Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive November 2017 - Page 28


Page 28 of 42

Both obese and anorexic women have low levels of 'feel good' neurosteroid

Women with anorexia nervosa and obesity have lower levels of allopregnanolone, a key player in regulating mood, compared to normal-weight women. Low allo levels are associated with greater severity of depression symptoms, suggesting a potential new target for treating these disorders.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateNov 10, 2017

NIH study finds donor corneas can be safely preserved for longer period

A study found that corneal donor tissue can be preserved for up to 11 days without affecting graft success rates. The researchers analyzed data from over 1,000 individuals and found that longer preservation times did not significantly impact the success of corneal transplantation.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateNov 10, 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.

Researchers exploit rhythm of DNA replication to kill cancer cells

Scientists mapped the flow and regulation of nucleotides, revealing a mechanism that slows down DNA replication when out of rhythm. This slowdown allows for nucleotide production to catch up, ensuring healthy genome copying without mistakes.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalScience·DateNov 10, 2017

New wake-promoting node pinpointed in brain

Scientists have identified a new group of cells responsible for keeping humans awake. The supramammillary nucleus is part of the caudal hypothalamus and plays a crucial role in maintaining wakefulness. When activated, it promotes prolonged wakefulness during normal sleep periods.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 10, 2017

HKBU Chinese medicine scholars develop HKBU Chinese medicine scholars develop

Researchers at Hong Kong Baptist University have developed a novel targeted delivery system for CRISPR/Cas9 to achieve therapeutic genome editing of VEGFA in osteosarcoma. The aptamer-functionalised lipopolymer delivery system successfully delivered CRISPR/Cas9 to tumor cells, inhibiting malignancy and angiogenesis.

SourceHong Kong Baptist University·JournalBiomaterials·DateNov 10, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Green rooves to reduce the effects of climate change

Researchers from the University of Seville suggest that green roofs could mitigate climate change effects by reducing maximum temperature rises. Installing these gardens on buildings can provide better insulation, leading to energy savings and improved environmental conditions.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalBuilding and Environment·DateNov 10, 2017

The path length of light in opaque media

Researchers have confirmed that the average path length of light in opaque media is always the same, regardless of transparency. This result has implications for our understanding of wave propagation in disordered media and has potential applications in various fields.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScience·DateNov 10, 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.

Research highlights ethical sourcing of materials for modern technology

A team of researchers from the University of Exeter has identified methods to predict the environmental and social cost of resourcing new deposits of rare earth minerals. The study proposes a 'Fairtrade' model for ethically and sustainably resourcing raw materials, crucial in the manufacturing of next-generation technologies.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalElements·DateNov 10, 2017
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Ludwig researchers uncover novel mechanism by which tumors evade cancer immunotherapies

Researchers at Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research have identified a novel mechanism by which certain skin cancers, such as melanoma, resist cancer immunotherapy. The study found that an immune cell recruited to the tumor induces programmed suicide in killer T cells, and this interaction can be disrupted to improve treatment efficacy.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 10, 2017

Working to reduce brain injury in newborns

A new study has identified a promising treatment to reduce brain injury in newborns who have suffered from hypoxia-ischemia, a condition that can cause severe complications. The treatment involves combining standard cooling therapy with a selective Src kinase inhibitor to block a regulatory enzyme of apoptosis.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalNeonatology·DateNov 10, 2017

Winds blowing off a dying star

Researchers have observed the formation of aluminum oxide dust around an AGB star, providing insight into wind acceleration. The team discovered that AlO was distributed within three stellar radii, while SiO remained gaseous beyond five stellar radii.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 10, 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.

Ink from ancient Egyptian papyri contains copper

A recent study published in Scientific Reports has revealed that ancient Egyptian scribes used carbon-based inks containing copper, a previously unidentified element. The analysis of 2,000-year-old papyri fragments found consistent composition across different geographical regions and time periods.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Humanities·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 10, 2017

Promising sensors for submarines, mines and spacecraft

Researchers from Lomonosov Moscow State University have discovered a mechanism allowing gas sensors to operate at room temperature using nanocrystalline metal oxides. The invention will enhance environmental monitoring efficiency in nuclear power plants, submarines, and spacecrafts.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 10, 2017

The end of 'Pump Fiction'

A Danish research team has uncovered new basic insights into the workings of a biomolecular mechanism crucial to life: the calcium pumps in our cells. They have successfully tracked how a single molecule of the protein 'engine' known as the calcium pump works, revealing its one-way nature and importance for cell function.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature·DateNov 10, 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.

How a 'shadow zone' traps the world's oldest ocean water

Researchers have discovered a 'shadow zone' around 2km below the sea surface where ancient water has remained isolated for centuries. This region's unique shape and geothermal heat sources trap ocean water, suspended in an area with minimal vertical movement.

SourceStockholm University·JournalNature·DateNov 10, 2017

Common genetic fusion event may be associated with low-risk prostate cancer

Researchers detected TMPRSS2-ERG fusions in 45% of analyzed prostate cancers, with those retaining interstitial genes showing lower risk of progression. The study suggests that identifying the formation mechanism of gene fusions could help stratify patients into more well-defined risk groups.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateNov 10, 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.

Transfer technique produces wearable gallium nitride gas sensors

Researchers developed a transfer technique to grow high-performance gallium nitride gas sensors on sapphire substrates, which can be transferred to metallic or flexible polymer support materials. The new process doubles sensitivity and boosts response time by a factor of six.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 9, 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.

How spatial navigation correlates with language

The study found that brain areas responsible for navigation were also active during language comprehension, indicating a correlation between the two cognitive processes. This correlation suggests that our brains mentally simulate sentence perspective using non-linguistic areas typically involved in visuo-spatial thought.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalNeuroImage·DateNov 9, 2017

NSF awards $2.8 million grant to develop advanced ocean and atmosphere simulator

The Scripps Institution of Oceanography will develop an advanced ocean and atmosphere simulator to replicate complex ocean conditions and generate gale-force winds in a controlled setting. The simulator will help researchers understand how pollutants and climate change affect marine animals, plants, cloud formation, and the planet.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateNov 9, 2017

Researchers uncover genetic basis of natural variation in aging rate

A new study has identified a genetic basis for natural variation in aging rates, found to be regulated by a novel neuropeptide coding gene (rgba-1) and its receptor gene npr-28. This discovery provides new insights into the biological regulation of healthy aging.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·DateNov 9, 2017

NASA team studies CubeSat mission to measure water on the moon

A NASA team is studying a CubeSat mission concept called Mini Lunar Volatiles Mission (MiLUV) to detect water on the lunar surface. The mission will use a laser spectrometer to measure surface reflectance at several wavelengths and gather data on the distribution and possible mobility of volatiles.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 9, 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.

Symposium to recognize heroes of green and open neuroscience

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and Green Neuroscience Lab host a symposium to recognize heroes of green and open neuroscience. Award recipients will present their work on open science, environmental sustainability, human-based approaches, neurodiversity, and addressing disparities.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·DateNov 9, 2017

How and why blood clots shrink

Researchers at UCR and UPenn used microscopy to study blood clot contraction, revealing a novel function for filopodia in clot shrinkage. The findings could aid in the development of new therapies for clotting disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 9, 2017

Rift Valley fever virus: An infection mechanism identified

Scientists have characterized the infection mechanism of Rift Valley fever virus by inserting an envelope protein into host cell membranes. The study also reveals a shared recognition pocket with other human pathogenic viruses, paving the way for new therapeutic agents.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalScience·DateNov 9, 2017

RUDN chemists: A new compound will be used against tumors and Alzheimer's disease

Researchers from RUDN University have developed a novel three-component reaction to produce complex heterocyclic compounds with antitumor and anti-Alzheimer's properties. The approach enables the efficient synthesis of these compounds, reducing waste and labor costs, and opens up new possibilities for pharmaceutical applications.

SourceRUDN University·JournalMendeleev Communications·DateNov 9, 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.

Not all milkweed is equal for egg-laying monarchs, U of G study reveals

A University of Guelph study reveals that monarch butterfly eggs are more abundant on milkweed grown in agricultural areas, with three and a half times the number found in urban gardens, natural areas, and roadsides. This finding suggests that roadside planting may not be an effective conservation strategy for this endangered species.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalBiological Conservation·DateNov 9, 2017

A giant, prehistoric otter's surprisingly powerful bite

A new study analyzing the jaws of the extinct otter Siamogale melilutra found that its jaw bones were six times sturdier than expected, indicating a strong bite force. The discovery suggests that the massive otter may have been a top predator in its time, crushing shells and bones of birds and small mammals.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 9, 2017

Ghana's pineapple farmers need more intensive training

A team from the Technical University of Munich found that complex agricultural techniques require professional training, but many Ghanaian pineapple farmers lack access to effective training. The researchers suggest increasing focus on intensive and sustainable training methods to improve yields and income for Ghana's small-scale farmers.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalEnvironment and Development Economics·DateNov 9, 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.

Opioid use by patients after rhinoplasty

A study of 62 rhinoplasty patients found that they used an average of nine hydrocodone-acetaminophen tablets, with 46 patients using 15 or fewer tablets. The most common adverse effects were drowsiness, nausea, and constipation.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Facial Plastic Surgery·DateNov 9, 2017

A new timeline for glacial retreat in Western Canada

A new study reports that much of western Canada was ice-free as early as 14,000 years ago, contradicting previous estimates. The research suggests that the Cordilleran Ice Sheet retreated more than a millennium sooner and holds implications for understanding climate patterns and human migration.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 9, 2017

Risk of cholera epidemics estimated with new rule-book

Researchers developed a new 'rule-book' to estimate the risk of different cholera strains causing epidemics. The study found that 7PET strains from Asia repeatedly introduced into two main regions of Africa: West Africa and East/Southern Africa, leading to massive epidemics in some cases.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalScience·DateNov 9, 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.

Bad break: Osteoporosis-related bone fractures linked to air pollution

A new study found that exposure to air pollution is associated with osteoporosis-related bone fractures, particularly in low-income communities. The researchers suggest that reducing air pollution could help prevent these fractures and improve bone health.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateNov 9, 2017
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.

The next generation of power electronics? Gallium nitride doped with beryllium

Researchers at Aalto University have successfully doped gallium nitride with beryllium, showing promise for reducing energy losses in power electronics. The findings suggest that the material can be controlled to achieve significant improvements in energy efficiency, potentially cutting global power consumption by up to ten percent.

SourceAalto University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 9, 2017

Researchers offer new information warfare model

Researchers from MIPT and their colleagues have created a mathematical model of information warfare, accounting for sporadic propaganda surges. The model predicts that brief surges in propaganda intensity have no long-term effects if the society can forget information, and successfully predicted advertising campaign outcomes.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalMathematical Models and Computer Simulations·DateNov 9, 2017

How to control traffic on cellular highways

Researchers have identified enzymes that regulate the speed of protein cargo trucks on cellular highways, a discovery with implications for spinal cord and nerve injuries as well as neurodegenerative diseases. The study found that these enzymes, TTLL-11 and CCPP-1, work together to control traffic flow on microtubule highways.

SourceRutgers University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 9, 2017