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Science News Archive May 2017


Page 21 of 42

How doubts about getting better influence chronic pain treatment success

Psychologist Robert Gatchel's research highlights how patients' irrational beliefs about chronic pain can impact treatment outcomes and pain management. His work suggests that a more comprehensive approach to treatment is needed, incorporating lifestyle habits, attitudes, and social support systems.

Study: Higher mass transit use associated with lower obesity rates

A new study by University of Illinois researchers found that higher mass transit use is associated with lower obesity rates in counties across the US. The study controlled for various factors and found a 0.2% drop in obesity rates for every 1% increase in public transit usage.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

An immunity gene evolved in Southeast Asia to protect against leprosy

A mutation in an immune system gene rapidly rose in frequency in Southeast Asia approximately 50,000 years ago, likely conferring protection against leprosy. The HLA-B*46:01 protein binds to molecules derived from the bacterium that causes leprosy, presenting foreign molecules to the immune system and destroying infected cells.

Scientists discover uncommon superbug strain in greater Houston area

Researchers sequenced genomes of over 1,700 strains, discovering an especially strong group of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in a city of six million people. The strain, clone type 307, has been identified in parts of Europe and other continents but not previously documented as a common cause of infections in one city.

Energy decay in graphene resonators

A recent study by ICFO researchers found a hybridization effect at high energies that could manipulate vibrational states and engineer hybrid states with mechanical modes. This discovery has the potential to open up new possibilities for manipulating vibrational states, studying collective motion of highly tunable systems.

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.

TB bacteria evolve at alarming rate

Researchers have identified three mutations that enable TB pathogens to develop rapidly in immunocompromised individuals. These emerging strains require new treatment approaches, including genetically engineered vaccines that consider a patient's immune status and pathogen virulence features.

Engaging diamond for next-era transistors

Researchers in Japan developed a new diamond-based transistor fabrication process that promises to advance the development of more robust and energy-efficient electronics. The process uses manufactured diamonds with yttrium oxide insulator to overcome silicon limitations.

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.

Exercising can protect the brain from Alzheimer's disease

Regular physical activity can improve daily living and mobility in older adults with Alzheimer's, as well as reduce the risk of developing the disease. The study suggests that exercising may be a practical and accessible intervention for preventing and managing Alzheimer's disease.

New Zika virus inhibitor identified

A new compound has been discovered that can inhibit the spread of the Zika virus, a significant step towards developing a treatment for its neurological complications. The compound blocks viral propagation in human cells and mice, offering promise as a starting point for an even more potent drug.

Online abortion service can offer alternative to unsafe methods to end pregnancy

A study published in The BMJ found that online telemedicine-based medical abortion is effective and safe, with low rates of adverse events. The research provides real-world evidence on the effectiveness of self-sourced medical abortion through telemedicine, supporting growing calls for reform of highly restrictive abortion laws.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Loss of pericytes deteriorates retinal environment

Researchers found that pericyte loss worsens retinal environment and function in mouse models of diabetic retinopathy. Pericytes regulate a molecular pathway associated with vascular stabilization, and their absence accelerates disease progression.

World first self-donning system for surgical gowns

The Osaka University research group has created a safe and easy-to-use self-donning surgical gown called 'Selfgown.' This innovative gown minimizes environmental infections from splashes when removing gloves, reducing the risk of transmission to others.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Travel distances of juvenile fish key to better conservation

Scientists have measured dispersal distances of two coral reef fish species, revealing that juvenile clownfish stay relatively close to home (10-15 km), while butterflyfish disperse further (43-64 km). The study informs optimal sizing and spacing of marine reserves, with implications for conservation and fisheries management.

Undetected Ebola infection in international healthcare workers very unlikely

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that undiagnosed Ebola virus infection was probably very rare among international healthcare workers deployed during the 2013-2015 outbreak. Despite asymptomatic cases occurring, no evidence of missed infections was found, but 'near miss' exposure incidents were common, putting frontline wor...

Plants call 911 to help their neighbors

Researchers at the University of Delaware discovered that plants release airborne chemicals when injured, alerting neighboring plants to boost their defenses. The injured plant sends signals through volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which stimulate nearby plants to grow more robust roots and increase malate transporter genes.

Defective intercellular connections cause hydrocephalus

Research by the German Cancer Research Center has found that defective intercellular connections in the ependyma, a cellular layer separating the brain nervous tissue from CSF, cause hydrocephalus. This leads to blockage of the aqueduct, blocking cerebrospinal fluid flow and resulting in swollen heads and brain pressure.

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.

CCNY-led team breaks down social networking behavior

A CCNY-led team analyzed massive datasets to show that an individual's location in a social network is correlated with their economic status. The study suggests that targeting individuals based on their social network metrics can increase response rates in marketing campaigns.

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.

Diverse populations make rational collective decisions

Researchers at Hokkaido University discovered that individual ants with different preferences can lead to a collective rational decision when making binary choices. The team found that the middle group of ants, which preferred a higher sucrose concentration, was the key to the colony's decision-making process.

From where will the next big earthquake hit the city of Istanbul?

Researchers estimate that the next major earthquake in Istanbul will originate from the Eastern Marmara Sea due to a build-up of energy from entangled tectonic plates. This could lead to a shorter early warning period, but potentially less severe ground shaking than expected.

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.

Great expectations force risky business acquisitions

Research found that high-reputation firms take bigger risks in mergers and acquisitions to meet investor expectations. These moves often result in less related acquisitions and lower stock values. Managers may need to reconsider making risky acquisitions to maintain market trust.

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.

How hard did it rain on Mars?

Researchers found that heavy rainfall on early Mars carved out river-like channels and altered impact craters, similar to Earth's effects. The study used physics principles to understand the relationship between Martian atmosphere pressure, raindrop size, and rainfall intensity.

Tumor cells get stiff before becoming invasive

A study published on Nature Communications reveals that breast cancer cells undergo a stiffening state prior to acquiring malignant features and becoming invasive. This discovery identifies a new signal in tumor cells that can be further explored when designing cancer-targeting therapies.

Pitt analysis determines odds of a hookah non-smoker taking first puff

A University of Pittsburgh analysis found that young adults who have a positive attitude towards hookah smoking are more likely to take their first puff. The study suggests that prevention efforts should focus on countering the image of hookah smoking as a fun social activity rather than emphasizing health risks.

Using genomics to fight deadly parasitic disease

A research team led by UNM Associate Professor Coenraad Adema has sequenced the genome of Biomphalaria glabrata, a tropical snail that transmits a deadly parasitic disease. This breakthrough could lead to the elimination of schistosomiasis, which kills hundreds of thousands of people annually.

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.

Disney Research transforms movie-quality animations for interactive viewing

The research enables immersive viewing of pre-rendered video in six degrees of freedom using a head-mounted display, making it easier to repurpose animated film assets. The novel video format can be rendered in real-time from an arbitrary point of view, allowing for motion parallax and interactive experiences.

3-D-printed, soft, four legged robot can walk on sand and stone

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a soft, four-legged robot that can walk on rough surfaces like sand and pebbles. The breakthrough was made possible by combining soft and rigid materials using 3D printing, enabling complex shapes for the robot's legs.

Patient's cells used to replicate dire developmental condition

Researchers have developed a laboratory model for Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome, a rare psychomotor disease that affects brain development. The study uses induced pluripotent stem cell technology to replicate the patient's blood-brain barrier, providing new insights into the disease and potential therapies.

Clot removal therapy effective outside six-hour window for some stroke patients

A randomized controlled trial found that endovascular treatment was effective in reducing disability among patients treated within 6 to 24 hours after a stroke. The study showed that nearly half of patients who received endovascular therapy had a good outcome at 90 days, compared to only 13% of those treated with clot-busting drugs alone.

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.

3-D models reveal hidden details of zebrafish behavior

A research team created 3D models to analyze zebrafish behavior, revealing significant compromises in 2D-scored behaviors. The study confirmed that 3D approaches underestimate locomotion and overestimate spatial preference, leading to false positives and false negatives.

New gene therapy for vision loss proven safe in humans

Researchers have shown that an experimental gene therapy is safe and may be effective in preserving vision in people with wet age-related macular degeneration. The treatment involves injecting a virus containing a therapeutic gene into the eye, which produces a protein to prevent abnormal blood vessel growth.

Study unveils T cell signaling process central to immune response

Researchers have unveiled the molecular mechanism of T cell activation, a key step in the immune response. The study used nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to probe the interaction between a T cell receptor and an HIV protein, shedding light on the signaling process that triggers an immune response.

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.

Fishing can cause slowly reversible changes in gene expression

A new study reveals that fishing can lead to massive gene expression changes in an exploited fish population, affecting their ability to adapt. Removing the largest individuals from a population induces differences in thousands of genes, which persist even after recovery.

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.