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Science News Archive May 2017 - Page 34


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.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalScience Immunology·DateMay 5, 2017

Scientists track porpoises to assess impact of offshore wind farms

Researchers used underwater microphones to detect and map harbor porpoise habits in the Maryland Wind Energy Area. They found that porpoises occur significantly more frequently during January to May and forage for food in the evenings.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 5, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateMay 5, 2017

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateMay 5, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience·DateMay 5, 2017

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.

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMay 5, 2017

Antarctic study shows central ice sheet is stable since milder times

Researchers find that parts of Antarctica's ice sheet have remained stable for millions of years, despite recent warming. The discovery helps scientists refine predictions of the region's response to climate change and potential contribution to sea level rise.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateMay 5, 2017

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 5, 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.

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.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalCell·DateMay 5, 2017

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.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCell·DateMay 5, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·DateMay 5, 2017
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

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.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 5, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·DateMay 5, 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.

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.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMay 5, 2017

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.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateMay 5, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 5, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateMay 5, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalCommunication Research·DateMay 5, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateMay 5, 2017

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.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 5, 2017

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.

SourceAarhus University·JournalMolecular Plant·DateMay 5, 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.

In home healthcare, not speaking patients' native language negatively affect care outcomes

A recent study by NYU and the Visiting Nurse Service of New York found that only 18.1% of RN visits and 26.7% of PT visits with LEP patients were language concordant, pointing to a lack of understanding of the language capacity of the US healthcare workforce. This highlights the need for more research on this subject and the implementa...

SourceNew York University·JournalHome Health Care Management & Practice·DateMay 4, 2017

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.

SourceEuropean Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMay 4, 2017

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.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMay 4, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 4, 2017

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.

SourceWiley·JournalEuropean Journal of Heart Failure·DateMay 4, 2017
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.

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.

SourceNew York University·JournalTerra Nova·DateMay 4, 2017

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.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNano Energy·DateMay 4, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMay 4, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalGlobal Food Security·DateMay 4, 2017

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...

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateMay 4, 2017

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.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateMay 4, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAlgal Research·DateMay 4, 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.

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.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Integrated Pest Management·DateMay 4, 2017

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.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateMay 4, 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.

NCAR to develop advanced wind and solar energy forecasting system for Kuwait

NCAR will develop a three-year project to provide detailed forecasts of wind and solar irradiance at Kuwait's 2-gigawatt Shagaya renewable energy plant. This technology will help Kuwait reach its goal of generating 15% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·DateMay 4, 2017

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMay 4, 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.

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.

SourceSwansea University·DateMay 4, 2017

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.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateMay 4, 2017

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.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 4, 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.