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Science News Archive November 2017 - Page 13


Page 13 of 42

Sunrise and sunset guide daily activities of city-dwellers

Researchers used 'reality mining' to analyze mobile phone records of one million people, finding that the timing of sunrise and sunset still guides daily activities. The study also reveals sex differences in sleep duration, with women sleeping more than men as they age.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateNov 21, 2017

Can an insulin pill delay or prevent type 1 diabetes?

A daily insulin pill did not slow down or prevent type 1 diabetes development among individuals with a higher risk of developing the disease. The trial involved 560 participants who received either oral insulin or a placebo, and found that time to diagnosis was not significantly different between groups.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateNov 21, 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.

Ice shapes the landslide landscape on Mars

A new study explores the impact of ice on Martian landslides, finding similarities with Earth's ice-lubricated landslides and demonstrating how ice influences shape and velocity. The research uses glacial morphology and remote sensing measurements to model landslide dynamics.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Plus·DateNov 21, 2017

Finding their inner bird: Using modern genomics to turn alligator scales into birdlike feathers

Researchers identified key genes involved in scale and feather development, demonstrating their ability to convert scales into feathers by turning on specific molecular circuits. The study reveals five morpho-regulatory modules essential for modern feather formation and potentially explains how early birds evolved flight.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateNov 21, 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.

Second HIV test helps prevent incorrect HIV diagnosis in infants

A new study suggests that a second HIV test can substantially reduce incorrect diagnoses in infants, saving costs on unnecessary treatment. The study found that confirmatory testing reduces the number of infants incorrectly diagnosed with HIV by 99.6%, leading to cost savings over a lifetime.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 21, 2017

Mucosal healing: An objective measure of disease activity?

Mucosal healing is crucial in treating ulcerative colitis, as it reduces the risk of colorectal cancer. The study by Flores and colleagues reaffirms that ongoing inflammation increases cancer risk and may impact surveillance colonoscopies.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateNov 21, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Baby-boomers and millennials more afflicted by the opioid epidemic

A recent study at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that baby-boomers and millennials are disproportionately affected by the opioid epidemic. The study analyzed data from 1999 to 2014 and found that these age groups experienced a significantly increased risk of death from prescription opioid overdose and heroi...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateNov 21, 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.

Legal analysis finds Arkansas law that bars protection of LGBTQ people unconstitutional

A new analysis by NYU College of Global Public Health finds Arkansas' law prohibiting local governments from enacting civil rights protections for LGBTQ individuals to be unconstitutional. The law, which was enacted in response to a similar attempt by Fayetteville, Arkansas, violates the Establishment and Equal Protection clauses.

SourceNew York University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateNov 21, 2017

Diabetes: Immune system can regulate insulin

Scientists at University of Basel find feedback mechanism to maintain insulin production in overweight patients, using ILC2 immune cells and retinoic acid. The study highlights the complex interactions between endocrine and immune cells in regulating insulin release.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalImmunity·DateNov 21, 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.

Social networks and survival: Social ties could help with cancer management

Researchers discovered that women with stronger social networks had better survival rates after a colorectal cancer diagnosis. The study found that patients with more intimate ties, such as family and friends, were associated with lower death rates. Social network strengthening could be a tool for managing colorectal cancer.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalCancer·DateNov 21, 2017

Controlling diabetes with your phone might be possible someday

Rutgers New Jersey Medical School immunologist Luis Ulloa believes the body has an electrical network that can be used to manipulate and help control its functions. He suggests phone-based bioelectronic medicine could treat inflammatory disorders like arthritis, colitis, diabetes, obesity, and life-threatening infections.

SourceRutgers University·JournalTrends in Molecular Medicine·DateNov 21, 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.

Climate change models of bird impacts pass the test

A study by the University of Adelaide validated the latest climate change models forecasting bird impacts, showing they accurately predict range shifts over the past 40 years. The models now provide a more effective tool for targeting conservation management resources.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateNov 21, 2017

Brazilian firm leads the application of synthetic diamonds in dentistry

CVDVale's technology enables the use of ultrasonic drills without anesthesia in 70% of cases, allowing for faster and less painful dental procedures. The company's innovative approach to synthetic diamond production has also expanded its applications to orthopedic surgeries.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateNov 21, 2017

Quantum optics allows us to abandon expensive lasers in spectroscopy

Researchers at Lomonosov Moscow State University have developed a new time-resolved spectroscopy method that analyzes quantized light transmitted through samples without femtosecond lasers. This design allows for cheaper analysis and preserves the sample, enabling studies of interactions and processes in substances.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 21, 2017

New genes discovered that influence the risk of allergic diseases

A large-scale study has identified 136 genetic loci that increase the risk of developing atopic dermatitis, hay fever, and asthma. These variants are associated with genes involved in regulating the immune system, suggesting a shared genetic origin for the three diseases.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 21, 2017

Are lipid-based products more effective for treating dry eye disease?

A new review article examines the effectiveness of lipid-based products, including liposome lid sprays and emulsion eye drops, in treating dry eye disease. The studies found that these products provide immediate relief of symptoms and improve the structure and stability of the tear film lipid layer.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics·DateNov 21, 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.

Pneumonia: Treatment with vaccines instead of antibiotics

Researchers discovered specific immune cells called B cells play a crucial role in eliminating mycoplasma bacteria from the lungs. Vaccines may be developed to elicit antibody responses protecting against infection, offering an alternative to antibiotics.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateNov 21, 2017

A model by which plants adapt their photosynthetic metabolism to light intensity

Researchers proposed a model explaining how plants regulate photosynthesis in response to varying light intensities through redox systems like thioredoxins and NTRC. The chloroplasts have protective antioxidant enzymes, such as 2-cys peroxiredoxin, which play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of these redox systems.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 21, 2017

Hidden properties of solids

Researchers at UCSB have successfully measured Berry curvature in solid matter for the first time using a unique laser experiment. This breakthrough has significant implications for designing new materials with optimized Berry curvature for applications in electronic and optical devices.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPhysical Review X·DateNov 21, 2017

Schooling fish mainly react to one or two neighbors at a time

A new method combining behavioral analyses with computer modeling revealed that individual fish pay attention to one or two neighbors when the school moves together. This finding has important implications for understanding how schooling fish coordinate their movements and could lead to advances in coordinating artificial systems.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateNov 21, 2017

Army scientist studies thunderstorms to improve battlefield missions

An Army scientist has discovered a new pattern in thunderstorms that can help predict how weather and environment affect unmanned aerial systems on the battlefield. Strong downdrafts and super-cooled raindrops pose significant threats to UAS, but current models struggle to accurately predict these factors.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·DateNov 21, 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.

Rainfall can indicate that mosquito-borne epidemics will occur weeks later

A new study found that heavy rainfall can indicate upcoming outbreaks of mosquito-borne viruses Zika and Chikungunya. The researchers developed a framework to predict where and when future outbreaks will occur, enabling municipalities to prepare measures to limit the spread of diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 21, 2017

Good cells gone bad

Researchers from TSRI have identified a process in nerve cells called the S-nitrosylation reaction that may contribute to Parkinson's disease. The study found that this reaction can trigger cell death by preventing the proper removal of damaged mitochondria, leading to neuronal damage and death.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 21, 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.

Biomechanical model could reduce wobbling of pedestrian bridges

Researchers developed a biomechanical model to estimate the critical crowd size at which pedestrian bridge wobbling begins, allowing for the design of safer bridges. The model takes into account nonlinear effects associated with pedestrian behavior and bridge interaction.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 21, 2017

Study shows how to get sprayed metal coatings to stick

MIT researchers discovered that under some conditions, melted metal particles can actually prevent them from sticking to a surface. Instead, the particles bounce away and leave behind a solid bond when they resolidify.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 21, 2017

More needs to be done to ensure 24-hour working is not the new norm

Researchers found that a 'one size fits all' approach to technology use outside working hours is not suitable for every employee. Instead, they recommend employers give individuals control over their working patterns and actively involve them in decisions about technology use.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalInternational Journal of Management Reviews·DateNov 21, 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.

Researchers at IST Austria define function of an enigmatic synaptic protein

Scientists at IST Austria have resolved the role of Synaptotagmin 7 during inhibitory synaptic transmission, showing it regulates asynchronous transmitter release and facilitation. The study found Synaptotagmin 7 ensures efficient and frequency-independent signal transmission in the cerebellum and hippocampus.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 21, 2017

Gastric acid suppressant lansoprazole may target tuberculosis

A cheap and widely used drug lansoprazole may have useful activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that cause tuberculosis. The study found people taking lansoprazole were a third less likely to develop TB than those taking similar drugs.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 21, 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.

New breast cell types discovered by multidisciplinary research team

A joint effort by breast cancer researchers and bioinformaticians has provided new insights into breast development, revealing previously unrecognized cell types. The study used single-cell RNA-sequencing to identify a dramatic shift in gene expression around puberty.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 21, 2017

Are patients sufficiently shielded against stray radiation during CT scans?

A recent study reveals that 40% of hospitals do not routinely utilize CT shielding to protect patients from stray radiation during diagnostic imaging. Despite being aware of its benefits, only 84% of hospitals report using shielding, highlighting the need for increased awareness and implementation.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Endourology·DateNov 21, 2017

The main switch

Researchers at the University of Freiburg discover that DNA folding reorganization is a key switch for defining cell types during cardiomyocyte differentiation. The study reveals that spatial genome organization determines cellular identity and provides insights into future reprogramming strategies.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 21, 2017
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.

Diabetes-related mortality in Germany higher than expected

A study published in Diabetes Care found that diabetes-related mortality in Germany is higher than expected, with approximately 21% of all deaths attributable to the disease. The majority of deaths occurred among older adults, and men had a significantly higher number of preventable excess deaths compared to women.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalDiabetes Care·DateNov 21, 2017

UQ dipstick technology could revolutionize disease diagnosis

The UQ dipstick technology enables fast and accurate diagnosis of human, animal and plant diseases in remote locations. The technology extracts DNA and RNA from living organisms in under 30 seconds without specialized equipment or personnel.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 21, 2017

Refining pesticides to kill pests, not bees

Scientists at Michigan State University have discovered a key to designing more selective pesticides that target pests without killing beneficial insects like bees. By understanding the molecular differences between mammals and insects, they hope to create new chemicals that spare bees while effectively controlling agricultural pests.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 21, 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.