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Science News Archive November 2017 - Page 39


Page 39 of 42

Mexican doctors safely reuse donated pacemakers after sterilisation

A study presented at the Mexican Congress of Cardiology found that pacemakers can be safely reused after sterilisation, potentially increasing access to life-saving treatment for those who cannot afford it. The procedure involves washing and sterilizing donated devices, which were used in patients with a minimum battery life of six years.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateNov 2, 2017

Blood-clotting protein prevents repair in the brain

Researchers discovered that a blood-clotting protein, fibrinogen, stops adult stem cells from producing myelin, preventing brain cell repair. The study's findings may lead to new treatments for diseases such as MS and other conditions affecting the nervous system.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNeuron·DateNov 2, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Computer program helps doctors detect acute kidney injury earlier to save lives

A new computer program has been developed to help doctors detect acute kidney injury earlier, reducing its severity and improving survival rates. The program, which was tested in over half a million patients, showed a significant reduction in hospital mortality, length of stay, and dialysis rates.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 2, 2017

How do adult brain circuits regulate new neuron production?

Researchers have discovered a long-distance brain circuit that controls the production of new neurons in the hippocampus, a critical area for learning and memory. The circuit, involving the medial septum and PV interneurons, regulates stem cell activity and maintains healthy neurogenesis.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateNov 2, 2017

WSU researchers document transformation of graphite into hexagonal diamond

A team of WSU researchers has observed and recorded the creation of hexagonal diamond in highly oriented pyrolytic graphite under shock compression. The discovery reveals crucial details about how hexagonal diamond is formed, potentially helping planetary scientists estimate impact severity at meteorite craters.

SourceWashington State University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 2, 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.

Childhood spankings can lead to adult mental health problems

A new study by University of Michigan researchers links childhood spankings to depression, substance abuse and suicidal tendencies in adulthood. The study suggests that spanking should be considered an adverse childhood experience, similar to physical and emotional abuse.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·DateNov 2, 2017

A bit of a 'quantum magic trick'

Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis and University of Rochester use quantum mechanics to measure frequency with unprecedented accuracy, reducing uncertainty by a factor of 100. This breakthrough has potential applications in various fields, including MRI medical imaging, navigation, and astronomy.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 2, 2017

UC-led genomic study reveals clues to wild past of grapes

A UC-led genomic study suggests that humans gathered wild grapes for centuries before cultivating them as a crop. The research found evidence of human consumption of grapes dating back approximately 22,000 years, prior to the traditional domestication period of around 7,000-10,000 years ago.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2017

Ions in the spotlight

Researchers from the University of Freiburg have developed a method to trap ions in optical traps, preventing driven motion and allowing for longer lifetimes. This breakthrough enables the creation of ultra-cold temperatures and observation of quantum effects in chemical processes.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Photonics·DateNov 2, 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.

Is gun violence contagious?

Gun violence in US cities like Washington D.C. shows an endemic pattern, with clustering in certain neighborhoods rather than spreading rapidly. Researchers recommend place-based interventions targeting neighborhood features to reduce crime rates.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Quantitative Criminology·DateNov 2, 2017

New pathway identified as a target for precision medicine against a common brain tumor

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have discovered a promising target for precision medicines to block the Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway, which drives cell proliferation in medulloblastoma. Inhibiting this pathway using an investigational drug INK128 significantly extended the lives of mice with the tumor.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateNov 2, 2017

Carbonate shells change with time

Scientists have discovered that foraminifer shells are originally formed as metastable carbonate vaterite and later transform into calcite. This finding resolves discrepancies between natural shell observations and laboratory experiments, with significant implications for climate archives.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 2, 2017

What mitigates the consequences of recession for companies?

A recent study found that foreign direct investments reduce the negative impact of recessions on Russian companies. The research analyzed over 1,000 public companies and discovered that linkages with foreign partners alleviate the effects of economic downturns.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalJournal of Economics and Business·DateNov 2, 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.

A strange new world of light

Scientists at Harvard have created a new tool to study novel aspects of light, enabling more complex operations and applications. The metasurface connects two aspects of light, allowing for the creation of any structured beam, including spirals, corkscrews, and vortices.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience·DateNov 2, 2017

CSIC tightens the noose around superbugs

A team of CSIC scientists has designed new molecules capable of destroying resistance to conventional antibiotics in bacteria. By targeting the cellular mechanisms that lead to antibiotic resistance, these molecules can break down the proteins responsible for making bacteria resistant to multiple drugs.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalCell·DateNov 2, 2017

An Arctic example: How scientific collaboration can foster international stability

The Agreement on Enhancing International Arctic Scientific Cooperation aims to improve movement of researchers and equipment, share data and metadata, and transfer traditional knowledge across territories. Effective implementation will balance national interests with common goals for the benefit of all stakeholders in the region.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 2, 2017

Left or right? Like humans, bees have a preference

Researchers found bees display unique biases in left- and right-handedness when flying through obstacles, impacting flight efficiency. This discovery could lead to strategies for steering drone aircraft fleets, optimizing safe and collision-free routes.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 2, 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.

Novel technology pioneered by Stanford ties brain circuits to alertness

Researchers employed MultiMAP technology to monitor nerve cells' activity in zebrafish brains, linking each neuron to its specific cell type. This method revealed distinct neuronal circuits not previously suspected to be associated with alertness, shedding light on the forces driving this essential brain state.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalCell·DateNov 2, 2017

Elucidation of bone regeneration mechanism

A new study reveals that a population of progenitor cells, marked by high expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9, provides osteoblasts during bone regeneration. These cells are derived from embryonic somites and reserved in niches of bone-forming tissues in adult animals.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateNov 2, 2017

SUTD researchers solve mystery behind red blood cell maturation

A team of SUTD researchers identified over 1800 proteins in young reticulocytes, revealing key changes in protein composition during maturation. These findings provide insights into the transition from a multi-lobular to biconcave shape and increased deformability.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalBritish Journal of Haematology·DateNov 2, 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.

MIPT scientists enlist lichens to monitor air pollution

Researchers found that lichen samples from Moscow and Nizhny Novgorod had higher free radical concentrations than those from cleaner towns. The study suggests using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy to monitor air quality in cities without traditional stations.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalJournal of Applied Spectroscopy·DateNov 2, 2017

Chip-based sensors with incredible sensitivity

Penn State electrical engineers create microchip-based sensors for multiple applications, including motion, temperature, pressure and biochemical sensing, using innovative on-chip glass microspherical shell whispering gallery mode resonators.

SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 2, 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.

Cancer cells destroyed with dinosaur extinction metal

Researchers discover iridium, a densest metal, kills cancer cells by filling them with deadly oxygen, without harming healthy tissue. The treatment uses laser light to activate the compound, targeting key proteins in cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateNov 2, 2017

Are cities affecting evolution?

A recent study reveals that urbanization is driving evolutionary changes in various species, including mosquitoes, bedbugs, and rats, with potential consequences for human health. The researchers argue that cities are becoming a novel ecosystem, influencing the evolution of species that may, in turn, affect our lives.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalScience·DateNov 2, 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.

Tanning beds and risky behavior linked -- in men

A study by the University of Connecticut found that men who tan use tanning beds more frequently than women but engage in riskier behaviors, such as smoking and binge drinking. Men who tan also exhibit addictive behavior towards tanning, with 49% of users reporting difficulty quitting.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateNov 2, 2017

Bacteria in the gut modulates response to immunotherapy in melanoma

Patients with higher diversity of bacteria in their digestive tract had longer median progression-free survival. A favorable microbiome also was associated with increased antigen processing and presentation by the immune system at the tumor site.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalScience·DateNov 2, 2017

More time on social media is not linked to poor mental health

A study by Chloe Berryman found that social media use among young adults is more closely linked to mental health problems than the amount of time spent using it. However, vaguebooking – writing cryptic posts to solicit attention – was a worrying trend that showed a correlation with loneliness and suicidal thoughts.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychiatric Quarterly·DateNov 2, 2017

Preventing a genetic uprising in early life

A recent study published in Cell Stem Cell has discovered a mechanism to prevent genetic chaos caused by transposons in early human development. The research found that endosiRNAs, a type of small interfering RNA, play a crucial role in regulating transposon activity during epigenetic reprogramming.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateNov 2, 2017

SCAI examines strengths and weaknesses of sham PCI trial

The study found that exercise time improved by 28.4 seconds in PCI-treated patients, but not significantly in sham-PCI treated patients. SCAI questions the reliability of the findings due to the small number of patients and subjective endpoint used.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·DateNov 2, 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.

Youth uniquely vulnerable to sleep disruption from screens

A review of over five dozen studies reveals that excessive screen time in youths aged 5-17 is associated with delayed bedtimes, fewer hours of sleep and poorer sleep quality. Biological, neurological and environmental factors contribute to the negative impact of digital media on sleep patterns.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateNov 2, 2017

In autism, too many brain connections may be at root of condition

A study from Washington University School of Medicine found that a defective gene linked to autism influences how neurons connect and communicate in the brain. Mice lacking this gene formed more connections, leading to difficulties in learning and social interactions.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 2, 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.

Order in disorder: A key feature of dendritic organization in the brain

A recent study by Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience researchers found that neighboring dendritic spines within a few micrometers of each other share similar functional properties, regardless of the diversity of sensory features they encode. This discovery suggests that local order in dendritic spine functional properties ma...

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournalNeuron·DateNov 2, 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.

Story tips from the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, November 2017

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a method to quickly collect building structure datasets from satellite images, supporting emergency response efforts after hurricanes. They also used neutrons to discover the molecular mechanism responsible for flow in a hydrogen-bonding liquid and studied a semiconducting material...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalZeitschrift für Physikalische Chemie/International journal of research in physical chemistry and chemical physics·DateNov 2, 2017

Several reasons why whole grains are healthy

A large Danish study found that whole grains reduce inflammation in the body and lead to weight loss in overweight adults. The study suggests that choosing whole grains over refined grains can have numerous health benefits, particularly for individuals at risk of cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalGut·DateNov 2, 2017

Dioxane-chomping microbe has helpful gene

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a novel gene cluster in Mycobacterium dioxanotrophicus PH-06 that expresses an enzyme capable of initiating dioxane biodegradation. This finding could lead to the development of a cost-effective tool for treating contaminated groundwater sites.

SourceRice University·DateNov 2, 2017

Key to better asparagus identified in evolution of sex chromosomes

Researchers at the University of Georgia sequenced the genome of garden asparagus, shedding light on sex chromosome evolution and aiding breeding efforts. They identified genetic markers that allow breeders to efficiently distinguish male and female plants, paving the way for more efficient development and production of valuable hybrid...

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 2, 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.

Worldwide 52 million children living with viral hepatitis

New data reveals 52 million children globally affected by viral hepatitis, highlighting the need for treatment and prevention. Despite declining hepatitis B infections among children, cases of hepatitis C are expected to continue growing due to lack of programs for pregnant women living with the virus.

SourceWorld Hepatitis Alliance·DateNov 2, 2017

Results from the DAPT STEMI trial reported at TCT 2017

The DAPT STEMI trial found that six months of dual antiplatelet therapy was non-inferior to twelve months in STEMI patients receiving drug-eluting stents, questioning the need for extended duration DAPT. The study's results suggest that STEMI patients may not benefit from prolonged DAPT therapy beyond six months.

SourceCardiovascular Research Foundation·DateNov 2, 2017

Mindfulness may help mothers cope with stress when their babies have a heart condition

Researchers from CHOP and Penn Nursing found that mindfulness can be a helpful tool for mothers to pause and be present in the moment, reducing stress and improving focus. The study suggests that mindfulness should start early, preferably immediately after the prenatal CHD diagnosis, and can be more accessible than traditional meditation.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJournal of Pediatric Nursing·DateNov 2, 2017
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

New, simplified technique makes light metallic nanofoam

Researchers at UC Davis developed a simplified method to produce extremely low-density palladium nanofoams, which have potential applications in hydrogen fuel cells. The new technique achieves high loading capacity and excellent thermodynamic stability, making it an ideal candidate for industrial-scale use.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateNov 2, 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.