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Science News Archive November 2017


Page 9 of 42

Second 'don't eat me' signal found on cancer cells by Stanford researchers

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a second biological pathway that signals immune cells not to engulf and kill cancer cells. By blocking this newly discovered pathway, combining it with anti-CD47 antibody may enhance the immune system's ability to eradicate many types of cancers.

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.

Common cold viruses reveal one of their strengths

Researchers found that a specific part of the spike protein, called the RBD, is crucial for infection but also targets by antibodies. The RBD has three long loops that vary between strains, allowing it to modulate its affinity with host cells and evade immunity.

Garlic can fight chronic infections

A new study from the University of Copenhagen reveals that a garlic compound can destroy important components in bacteria's communication systems, which involve regulatory RNA molecules. This discovery has led to further development of a potential treatment for patients with cystic fibrosis and other chronic infections.

Turning emissions into fuel

MIT researchers have developed a new membrane-based system that can convert carbon dioxide into useful fuels for cars, trucks, and planes, as well as into chemical feedstocks. The process uses heat energy from solar or waste sources to store chemical energy in form of useful products.

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.

Fake news can backfire for companies caught in the act

Research finds that companies caught in fake news scandals experience significant reputational damage, with the effects lingering for over two years. The study suggests that deceptive marketing tactics can lead to a prolonged negative impact on the offender's reputation.

Promising target for treating brain tumors in children

Researchers have identified a promising new target for treating highly aggressive brain tumors like atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor and medulloblastoma in children. The experimental PLK4 inhibitor was shown to shrink tumors and increase survival in an animal model, crossing the blood-brain barrier to target cancer cells.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cell death linked to tumor growth in prostate cancer patients

A new study at the University of Michigan identifies a pathway that links efferocytosis, the process of removing dead cells, to tumor growth in metastatic prostate cancer. The researchers found that a pro-inflammatory protein called CXCL5 accelerates tumor growth and sheds light on novel effective cancer therapies.

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.

Highly charged molecules behave paradoxically

Biomolecules with high electrical charge surprisingly attract each other due to atomic-level binding at molecular ends. This paradoxical behavior has valuable implications for drug development and delivery into cells.

All missions on board for NASA heliophysics research

Scientists combined data from 16 NASA and LANL spacecraft to understand substorms, a phenomenon that can cause auroras, disrupt GPS communications, and damage power grids. The study revealed complex behavior during small substorms, highlighting the need for further research.

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.

Ultrathin and flat graphene metalenses gain morace properties

Researchers have developed ultra-thin and flat graphene metalenses that can concentrate terahertz beams to a spot, flip their polarization and modulate their intensity. These devices have the potential to revolutionize applications such as amplitude tunable lenses, lasers and dynamic holography.

Compact hyperspectral imaging at low cost

A team of computer scientists has developed a novel, compact single-shot hyperspectral imaging method that captures images using a conventional DSLR camera equipped with an ordinary refractive prism. The new method achieves quality images without compromising accuracy, making hyperspectral imaging practical for ordinary users.

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.

Sulfur improves birefringence! Developing liquid crystalline molecules

Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology have developed liquid crystalline molecules with alkylthio groups containing sulfur, exhibiting nematic liquid crystal phases at room temperature. These molecules show improved optical properties and potential applications in liquid crystal displays and other fields.

Long-haired microbes named after Canadian band Rush

New species of microbes named Pseudotrichonympha leei, lifesoni, and pearti are found in termites' guts and have long flagella resembling Geddy Lee's hair. The microbes also exhibit rhythmic movements, prompting researchers to name them after Rush musicians.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

How bat brain tracks prey

Neural recordings of wild bats reveal a layered structure in the superior colliculus facilitating rapid tracking and capturing of prey through echolocation. The study contributes to understanding of SC function during naturalistic behaviors, finding both sensory and motor neurons throughout the midbrain region.

Barley no longer an afterthought in beer flavor

Researchers at Oregon State University found notable differences in the taste of beers malted from two barley varieties, revealing novel flavors that carry through malting and brewing into beer. The study's results have significant implications for the brewing industry, particularly for beer connoisseurs.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Autism and the smell of fear

Researchers at Weizmann Institute of Science found that individuals on the autism spectrum exhibit distinct reactions to 'smells of fear' and 'calm sweat', including changes in anxiety levels. This suggests a possible underlying connection between smell, social cues, and early brain development in autism.

Taste it, you'll like it

A new study finds that in-store product sampling has both immediate and sustained effects on sales, with smaller stores benefiting more. The model also reveals that repeated sampling for a single product increases returns and expands product categories.

Endogenous protein reverses scarring in the lungs

Researchers discovered that RAGE protein plays a crucial role in repairing DNA damage and healing tissue in the lungs. Treatment with RAGE protein reversed scarring and restored functionality in mice with pulmonary fibrosis. The study provides new insights into molecular therapy for lung damage and offers potential therapeutic benefits.

In harm's way

Researchers at University of California - Santa Barbara found that about half of hydraulically fractured wells exist within 2 to 3 kilometers of domestic groundwater systems. The study analyzed data from nearly 27,000 wells in 14 states and suggests increased water monitoring efforts are needed to protect water quality.

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.

Get'em while they're hot

Researchers found that providing real-time cues about sold items and current stock levels can be a viable strategy for offline merchants. Consumers tend to choose products with lower sales and fewer copies remaining in stock. However, when brand familiarity is factored in, the impact of stock level data diminishes.

York U research finds children show implicit racial bias from a young age

Children as young as five years old demonstrate an implicit pro-White bias when exposed to images of both White and Black children. The research suggests that positive and negative racial attitudes can follow distinct developmental trajectories, with younger children more likely to show automatic positivity toward their own racial group.

US arthritis prevalence is much higher than current estimates

Research suggests that US arthritis prevalence is much higher than current estimates, especially among younger adults. The study found that 91.2 million US adults are affected by arthritis, with a significant impact on healthcare costs and productivity.

Clean sweep for agriculture

Rothamsted Research emphasizes the importance of accelerating UK agriculture to meet post-Brexit challenges through a focus on sustainable growth. The institute advocates for a dynamic, innovative model that prioritizes co-development, sharing, and engagement to drive impact.

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.

Simplifying assembly-based design for 3-D modeling

Researchers developed a computational framework that automatically suggests complementary parts and placement for 3D modeling, improving efficiency and user control. The method can learn from un-annotated online data, making the process more efficient.

A series of fortunate events

Researchers traced ancient zircon minerals' chemical signatures to understand the recycling of carbon from the mantle to the surface. The study suggests a series of fortunate events led to optimal conditions for releasing anomalous amounts of carbon, which in turn shaped the modern carbon cycle.

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.

The origin of a new species of Darwin's finches

Researchers from Princeton University and Uppsala University report the origin of a new lineage of Darwin's finches through hybridization between two distinct species. The study reveals that reproductive isolation was established in just two generations, with the new lineage becoming ecologically competitive and unique.

Biologists studied cellular cannibalism in cancerous growths

Researchers at Lomonosov Moscow State University discovered a new method of destroying cancer cells through a process called entosis, where one cell invades and digests another. The study reveals the five stages of entosis, which involves changes in structural and functional characteristics of both cells.

Tuning the wavelength of fluorescent carbon tubes

Researchers at Kyushu University developed a method to tune the fluorescence wavelength of carbon nanotubes by tethering organic molecules. This enables fine control over the emission wavelength, with potential applications in biomedical devices and bioimaging.

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.

Immune deficiency explains rampant caries in some children

Research reveals a connection between genetic innate immunity deficiencies and high-risk children for dental caries. Children with defective salivary proteins are more susceptible to caries, even without bad eating habits or oral hygiene routines.

High-speed quantum encryption may help secure the future internet

Researchers have developed a high-speed quantum encryption system that can transmit encryption codes five to 10 times faster than existing methods, potentially securing the future of the internet. The system uses photons of light and advanced detectors to encode and decode keys, making it secure from common attacks even with imperfect ...

When magma prevents volcanic eruptions

Researchers from UNIGE and Roma Tre used thermal and experimental models to explain caldera resurgence, a process that prevents volcanic eruptions. The leftover magma behaves like a 'rubber sheet' due to its higher viscosity, stopping the new magma from reaching the surface.

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.

The electronic origins of fluorescence in carbon nanotubes

Researchers at Kyushu University used spectro-electrochemistry to investigate the frequency shifts in infrared fluorescence of modified carbon nanotubes. They found that the gaps between electron energy levels depend on the elements bonded to the exterior of the nanotubes.

To address hunger effectively, first check the weather, says new study

A new study suggests that understanding rainfall patterns is key to effectively addressing food insecurity among smallholder farms in Africa and Asia. Financial supports, such as cash or loans, were more frequently correlated with improved food security for drier farms, while agricultural inputs and practices were more effective for we...