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Science News Archive March 2017 - Page 8


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.

SourceAarhus University·Journalanimal·DateMar 27, 2017

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.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 27, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Patent analysis highlights importance of bioactives of saffron

The patent analysis highlights the importance of saffron bioactives in treating multiple disorders, including neurological and metabolic conditions. Novel derivatives of safranal show promise in treating infectious diseases.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalRecent Patents on Biotechnology·DateMar 27, 2017

ACP issues recommendations to prevent and treat substance use disorders

The American College of Physicians recommends treating substance use disorders as chronic medical conditions with evidence-based public and individual health initiatives. The guidelines aim to improve access to care and reduce the societal burden of these disorders.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 27, 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.

GW study finds social media course impacts online behavior in first-year medical students

A study published in Teaching and Learning in Medicine found that a social media course had a significant impact on the online behavior of first-year medical students, with 94% reporting increased awareness of their social media habits. The course aimed to empower students to use social media professionally and responsibly.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalTeaching and Learning in Medicine·DateMar 27, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Plants·DateMar 27, 2017

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.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 27, 2017

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.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 27, 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.

'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.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Immunology·DateMar 27, 2017

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.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalLasers in Medical Science·DateMar 27, 2017

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.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMar 27, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateMar 27, 2017

Emotion: An important link to HIV prevention in black adolescents with mental illnesses

A new study published in the Journal of Child and Family Studies suggests that psychoeducation and skills building can help sever the emotion-behavior link contributing to HIV/STI risk among black adolescents with mental illnesses. The study found that improving coping mechanisms to regulate emotions may be crucial for preventing HIV/S...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalJournal of Child and Family Studies·DateMar 27, 2017

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 27, 2017

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 27, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·DateMar 27, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 27, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalNutrition·DateMar 27, 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.

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.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateMar 27, 2017

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.

SourceGraphene Flagship·Journal2D Materials·DateMar 27, 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 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.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 27, 2017

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%.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMar 27, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 27, 2017

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.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 27, 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.

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.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 27, 2017

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 27, 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.

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.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateMar 27, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 27, 2017

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.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 27, 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.

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNeuron·DateMar 27, 2017

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalBritish Food Journal·DateMar 27, 2017

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.

SourceCentre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG)·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateMar 27, 2017

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.

SourceNagoya University·JournalNature Plants·DateMar 27, 2017

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.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalJournal of Economic Dynamics and Control·DateMar 27, 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.

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.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMar 27, 2017

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 27, 2017

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.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 27, 2017

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.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 27, 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.

Researchers show p300 protein may suppress leukemia in MDS patients

Scientists at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center have found that p300 protein acts as a tumor suppressor, preventing myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) from developing into acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Eliminating p300 in mice results in rapid leukemia development.

SourceUniversity of Miami Miller School of Medicine·JournalLeukemia·DateMar 27, 2017

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.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateMar 27, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateMar 27, 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.