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Science News Archive May 2017 - Page 15


Page 15 of 42

Erectile dysfunction medicines do not cause melanoma, analysis of large studies finds

Researchers analyzed data from large-scale studies of erectile dysfunction medication users and found an overall 11% increase in melanoma risk. However, they attribute the increased risk to detection bias rather than a direct cause-and-effect link between medications and melanoma.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMay 19, 2017

Mosquitoes that spread Zika virus could simultaneously transmit other viruses

A recent study led by Colorado State University researchers found that Aedes aegypti mosquitoes can transmit multiple viruses simultaneously, including Zika, chikungunya, and dengue. The findings contradict existing research on coinfections and suggest that these simultaneous transmissions may be more common than previously thought.

SourceColorado State University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 19, 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.

Sea level as a metronome of Earth's history

Researchers have discovered that sedimentary cycles are linked to sea level changes, rather than mountain erosion. The study uses carbon isotopes to predict sedimentary rock distribution and better understand the Earth's sedimentary history.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalGeology·DateMay 19, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Flies the key to studying the causes of dementia

Researchers discovered two brain proteins with unique functions in the development of dementia, leading to potential new treatments. The study used Drosophila fruit flies to examine the effects of these proteins on nerve cell survival and activation, revealing one form is linked to poor movement and another to greater neurodegeneration.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalNeurobiology of Disease·DateMay 19, 2017

Urine test finds what makes people say no to blood pressure lowering pills

A study by University of Manchester researchers found that over one third of people with high blood pressure are not taking their medication as prescribed. The study used a urine test to examine the relationship between patient characteristics and non-adherence, revealing four key parameters that predict non-adherence

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalHYPERTENSION·DateMay 19, 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.

To curb medical errors, physicians must be better trained to admit mistakes

Medical errors are a leading cause of death in the US, with psychological factors like fear, shame, and guilt hindering error disclosure. Researchers call for better education and training focused on overcoming cognitive biases, such as Fundamental Attribution Error and Forecasting Error, to improve outcomes and reduce medical errors.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalMedical Education·DateMay 19, 2017

Stressing the brain through technology may reduce age-related disease

Engaging with technology can increase brain information load, activating stress response and promoting neuronal health. This 'hormetic stressor' diverts repair resources from germline to neurons, reversing natural aging process and potentially reducing age-related diseases.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Aging Science·DateMay 19, 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.

Epigenetic program leading to vessel differentiation

A collaborative research group found that histone code changes and a transcription factor group essential for blood vessel differentiation play key roles in vessel formation. They also discovered that the regulatory genomic region of the transcription factors has gradually switched from suppressing to activating transcription.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateMay 19, 2017

Sequestering blue carbon through better management of coastal ecosystems

Researchers discover that managing coastal ecosystems can help mitigate global warming by protecting and restoring natural carbon sinks like wetlands. Better management of catchment-level processes, such as nutrient inputs and hydrology, can increase blue carbon sequestration.

SourceUtah State University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateMay 19, 2017

New approach to revolutionize the production of molecular hydrogen

Researchers at Technische Universität Dresden have developed a new, low-cost electrocatalyst for producing molecular hydrogen. The MoNi4/MoO2@Ni catalyst exhibits high HER activity comparable to platinum and presents state-of-the-art HER activity amongst all reported Pt-free electrocatalysts.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 19, 2017

One in 5 cancers diagnosed in the United States is a rare cancer

According to a new report, rare cancers account for over one-fifth of all cancer diagnoses in the United States, with notable disparities in incidence rates among different ethnic groups. Rare cancers often present unique challenges, including limited research, delayed diagnosis, and limited treatment options.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·DateMay 19, 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.

New study opens case on emotional stress of senior police investigators in child homicide

A new study reveals that senior police investigators experience different cognitive and emotional stressors when investigating child homicide compared to adult homicide. The research found that a significant period of reflection is needed after the investigation has ended to realize the true extent of the effects on investigators.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalJournal of Police and Criminal Psychology·DateMay 19, 2017

DFG to fund 15 new research training groups

The DFG is establishing 15 new Research Training Groups to support early career researchers in Germany, with a focus on transferable skills and collaboration with international partners. The groups will receive approximately €66 million in funding over four and a half years.

SourceDeutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft·DateMay 19, 2017

Antibody for fighting cancer emerges

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed an antibody that can precisely target regulatory T cells, unleashing the immune system to kill cancer cells. The antibody decreased tumor growth in models of melanoma, glioblastoma, and colorectal carcinoma.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Immunology·DateMay 19, 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.

The deaf-blind can now 'watch' television without intermediaries

The PervasiveSUB project allows deaf-blind people to access TV broadcasts in real-time, directly through Braille lines. This innovation has been successfully tested with groups of deaf-blind users in Spain and the US, who praised its ability to transmit information without intermediaries.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·DateMay 19, 2017

'Adopted' embryo program produces new style extended families

Couples adopting embryos in the US and New Zealand have formed extended family units, leading to over 500 births. Researchers found that open adoption systems enable children to learn about genetic factors and their place in the family.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateMay 19, 2017

New biomarkers of multiple sclerosis pathogenesis

A novel study has identified new biomarkers of multiple sclerosis pathogenesis, revealing a central role for interferon gamma in brain inflammation. The research found that high serum interferon gamma levels activate astrocytes, triggering an inflammatory response and promoting the migration of autoreactive T lymphocytes into the brain.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateMay 19, 2017

Shapeshifting materials: Using light to rearrange macroscopic structures

Researchers at OIST created self-assembling molecules that can be rearranged by ultraviolet light to form novel macroscopic structures. This breakthrough enables the creation of exotic nanostructures with tailored functions, holding potential for biological and pharmaceutical applications.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalChemical Communications·DateMay 19, 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.

Scientists investigate how the sense of smell works in bacteria

Researchers have proposed a universal mechanism for the 'sense of smell' in bacteria, involving two-component systems and molecular machines. The study revealed how proteins transmit signals through cell membranes, potentially leading to new antibiotics and treatments for biofilms.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalScience·DateMay 19, 2017

Predicting influenza outbreaks faster with a digitally-empowered wearable device

A new study in American Journal of Public Health predicts seasonal influenza outbreaks one month earlier than before using a Thermia online health educational tool and iThermonitor wearable device. Data collected from 45,000 users revealed real-time detection of 'influenza-like illnesses', improving disease surveillance.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMay 19, 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.

Iron deficiency restrains marine microbes

Marine microorganisms rely on iron to recycle dead matter and release nutrients such as phosphorus. This process is crucial in the tropical North Atlantic, where nitrogen limitation may be replaced by phosphorus limitation, influenced by human activities.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 19, 2017

Nutritional properties of mushrooms are better when grilled or microwaved

Grilled and microwaved cooking methods are best for preserving the nutritional properties of mushrooms. Microwaving and grilling improve the antioxidant activity of cooked mushrooms compared to boiling and frying. Grilling also offers additional benefits, including enhanced polyphenol content.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition·DateMay 19, 2017

Scientists identify two new proteins connected to plant development

Researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife Research have discovered two new proteins, RICE1 and RICE2, that play a crucial role in regulating plant structure and resisting crop stresses like drought. The study sheds light on the mechanism of RNA silencing, which can be used to help plants overcome environmental challenges.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·DateMay 19, 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.

Epigenetics takes center stage with this year's Addiction Science Awards

This year's Addiction Science Awards honored students using epigenetics to study the health dangers of hookah smoke and identified genetic and environmental factors that could signify a predisposition to addiction. The awards, coordinated by NIDA, recognized high-quality projects related to addiction science from around the world.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·DateMay 19, 2017

Portland State virus study receives major NASA grant

A recent $540,000 NASA grant will fund a team of researchers at Portland State University to study the nature of a hybrid virus discovered by Ken Stedman in a hot spring. The study aims to shed light on the evolutionary history of viruses and their ability to adapt and infect hosts.

SourcePortland State University·DateMay 19, 2017

SAEM 2017: Best practices in EMS oversight needed to improve pre-hospital care

Michigan Medicine researchers explored best practices in EMS oversight to improve pre-hospital care. They identified seven key factors for high-quality EMS oversight: competition and collaboration, leadership, organizational structure, quality improvement culture and practice, relationships and communication, resources, and community-s...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateMay 19, 2017

Hypertension in young adults shows long-term heart risks

Researchers found that young individuals with isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular problems. The study, which examined 2,001 participants in the Dallas Heart Study, suggests treating ISH patients sooner rather than later to prevent future damage.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalHYPERTENSION·DateMay 19, 2017

A muffin a day might just keep the doctor away

Researchers developed a 'good heart' muffin to help reduce the risk of heart disease through soluble fibre, meeting food standard guidelines for cholesterol-lowering properties. The muffins contain three grams of beta glucans, a healthy ingredient found in oats and cereals.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·DateMay 19, 2017
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.

New hope for slow-healing wounds

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have developed light-inducible microRNA inhibitors that can target specific genes involved in slow-healing wounds. By injecting these inhibitors into the skin of mice, they were able to improve wound healing by blocking a particular microRNA that is frequently found in diabetes patients.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 19, 2017

Blood discovery could benefit preemies, help end platelet shortages

Researchers at UVA School of Medicine have identified a 'master switch' that controls platelet production in the bone marrow, offering new hope for treating platelet shortages and neonatal thrombocytopenia. The discovery may lead to the development of new treatments using existing compounds with improved efficacy and reduced side effects.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 19, 2017

Fueling the future

A study published in Energy & Environmental Science found that second-generation biofuels made from managed trees and perennial grasses may provide a sustainable fuel resource. The research demonstrated an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions relative to petroleum diesel.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateMay 19, 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.

CPRIT grant brings personalized-modeling expert to Rice

B.J. Fregly, a mechanical engineering researcher, will work with oncologists at Rice University to optimize pelvic surgery outcomes using personalized computer models. The goal is to predict surgical outcomes and improve recovery times for cancer patients undergoing difficult pelvic surgeries.

SourceRice University·DateMay 18, 2017

Region in brain found to be associated with fear of uncertain future

A study published by the American Psychological Association found that individuals with a larger striatum in their brain may struggle with uncertainty, leading to anxiety disorders. The research suggests a relationship between an individual's ability to cope with uncertainty and the volume of gray matter within the brain.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalEmotion·DateMay 18, 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.

Gene study sheds light on causes of childhood sight loss

A genetic mutation contributing to childhood blindness has been identified in patients with ocular coloboma, a condition resulting in part of the eye being missing at birth. The study revealed mutations in 10 genes linked to actin activity, affecting eye development.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalHuman Mutation·DateMay 18, 2017

Warm-bloodedness possibly much older than previously thought

Researchers from the Universities of Cape Town and Bonn suggest that warm-bloodedness may have originated 20-30 million years ago in land animals. This is based on analysis of long-extinct animal fossils, which show signs of fibrolamellar bone structure indicative of warm-bloodedness.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalComptes Rendus Palevol·DateMay 18, 2017

Zinc effects on common cold duration illustrate problems of routine statistical analyses

Two randomized trials found that zinc lozenges reduced common cold duration by an average of 4.0 days and 1.77 days, but applying these effects to placebo groups resulted in impossible durations when using absolute scales. In contrast, percentage effects of 43% and 25% were realistic and more informative for communicating findings.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalBMC Medical Research Methodology·DateMay 18, 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.

Deconstructing osmosis provides insight for medical and industrial use

Researchers have developed a new framework to study osmosis and diffusio-osmotic flow, which can accurately predict behavior in various industrial and medical applications. The findings provide a unified approach to understanding these phenomena, enabling the estimation of effects on liquid transport across nano-porous membranes.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateMay 18, 2017

In a neutron-rich tin nucleus, electromagnetism can win over the strong force

Scientists have observed a surprising competition between electromagnetic and neutron decay modes in a tin-133 nucleus. The discovery suggests that nuclear structure effects play a more significant role than previously thought, potentially altering our understanding of nuclear synthesis and the creation of heavy elements.

SourceRIKEN·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 18, 2017