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Science News Archive May 2017


Page 34 of 42

Platelets suppress T cell immunity against cancer

Researchers found that platelets release TGF-beta to suppress T cells and promote immune tolerance to certain cancers. Adding antiplatelet drugs like aspirin may improve adoptive T cell therapy against melanoma and other cancers.

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.

American Scientific publishers give UTA physicist Wei Chen Best Paper Award

Wei Chen, a UTA physics professor, has received the Best Paper Award from American Scientific Publishers for his pioneering work on using nanoparticles to treat cancer. His research involves activating toxins to kill cancer cells and has led to over 20 further journal articles and international recognition.

New theory on how Earth's crust was created

Scientists at McGill University propose a new theory on how Earth's crust was created, suggesting that silica-rich minerals condensed and fell back to earth over about a million years. This process, called aerial metasomatism, could provide clues for the search for life on exoplanets.

Immune cells derived from specialised progenitors

Dendritic cells are crucial for immunity against pathogens and foreign substances. Researchers found that these cells develop from specialized progenitors, not a common progenitor, providing insights into the regulation of human immune responses.

First molecular diagnostics for insecticide resistance in sandflies

Researchers have identified DNA polymorphisms causing two knockdown resistance mutations in the pyrethroid and DDT target site gene of Phlebotomus argentipes sandfly. These mutations, similar to those found in mosquitoes, are linked with insecticide resistance and pose a significant threat to Leishmaniasis control.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Donna blanket Vanuatu

Tropical Cyclone Donna was a Category 2 hurricane that blanketed the islands of Vanuatu with strong storms and heavy rain potential. The storm's cloud top temperatures were as cold as minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating heavy rainfall.

Vitamin A deficiency is detrimental to blood stem cells

Research by the German Cancer Research Center found that vitamin A deficiency can lead to a loss of dormant stem cells in the bone marrow, impairing the immune system. The study suggests that understanding how vitamin A regulates these stem cells could lead to new cancer treatments.

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.

Researchers discover how flu viruses hijack human cells

A research team identified a mechanism by which influenza A viruses hijack cellular machinery to replicate, including the RNA exosome. This process is linked to congenital defects and neurodegeneration in people with rare mutations. The study offers future insight into common brain disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

UT Health diabetes breakthrough increases insulin-producing cells

Researchers at UT Health San Antonio have developed a gene-transfer technique that increases insulin-producing cells, potentially curing Type 1 and improving Type 2 diabetes. The therapy has cured diabetes in mice without side effects, offering a major advance over traditional insulin therapy.

Poultry feed with arsenic more problematic than assumed?

Researchers have identified three additional compounds in chicken livers treated with Roxarsone, a common poultry feed supplement containing arsenic. These methylated compounds are up to 30,000 times more toxic than Rox and may pose significant risks to human health if consumed.

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.

Shape-changing fog screen invented

Researchers at the University of Sussex have developed a shape-changing fog screen called MistForm, allowing users to interact with 2D and 3D objects in mid-air. The display optimizes visibility and facilitates interaction, adapting to single or multiple users.

MRSA blood infections are less fatal in kids, but cause significant complications

Children with MRSA bacteremia have a low mortality rate of 2%, but experience high complication rates that increase with each passing day. The risk of treatment failure is associated with infections in muscles, bones, or blood vessels, and concurrent critical illnesses, highlighting the need for optimized vancomycin dosing and monitoring.

BUSM student awarded third HHMI Medical Research Fellowship

Joseph Park, a second-year student at Boston University School of Medicine, has been awarded his third Howard Hughes Medical Institute's (HHMI) Medical Research Fellowship. He will delve into the cell biology of chlamydia to advance knowledge of the disease and become a physician-scientist.

Extinction of Alpine plants may remain undetectable for a long time

Researchers have developed a new model to predict the extinction of alpine plants, finding that populations are not adapting quickly enough to climate change. The study shows that even favorable climate scenarios can lead to population decline if warming continues without restraint.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Obese women less likely to suffer from dangerous preeclampsia complications

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that obese women are less than half as likely to experience strokes, seizures, and other serious complications of preeclampsia. The studies also identified risk factors for persistent high blood pressure after delivery among women with preeclampsia.

You need more than just a white hat to tell the hero from the villain

Researchers found that viewers make comparisons between characters to judge their morality, with heroes appearing after villains making them seem more heroic. The study suggests that perceived villainy comes with certain advantages, such as increased altruism, in fictional narratives.

Obese women less likely to suffer from dangerous preeclampsia complications

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that obese women are less likely to experience severe complications from preeclampsia, such as stroke and seizures. The studies also identified risk factors for persistent high blood pressure after delivery among women with preeclampsia.

Scientists gain insights into how Fragile X syndrome disrupts perception

Research on fruit flies reveals that those lacking the Fragile X protein have less inhibition among their neurons, resulting in impaired information processing and increased anxiety. This finding provides valuable insights into human brain diseases and may lead to new treatments for Fragile X syndrome.

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.

A mutation giving leaves with white spots has been identified

A new mutation in the Lotus japonicus plant has been identified, resulting in leaves with white spots. The mutation is linked to a shortage of chloroplast proteins, which are crucial for plant growth, and may hold clues for improving ornamental plants.

Results of prospective randomized phase III study of the EBMT (Ricmac trial) dose-reduced versus standard conditioning followed by allogeneic stem cell transplantation for patients with myelodysplastic syndrome

The RICMAC trial found that dose-reduced conditioning followed by allogeneic stem cell transplantation improved overall and relapse-free survival for patients with myelodysplastic syndrome. Engraftment rates were comparable between the two groups, with higher non-relapse mortality after standard conditioning.

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.

Study unravels the genetics of childhood 'overgrowth'

A recent study has identified genetic mutations in 14 genes as the primary cause of childhood overgrowth syndromes, which are characterized by excessive growth and intellectual disability. The researchers found that these genes play a crucial role in epigenetic regulation, controlling how and when other genes are expressed.

Water, water, nowhere

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering have found that graphane could transport protons without water, potentially leading to more efficient hydrogen fuel cells. The unusual properties of graphane enable it to rapidly conduct protons across a membrane, making it suitable for anhydrous conditions.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Heart failure is as 'malignant' as some common cancers

A new analysis reveals heart failure patients experience worse survival rates than prostate cancer and breast cancer survivors, but better outcomes compared to lung cancer and ovarian cancer. The study highlights the continued burden of heart failure as a major public health concern.

Falkland Islands basin shows signs of being among world's largest craters

A 250-kilometer-diameter basin in the Falkland Islands exhibits traits of a large impact crater, including decreased gravity strength and increased magnetic field strength. The structure is estimated to be approximately 270-250 million years old, potentially correlating with the largest mass extinction event.

New self-sustained multi-sensor platform for environmental monitoring

A team of researchers from UNIST and Korea University has developed a self-sustaining sensor platform to monitor water motion dynamics, frequency, and amplitude. The platform harnesses energy from water motion to perform multiple functions simultaneously, enabling continuous monitoring without external power source.

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.

Sperm study reveals testes cells that may offer fertility hope

Researchers have identified a group of critical cells in the testes that play a key role in repairing damage to produce healthy sperm. These Miwi2-expressing cells are essential for regeneration and may help preserve fertility in pre-pubescent boys undergoing cancer treatment.

Edible insects could play key role in cutting harmful emissions

Replacing beef with insect-based foods could reduce greenhouse gas emissions and free up vast areas of land, according to a new study. The researchers found that eating more insects or imitation meat could halve global consumption of animal products, freeing up 1680 million hectares of land.

Study finds social challenges amplify negative effects of childhood lead exposure

A new study found that lead exposure has a negative impact on cognitive and language development in preschoolers, with poverty amplifying these effects. The research analyzed data from the Bellevue Early Language and Education Project and showed that even low levels of blood lead above 5 micrograms per deciliter can cause reduced cogni...

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.

Saliva test predicts prolonged concussion symptoms in children

Research suggests a simple saliva test can predict which children will experience prolonged concussion symptoms, providing a more accurate prognosis than standard survey questions. The study found that salivary miRNA levels were significantly more effective in predicting prolonged concussion symptoms than SCAT-3 surveys.

First EPA-approved outdoor field trial for genetically engineered algae

Scientists successfully completed the first EPA-approved outdoor field trial for genetically engineered algae, testing a strain in real-world conditions without adverse impact on native populations. The study demonstrates the feasibility of cultivating genetically engineered algae outdoors while maintaining engineered traits.

Stink bugs: Free guide for agricultural integrated pest management

The Entomological Society of America has published a comprehensive review on identifying, biology, impacts, and management of various stink bug species affecting Midwestern corn and soybean growers. The guide provides methods for differentiating species, life cycle summaries, and guidance on monitoring and managing pests.

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.

Optical spectroscopy improves predictive assessment of kidney function

Researchers developed a technique using multimodal autofluorescence and light scattering to evaluate kidney function after ischemic injury. The study suggests that variations in tissue microstructure, fluorophore emission, and blood absorption spectral characteristics contribute to the behavior of recorded signals.

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.

Pac-Man-like CRISPR enzymes have potential for disease diagnostics

Researchers have developed a new class of CRISPR enzymes that can detect specific sequences of RNA, including those from viruses. These enzymes, variants of Cas13a, target different RNA nucleotides, allowing for simultaneous viral diagnostics and potentially expanding the range of diseases they can detect.

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.

Getting better drugs to market, more quickly

Moleculomics' new technology accelerates drug discovery by simulating protein interactions with chemicals, reducing development time and cost. The platform enables the high-throughput screening of candidate compounds against human proteins, identifying safe and toxic compounds.

With more light, chemistry speeds up

Researchers at the Institute of Physical Chemistry of Poland have demonstrated that increasing light intensity can accelerate chemical reactions by several dozen percent. This discovery has implications for various applications, including microscopic imaging techniques and ultra-fast spectroscopy.

Fluid overload linked to premature death in patients on dialysis

Chronic fluid overload increases the risk of early death in kidney failure patients on hemodialysis, comparable to coronary artery disease and heart failure. The study found that cumulative exposure to fluid overload over 1 year predicted a higher risk of death than a single measurement at the start of dialysis treatment.

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.