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Science News Archive November 2017 - Page 35


Page 35 of 42

Flavonoid derivatives targeting NF-kappaB

Researchers synthesized 30 flavanone derivatives to target NF-kappaB, identifying compounds with potent anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities against various cancer cell lines. The top-ranked compounds exhibited improved pharmacological profiles through conjugation of two pharmacophores.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalRecent Patents on Inflammation & Allergy Drug Discovery·DateNov 6, 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.

A quasiparticle quest

Researchers have developed a device using graphene that could provide conclusive evidence for the existence of non-Abelian anyons, a key component of topological quantum computing. The device achieves extremely low disorder and tunability, allowing for the study of these particles in a controlled environment.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature·DateNov 6, 2017

Acoustic monitoring provides holistic picture of biodiversity

A pilot study analyzing over 1,100 hours of birdsong reveals insights into the spread and diversity of bird species on Okinawa island. The research uses acoustic monitoring to track the influence of human activity on endemic species such as the Okinawa Rail and Ruddy Kingfisher.

SourceSpringer·JournalEcological Research·DateNov 6, 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.

Controlling nerve injury repair revealed in Monash University study

Researchers found signals in a tiny worm that control the mechanism of severed nerves self-healing. The discovery enables genetic control over this process, raising hopes for treating nerve injuries in humans. The study used laser beams to sever neurons and observed how they regenerated, finding full function restored within 48 hours.

SourceMonash University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 6, 2017

$6 million NIH award will advance research on deadly bone infections

Bone infection can be debilitating and potentially fatal. Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center are advancing new treatments for bone infections by understanding how bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus evade treatment and developing new antibiotics to target those mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·DateNov 6, 2017

Mammals switched to daytime activity after dinosaur extinction

A new study reveals that mammals began living in the daytime approximately 66 million years ago, shortly after the dinosaurs' disappearance. The ancestors of simian primates were among the first to abandon nocturnal activity, with their visual adaptations comparable to diurnal reptiles and birds.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateNov 6, 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.

Microfinance institutions are found effective in giving health products to underserved communities

A new study by The Arnhold Institute for Global Health found that microfinance institutions can effectively distribute essential health products to rural communities, leading to improved child health outcomes. Microfinance networks were used to deliver micronutrient supplements, resulting in a significant impact on the health of childr...

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalHealth Affairs·DateNov 6, 2017

Depressed with a chronic disease? Consider alternative therapies

A new study found that antidepressants are ineffective in treating depressed patients with chronic kidney disease, prompting experts to reconsider treatment approaches. Alternative therapies such as ketamine, electroconvulsive therapy, and psychotherapy may be more effective for these patients.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateNov 6, 2017

Tiny bees play big part in secret sex lives of trees

Scientists at the University of Texas at Austin discovered that tiny bees, no bigger than a grain of rice, promote long-distance pairings between trees. These small pollinators aid in preventing inbreeding among closely related plants, ensuring a thriving new generation of offspring.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 6, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Brighter flexible electroluminescent film by adopting eye structure of nocturnal animals

A research team at DGIST has developed an electroluminescent film that is four times brighter than existing ones, using the retro-reflection principle of nocturnal animal eyes. The film can fabricate high luminance electroluminescent light sources by controlling luminescent particle concentrations.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateNov 6, 2017

Swapping where crops are grown could feed an extra 825 million people

A new study proposes swapping crop distributions on existing farmland to meet growing food demand and reduce water stress, resulting in a 10% increase in calorie production and 19% more protein. The proposed changes would generate substantial water savings for 42 countries, including Australia, India, and South Africa.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalNature Geoscience·DateNov 6, 2017

Relocating bus stops would cut riders' pollution exposure, UCLA study finds

Researchers at UCLA discovered that moving bus stops away from busy intersections can significantly reduce the amount of pollution bus riders are exposed to. By relocating stops 120 feet away from intersections, pollutant concentrations decrease sharply with distance.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateNov 6, 2017
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.

Study: Air pollution battle is crucial to China's public health

A new study published in Environmental Research Letters confirms China's clean air action has reduced PM2.5 concentrations by 21% since 2013. The study estimates that premature mortality related to PM2.5 pollution decreased by 9% due to improved air quality.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateNov 6, 2017

Same gene, different mating techniques in flies

A study of two related fruit fly species reveals a single gene regulates behavior for attracting a mate, leading to distinct wooing techniques. The research suggests that the same neurons in both species evolved to generate different behaviors due to acquired gene expression.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateNov 6, 2017

Deadly lung cancers are driven by multiple genetic changes

A new study reveals that non-small cell lung cancers are driven by multiple genetic changes, including alterations in TP53 and other pathways. The findings suggest that combination therapies targeting these mutations may improve treatment outcomes and prevent drug resistance.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 6, 2017

NASA's GPM radar spots tornado spawning thunderstorms in Ohio Valley

A severe weather event on Nov. 5 was analyzed by NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission, revealing the location of strongest storms and predicting heavy rain. At least nine tornadoes were reported in Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio, causing widespread power outages and injuries.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 6, 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.

Immune cells mistake heart attacks for viral infections

Researchers found that dying cell DNA stimulates an ancient antiviral program in immune cells, leading to inflammation and heart dysfunction. Blocking this response improves survival rates in mice, suggesting a new potential therapeutic opportunity for preventing heart failure.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 6, 2017

Hearing an opinion spoken aloud humanizes the person behind it

A study found that people attribute more humanlike qualities to those expressing opinions they disagree with when spoken aloud versus written. The medium of communication affects evaluations of the communicator, making speakers seem more intellectual and emotionally warm than writers.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 6, 2017

Researchers discover new pathway for handling stress

Researchers at University of California San Diego have found a new pathway called Intracellular Pathogen Response (IPR) that helps animals cope with certain types of stress and attacks, including heat shock. The study reveals the IPR gene pals-22, which increases tolerance to heat shock when expressed in roundworms.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 6, 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.

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.

More physical activity and higher intensity physical activity may significantly reduce risk of death in older women in the short term

A new study found that more moderate to vigorous-intensity physical activity significantly reduces the risk of death among older women, but light intensity activity or sedentary behavior had no independent association. The research suggests that even low-level activities can have health benefits for other outcomes.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 6, 2017

Where did those electrons go? X-ray measurements solve decades-old mystery

Researchers at Cornell University used X-ray measurements to determine that electrons lost from ytterbium atoms form their own 'cloud' outside the atom when heated, returning when cooled. This phenomenon, first proposed by Russian physicist Evgeny Lifshitz, sheds light on unusual properties of rare-earth elements.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 6, 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.

Indigenous young people who use drugs in BC 13 times more likely to die

A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that Indigenous young people in BC who use drugs are 13 times more likely to die than their peers. Young women and girls face an even higher risk of death, with overdose being the leading cause.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 6, 2017

New study finds widespread consequences after traumatic spinal cord injury

A new study published in Journal of Neurotrauma found that traumatic spinal cord injuries can lead to persistent changes in metabolism, blood flow, and oxygenation up to 7 days post-injury. This suggests that current clinical practices may not be sufficient to prevent ischemia-related damage.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateNov 6, 2017

Researchers discover eight new epilepsy genes

A recent study identified 8 new genes involved in epileptic encephalopathy, a severe form of epilepsy combining with intellectual disability. Whole-genome sequencing revealed de novo mutations as the main cause of this type of epilepsy.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalThe American Journal of Human Genetics·DateNov 6, 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 UNC-Chapel Hill project aims to bring semantics to evolutionary trees

A new NSF-funded project at UNC-Chapel Hill aims to make expertise in comparing anatomical or physiological knowledge about different organisms accessible to computers. The project will develop tools for semantic ancestral character reconstruction and enrichment, enabling researchers to study how phenotypes evolve along the tree of life.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina - RENCI·DateNov 6, 2017

Quantum computing on the move

Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz successfully demonstrated the operation of a four-qubit register comprised of atomic ions trapped in microchip traps. The achievement marks a decisive milestone for scaling up quantum computers, showcasing the potential for entangled states to be created with long-lived multipartite en...

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 6, 2017

New techniques give blood biopsies greater promise

Researchers have developed an accurate approach for monitoring cancer DNA from blood samples, validating the use of blood samples for studying patients' cancer genomes. Nearly 90 percent of a tumor's genetic features can be detected in blood samples using whole-exome sequencing.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 6, 2017

High risk sex behaviors impact women's health: McMaster

Women involved in high-risk sex behaviors have more diverse vaginal bacterial microbiota, a lower abundance of protective Lactobacillus bacteria, and are at higher risk for STIs and HIV-1 acquisition. The study suggests that low diversity vaginal microbiota is associated with less risk of vaginal infections.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 6, 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.

UCI review points to long-term negative impact of high protein diets

Research highlights the need for better nutritional management in chronic kidney disease, where high protein diets may have deleterious impacts on kidney health. A low protein, low salt diet may slow progression and help patients defer dialysis initiation.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 6, 2017

Physicists improve vertical stability of superconducting Korean tokamak

Researchers have improved the vertical stability of a superconducting tokamak in Korea, allowing for taller plasmas and exceeding design requirements. The new control system uses advanced sensors and electronics to stabilize the plasma's position, enabling more efficient fusion reactions.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·DateNov 6, 2017

Depressed fathers risk not getting help

A new study from Lund University reveals that depression among new fathers may be more common than previously thought and often goes undetected. The established screening method for depression in mothers is found to work poorly on men, with symptoms such as irritability and low self-control being overlooked.

SourceLund University·JournalScandinavian Journal of Psychology·DateNov 6, 2017

Could this be malaria's Achilles heel?

Portuguese researchers have identified a crucial defence mechanism used by the malaria parasite to survive inside its host's liver cells. The protein UIS3 binds to LC3, forming a protective shield against autophagy, allowing the parasite to evade the host's cellular defence mechanism.

SourceInstituto de Medicina Molecular·JournalNature Microbiology·DateNov 6, 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.

Measuring atoms for better navigation and mineral detection

Physicists at the University of Queensland developed a new technique to reduce errors in atom measurement devices, boosting precision by exploiting quantum entanglement. This improvement enables more flexible design and operation of these quantum sensors, potentially moving experimental physics into real-world applications.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 6, 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.

Calorie counts on menus make a difference

A comprehensive study reveals that displaying calories on menus reduces consumer calorie intake by 27 calories per meal, while retailers respond by offering more low-calorie options.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalJournal of Retailing·DateNov 6, 2017

Epidemics and climate

A study reconstructing climatic patterns in China from AD 1-1911 found long periods of cold and dry conditions associated with epidemic outbreaks. However, the relationship between temperature and epidemics varied across short time scales, highlighting climate's scale-dependent impacts on disease prevalence.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 6, 2017