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Science News Archive November 2017


Page 1 of 42

Research uncovers new weed control options for strawberry growers

Researchers discovered effective weed control methods using EPTC, flumioxazin and napropamide to manage yellow nutsedge and black medic in winter strawberry crops. However, none of the studied herbicides adequately suppressed Carolina geranium, with halosulfuron causing significant injury to strawberry plants.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalWeed Technology·DateNov 30, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

ASCB announces cohort of 67 new Society Fellows

The American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) has announced 67 new Fellows, recognizing their significant and sustained impact on the discipline of cell biology. The honor is bestowed by peers and acknowledges not only outstanding scientific contributions but also service to ASCB and its missions.

SourceAmerican Society for Cell Biology·DateNov 30, 2017

Neutrophil-inspired propulsion

Researchers have created a novel system that enables aggregates composed of magnetized particles to roll along a channel using a combined acoustic and magnetic field. The system has shown promise for delivering drugs to hard-to-reach sites within the body, with potential applications in cancer treatment.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 30, 2017

Study suggests measurable impact of colorectal cancer screening program

A new study suggests that an American Cancer Society program has been effective in promoting improvements in colorectal cancer screening rates in federally qualified health centers. Funded FQHCs increased their CRC screening rates significantly more than nonfunded FQHCs, with increases of 8.7% and 12.7% over three years.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateNov 30, 2017

Immune-boosting antibody combination could improve lymphoma survival

A Cancer Research UK-funded study found that combining anti-CD27 and anti-CD20 antibodies increases life expectancy in mice with cancer by nearly doubling the median survival time. The combination recruits more immune cells and enhances their ability to destroy cancer cells, offering a promising new approach to treating lymphoma.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalCancer Cell·DateNov 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.

Skin pigmentation is far more genetically complex than previously thought

African populations show a higher degree of genetic complexity in skin pigmentation as latitude decreases, with an increasing number of unknown genes contributing to variation. The study found that stabilizing selection takes over at lower latitudes, leading to more diverse skin colors.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalCell·DateNov 30, 2017

Helping the brain prune bad habits

Researchers found that fasudil, a drug that inhibits Rho kinase, promotes goal-directed behavior in mice by pruning dendritic spines, a process involved in learning new behaviors. The treatment showed promise in reducing cocaine self-administration and could be an effective adjunct to cognitive behavioral therapy for treating drug abuse.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 30, 2017

A new research agenda to accelerate malaria elimination and eradication

A new research agenda, malERA Refresh, has been established to accelerate progress towards malaria elimination and global eradication. The initiative focuses on innovation and integrated approaches to tackle the challenges of resistance, transmission dynamics, and ecological balance.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 30, 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.

New software can verify someone's identity by their DNA in minutes

Researchers developed a method to quickly and accurately identify people and cell lines from their DNA. The technology can flag mislabeled or contaminated cell lines in cancer experiments, potentially speeding up the discovery of new treatments.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateNov 30, 2017

New vaccine technique effectively fights breast cancer in mice

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen developed a new vaccine technique that can fight HER2-positive breast cancer in mice with a 50-100% prevention rate. The vaccine works by inducing large amounts of antibodies targeted at cancer cells, preventing tumors from developing and slowing down cancer progression.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalOncoImmunology·DateNov 30, 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.

Migration makes breeding harder for seabirds

A study by University of Oxford researchers found that puffin colonies traveling great distances during winter often face difficulty breeding due to environmental factors like competition and habitat quality. The study provides new insights into seabird migration behaviors, highlighting the costs associated with long-distance travel.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 30, 2017

Global longitudinal study confirms obesity increases dementia risk

A global longitudinal study confirmed that people with high body mass index (BMI) are more likely to develop dementia than those with normal weight. The study analyzed data from over 1.3 million adults in the US and Europe, finding that individuals near dementia onset tend to have lower body weight.

SourceUniversity College London·DateNov 30, 2017

Army researchers seek better batteries

A team of Army scientists published new findings on modeling insights into battery electrolyte structure and stability, highlighting the importance of tailoring electrolytes to support fast and reversible lithium transport. The research aims to improve battery efficiency and lifespan.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalAccounts of Chemical Research·DateNov 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.

How bone cells promote lung cancer growth

Research reveals that bone marrow-derived cells contribute to lung cancer progression by stimulating the production of specific neutrophils. These neutrophils exhibit increased expression of genes associated with tumor-promoting processes, leading to worse patient survival in a small study.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 30, 2017

Southern Ocean drives massive bloom of tiny phytoplankton

Researchers have discovered that a high concentration of coccolithophores and diatoms thrive in the Great Calcite Belt, driven by nutrient levels, sea surface temperature, and carbon dioxide concentration. The bloom plays a crucial role in global carbon cycle models and highlights the complexity of phytoplankton ecology.

SourceBigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences·JournalBiogeosciences·DateNov 30, 2017

Rising levels of HIV drug resistance

A new study reveals that HIV drug resistance is on the rise, particularly among individuals in low- to middle-income countries, where 11.1% of those starting therapy have resistant virus strains. The research highlights the importance of improving monitoring and response strategies to combat this growing threat.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateNov 30, 2017

Researchers advance technique to detect ovarian cancer

Researchers at Rice University and MD Anderson Cancer Center use fluorescent carbon nanotube probes to locate specific tumors in the body. The noninvasive technique achieved first in vivo success in detecting small concentrations of nanotubes inside rodents with high accuracy.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateNov 30, 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.

NIFA supports next generation of farmers and ranchers

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture's Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program provides training, education, and technical assistance to attract diverse groups into farming and ranching. The program aims to help farmers and ranchers establish successful enterprises and increase their chances of survival.

SourceNational Institute of Food and Agriculture·DateNov 30, 2017

Microscopy: A space-time sensor for light-matter interactions

Researchers at LMU Munich create a new mode of electron microscopy that enables the observation of fundamental interactions between light and matter in real time and space. The technique uses attosecond pulse trains to monitor ultrafast processes initiated by light oscillations onto matter, allowing for sub-atomic resolution.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 30, 2017

Does physician age influence the likelihood of patient complaints?

A study found that younger ophthalmologists were more likely to be associated with patient complaints compared to their older colleagues. The Vanderbilt University Medical Center's Patient Advocacy Reporting System was used to analyze patient complaints between 2002 and 2015.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateNov 30, 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.

Gravity: A faster method for gauging the size of great quakes

Researchers have discovered a faster method for estimating large earthquake magnitudes by analyzing 'elasto-gravity' signals, which travel at the speed of light. These signals consistently arrive before seismic wave counterparts, allowing for near-real-time magnitude detection and more accurate estimates.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 30, 2017

Global health committee issues report on heart disease burden

A report by the American College of Cardiology recommends prioritizing US resources toward detecting and treating cardiovascular disease, while maintaining efforts to eradicate infectious diseases. The report aims to save lives and contribute to worldwide economic prosperity through a strong global health strategy.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 30, 2017

Diet success may depend on your DNA

A recent study published in the journal Genetics found that genetic differences can greatly impact how individuals respond to different diets. The researchers used four groups of animal models with unique genetic traits to test the effectiveness of various diets, including American-style, Mediterranean, Japanese, and ketogenic diets.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalGenetics·DateNov 30, 2017

New in the Hastings Center report, November-December 2017

The article examines the persistence of continuous electronic fetal monitoring as a standard of care, despite evidence that it increases risks. It also discusses the lack of mechanisms for ensuring medical professionals stay current with best practices and the role of malpractice law in setting boundaries on acceptable interventions.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateNov 30, 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.

Two-drug combination may boost immunotherapy responses in lung cancer patients

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center have identified a novel drug combination that can prime nonsmall cell lung cancers to respond better to immunotherapy. The treatment, which combines a demethylating drug with an HDAC inhibitor, triggered a chemical cascade that increased the attraction of immune cells to fight tumors an...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell·DateNov 30, 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.

Computer analysis fills gaps in antibody blueprint

Researchers from Helmholtz Munich used computer analysis to study IgG antibodies and reveal new steps in the glycosylation pathway. The findings confirmed predictions made by an algorithm and were replicated using genome-wide association studies and laboratory experiments.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 30, 2017

Type 1 diabetes as common in adults as children, but many adults misdiagnosed

Research published in the Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that over 40% of type 1 diabetes cases occur after age 30, and many adults are initially misdiagnosed with type 2. Type 1 diabetes requires insulin treatment to control blood sugar levels, while type 2 can often be managed with diet and medication.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateNov 30, 2017

HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) announces initiation of HPTN 084

The HPTN 084 study enrolls 3,200 HIV-uninfected women in seven countries to test the safety and efficacy of a long-acting injectable cabotegravir compared to daily oral TDF/FTC. The study aims to increase HIV prevention choices for women, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where they bear a disproportionate burden.

SourceFHI360·DateNov 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.

New treatment investigated for brain tapeworm infection

Researchers investigate pretreatment with etanercept to manage post-treatment inflammation in neurocysticercosis, a major cause of epilepsy worldwide. Etanercept suppresses inflammatory pathways involved in treatment-induced inflammation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateNov 30, 2017

Hundreds of fossilized eggs sheds light on pterosaur development

A collection of over 200 fossilized pterosaur eggs is providing new insights into the species' development, with some containing embryonic remains up to 2 years old. The findings suggest that newborn pterosaurs needed parental care and likely participated in colonial nesting behavior.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 30, 2017

Uncertainty surrounds US livestock methane emission estimates

A new study challenges previous estimates of US livestock methane emissions, suggesting a significant discrepancy between top-down and bottom-up approaches. The researchers used a spatially explicit approach to estimate enteric methane emissions for cattle and manure methane emissions for swine and poultry.

SourcePenn State·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 30, 2017

Hot, sunny days could slow 5G networks, but research offers solutions

A study by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University researchers found that solar radio emissions can degrade 5G network transmissions by up to 15% in hot weather. However, effective communication links are possible at distances of up to 134 meters indoors and 110 meters outdoors, even in hilly urban areas.

SourceEmbry-Riddle Aeronautical University·JournalIEEE Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters·DateNov 30, 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.

Versatile cancer drugs

Kinase inhibitors show promise in treating various types of blood and lung cancers by blocking overactive enzymes that control cell growth. Researchers identified new target structures for drugs, including the kinase MELK, which is linked to poor prognosis in lung cancer.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalScience·DateNov 30, 2017

Do your ears hang low? The complex genetics behind earlobe attachment

A study published in the American Journal of Human Genetics reveals that earlobe attachment is influenced by an interplay of at least 49 genes. This complex genetics challenges traditional teaching methods, which often focus on dominant and recessive genes.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateNov 30, 2017

Brain's appetite regulator disrupted in obese teens

A new study using advanced MRI techniques has discovered disrupted brain connectivity in obese adolescents, affecting regions involved in appetite regulation. The findings suggest a possible underlying cause for the rising rates of childhood obesity and its associated health risks.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 30, 2017

Range of opioid prescribers play important role in epidemic, study finds

A study published in Addiction found that low- and high-volume prescribers both play a significant role in opioid prescriptions, challenging the focus on 'pill mill' doctors. The study also identified other high-risk patient groups, such as concomitant users and chronic high-dose users, who pose a greater public health threat.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAddiction·DateNov 30, 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.

Squeezing light into a tiny channel brings optical computing a step closer

By forcing light to go through a smaller gap, researchers have increased its intensity and allowed photons to interact more strongly over a short distance. This technology brings optical processing closer to electrical transistors, potentially solving the problem of nonlinear optics and enabling faster, more efficient computers.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScience·DateNov 30, 2017

Parasitic worms don't just wait to be swallowed by new hosts

Scientists found that parasitic nematodes use odors from host mice as cues to position themselves where they have a higher chance of being eaten. The worms are attracted to fresh mouse feces and can migrate towards new hosts based on odorants produced by mammalian skin, feces, or urine.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 30, 2017

Study suggests a way to stop HIV in its tracks

A Loyola University Chicago study has identified the protein bicaudal D2, which facilitates the trafficking and nuclear import of HIV-1 genomes during infection. This finding raises the possibility of developing a drug that would prevent HIV-1 from binding to bicaudal D2.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 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.

Gravitational waves could shed light on the origin of black holes

Researchers propose using gravitational wave experiments to detect merger events at redshifts greater than 40, which could indicate the presence of primordial black holes or non-Gaussianity in the early universe. A detection would bolster theories about dark matter, while a non-detection would cast doubt.

SourceBrown University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 30, 2017

Researchers map brain activity to improve prosthetic design

Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a new way to understand how the brain controls walking in complex environments. Using brain-body imaging and motion capture technology, they identified specific areas of the brain involved in locomotion, including the posterior parietal lobe and sensorimotor cortex.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 30, 2017

Missing DNA fragments hold clue to predicting childhood leukaemia relapse

Australian researchers have developed a new risk scoring system for children with leukaemia based on missing DNA fragments or 'microdeletions'. The study tested 475 patients and found that the new score is more accurate than the current approach, allowing doctors to better predict relapse risk.

SourceChildren's Cancer Institute Australia·JournalBritish Journal of Haematology·DateNov 30, 2017