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Science News Archive May 2017 - Page 35


Page 35 of 42

The genetic history of Bantu speakers and their relationship to African-Americans

Researchers analyzed 548,055 single nucleotide polymorphisms to model Bantu-speaking peoples' migration paths and gene variations. They found that BSPs acquired adaptive genes from other African populations, including immune-related genes, and retained western RHG ancestry in modern African Americans.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 4, 2017

Atlases of immune cells surrounding tumors may guide immunotherapy

Researchers have created detailed atlases of immune cells surrounding human tumors, revealing unique profiles that can estimate cancer prognosis and identify potential targets for early immunotherapy. The findings have the potential to inspire new precision immunotherapy clinical trials.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateMay 4, 2017

Novel tool confers targeted, stable editing of epigenome in human stem cells

Researchers have developed a novel technology to correct disease-causing aberrations in the chemical tags on DNA that affect gene expression. The tool uses DNA methylation editing to model mutations associated with colon cancer and restore proper methylation patterns in stem cells derived from patients with Angelman syndrome.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateMay 4, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists engineer baker's yeast to produce penicillin molecules

Researchers at Imperial College London have successfully engineered baker's yeast to produce penicillin molecules, demonstrating the effectiveness of synthetic biology in discovering new antibiotics. The study could lead to the development of novel antibiotics and anti-inflammatories using re-engineered yeast cells.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 4, 2017

NASA-funded sounding rocket will take 1,500 images of sun in 5 minutes

The RAISE mission will take 1,500 images of the sun's surface in just five minutes, providing high-cadence observations of its dynamic processes. By analyzing these images, scientists can study solar flares and massive eruptions, gaining insights into the sun's complex magnetic activity.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 4, 2017

Sugar-sweetened beverages becoming more affordable around the world

A new study by the American Cancer Society finds that sugar-sweetened beverages have become more affordable in nearly every country, with real prices dropping in 56 of 82 countries. This increase in affordability is expected to drive increased consumption and hinder efforts to address the obesity epidemic.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalPreventing Chronic Disease·DateMay 4, 2017

The digitization of medical knowledge

A study published in PLOS ONE found that tablet-based, multimedia-enhanced training significantly improved internal medicine exam performance. The integrated program combined theoretical training with clinical practice, utilizing digital media and learning materials to enhance knowledge acquisition.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 4, 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.

Bravery may cost fish their lives

A study by Lund University found that bold common roaches, known for their bravery, are twice as likely to be eaten by cormorants. Shyer individuals, on the other hand, survive to a greater extent in the wild. The researchers' focus on behavioral traits rather than morphology provides new insights into predator-prey interactions.

SourceLund University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 4, 2017

ESTRO announces GIRO: A project to save one million lives in under 20 years

The European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) has launched the Global Impact of Radiation in Oncology (GIRO) partnership to improve radiotherapy access worldwide. The project aims to save one million lives by 2035 by addressing barriers to provision and raising awareness among healthcare professionals and patients.

SourceEuropean Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO)·DateMay 4, 2017

Swearing aloud can make you stronger

Research by Dr Richard Stephens found that swearing aloud improves anaerobic power and isometric handgrip strength in participants. The study suggests that swearing stimulates the body's sympathetic nervous system, but further investigation is needed to understand its effects.

SourceBritish Psychological Society·DateMay 4, 2017

Zika virus could cost United States billions of dollars

Researchers estimate Zika's economic burden in the US, ranging from $183 million to over $1.2 billion depending on infection rates. The virus can lead to serious health issues like Guillain-Barré Syndrome and birth defects.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMay 4, 2017

Discovery of a Zika antibody offers hope for a vaccine

A research team at Rockefeller University has identified a potent new weapon against the Zika virus: Z004, an antibody that neutralizes the virus and could be used to create a vaccine. The discovery was made by analyzing blood samples from people who had been infected with the virus.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalCell·DateMay 4, 2017
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Hand osteoarthritis is a common condition

A new study estimates that nearly half of the population will develop hand osteoarthritis, affecting hand strength and function. Individuals with obesity are at a significantly increased risk, highlighting the need for public health and clinical interventions to address this common condition.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateMay 4, 2017

3-D printers open new design space for wireless devices

Duke researchers have created 3D-printed electromagnetic metamaterials with potential to revolutionize the design and prototyping of radio frequency applications. The use of a highly conductive material, Electrifi, enables rapid construction of complex devices and accelerates the design process.

SourceDuke University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 4, 2017
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.

For people with Down syndrome, varying test results can make it harder to get the right vision prescription

A study found that people with Down syndrome experienced nearly three times greater variability in autorefractor testing compared to a control group. This increased variability can lead to incorrect vision prescriptions and reduced chances of reaching the best possible refraction for those with Down syndrome.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalOptometry and Vision Science·DateMay 4, 2017

Parkinson: Weight gain after deep brain stimulation

Researchers at SISSA discovered that weight gain after deep brain stimulation is associated with an increased desire for food and level of impulsiveness. The study also found a link between the duration of Parkinson's disease and reduced pharmacological treatment, highlighting potential preventative measures.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalCortex·DateMay 4, 2017

Study: Models that forecast impact of government spending are easily manipulated

Researchers at North Carolina State University and Indiana University found that widely used government spending models can be rigged using assumptions to control forecasts. They developed an impartial version of the model, which suggests every dollar of increased government spending results in more than a dollar's worth of GDP growth.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateMay 4, 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.

Can the antioxidant resveratrol reduce artery stiffness in diabetics?

Researchers found that resveratrol supplementation reduced aortic stiffness by up to 9.1 percent in patients with high arterial stiffness, but the effect was not significant in those with normal aortic stiffness. Resveratrol may activate the longevity gene SIRT1 as a potential mechanism for its effects.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMay 4, 2017

The liver increases by half during the day

In a study published in Cell, researchers found that liver size in mice increases by almost half before returning to its initial dimensions. The fluctuations are influenced by the rhythm of food intake and physical activity. The discovery sheds light on how our circadian clock affects liver function.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCell·DateMay 4, 2017

Deadly nanoparcel for cancer cells

Scientists develop a hybrid nanomaterial that releases a free-radical-generating prodrug inside tumor cells, destroying them even in oxygen-depleted conditions. The material damages cells by a ROS-type radical mechanism without the need for oxygen.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 4, 2017

Snow in Hawai'i: What does the future hold?

A regional climate model predicts that future Hawaiian snowfalls will decrease dramatically, with average winter snowfall expected to be ten times less than present day amounts by the end of the century. The study provides insights into the benefits of model downscaling and highlights the need for monitoring climate change in the region.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·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.

Scientists reveal how epigenetic changes in DNA are interpreted

A new study from Karolinska Institutet reveals that certain 'master' regulatory proteins can activate normally inactive genome regions due to epigenetic changes, leading to embryonic development and cancer. The findings contribute to a better understanding of gene regulation and its role in diseases.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience·DateMay 4, 2017

Good vibrations no longer needed for speakers as research encourages graphene to talk

Researchers from the University of Exeter have developed a method to use graphene to generate complex and controllable sound signals, opening up new possibilities for audio-visual technologies. The technique involves heating and cooling graphene using an alternating electric current, generating sound waves without physical movement.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 4, 2017

Queen's research shows illegal levels of arsenic found in baby foods

A recent study by Queen's University Belfast found that 50% of baby rice food products contain illegal levels of inorganic arsenic, a known carcinogen. The research highlights the vulnerability of babies to arsenic exposure and its potential long-term health consequences.

SourceQueen's University Belfast·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 4, 2017
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Climate change, tornadoes and mobile homes: A dangerous mix

A new study by Michigan State University researchers found that climate change will increase the annual impact of tornadoes on mobile homes, with a predicted threefold rise over the next few decades. The study highlights the vulnerability of mobile home residents to tornado-related fatalities and recommends policy changes to reduce risk.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalRegional Science and Urban Economics·DateMay 4, 2017

Advanced prostate cancer treatment failure due to cell reprogramming

Researchers discovered that tumor cells in patients with advanced prostate cancer are reprogrammed, reducing response to anti-androgen therapy and creating more aggressive tumors. SOX11 acts as a key regulator in this process, which may be targeted for new treatments.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalCancer Discovery·DateMay 4, 2017

Circadian clock changes can alter body's response to diet

Researchers discovered that changing the circadian clock in mouse liver alters how the body responds to diet and changes the microbes living in the digestive tract. The study found that mice lacking a specific gene in their liver had different gut microbiomes and responded differently to weight loss diets.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateMay 4, 2017
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.

Biomarker test for ALS useful in diagnosing canine neurodegenerative disease

MU researchers have found a biomarker test that helps diagnose ALS also assists with determining a diagnosis for degenerative myelopathy. The study used phosphorylated neurofilament heavy proteins released into spinal fluid and blood to develop the diagnostic tool.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Veterinary Internal Medicine·DateMay 4, 2017

Alcohol marketing in popular movies doubles in past 2 decades

A new study found that alcohol brand placements in popular movies nearly doubled over the past two decades, especially in movies rated for children. Alcohol brands were shown in 44% of all movies and characters drinking was portrayed in 87% of all movies, with child-rated movies showing a high frequency of brand placements.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·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.

Unlocking the barrier

A recent study from Harvard Medical School revealed the surprising role of omega-3 fatty acids in maintaining the blood-brain barrier's impermeable nature. By suppressing transcytosis, these essential fatty acids inhibit the formation of caveolae, a type of vesicle that facilitates molecule transport across cells.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNeuron·DateMay 4, 2017

Scientists use satellites to count endangered birds from space

Researchers can now count individual birds on remote islands using high-resolution satellite images, allowing for more accurate monitoring of endangered albatross populations. This innovative method is a significant step forward in tracking these iconic birds, which breed in some of the world's most inaccessible locations.

SourceWiley·JournalIbis·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.

The first one bit chemical memory unit: The 'chit'

Researchers at the Institute of Physical Chemistry of Poland create a working memory based on chemical phenomena using Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction. The system stores two logic states in triplets of adjoining droplets, allowing for permanent data storage.

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

Teasing apart the effects of higher mutation load on fitness

A new study analyzing human and fruit fly genomes reveals that higher mutation loads lead to increased declines in relative fitness due to synergistic epistasis. The research helps explain why sex and genetic recombination are advantageous, and provides insights into the processes driving these effects.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 4, 2017

Reasons for eczema susceptibility uncovered

Researchers at Newcastle University have identified the key role of filaggrin in triggering eczema by creating a human model system that mimics the skin condition. This discovery provides new understanding of the mechanisms involved and suggests targets for future drug development.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateMay 4, 2017

Study finds exposure to racism harms children's health

Research at Pediatric Academic Societies 2017 Meeting reveals racism harms children's health, with exposure tied to ADHD, anxiety and depression, as well as decreased general health. Low-income, minority children particularly affected.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateMay 4, 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.

Kentucky study highlights harms from disruptions in children's Medicaid coverage

A Kentucky study highlights the harms from disruptions in children's Medicaid coverage, finding that children who lose coverage for at least 45 days are more than three times more likely to visit an emergency department and nearly five times more likely to have unmet health care needs compared to those with continuous coverage.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateMay 4, 2017

Handheld screen time linked with speech delays in young children

Research presented at the 2017 Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting suggests that handheld screen time use is associated with increased risk of expressive language delay in infants. Children under 2 years old who spend more time playing with smartphones, tablets, and other handheld screens are more likely to begin talking later.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·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.

Decades of data on world's oceans reveal a troubling oxygen decline

A new analysis of decades-long ocean data reveals a troubling oxygen decline, with oxygen levels dropping in the 1980s as temperatures rose. The rate of global oxygen loss exceeds natural variability, impacting marine habitats and leading to frequent 'hypoxic events' that kill or displace fish populations.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 4, 2017

KAIST team identifies the novel molecular signal for triggering septic shock

The KAIST team discovered a new molecular signal triggered by IPMK enzyme in mediating innate immune response to sepsis. This finding suggests a potential therapeutic target for treating serious medical conditions like neuroinflammation and polymicrobial sepsis.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 4, 2017

Large data set brings precision to breast cancer diagnosis and care

A large data set has revealed genetic variations that are more common in black women with breast cancer, which could lead to more personalized risk assessments and improved treatment outcomes. The study also found that black women were more likely to develop aggressive breast cancer subtypes.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateMay 4, 2017

Treatment seeks to address exacerbations of COPD

A new study investigates the use of oxygen therapy via high-flow nasal tubes in patients with COPD experiencing exacerbations. The short-term trial found lower retained carbon dioxide levels compared to standard oxygen therapy, suggesting a potential benefit.

SourceWiley·JournalRespirology·DateMay 4, 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.

Type 2 diabetes genetic mapping identifies new 'loci'

Researchers have identified 111 new chromosome locations associated with type 2 diabetes susceptibility in a large-scale study. The new loci were found to regulate the expression of at least 266 genes that neighbour the disease sites.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMay 4, 2017