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Science News Archive May 2017 - Page 37


Page 37 of 42

Novel treatment offers kidney failure patients with rare disorder new hope

A novel treatment has been successfully used to treat patients with a rare disorder that causes kidney failure, allowing targeted elimination of abnormal proteins and improving kidney function. The treatment, Daratumumab, targets plasma cell clones in the bone marrow, offering a new way to specifically treat the problem.

SourceIntermountain Medical Center·DateMay 3, 2017

Excessive DNA replication and its potential use against cancer

Researchers have discovered that excessive DNA replication can lead to cell malignancy but also offers a potential approach against cancer. By exploiting the cooperation of proteins CDC6 and CDT1, scientists aim to induce lethal DNA re-replication selectively in cancer cells.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 3, 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.

VISTA peeks through the Small Magellanic Cloud's dusty veil

The VISTA survey has imaged millions of stars in the Small Magellanic Cloud, revealing surprising results about star formation history and structure. Most SMC stars formed relatively recently, unlike those in larger galaxies.

SourceESO·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 3, 2017

Research sheds new light on 'world's oldest animal fossils'

The Weng'an Biota fossils, once thought to be among the world's oldest evidence of animal life, may actually belong to other groups like algae. Researchers have found that characteristics previously used to define animals are not unique to them, leaving room for alternative identifications.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of the Geological Society·DateMay 3, 2017

UK health spending needs to grow faster than GDP

New research suggests UK health spending must increase at a rate faster than GDP to meet growing demand for healthcare services. The J-value model, developed by Professor Philip Thomas, indicates that developed countries like France and Germany are already prioritizing health care as a fraction of their income.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNanotechnology Perceptions·DateMay 3, 2017

How calorie restriction may prolong life

A new review suggests calorie restriction prolongs life by increasing ketone bodies, which decrease malignancies and insulin resistance in mice. Calorie restriction also reduces muscular weakness and blood glucose levels, supporting the theory's potential longevity benefits.

SourceWiley·JournalIUBMB Life·DateMay 3, 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.

Tighter building controls needed to achieve government global warming targets

A UK study found that building modelling professionals often fail to predict a building's actual energy efficiency, leading to significant financial and environmental implications. The researchers attribute this to the 'modelling illiteracy' caused by separation from the construction process and lack of feedback.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalBuilding Services Engineering Research and Technology·DateMay 3, 2017

Operating smart devices from the space on and above the back of your hand

Scientists create an input system called WatchSense that tracks the movement of fingers on and above the back of the hand using a depth sensor. This allows for more expressive interactions with smartphones and smart TVs, and has been successfully tested in various scenarios, including virtual and augmented reality.

SourceSaarland University·DateMay 3, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Water-repellant material sheds like a snake when damaged (video)

Scientists have developed a water-repellent material that molts like a snake's skin when damaged, revealing another hydrophobic layer beneath. This material has the potential to be used in various applications such as rain gear, medical instruments and self-cleaning car windows.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalLangmuir·DateMay 3, 2017

Speech and language deficits in children with autism may not cause tantrums

Researchers studied 240 children with autism between 15-71 months old, finding that IQ, communication skills, and speech ability explained less than 3% of their tantrums. Children with clear speech and high intelligence had the same number of tantrums as those with lower speech skills.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities·DateMay 3, 2017

Compilation of research showcases latest advances in obesity treatment

The compilation presents state-of-the-art reviews on the pathogenesis, pathophysiology, and therapy of obesity, with a focus on the gastrointestinal tract. Key findings highlight the importance of diet composition, lifestyle interventions, and pharmacotherapy in weight management and metabolic health.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateMay 3, 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.

Lasers shed light on the inner workings of the giant larvacean

Giant larvaceans play a significant role in moving carbon from the upper to deep sea through their 'houses,' which filter tiny particles. Laser technology enables researchers to visualize chambers and passageways inside these structures, revealing higher filtration rates than previously estimated.

SourceMonterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 3, 2017

Fake news and filters aren't fooling internet users

A recent survey of 14,000 internet users in seven nations found that concerns about fake news undermining democratic processes are unwarranted. In fact, internet users use search to check facts and validity of information, and encounter diverse information across multiple media sources.

SourceMichigan State University·DateMay 3, 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.

New tool reflects black men's experiences of police-based discrimination

A new study develops a tool to catalog police and law enforcement interactions with black men, finding that discrimination is associated with depression symptoms. The Police and Law Enforcement Scale can help document bias and provide greater insight into how institutionalized racism shapes the health of people in black communities.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalCultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology·DateMay 3, 2017

Rub each other up the right way

Research by Sayuri Naruse and Dr Mark Moss from Northumbria University found that couples' physical and mental wellbeing improved after a three-week massage course. The study involved 38 participants who reported significant benefits to their wellbeing, stress coping, and relationship satisfaction.

SourceBritish Psychological Society·DateMay 3, 2017

Psychological benefits for kids when mums keep taking folic acid

Research by Ulster University found that mothers taking folic acid supplements throughout pregnancy had children with higher levels of emotional intelligence and resilience. The study also showed a correlation between the level of folic acid in mothers' blood and their child's resilience.

SourceBritish Psychological Society·DateMay 3, 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.

Study measures air pollution increase attributable to air conditioning

A new study published in Environmental Science & Technology shows that air conditioning increases air pollution by hundreds to thousands of metric tons, particularly sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and carbon dioxide, with a 3-4% increase per degree Celsius rise in temperature

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 3, 2017

Does my algorithm work? There's no shortcut for community detection

A new paper in Science Advances challenges the approach of using metadata to validate community detection algorithms, showing that this method introduces biases and limits algorithm diversity. Researchers propose two new statistical approaches to explore deeper patterns within network data.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 3, 2017

Daily stress can trigger uptick in illegal drug use for those on parole, probation

A recent study found that even small daily stressors increase illegal drug use among those on parole or probation who have a history of substance use. The researchers also discovered that treatment helps limit substance use over time, and that prevention programs may be more effective with consideration of treatment history.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPsychology of Addictive Behaviors·DateMay 3, 2017

First clear-cut risk genes for Tourette disorder revealed

A study has identified four brain-expressed genes as likely risk factors for Tourette disorder, including WWC1, FN1, CELSR3, and NIPBL. De novo variants in these genes were found to have a significant association with the disorder, suggesting a potential target for effective treatments.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNeuron·DateMay 3, 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.

Computers learn to understand humans better by modelling them

Researchers have developed a method that enables computers to infer psychologically plausible models of individuals from limited data, improving understanding of human behavior. This breakthrough could lead to more accurate predictions and adaptations in human-robot interaction and adaptive interfaces.

SourceAalto University·DateMay 3, 2017

Diving deep, WSU researchers find wealth of fish

A comprehensive study of mesophotic coral reefs on Hawaii island has revealed the presence of a diverse range of fish species, with many found nowhere else. The research highlights the importance of these deep reefs in conserving reef fish biodiversity and providing critical habitat for shallow reef fishes.

SourceWashington State University·JournalCoral Reefs·DateMay 3, 2017

'Princess pheromone' tells ants which larvae are destined to be queens

Researchers have identified a unique pheromone in Indian jumping ant larvae that signals which larvae are likely to become queens. The discovery reveals how the colony ensures proper caste differentiation and highlights the importance of pheromones in social insect behaviors.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateMay 3, 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.

How neurons and glia cells are created in the developing brain

Researchers find Lgl1 controls neural stem cell proliferation, producing neurons and glia cells in the developing cortex. The study reveals two mechanisms of Lgl1 function: one for embryonic development and another for postnatal brain growth.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNeuron·DateMay 3, 2017

Cost of Zika outbreak in the United States could be high

A computational analysis led by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researchers estimates that even a mild Zika outbreak in the US could result in $183 million in medical costs and productivity losses. A more severe outbreak could cost over $1 billion, with increased risks of birth defects and Guillain-Barré syndrome.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMay 3, 2017

Report: Even in death, indigenous border crossers marginalized

A new analysis reveals that people with indigenous backgrounds are less likely to be identified after death due to inadequate family involvement and trust issues with government institutions. Non-governmental organizations can serve as bridges between families and authorities to improve identification rates.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAmerican Anthropologist·DateMay 3, 2017

What roundworms can teach us about human growth

Researchers found that activating or deactivating a hormone in roundworms stimulates or stunts growth, mirroring human TRH regulation. This discovery offers new possibilities for research into human growth mechanisms.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 3, 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.

Study suggests genetic reason for impaired skilled movements

Researchers found that mice lacking Bax/Bak genes failed to develop sophisticated neural circuits, leading to impaired skilled movements. The study suggests testing individuals with motor development disabilities for mutant forms of the same genes.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNeuron·DateMay 3, 2017

Consumers warned about accuracy of heart rate apps

A study found substantial differences in accuracy between commercially available heart rate apps, with some apps performing up to 20 beats per minute off from the clinical gold standard. Non-contact apps performed less well than contact apps, particularly at higher heart rates and lower body temperatures.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateMay 3, 2017

Brain 'relay' also key to holding thoughts in mind

Studies in mice funded by NIH reveal thalamus sustains ability to distinguish categories and hold thoughts in mind. The structure boosts synchronous activity of PFC neurons to sustain memory of category, improving working memory performance.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 3, 2017

Death rate higher in women than men after discharge from emergency departments for heart arrhythmias

A study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology found that women with atrial fibrillation/flutter experienced higher death rates than men 30 and 90 days after discharge from emergency departments. The study analyzed data from 21,062 patients and identified differences in outcomes between male and female patients.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·DateMay 3, 2017

Keeping cool in the summer leads to increased air pollution

An analysis of 27 US states found that summer temperature increases lead to higher electricity-related emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon dioxide (CO2). States with more coal power plants, such as Ohio and Pennsylvania, released the most SO2 emissions.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 3, 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.

Biophysics: Conflict or coexistence

A team of biophysicists used experiment and mathematical theory to study the changing composition of a mixed bacterial population. They found that in some cases, a strain with a toxin can outcompete another strain, but this depends on various factors such as the environment and initial inoculum size. The results suggest a complex inter...

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 3, 2017

A speedy, sensitive, and low-cost detection test for Zika virus

A new detection test for Zika virus distinguishes between African and Asian strains, improving tracking efforts. The low-cost LAMP test is faster than current gold-standard methods, with minimal processing requirements.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 3, 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.

'Persistent photoconductivity' offers new tool for bioelectronics

Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a new method for manipulating cells using light, creating an effective tool for bioelectronics. Persistent photoconductivity allows the material to become more conductive when exposed to light, increasing surface charge and directing cells to adhere.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalSmall·DateMay 3, 2017

More than half of mental health NHS patients experience relapses

A new study found that 53% of NHS patients who recovered from depression and anxiety experienced relapses within a year after treatment. Patients with residual depression symptoms were twice as likely to relapse, highlighting the need for long-term monitoring and support.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalBehaviour Research and Therapy·DateMay 3, 2017

Research shows prejudice, not principle, often underpins 'free-speech defense' of racist language

Researchers at the University of Kansas conducted a study suggesting that explicit racial prejudice is a reliable predictor of the free speech defense of racist expression. The study found that people with high levels of prejudice were sensitive to their own freedom of expression and used the 'free speech' argument to justify their pre...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateMay 3, 2017

Turning chicken poop and weeds into biofuel

Researchers develop process to mix chicken droppings with Mexican sunflower to produce biogas, which can power generators and used as fertilizer. The method produces more than 3 kg of biogas from 8 kg of poultry waste and sunflowers, reducing environmental pollution.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnergy & Fuels·DateMay 3, 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.

Large trial of acupuncture for allergic asthma finds benefits in quality of life

A large randomized controlled trial found that acupuncture significantly improved the quality of life and physical and mental health of patients with allergic asthma. The study involved 1445 participants who received on average 15 acupuncture sessions over three months, with benefits maintained for up to six months.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateMay 3, 2017

Study looks at maternal smoking in pregnancy, severe mental illness in offspring

A population-based study found associations between maternal smoking and severe mental illness in offspring, but weakened when considering family-related factors. The study analyzed nearly 1.7 million people born in Sweden, suggesting that environmental influences shared by siblings may be more important than causal teratogenic effects.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMay 3, 2017

Do flies over-generalize memories like PTSD sufferers?

A study by Christian König and Ayse Yarali found that fruit flies generalize their memories of an electric shock to a range of similar scents, mirroring the behavior of PTSD sufferers. This ability can be beneficial but also detrimental if overgeneralized.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateMay 3, 2017

Recognizing food brands puts preschoolers at risk for obesity

A study by University of Michigan researchers found that preschoolers who recognize food brand logos are more likely to be overweight. The study showed that children with higher BMI percentiles recognized unhealthy foods like M&M's and Coca-Cola more often than healthy-weight peers.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalAppetite·DateMay 3, 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.

Parasitic fig wasp hypodermic egg injector sniffs out host larvae to lay eggs

A team of researchers has discovered that parasitic fig wasps use odour sensors to find their host larvae within the fruit. The study, published in Journal of Experimental Biology, found that the wasp's ovipositor can detect carbon dioxide and other gases emitted by developing larvae.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateMay 3, 2017