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Science News Archive November 2017 - Page 30


Page 30 of 42

Discovery could lead to new treatment for anxiety, addiction

Researchers identified a specific network in the brain tied to risk assessment, which can lead to anxiety or impulsivity. The study found that when there was no risk of punishment, coordination between dopamine neurons and prefrontal cortex activity was high.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·DateNov 9, 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.

Mushrooms are full of antioxidants that may have antiaging potential

Researchers found that mushrooms are the highest dietary source of ergothioneine and glutathione, two antioxidants that may protect against oxidative stress and age-related diseases. The amounts of these compounds vary greatly between mushroom species, with porcini being the richest source.

SourcePenn State·JournalFood Chemistry·DateNov 9, 2017

HPV vaccine also prevents uncommon childhood respiratory disease, study suggests

A recent study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases found that Australia's highly successful HPV vaccination program has led to a significant decline in cases of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, an uncommon and difficult-to-treat childhood respiratory disease. As a result, medical costs related to the disease have decre...

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateNov 9, 2017

Older donor lungs should be considered for transplantation

Research suggests that older donor lungs can be used for transplantation with reasonable outcomes, expanding the donor pool. The study found no significant difference in 5-year survival between patients who received older versus younger donor lungs.

SourceElsevier·JournalThe Annals of Thoracic Surgery·DateNov 9, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) lowers 30-day readmission rates

The Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) has been shown to lower 30-day readmission rates among older adults by reducing delirium and promoting social engagement. The study found that HELP units had 100 fewer readmissions compared to non-HELP units, which could translate to a national reduction of 40,000 cases annually.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 9, 2017

Charting the course of the current cholera pandemic throughout Africa and Latin America

Researchers analyzed genomic data to identify the source of the seventh cholera pandemic, linking it to human-related transmission factors. The study found that the pandemic strain was introduced into Africa at least 11 times since 1970, replacing drug-susceptible populations with multidrug-resistant bacterial sublineages.

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

Nature bests humans at restoring tropical forests

A meta-analysis of 133 studies found that natural regeneration is more effective in restoring biodiversity and forest structure compared to active restoration. Natural regeneration also proves to be a lower-cost approach, contrary to previous findings.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 8, 2017

Research links heart function to brain's memory center

A study published in Neurology found that older adults with lower cardiac index have reduced blood flow in the temporal lobe regions of the brain, where Alzheimer's pathology begins. This suggests a link between heart health and cognitive impairment, potentially paving the way for new treatments.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNeurology·DateNov 8, 2017

Endocrine Society experts examine how diabetes harms body's smallest blood vessels

The Endocrine Society examines how diabetes damages microvascular system, causing complications such as diabetic retinopathy and kidney disease. Maintaining tight control over blood sugar levels may help reduce risk of complications, but also poses risk of hypoglycemia and cardiovascular issues.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateNov 8, 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.

New care model closes significant gap in addiction treatment

A new program at Boston Medical Center's Grayken Center for Addiction has shown promising results in engaging patients with substance use disorders in medication treatment during hospital stays. The study found that 70% of patients initiated methadone treatment and 49% linked to an outpatient clinic were still engaged in treatment afte...

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalJournal of Substance Abuse Treatment·DateNov 8, 2017

The key to a nut

Researchers found that cockatoos excel at fitting shapes into specific frames without requiring training or visual alignment like humans. They require fewer attempts to insert simple shapes compared to non-human primates, highlighting an allocentric frame of reference similar to toddlers.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 8, 2017

Study reveals decadal variation of relationship between EA summer monsoon and ENSO

A study reveals multidecadal variations in the relationship between East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) and El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The research used a coupled climate model to investigate the decadal changes, finding that ENSO-related circulation anomalies drive precipitation patterns over East Asia.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalClimate Dynamics·DateNov 8, 2017

Researchers discover new mechanism for battling influenza

The study reveals that a human protein called TRIM25 acts as an early defense mechanism, recognizing the unique structure of the flu virus and preventing its replication. However, the NS1 protein produced by the flu virus blocks this function, enabling the virus to evade the immune response.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateNov 8, 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.

UNSW research on reversing negative effects of maternal obesity

Researchers at the University of New South Wales have found that a drug called NMN can reverse many of the negative metabolic consequences of maternal obesity in offspring. The study suggests that this could be a potential new approach to preventing childhood obesity.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 8, 2017

Early intervention may hold key to treatment of Friedreich's ataxia

Researchers found early mitochondrial biogenesis deficits in individuals with Friedreich's ataxia, suggesting a potential biomarker and therapeutic target. Early intervention may prove crucial to successful therapy for this rare genetic disorder.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalDisease Models & Mechanisms·DateNov 8, 2017

Better, bolder printing with silicon nanostructures

Researchers have found a way to expand the printable color spectrum with a novel nanostructure system that broadens colors while maintaining high resolution. The new silicon nanostructures can print an art piece with a 121% expanded color gamut, higher color saturation and resolution.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateNov 8, 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.

Infrared imaging better than touch at detecting defects in protective lead aprons

Researchers found infrared imaging to be more accurate than tactile inspection in detecting defects in lead aprons used to shield patients from radiation exposure. The technology reduces ionizing radiation exposure for inspectors and can identify smaller holes that may be missed through visual inspection.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalJournal of the American College of Radiology·DateNov 8, 2017

How science has shaped the international response to climate change

The article examines how science influenced policy debates on climate change, highlighting the role of institutions in connecting scientists to decision makers. Climate change is one of humanity's greatest threats, with the scientific community playing a central role in understanding its nature and assessing options for addressing it.

SourceWiley·JournalWeather·DateNov 8, 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.

Four reasons that could explain ACOs' sluggish savings

The study highlights four reasons for the failure of ACOs to achieve savings: economic barriers such as weak incentives and lack of patients, and organizational challenges like knowledge development needs and complexity. The authors recommend a flexible approach to motivating providers.

SourceThe Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 8, 2017

Sensors applied to plant leaves warn of water shortage

MIT researchers have developed sensors that can be printed onto plant leaves to reveal when they are experiencing a water shortage. These sensors take advantage of plants' stomata and can detect even slight changes in water pressure, allowing for early warnings in agricultural settings.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalLab on a Chip·DateNov 8, 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.

Our body clocks cause wounds sustained at night to heal more slowly

A new study discovered how our body clocks impact wound healing, with wounds sustained at night taking up to 60% longer to heal compared to daytime injuries. The research found that skin cells move to the wound site faster during daylight hours, leading to increased collagen deposition and improved healing.

SourceMedical Research Council·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 8, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

UA Cancer Center receives $2 million to investigate selenium supplementation

Researchers at the University of Arizona Cancer Center are investigating the effects of selenium supplementation on colorectal cancer risk, particularly in individuals with advanced polyps. The study aims to unravel the mystery of why some participants experienced a reduction in recurrence while others saw an increase in diabetes risk.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·DateNov 8, 2017

NASA's IMERG adds up heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Damrey

NASA's Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals (IMERG) analysis indicates Tropical Storm Damrey caused deadly flooding in Vietnam with over 580 mm of rain reported near the coast. The IMERG data also shows that the heaviest rainfall was in south central Vietnam, where more than 500 mm of rain was common.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 8, 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.

Genetic discovery another tool in battle against wheat pests

Researchers have identified genetic markers for greenbug and Hessian fly resistance in wheat, providing a new tool for breeders to combat these pests. The discovery enables the efficient transfer of resistant genes into new wheat lines using marker-assisted selection.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·DateNov 8, 2017

Exposure to chemical during pregnancy may cause health problems for offspring

A study on rabbits found that exposure to BPA during pregnancy causes chronic inflammation in the intestines and liver, leading to changes in gut bacteria. This could have long-lasting health effects for the offspring, increasing the risk of obesity and inflammation-promoted diseases like colon cancer and type 2 diabetes.

SourcePenn State·JournalmSystems·DateNov 8, 2017

Paradoxes in microbial economies

Researchers identify three paradoxical dynamics: the curse of increased efficiency, where less efficient microbes thrive; and the curse of decreased inefficiency, leading to slower population growth. The study highlights complexities in engineered microbial communities and microbiomes, challenging assumptions about optimal strategies.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 8, 2017

A 'virtual wall' that improves wireless security and performance

Dartmouth researchers create customized reflectors using 3-D printing to optimize wireless coverage, strengthening signals while making them more secure. The technology reduces interference and costs, offering improved performance and physical security for a fraction of the cost of traditional solutions.

SourceDartmouth College·DateNov 8, 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.

Autoimmunity may underlie newly discovered painful nerve-damage disorder

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have found that immunoglobulin infusions can improve pain and function in patients with autoimmune small-fiber polyneuropathy (SFPN), a condition previously thought to be idiopathic. The treatment has shown significant symptom relief for 75% of patients, allowing some to discontinue treatment.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalTherapeutic Advances in Neurological Disorders·DateNov 8, 2017

Academic performance predicts risk of suicide attempt

A recent study found that poor academic performance at age 16 significantly increases the risk of suicide attempt, with those in the lowest GPA quartile facing a near five-fold higher risk. Researchers followed 26,315 Swedish individuals from age 16 to 46 and controlled for potential confounding factors.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Psychiatrica Scandinavica·DateNov 8, 2017

NASA eyes a comma-shaped Tropical Storm Rina

Tropical Storm Rina has taken on a tight comma-cloud appearance, indicating it may be a sub-tropical cyclone. The storm is expected to turn north-northeast and then rapidly northeastward, with maximum sustained winds near 60 mph.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 8, 2017

A star that would not die

A team of scientists has discovered a remarkable exception to existing theories on supernovae, with a star that exploded multiple times over 50 years. The star, iPTF14hls, was initially observed as an ordinary supernova but grew brighter and dimmer at least five times.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature·DateNov 8, 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.

New model may provide insights on neurocognitive disorders caused by HIV

Researchers developed a new model of HIV infection in microglia using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology, which will aid in understanding how the virus damages the brain and developing anti-HIV therapies. The model also offers a means to evaluate therapeutic strategies targeting the virus in challenging host cells.

SourceWiley·JournalFEBS Journal·DateNov 8, 2017

Lupus linked with increased risk of dementia

A new study of 4886 SLE patients and 24,430 controls found a higher proportion of dementia among SLE patients (1.56% vs. 0.51%) and a 51% higher likelihood of developing dementia after adjustments.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateNov 8, 2017

Protect the skin, build barriers: Old acquaintance in a new role

The study found that the EGF receptor is crucial for tight junction barrier formation in the epidermis, a process previously understood to be limited to lower layers of the skin. Mechanobiology also plays a role, with cells sensing pressure and tension through connections between each other.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 8, 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 human cognition can affect the spreading of diseases like Ebola

Researchers found that people generalize knowledge from similar animals to those they encounter, leading to increased risk perception. This study highlights the importance of understanding inductive reasoning in health communication and its potential impact on public health.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 8, 2017

New bioresources for plant peptide hormones using gene editing technology

Researchers from Kumamoto University have created a comprehensive genetic resource collection of plants with knocked out CLE peptides-encoding genes using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. This collection is expected to contribute significantly to future studies on the function of plant peptide hormones.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalPlant and Cell Physiology·DateNov 8, 2017

Mechanical heart valve often the safest choice, Stanford study says

A Stanford study found that mechanical heart valves are beneficial until age 70 for mitral valve replacement and until age 55 for aortic valve replacement. Researchers examined patient records from 142 hospitals in California between 1996 and 2013, resulting in the largest number of patients ever studied to examine this issue.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 8, 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.