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Science News Archive November 2017 - Page 36


Page 36 of 42

Blame tired brain cells for mental lapses after poor sleep

A UCLA-led study reveals that sleep deprivation affects the ability of brain cells to communicate with each other, leading to mental lapses in memory and visual perception. The researchers discovered that lack of sleep also slows down brain cell activity, causing sluggish cellular activity and performance issues.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Medicine·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.

New funding for bio-production with microorganisms

Researchers at Bielefeld University's CeBiTec are developing novel methods to produce sustainable compounds using microorganisms, aiming to replace fossil fuel resources in the long term. The center has received €4.8 million in funding for three international cooperative research projects.

SourceBielefeld University·DateNov 6, 2017

Autonomously growing synthetic DNA strands

Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute have developed a method to autonomously grow synthetic DNA strands, enabling the creation of programmable molecular devices. The 'Primer Exchange Reaction' (PER) cascades allow for diverse functions such as self-building DNA-origami and sensing environmental signals.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Chemistry·DateNov 6, 2017

Stem cells pave the way for new treatment of diabetes

A new study published in Nature Cell Biology shows that human stem cells can be used to produce insulin-producing cells that can be transplanted into diabetes patients. The development of these cells depends on their sense of direction and polarity, which can be controlled using a specific signal pathway.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateNov 6, 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.

Computer system finds 'recipes' for producing materials

A new AI system can analyze a large dataset of research papers to extract recipes for producing specific materials. The system can identify paragraphs containing recipes and classify words within those paragraphs according to their roles, allowing scientists and engineers to access detailed instructions for material production.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateNov 6, 2017

Study shows lupus support line has positive impact

A study by Hospital for Special Surgery found that a free telephone support and education program for people with lupus has a positive impact on their lives. The LupusLine service, established in 1988, provides callers with solid support from trained peer counselors.

SourceHospital for Special Surgery·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.

Novel Nano-CT device creates high-resolution 3D-X-rays of tiny velvet worm legs

The TUM Nano-CT system produces images with resolutions up to 100 nanometers, allowing investigation of individual muscle strands in velvet worm legs. The device has potential applications in biomedical research and medicine, enabling non-destructive examination of tissue samples and clarification of tumor malignancy.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 6, 2017

NASA sees late season Atlantic Tropical Depression form

Tropical Depression Nineteen formed in the Central Atlantic Ocean despite wind shear conditions, according to NASA's Terra satellite imagery. The National Hurricane Center expects it to strengthen and potentially become a tropical storm later on Monday.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 6, 2017

Researchers develop data bus for quantum computer

Physicists at the University of Innsbruck have developed a technique to transfer quantum information between systems encoded differently, enabling local modification of quantum bits. This 'data bus' approach allows for more robust coupling between quantum processors and memories, paving the way for universal quantum computing.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 6, 2017
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.

Beyond good vibrations: New insights into metamaterial magic

Researchers at Michigan Technological University have discovered that the shape and repetitive organization of building blocks within metamaterials affect refraction, contradicting previous assumptions. This finding has significant implications for the development of devices such as invisibility cloaks and perfect lenses.

SourceMichigan Technological University·DateNov 6, 2017

Early bloomers: Statistical tool reveals climate change impacts on plants

A new statistical estimator extracts useful information from decades-old data and citizen science efforts, providing reliable evidence for climate change. This method unlocks valuable historical records and validates observations made by ordinary citizens, revealing the power of citizen science.

SourceUtah State University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateNov 6, 2017

Revealed new target for development of antibiotics aimed at highly resistant bacteria

Researchers from Brazil and France identify a new target for developing antibiotics against highly resistant bacteria, inhibiting the interaction of two key proteins involved in cell wall elongation. The discovery paves the way for the development of antibiotics with a different action mechanism, offering hope in combating drug-resista...

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 6, 2017

Love actually: Americans agree on what makes people 'feel the love'

A study found that Americans largely agree on what makes people feel loved, with small gestures like compassion and snuggling topping the list. Behavioral actions, such as a child snuggling with someone, were seen as more loving than verbal expressions.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateNov 6, 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.

New research targets cancer's 'Achilles' Heel'

Researchers develop a new strategy for treating cancer by controlling chromatin packing densities, which determines gene expression and resistance to treatment. The approach has shown promising results in cellular cultures and is now being tested in animal models.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateNov 6, 2017

FDG PET shows tumor DNA levels in blood are linked to NSCLC aggressiveness

Researchers found that cell-free tumor DNA circulating in the bloodstream correlates with tumor metabolism rather than tumor burden in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients. This study suggests that circulating tumor DNA may be a reliable biomarker to identify potential unresponsive NSCLC patients before treatment.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateNov 6, 2017

Chicken embryo illuminates role of thyroid hormone in brain development

A study on chicken embryos reveals that thyroid hormone transporter MCT8 plays a vital role in brain development. The research found that MCT8-deficient cells failed to migrate and proliferate, leading to disrupted brain formation. This suggests that brain lesions associated with a rare neurological disorder may originate before birth.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·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.

Immune cell policing offers insights into cancer, autoimmune disease

Researchers at Salk Institute identify Lkb1 protein as key regulator of Tregs, which play a crucial role in preventing autoimmunity and suppressing cancer growth. The discovery has significant implications for developing effective treatments for these diseases.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 6, 2017

Climate change and Mediterranean fir forests

Climate simulations predict Mediterranean fir forests will be similar to the driest and hottest periods of the late 20th century under a business-as-usual emissions scenario. Warmer growing seasons may benefit some species in moist refugia, but others could face significant growth declines.

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

Saving seagrasses from dredging as new research finds solutions

A new study by QUT researchers has developed an advanced statistical model to predict when dredging is least likely to damage seagrass. The model can provide up to a fourfold reduction in recovery time and up to a 35 per cent reduction in local extinction risk for seagrass species.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 5, 2017

Women with PCOS should be screened for mental health disorders

A study found that women with PCOS are more likely to be diagnosed with mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. The research also showed that children born to mothers with PCOS are at a higher risk of developing ADHD and autism spectrum disorder.

SourceSociety for Endocrinology·DateNov 5, 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.

Booze and pot use in teens lessens life success

Research by UConn Health scientists found that teens who used marijuana and alcohol heavily were less likely to achieve adult life goals. Heavy teen use of marijuana or alcohol was associated with lower levels of education, reduced full-time employment, and lower social economic potential.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·DateNov 5, 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.

Coloring the heartbeat

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a device that uses structural color to measure the beating of heart cells, enabling high-throughput testing for pharmaceuticals. This innovation aims to speed up the process of finding good drugs for heart patients and is a significant step towards improving treatment outcomes.

SourceKyoto University·JournalRSC Advances·DateNov 5, 2017

Drinking glasses can contain potentially harmful levels of lead and cadmium

Researchers found high levels of lead and cadmium in 139 and 134 cases, respectively, on drinking glass products, including tumblers, beer and wine glasses. The study highlights the need for safer alternatives and greater industry awareness of toxic substances used to decorate glassware.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateNov 5, 2017

Inorganic-organic halide perovskites for new photovoltaic technology

Inorganic-organic halide perovskites have distinctive advantages for high efficiency solar cells, with recent breakthroughs in developing efficient hole transport material free PSCs. Significant ion transport has been found to redistribute doping and defects, affecting photoelectric behavior and stability.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateNov 5, 2017

Périgord black truffle cultivated in the UK for the first time

Researchers have successfully cultivated the Périgord black truffle in the UK for the first time, providing a breakthrough in the fight against climate change's impact on this luxury ingredient. The truffle was grown in collaboration with local farmers in Monmouthshire, South Wales, using a Mediterranean oak tree as host.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalClimate Research·DateNov 5, 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.

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.

Joint damage in healthy military recruits may mimic spondyloarthropathies

A study found that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of healthy military recruits showed sacroiliac joint damage similar to axial spondyloarthritis after six weeks of intensive physical training. The high prevalence of lesions at baseline and the increase in lesions after training were striking results.

SourceAmerican College of Rheumatology·DateNov 4, 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.

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.

Low vitamin D linked to higher risk of renal disease in lupus

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who have low vitamin D levels are at a higher risk of developing end-stage renal disease. Vitamin D supplementation has been shown to reduce urine protein and prevent future renal failure, according to the study's findings.

SourceAmerican College of Rheumatology·DateNov 4, 2017

American College of Rheumatology announces 2017 award recipients

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) honored 43 researchers and thought leaders with its Master of the ACR designation, Awards of Distinction, and Distinguished Fellow Award for their contributions to the field of rheumatology. The recognitions are given annually to members who exhibit outstanding achievements in scholarly achiev...

SourceAmerican College of Rheumatology·DateNov 4, 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.

Air pollution causes millions of cases of kidney disease each year

The global burden of chronic kidney disease attributable to air pollution is estimated to be over 10.7 million cases per year, with varying impacts by geography. Air pollution may contribute to the rising incidence of CKD worldwide, particularly in Central America and South Asia.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·DateNov 4, 2017

High-impact clinical trials yield results that could improve kidney care

New treatments for kidney disease, such as tolvaptan for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), have shown promising results in slowing kidney function decline. Bardoxolone methyl has also improved renal function in patients with diabetic kidney disease. Meanwhile, QPI-1002 has reduced the incidence and severity of acute...

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·DateNov 4, 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.