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Science News Archive May 2017 - Page 5


Page 5 of 42

AHCA could jeopardize health coverage for young adults, study suggests

A recent study led by Boston Children's Hospital suggests that repealing the individual mandate in AHCA could undermine dependent coverage for young adults. Without an individual mandate, more young adults may lose health insurance and struggle to maintain coverage as they transition into adulthood.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalHealth Services Research·DateMay 30, 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.

New plasmonic sensor improves early cancer detection

A new plasmonic sensor developed by researchers at the University of Illinois has been proven reliable to detect biomarkers for many forms of cancer, including lung and prostate cancers. The device uses a combination of plasmonic sensing and optical cavity properties to detect lower concentrations of biomarkers.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateMay 30, 2017

Fowl-mouthed study finds that diet shaped duck, goose beaks

A new study reveals that the main evolutionary force driving the shape of duck, goose, and other waterfowl beaks is their diet. The research, which analyzed the 3-D form of over 136 specimens of waterfowl, found a strong correlation between dietary preferences and beak shape.

SourceBrown University·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateMay 30, 2017

Subduing the rebellion: Unmasking rogue cells in the immune system

Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology researchers identified JunB as a key target to selectively disable toxic T Helper 17 cells, reducing the risk of auto-immune diseases. By inhibiting JunB, these cells can still accumulate in the gut and respond to infections without turning rogue.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 30, 2017

Heavy particles get caught up in the flow

Nuclear physicists at Brookhaven National Laboratory's STAR detector have revealed new details about the fundamental particles that make up our world. They found more heavy particles emerging from the fat part of a collision, indicating that heavy particles get caught up in the flow of quark-gluon plasma.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 30, 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.

Identifying species from a single caviar egg

A new tool enables identification of high-end caviar from Beluga sturgeons by analyzing DNA from a single caviar egg, contributing to conservation and fair international trade. The development helps distinguish Beluga caviar from Bester and other species using targeted genetic variants.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 30, 2017

Blocking cancer-specific mutations in leukemia and brain tumors

Researchers at German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) found a substance that blocks cancer-promoting metabolic products in leukemia and brain tumors. The investigational compound BAY1436032 is effective against AML and glioblastomas, reducing stem-cell properties and tumor cell growth.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalActa Neuropathologica·DateMay 30, 2017

Biologists find missing link for the 'safe' signal in plants

Plant biologists at Utrecht University have discovered how the plant metabolises jasmonic acid, issuing the signal 'safe'. The discovery of four related enzymes that break down jasmonic acid reveals a crucial mechanism for controlling its levels.

SourceUtrecht University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 30, 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.

LGBQQ college students face barriers to campus mental health services, study finds

A RAND Corporation study found that LGBQQ college students are more likely to seek off-campus mental health services due to concerns over confidentiality and uncertainty about on-campus eligibility. Despite this, they experience higher rates of psychological distress, academic impairment, and stress compared to their heterosexual peers.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateMay 30, 2017

Diabetes linked to bacteria invading the colon, study finds

Researchers found that people with type 2 diabetes have bacteria that penetrate the mucus lining of their colon, leading to insulin resistance and abnormal blood glucose levels. The study's results provide a new understanding of how metabolic diseases like diabetes develop.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateMay 30, 2017

Death by volcano?

A team of scientists found that massive volcanic eruptions may have caused the end-Ordovician extinction, which wiped out 85% of marine animal species. The eruptions released sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide, interacting in complex ways to affect the climate.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalGeology·DateMay 29, 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.

Quest for drought-resistant chickpea could benefit poor farmers

Scientists are developing chickpea varieties that can thrive in arid conditions, aiming to improve yields from 1.5 tonnes to 5 tonnes per hectare. The research uses low-cost imaging and computing techniques to identify resilient traits and develop algorithms for breeding high-performance varieties.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·DateMay 29, 2017

Remembrance of things past -- bacterial memory of gut inflammation

Researchers at the Wyss Institute have developed a bacterial sensor that retains long-term memory of gut inflammation, detecting tetrathionate up to six months after administration in a mouse model. This innovation could lead to non-invasive diagnosis and monitoring of conditions like IBD using probiotics.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMay 29, 2017

Engines fire without smoke

A team of researchers at KAUST has created a computational model to simulate soot production in gasoline engines, allowing car makers to test potential changes to reduce emissions. By analyzing the chemical reactions involved in soot formation, the model can help manufacturers optimize engine design and improve fuel efficiency.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalCombustion and Flame·DateMay 29, 2017

Legalizing marijuana will harm health of youth in Canada

The Canadian Medical Association Journal argues that marijuana legalization will jeopardize young people's health due to its toxic effects on brain development. The journal calls for restrictions on potency and quantity to minimize risk, citing evidence that the human brain continues to mature until age 25.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 29, 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.

CRISPR gene editing can cause hundreds of unintended mutations

A new study found that CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing can cause hundreds of unintended mutations, including single nucleotide changes and deletions in non-coding regions. The researchers emphasize the importance of using whole genome sequencing to detect off-target effects and encourage others to use this method for safer editing.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Methods·DateMay 29, 2017

HIV: A therapeutic advance for resource-limited settings

The study found dual therapy with lamivudine and a boosted protease inhibitor to be effective as second-line treatment in patients infected by HIV with multiple mutations. The combination resulted in lower rates of treatment failure, increased CD4 cell count, and better tolerability compared to monotherapy.

SourceANRS·JournalThe Lancet HIV·DateMay 29, 2017

Connecting the dots between dreams and brain disease

A recent study by Dr. John Peever has found a link between REM sleep disorders and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's Disease and Lewy bodies dementia. The research suggests that sleep disorders may be an early warning sign for these conditions, which can appear up to 15 years later.

SourceCanadian Association for Neuroscience·DateMay 29, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A new spin on electronics

Researchers at University of Utah have discovered that organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites possess contradictory properties necessary to make spintronic devices work, enabling exponentially more data processing and overcoming size limitations in traditional electronics.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Physics·DateMay 29, 2017

Graphene and quantum dots put in motion a CMOS-integrated camera that can see the invisible

Researchers at ICFO have developed a graphene-QD CMOS image sensor that can capture visible and infrared light simultaneously. This breakthrough technology enables applications such as night vision, food inspection, fire control, and environmental monitoring, while also reducing production costs and enabling mass-market production.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Photonics·DateMay 29, 2017

Healing wounds with cell therapy

Researchers at the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre discovered a way to modify white blood cells to accelerate cutaneous healing. The treatment uses a special protein called MFG-E8 to control macrophage behavior, promoting anti-inflammatory and pro-reparatory reactions.

SourceUniversity of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM)·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateMay 29, 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.

New discovery: Cormorants can hear under water

Researchers at the University of Southern Denmark have found that cormorants can detect sounds under water, which may help protect these birds from man-made noise pollution. This new ability is comparable to that of seals and whales, and could also benefit other aquatic bird species.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalThe Science of Nature·DateMay 29, 2017

Keep your balance -- even in old age

The 'Keep Control' project aims to improve understanding and diagnosis of balance and gait deficits in older adults, with a focus on developing innovative treatment options. The initiative, coordinated by Kiel University, brings together experts from Europe to enhance diagnosis and therapy for fall-prone individuals.

SourceKiel University·DateMay 29, 2017

New antibiotic packs a punch against bacterial resistance

Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have discovered a way to make vancomycin, an existing antibiotic, even more potent by adding three independent mechanisms of action. This new version has a 1,000-fold increase in activity against bacteria, making it a promising alternative to combat antibiotic-resistant infections.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 2017

Biologics before triple therapy not cost effective for rheumatoid arthritis

The study suggests that patients with rheumatoid arthritis should use a combination of drugs known as triple therapy instead of biologic therapy, due to the high costs involved. The analysis found that triple therapy is as effective as switching directly to biologics, but at a significantly lower cost.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 29, 2017

Wake-promoting compound validated

Researchers have successfully developed a non-peptide compound that promotes wakefulness and remedies narcoleptic symptoms in mouse models. The compound, YNT-185, penetrates the blood-brain barrier and induces significant wakefulness without desensitization or sleep rebounds.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 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.

Cells pumping iron to prevent anemia

Researchers at Kyoto University identified a key gene that regulates iron uptake, revealing a functional defect in the duodenum and potentially leading to new treatment methods for anemia. The study found that Regnase-1 degrades iron-controlling genes, such as TfR1, which can help prevent debilitating disorders like hemochromatosis.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 29, 2017

Novel method to study quantum fluctuations in exotic phases of matter

Researchers at Osaka University have discovered a clear connection between quantum fluctuations and the effective charge of current-carrying particles in exotic phase transitions. This breakthrough provides insight into quantum phase transitions, potentially unlocking applications in superconductivity and other areas.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 29, 2017

Model for 2-D materials based RRAM found

Researchers at Lanzalab developed a compact model to describe the functioning of RRAM devices using graphene/h-BN/graphene van der Waals structures. The model accurately predicts the device's behavior and explains dispersion in cycle-to-cycle data, enabling simulation and mass production.

SourceLanzalab·Journal2D Materials·DateMay 29, 2017

Hotspots show that vegetation alters climate by up to 30 percent

A new study reveals that vegetation can alter climate and weather patterns by up to 30 percent. The researchers found substantial feedback loops in semi-arid regions, where vegetation growth enhances heat transfer and increases cloudiness, affecting surface radiation.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 29, 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.

Toward an HIV cure: Pitt team develops test to detect hidden virus

Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a test sensitive enough to detect 'hidden' HIV, which reveals that people who appear cured may still carry a larger virus reservoir than previously estimated. The test, called TZA, is faster, less labor-intensive and less expensive than existing tests.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 29, 2017

A network of crystals for long-distance quantum communication

Scientists demonstrate novel protocol using crystals to emit and store quantum light for extended distances, paving the way for a future quantum repeater. This breakthrough enables secure communication over longer ranges by harnessing the properties of quantum superposition.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 29, 2017

New species of frog from the Neotropics carries its heart on its skin

A new species of frog has been discovered in the Neotropics, featuring transparent skin that allows its heart to be visible. The species, Hyalinobatrachium yaku, is characterized by dark green spots on its head and body, and a unique call. Its distribution is uncertain due to its small size and habitat destruction.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateMay 29, 2017

Neurons can learn temporal patterns

A study at Lund University reveals individual neurons can learn precise timed intervals, expanding the brain's learning capabilities and potential applications in AI research. This breakthrough may also shed light on autism, ADHD, and language disorders in children.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 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.

Squeezing every drop of fresh water from waste brine

A team of engineers at UCR has created a self-heating carbon nanotube-based membrane that can recover nearly 100% of the water from highly concentrated salt solutions, alleviating water shortages in arid regions. The new system also prevents degradation of the carbon nanotubes in saline environments.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 29, 2017

Previously, on Arctic warming

Scientists from Kyoto University and UC San Diego discovered that early 20th century sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific and North Atlantic warmed more than previously thought. The researchers found that rising Pacific-Atlantic temperatures were the major driver of rapid Arctic warming during this period.

SourceKyoto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 2017

Climate change can alter the impact of forest pathogens in trees

A new study from the University of Helsinki suggests that climate change may increase the damage caused by a naturally circulating fungal disease in Norway spruce trees. The researchers found that future climate changes can alter the impact of forest pathogens, highlighting the need for further research on this topic.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateMay 29, 2017

Some heart attack patients may not benefit from beta blockers

A study by University of Leeds researchers found that heart attack patients without heart failure did not live longer with beta blockers, but were still prescribed the medication at a rate of 95%. The findings raise concerns about unnecessary medication costs and the need for further research.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 29, 2017

Vision keeps maturing until mid-life

The visual cortex develops until late 30s or early 40s, contradicting previous expectations that it matures in first few years of life. This discovery extends the timeline by 4.5 years, challenging current understanding of brain function and sensory areas development.

SourceMcMaster University·DateMay 29, 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.

First Nations, Inuit babies hospitalized more often in first year of life

First Nations and Inuit babies were hospitalized at twice the rate of non-Indigenous infants for preventable illnesses like respiratory diseases and infections. This disparity highlights substantial unmet needs in Indigenous infant disease prevention and medical care.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 29, 2017

Detailed view of a molecular toxin transporter

Researchers from ETH Zurich have defined the three-dimensional structure of ABCG2, a human multi-drug transporter. The protein recognizes and transports over 200 substances, including toxins and medications, making it a double-edged sword in cancer treatment and drug development.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateMay 29, 2017

How self-regulation can help young people overcome setbacks

A recent study found that self-regulation skills are a significant predictor of resilience in young people at risk of social exclusion. Helping these students acquire self-regulation skills, such as setting goals and coping with adversity, can equip them to do better in school and life.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMay 29, 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.

Quantum states reveal themselves with measurable 'fingerprint'

Researchers have discovered that all entangled states of two particles have a unique classical fingerprint. This breakthrough enables the certification of quantum computers and encryption devices, ensuring their authenticity. The discovery uses a simple set of measurements to act as an identity check for any two-particle entangled state.

SourceCentre for Quantum Technologies at the National University of Singapore·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 29, 2017

High-fat diet alters reward system in rats

A high-fat diet from childhood may increase sensitivity to dopamine later in adulthood, leading to increased reward-seeking behavior. The study found that male rats exhibited increased locomotor activity and dopamine cell activity after a high-fat diet exposure.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateMay 29, 2017

Historical rainfall levels are significant in carbon emissions from soil

Researchers found that soil microbes respond differently to shifts in moisture, with those from wetter areas respiring twice as much carbon to the atmosphere. This discovery suggests historical rainfall levels can impact climate modeling, improving predictions of local or regional differences in soil respiration and climate history.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 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.

The immune system promotes spontaneous heart regeneration

Researchers at Osaka University found that the immune system promotes spontaneous heart regeneration after myocarditis. Cardiomyocytes can proliferate under specific conditions, such as inflammation, and this process is mediated by factors like STAT3 and interleukin 11.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 29, 2017

New genomic analysis promises benefit in female urinary incontinence

Researchers identified a risk locus for urinary incontinence near the endothelin gene, which is involved in bladder contraction. The study suggests that drugs targeting this pathway may help alleviate symptoms, offering new hope for women suffering from stress and isolated urgency incontinence.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Genetics·DateMay 28, 2017