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Science News Archive May 2017 - Page 21


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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalJournal of Applied Biobehavioral Research·DateMay 16, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateMay 16, 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.

Penn Medicine hospitals receive $1.35 million from PA Department of Health to establish safe sleep program for infants

Penn Medicine's Pennsylvania Hospital and HUP receive a three-year grant to develop an innovative safe sleep program addressing newborn deaths in Philadelphia. The program aims to promote and evaluate safe sleep practices through nurse, parent, and community education, with the goal of reducing Sudden Unexpected Infant Death rates.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateMay 16, 2017

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 16, 2017

Study shows that cafes, restaurants and fast food outlets, and schools, are key sources of unhealthy, non-core foods for adolescents

A UK study found that cafes, restaurants, fast food outlets, and schools are significant sources of unhealthy non-core foods among adolescents. The study suggests that targeting specific environments, such as eateries and schools, rather than individuals, can be an effective strategy to reduce obesity rates.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·DateMay 16, 2017

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.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalmBio·DateMay 16, 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.

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.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 16, 2017

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.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateMay 16, 2017

Spread of tau protein measured in the brains of Alzheimer's patients

A study by Karolinska Institutet measures how tau deposits spread through the brain over time, revealing individual variations in size and speed of spread. Large amounts of tau can be linked to episodic memory impairment, improving understanding of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMay 16, 2017

Study shows regular physical activity and reduced sedentary time reduces build-up of dangerous liver fat

A new study published at the European Congress on Obesity found that regular physical activity and avoiding inactivity significantly reduce the build-up of dangerous liver fat. The researchers discovered that moving about more throughout the day, such as breaking up long periods of sitting, is a key factor in maintaining metabolic health.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·DateMay 16, 2017

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 16, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalBMC Public Health·DateMay 16, 2017

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.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalAntiviral Research·DateMay 16, 2017

Extreme weather has greater impact on nature than expected -- researchers launch roadmap

Researchers from Netherlands Institute of Ecology launch a new approach to studying extreme climatic events and their long-term impact on nature. The study highlights the difficulty in predicting consequences due to varying species responses, but also identifies key areas for future research.

SourceNetherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW)·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateMay 16, 2017
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.

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.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 16, 2017

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.

SourceOsaka University·DateMay 16, 2017

Loneliness in young adults linked to poor sleep quality

Researchers found a strong link between loneliness and poor sleep quality in a study of over 2,000 British young adults. Lonelier individuals were more likely to experience daytime dysfunction and disrupted sleep.

SourceKing's College London·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateMay 16, 2017
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.

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.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMay 16, 2017

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...

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 16, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateMay 16, 2017

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.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateMay 16, 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.

How to accurately assess use of new psychoactive drugs such as 'bath salts'

A new study found that nearly one out of ten participants who reported no 'bath salt' use as per the gate question then reported actual use of these substances. The researchers suggest that providing participants with the actual list of drugs initially may be associated with more accurate answers.

SourceNew York University·JournalThe American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse·DateMay 16, 2017

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.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 16, 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.

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.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMay 16, 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.

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.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalGeophysical Journal International·DateMay 16, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalStrategic Management Journal·DateMay 16, 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.

Complications from thyroid cancer surgery more common than believed, study finds

A large population-based study found that 6.5% of thyroid cancer patients experienced general post-operative complications, while 12% had complications specific to thyroid surgery within a year after their operation. Patients over 65 and those with more advanced thyroid cancer were at higher risk for these complications.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMay 16, 2017

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.

SourceElsevier·JournalIcarus·DateMay 16, 2017

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.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 16, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·DateMay 16, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 16, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateMay 16, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMay 16, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·DateMay 16, 2017

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.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 16, 2017

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 16, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 16, 2017

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.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateMay 16, 2017

Some mother cells kick DNA damage 'down the road' to offspring, CU study says

A CU Boulder study shows that some dividing human cells transmit low-level DNA damage to their daughters, causing them to enter a quiescent state previously thought to be random. The process is linked to the fate of daughter cells in subsequent cell cycles and has implications for cancer development and aging.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 16, 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.

Antibody biosensor offers unlimited point-of-care drug monitoring

Scientists at EPFL developed an antibody-linked biosensor that can track drug concentration in the blood by changing color, enabling patients to monitor their treatment levels at home. The biosensor can be adapted to detect virtually unlimited number of molecules.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 16, 2017

Study of 3.5 million people shows 'healthy' obese people are still at higher risk of cardiovascular disease events than the general population

A study of 3.5 million people found that 'metabolically healthy' obese individuals have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease events, including heart failure and stroke, compared to normal-weight individuals with no metabolic abnormalities. The study also showed that the risk of CVD events increases with the number of metabolic abnor...

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·DateMay 16, 2017