecast: Significant chance of earthquake damage in the Central and Eastern US

The 2017 seismic hazard model forecasts lower damaging ground shaking levels in the central and eastern U.S., but Oklahoma and southern Kansas still face a significant risk of induced earthquake damage. For over 3 million people, the chance of damage is similar to natural earthquakes in high-hazard areas of California.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateMar 1, 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.

Restoring predators and prey together speeds recovery

Researchers found that restoring predators and prey species together is faster and more efficient than pursuing restoration of one species at a time. This approach, also known as synchronous recovery, can lead to significant ecological and economic benefits.

SourceNOAA Fisheries West Coast Region·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 1, 2017

BPPV: Experts update best practices for diagnosis and treatment

The American Academy of Otolaryngology has released updated guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of BPPV, emphasizing patient education and shared decision-making. The new guidelines aim to reduce unnecessary diagnostic testing and improve quality-of-life outcomes for patients with BPPV.

SourceAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·DateMar 1, 2017

MD Anderson study ties protein 'reader' ENL to common leukemia

A recent study at MD Anderson Cancer Center found that a protein called ENL plays a key role in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a fast-growing cancer of bone marrow and blood cells. Depletion of ENL led to anti-leukemic effects, suggesting BET inhibitor drugs as a potential treatment for AML.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature·DateMar 1, 2017

Americans missed out on $5.4 billion by not refinancing, study says

A new study found that 20% of homeowners who could have benefited from refinancing didn't, resulting in thousands of dollars paid over the life of the loan. The researchers suggest that behaviors like inattention and procrastination are preventing people from taking advantage of long-term benefits.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Financial Economics·DateMar 1, 2017

Hunting for giant planet analogs in our own backyard

A team of scientists led by Jonathan Gagné has found evidence of undetected giant exoplanets in the TW Hya star association, approximately 100 light years from Earth. The researchers used an initial mass function to calculate the distribution of mass in the group and predict the number of undiscovered objects.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series·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.

Nation's top environmental scientists say the EPA should not be weakened

Nation's top environmental scientists say the EPA should continue to engage with the broad community of scientists to inform policy decisions. The authors call for enhanced research funding and environmental scientific capacity to address key uncertainties and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 1, 2017

Study shows role of depression in the ongoing tobacco epidemic

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that depression significantly increased in the US from 2005 to 2013 among current, former, and never smokers. The prevalence of depression is consistently higher among smokers, but the rate of increase was more prominent among former and never smokers.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateMar 1, 2017

Quantum entanglement between a single photon and a trillion of atoms

A team of physicists at the University of Warsaw has created a multidimensional entangled state of a single photon and a trillion rubidium atoms. By storing the photons in the laboratory for several microseconds, they have demonstrated the joint entanglement, resolving the long-standing paradox of Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalOptica·DateMar 1, 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.

Musical scales may have developed to accommodate vocal limitations

A new study suggests that musical scales may have evolved to accommodate the variability of the human voice, rather than the perfect tuning of instruments. This theory has implications for understanding the development of singing and speech production in tone languages.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Cognitive Psychology·DateMar 1, 2017

Iron dissolved by air pollution may increase ocean potential to trap carbon

A new study suggests that air pollution can dissolve iron particles in airborne particles, increasing the amount of greenhouse gases that the world's oceans can absorb. Scientists have found thick sulphate coatings containing soluble iron on iron-rich particles from steel manufacturing and coal burning in the East China Sea.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 1, 2017

Understanding and predicting snow behavior

A new computer model is being developed to simulate the mechanical properties of snow and predict its behavior in various scenarios. This model will enable more accurate forecasts for avalanches and help determine the load on buildings caused by snow.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·DateMar 1, 2017

Research finds we can civilize punishment by learning a perpetrator's unfortunate history

New research by Lehigh University professor Michael Gill and Stephanie C. Cerce found that considering a wrongdoer's life history reduces harsh blame but doesn't change the perception of their free will. This approach, known as historicist narrative, can lead to more constructive prison systems and improved mental health.

SourceLehigh University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·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.

In cleaning up misfolded proteins, cell powerhouses can break down

Scientists found that cell powerhouses called mitochondria can break down misfolded proteins, which are thought to contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. This discovery could help explain why protein clumping and mitochondrial deterioration are hallmarks of these conditions.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature·DateMar 1, 2017